Singer Phil Perry tells why love songs are timeless

Jet, Jan 7, 2002

Veteran R&B and jazz singer Phil Perry believes love songs are here to stay.

"Love's the only thing that stands the test of time," Perry says as he offers his fans a collection of love songs on his new album Magic.

He points out, "Whatever era of time we're talking about, people will always want to hear great love songs. I've always believed that good music makes things happen, and what could be more magical than singing about what you believe in? It's about more than simply entertainment for me. I make music that I hope can become a part of someone's life."

He has certainly made his way into the lives--and hearts--of music lovers with his latest album that features the Isley Brothers hits For the Love Of You and Groove With You; the elegant ballad I Can't Wait (Til Morning Comes) and the father-son ballad In the Morning (A Father's Lullaby), which was written and produced by Lee Ritenour.

"Love has many faces and stages and the material here reflects that. In the Morning (A Father's Lullaby) is about my late father's assurance to me as a kid that if I prayed before I went to bed every night, everything would be fine in the morning."

Perry won a huge following in 1991 with a cover of the Aretha Franklin classic, Call Me. He has performed with jazz musician Dave Koz and recorded with the jazz ensemble Fourplay. Other hits include his covers of Patti LaBelle's If Only You Knew and The Spinners' Love Don't Love Nobody. He recently contributed several vocal tracks to the Twist of Marley album, a tribute to the late reggae legend Bob Marley.