UB40’s “Red Red Wine” has become an iconic song that has remained popular since its release. For those who have been curious about the song’s release date, we’ve got you covered. This article will delve into the history of the song, including the making of the song and the band that created it.
The song has become a party staple around the world, with its infectious beat and catchy lyrics. UB40’s unique fusion of reggae and pop music has made them one of the most successful bands of all time, and “Red Red Wine” is a testament to their talent and enduring legacy.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the origins of the song, the band’s history, and the impact “Red Red Wine” has had on popular culture. If you’re a fan of UB40 or just curious about the history of this classic song, keep reading to discover everything you need to know.
UB40: The Reggae-Pop Sensation
Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, UB40 is a reggae-pop band that has been entertaining fans for decades. Their music combines the soulful sounds of reggae with catchy pop hooks, making them a hit with fans around the world. With a career spanning over 40 years, UB40 has released numerous chart-topping hits and continues to inspire fans of all ages.
The band was named after the unemployment benefits form that was popular in the UK during the time of their formation. Despite their humble beginnings, UB40 quickly became one of the most successful bands in the world, selling over 70 million records worldwide. Their unique blend of reggae and pop music has earned them a legion of devoted fans, and their impact on the music industry cannot be overstated.
UB40’s music has been described as “feel-good” and “uplifting,” with songs that touch on a range of topics, from social issues to love and romance. Some of their most popular hits include “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and “Kingston Town.” The band’s unique sound and style have made them a household name, and their music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
The Formation of UB40
Childhood friends Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell, and Brian Travers formed UB40 in Birmingham, England in 1978.
Their love for reggae music led them to adopt the name of a UK government form for claiming unemployment benefits, which they felt accurately represented the working-class roots of the band.
Drummer James Brown, bassist Earl Falconer, keyboardist Michael Virtue, and percussionist Norman Hassan completed the original lineup.
UB40 played their first gig in 1979 and quickly gained a reputation as a live band, earning a loyal following in Birmingham’s music scene.
Their debut album, “Signing Off,” was self-produced and released in 1980, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and establishing UB40 as a major force in reggae-pop music.
Over the years, UB40 has had several lineup changes, but Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell, and Earl Falconer remain core members of the band, continuing to perform and record new music.
UB40’s formation was unique in that the band members were all close childhood friends with a shared love for reggae music. Their name choice also reflected their working-class roots and gave them an identity that resonated with their fanbase. As they gained popularity through their energetic live shows and successful albums, UB40 continued to evolve and remain relevant in the reggae-pop genre.
The Making of “Red Red Wine”
Reggae Revamp: “Red Red Wine” was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 196UB40’s cover, released in 1983, gave the song new life with a reggae-inspired arrangement that made it an instant hit.
Unintentional Hit: UB40’s rendition of “Red Red Wine” wasn’t intended to be a single. The band had included the track on their album “Labour of Love,” a collection of covers, as a tribute to their love of reggae music.
Spontaneous Recording: The band recorded “Red Red Wine” in a single take during a rehearsal break. They were happy with the outcome and decided to include it on the album. Little did they know that it would become one of their most famous and enduring hits.
International Success: “Red Red Wine” topped the charts in multiple countries, including the UK and the US. It also helped to popularize reggae music on a global scale and cement UB40’s place as one of the most successful reggae-pop acts of all time.
Origin of “Red Red Wine” Song
The original version of “Red Red Wine” was written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967 as a slow ballad. However, it was the reggae-pop version of the song by UB40 that became a worldwide hit in 198The band rearranged the melody to create a more upbeat and danceable tune, which helped to popularize the song even more.
The lyrics of “Red Red Wine” speak of the power of alcohol to ease heartache and the pain of a broken heart. It’s a theme that resonates with many listeners and helped to make the song a beloved classic.
Interestingly, UB40 almost didn’t include “Red Red Wine” on their 1983 album “Labour of Love.” The band felt that the song didn’t fit with the rest of the album’s cover versions of reggae hits. However, their record label convinced them to include it, and it ended up becoming the biggest hit of their career.
Since then, “Red Red Wine” has been covered by several other artists, including Tony Tribe, who had a minor hit with it in the UK in 1969, and Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, who had a top 40 hit with it in the UK in 1980.
Chart Performance of “Red Red Wine”
Red Red Wine became a massive hit, reaching the number one spot in several countries. It was UB40’s first number-one hit single in the UK.
The song was released twice, first in 1983, where it reached number 34 in the UK charts. After re-releasing it in 1988, it reached the number one spot in the US, UK, and several other countries.
