About The Song
“A Very Special Love Song” is a country-pop ballad single by American singer Charlie Rich, released in January 1974 by Epic Records (catalog 8-11079). Written by producer Billy Sherrill and songwriter Norro Wilson, the track was the lead single from Rich’s album Very Special Love Songs. The melody is adapted from Michel Legrand’s “The Summer Knows” (theme from the 1971 film Summer of ’42), legally cleared through publishing channels. Running 2:58, it features Rich’s rich baritone over a sweeping countrypolitan arrangement, marking the follow-up to his blockbuster “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
The single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 62 in late February 1974, propelled by immediate crossover airplay. It peaked at No. 11 during the week of April 6, 1974, spending 15 weeks on the chart. On the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, it entered at No. 58 and reached No. 1 for three weeks starting May 18, 1974, becoming Rich’s fifth country No. 1. It dominated the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks beginning April 1974, his second AC chart-topper. Cash Box ranked it No. 1 country for two weeks and No. 12 pop. In Canada, it hit No. 1 on both RPM Country and AC charts and No. 2 on Top Singles. In the UK, it peaked at No. 9 in June 1974.
Recording took place in late 1973 at Columbia Studios in Nashville, produced by Billy Sherrill. The session featured the Nashville A-Team: pianist Hargus “Pig” Robbins, steel guitarist Pete Drake, bassist Bob Moore, drummer Jerry Carrigan, and string orchestration by Bergen White. The Jordanaires and The Nashville Edition supplied layered choral backing. Rich delivered his lead vocal in two takes with minimal overdubs. The B-side, “Peace on You,” did not chart independently.
Epic rush-released the single to capitalize on the momentum of “The Most Beautiful Girl,” which had topped both pop and country charts in December 1973. Initial U.S. shipments exceeded 500,000 copies, with global sales surpassing 1 million by mid-1974. Promotion included full-page trade ads and TV appearances on The Tonight Show and Midnight Special. The accompanying album Very Special Love Songs (KE 32531), released February 25, 1974, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top LPs chart, earned gold certification, and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 1974 CMA Awards.
Structurally in A-flat major, the song uses a gentle 6/8 feel with a key lift to B-flat in the final chorus. The mono 45 mix prioritizes vocal presence for AM radio, while the stereo album version expands the string section. Publishing was split between Algee Music (Sherrill) and Al Gallico Music (Wilson), both BMI affiliates.
Reissues appear on Epic/Legacy’s 1999 16 Biggest Hits, the 2006 Greatest Hits, and the 2011 box set The Essential Charlie Rich. Covers include a 1974 Swedish version by Kikki Danielsson and a 2005 bluegrass take by IIIrd Tyme Out. The original Epic 45 with picture sleeve remains collectible, valued at $10–20 in near-mint condition. The single solidified Rich’s 1974 reign, contributing to his CMA Entertainer of the Year win and cementing his status as country’s premier balladeer of the era.
Video
Lyric
[Verse 1]
Babe, somewhere I know I’m gonna find it, babe
It’ll have my love behind it
And it will be a symphony of all you mean to me
A very special love song[Verse 2]
And babe, if there’s a way you know I’m gonna say it, babe
If there’s a melody, I’ll play it
And I’ll play it through, especially for you
And all the words are true
A very special love song[Verse 3]
So don’t be surprised if you’re sittin’ alone and you hear it
‘Cause I’m gonna sing it to the whole big lonely world
So turn your radio way down low and get near it
And I’ll tell the world, I love you girl[Verse 4]
Babe, if there’s an ounce of love, I’m gonna give it to you, babe
If there’s a breath of life, I’m gonna live it
Every day for you and all the whole night through
Singin’ just for you
A very special love song, for you