Unveiling the Heartfelt Journey Behind Eddie Rabbitt’s Timeless Hit: “You And I”

“You And I”(written by Frank Myers)

Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle (#1 country, #7 pop, #2 AC, 1982)

In the vibrant tapestry of music history, certain songs transcend time and genre, becoming cherished classics that continue to tug at our heartstrings. Eddie Rabbitt’s 1982 crossover sensation, “You And I,” performed alongside Crystal Gayle, is one such gem that not only captured the essence of love but also carried a fascinating tale of its own.

Before this duet, both Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle were renowned in their own right but had never ventured into the realm of a duet. The serendipity of “You And I” might never have graced our ears if it weren’t for the relentless efforts of composer Frank Myers, who believed in the song’s magic and persistently pitched it to Rabbitt’s producer, David Malloy.

Myers, a guitarist in Eddy Raven’s road band and a friend of Tanya Tucker, whom Malloy was producing at the time, tirelessly approached the producer with “You And I.” Malloy finally relented, sending Myers to his father, Jim Malloy, who managed a publishing company. Jim’s immediate enthusiasm prompted him to urge David to give the song a listen.

The turning point came when a decision was made to transform “You And I” into a duet. During a meeting with Crystal Gayle, producer Malloy sat beside her as she began to weave her ethereal voice into the melody, adopting the enchanting “call and answer” style that would define the finished masterpiece. Gayle ingeniously used this technique to overcome the challenge of the song’s high key.

Producer Malloy made a significant alteration to “You And I” after the initial tracks were recorded. The song originally had two verses before the chorus, with the second verse featuring Crystal’s captivating “answers.” However, many listeners didn’t realize that both verses were essentially the same. To enhance the recording’s length, David electronically duplicated the track, extending its duration.

During the recording process, Malloy and his associate, Even Stevens, were in the midst of developing Emerald Sound Studios. Rabbitt granted Malloy just one take to work with, and the studio was still undergoing construction, with insulation hanging out. Crystal Gayle, undeterred by the unfinished setting, entered the vocal booth and laid down her part in a mere three minutes. Engineers promptly removed the equipment, allowing builders to resume their work on the studio.

Remarkably, Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle refrained from performing “You And I” in public for nearly six months after it soared to the top of Billboard’s country singles chart on December 4, 1982. Their long-awaited live performance took place at the Houston Astrodome, shattering attendance records with a staggering 98,000 fans in attendance.

This heartfelt duet not only claimed the number one spot on the country charts but also transcended genres, reaching remarkable heights on Billboard’s adult contemporary chart at #2 and the Billboard Hot 100 at #7. In 1982, “You And I” secured its place as the twelfth biggest pop single of the year.

In a captivating 2005 poll conducted by Country Music Television, “You And I” achieved a distinguished rank at #7 on the list of “Greatest Duets In Country Music.” During a televised concert event celebrating this list, Crystal Gayle mesmerized the audience alongside Raul Malo of The Mavericks, as Eddie Rabbitt had tragically succumbed to lung cancer in 1998.

The profound impact of Eddie and Crystal’s rendition of “You And I” extended beyond music, finding its way into the hearts of television viewers. The song served as the touching love theme for the wedding of the beloved Greg Nelson and Jenny Gardner characters on the daytime soap opera “All My Children” on ABC-TV.

In the end, “You And I” stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and the captivating stories woven into its melodies. Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle’s enchanting duet not only etched its place in the annals of music history but also continues to serenade the hearts of generations, reminding us that true classics never fade away.

Album: Radio Romance
Artist: Eddie Rabbitt
Released: 1982
Featured artist: Crystal Gayle

Lyrics
Just you and I
Sharing our love together
And I know in time
We’ll build the dreams we treasure
And we’ll be alright
Just you and I
Just you and I (just you and I)
Sharing our love together
And I know in time (and I know in time)
We’ll build the dreams we treasure
And we’ll be alright
Just you and I
And I remember our first embrace
That smile that was on your face
The promises that we made, ooh
And now your love is my reward
And I love you even more
Than I ever did before
Just you and I (just you and I)
We care and trust each other
With you in my life (with you in my life)
There’ll never be another
We’ll be alright
Just you and I
And I remember our first embrace
That smile that was on your face
The promises that we made, ooh
And now your love is my reward
And I love you even more
Than I ever did before
We made it, you and I