In the UK, the song stayed at number one for three weeks, and in the US, it remained in the top ten for three months, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song’s success was further boosted by its music video, which featured the band performing the song in a relaxed, laid-back setting, perfectly capturing the song’s reggae vibe.
UB40’s version of “Red Red Wine” has become one of the best-known reggae songs of all time, still played regularly on radio stations worldwide.
UB40’s First #1 Hit
In 1983, two years after the release of “Red Red Wine,” the song hit #1 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming UB40’s first chart-topping hit. The song’s success was largely due to the band’s re-release of the song, which featured a new arrangement and a more prominent reggae sound.
The song’s newfound popularity was not limited to the UK, as it also reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in October of 198The song’s success on both sides of the Atlantic solidified UB40’s status as a global sensation.
The song’s success was also a tribute to the band’s unique fusion of reggae and pop music, which helped to establish UB40 as one of the most distinctive bands of the 1980s.
The Enduring Legacy of “Red Red Wine”
Popularity Across Generations: “Red Red Wine” has proved to be a timeless classic that has resonated with audiences of all ages since its release in 198It has been covered by several artists and used in numerous films and TV shows.
Impact on Reggae-Pop Music: The song’s fusion of reggae and pop genres has inspired many artists and has been credited with influencing the emergence of reggae-pop as a popular music style in the 1980s.
Symbol of UB40’s Legacy: “Red Red Wine” is one of UB40’s most successful and recognizable hits. It has become a symbol of the band’s legacy and has cemented their place in music history.
Popularity in Pop Culture
“Red Red Wine” has been covered by several other artists and used in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. In 1984, the British reggae band’s version of the song was used in the opening credits of the hit US TV show “Miami Vice”. The song was also featured in the 1993 film “Reality Bites” and the 2019 film “The Irishman”.
The song’s popularity in pop culture also extends to commercials. It was used in a commercial for Gallo Wine in the US, which led to the song’s resurgence in popularity in 1988, 15 years after its initial release. The song has also been used in commercials for companies like T-Mobile and Coca-Cola.
UB40’s “Red Red Wine” has been sampled and covered by various artists over the years, including rapper Lil Wayne and reggae artist Tony Tribe. In 2014, the song was re-recorded by UB40 and Ali Campbell, the band’s former lead vocalist, for their album “Silhouette”.
Trivia: Songs Inspired by “Red Red Wine”
“Red Red Wine” has not only made its mark on the music charts but has also inspired other songs over the years.
One such song is “Red Red Wine and a Lot of Pills” by Tyler Farr. The country song uses “Red Red Wine” as a metaphor for heartbreak and healing.
Another song inspired by “Red Red Wine” is “Sip Some Wine” by Chaka Khan. While the song doesn’t directly reference “Red Red Wine,” the melody and vibe are reminiscent of UB40’s hit.
Lastly, Neil Diamond’s “Crunchy Granola Suite” was actually written as a response to UB40’s version of “Red Red Wine.” Diamond was inspired to create a more upbeat version of the song after hearing UB40’s reggae-infused cover.
The enduring influence of “Red Red Wine” is a testament to the power of music to inspire and connect people across time and genres.
“Fools Rush In” by Elvis Presley
The song “Fools Rush In” was originally composed by Johnny Mercer in 1940, with music by Rube Bloom. It was first recorded by Bob Crosby and his orchestra, but has since been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley. Presley recorded the song in 1960 for his album “Elvis Is Back!”, and it was released as a single in 1961.
The arrangement of Presley’s version is similar to the original, but with a more prominent use of strings and a slower tempo. Presley’s vocal delivery is characteristically emotional, conveying the message of the song effectively.
The song became a hit for Presley, reaching #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become a classic love song and has been covered by numerous other artists over the years.
“Red Red Wine” by Neil Diamond
While “Red Red Wine” was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967, it wasn’t until UB40’s reggae version that the song gained worldwide popularity. Diamond’s version features a more mellow sound with strings and a horn section, while UB40’s version has a more upbeat, reggae-inspired feel.
Diamond’s version of “Red Red Wine” was included on his album “Just for You” and was a minor hit on the charts, reaching only #62 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, his version has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Tony Tribe in 1969 and Jimmy James and the Vagabonds in 1970.
Despite the song’s success as a reggae hit for UB40, Diamond reportedly wasn’t a fan of their version initially. However, he later praised the band’s version and has performed it himself in a reggae style.