Unveiling the Untold Journey: Ricky Van Shelton‘s “I’ll Leave This World Loving You”
Step into the enchanting world of timeless melodies and captivating narratives as we uncover the mesmerizing story behind Ricky Van Shelton’s heartfelt ballad, “I’ll Leave This World Loving You.” This remarkable composition, penned by the acclaimed Wayne Kemp, has woven its way into the tapestry of country music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners.
In the annals of country music history, Wayne Kemp’s name resonates with distinction. An esteemed member of the 1999 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Kemp’s lyrical prowess first captivated the nation when his masterpiece “Love Bug” soared into the Top Ten for the legendary George Jones in 1965. A few years later, Kemp gifted Conway Twitty with his breakthrough country hit, “The Image Of Me,” solidifying his position as a maestro of the craft. Twitty’s admiration for Kemp’s songwriting talents led him to record several more of Wayne’s compositions, including the chart-toppers “Next In Line,” “Darling, You Know I Wouldn’t Lie,” and “That’s When She Started To Stop Loving You.”
While Kemp sought to establish his own recording career under the Decca label, he simultaneously lent his guitar skills to Conway Twitty’s road band. Throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s, Wayne released a string of remarkable country records, including the spellbinding tracks “Who’ll Turn Out The Lights” and “Award To An Angel” in 1971. However, despite his undeniable talent, Kemp struggled to secure high chart positions as an artist. His lone appearance in Billboard’s Top 20 arrived in 1973 with “Honky Tonk Wine” reaching a respectable #17. Yet, fate had a hidden gem in store for Wayne on the flip side of that single – “I’ll Leave This World Loving You.”
In 1975, Ronnie Milsap recognized the profound beauty of Kemp’s creation and featured it on his album “(I’d Be) A Legend In My Time.” By 1980, Wayne Kemp found himself recording under the prestigious Mercury label. He took the opportunity to re-record “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” and released it as a single. However, despite its undeniable quality, the track failed to become a chart-topping hit, peaking at a modest #47. Yet, destiny had another twist in store for this timeless piece when it caught the discerning ear of Columbia’s staff producer, Steve Buckingham, several years later.
Buckingham had been amassing a collection of cherished songs, carefully preserving them for the day he encountered a singer whose voice resonated with the essence of these hidden treasures. In 1987, that serendipitous moment arrived as Ricky Van Shelton stepped through the doors of Columbia. Shelton’s debut project, “Wild-Eyed Dream,” had already garnered three consecutive number one singles, all handpicked from Buckingham’s precious stash of previously-recorded gems. “Somebody Lied,” written by Conway Twitty’s nephew Larry Jenkins, had originally appeared on Conway’s “Don’t Call Him A Cowboy” album in 1985. Harlan Howard’s “Life Turned Her That Way,” a minor hit for Mel Tillis in 1967, became Shelton’s second chart-topper. The third was a heartfelt rendition of Roger Miller’s “Don’t We All Have The Right,” originally the “B” side of Roger’s 1970 single, “South.” Now, Van Shelton and Buckingham joined forces to craft Ricky’s second album, and amidst their careful selection process, “I’ll Leave This World Loving You” emerged as an undeniable choice.
While Shelton was familiar with the song as a waltz, he decided to infuse it with his unique touch by transforming it into a 4/4 time signature (as Milsap had done). By reimagining the composition in this manner, Ricky breathed new life into the ballad, adding a fresh layer of emotional depth. Explaining his artistic decision, Shelton revealed that converting a waltz into a 4/4 format allowed for distinct phrasing and enunciation, elevating the song’s impact and resonating more powerfully with country music enthusiasts. This ingenious approach breathed new life into “I’ll Leave This World Loving You,” setting the stage for its triumphant release as the lead single from Shelton’s sophomore album, “Loving Proof.” On November 19, 1988, the single ascended to the pinnacle of Billboard’s country chart, marking Ricky Van Shelton’s fourth of an impressive ten chart-toppers.
Embrace the magic of musical storytelling as you immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Ricky Van Shelton’s journey with “I’ll Leave This World Loving You.” This soul-stirring masterpiece serves as a testament to the timeless power of heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melodies, leaving an everlasting imprint on the hearts of all who hear it.
- Artist: Ricky Van Shelton
- Album: Loving Proof
- Released: 1988
- Nominations: Country Music Association Award for Single of the Year, Academy of Country Music Award for Single of the Year
- Genre: Classic Country
Lyrics
Walk away leave with my blessing
Once in awhile, let me hear from you
If we never meet again, before my life is over
I’ll leave this world loving you
You can take every thing but my memories
For they’re good ones and they’ll see me through
If we never meet again, I’ll love you forever
I’ll leave this world loving you
You were mine for a time, and I’m thankful
Oh but life would be lonesome without you
If we never meet again, this side of heaven
I’ll leave this world loving you
If we never meet again, this side of heaven
I’ll leave this world loving you
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