Steve Winwood – Higher Love

“Higher Love” is a 1986 soft rock / blue-eyed soul anthem by Steve Winwood, co-written with Will Jennings and produced with Russ Titelman. Featuring Chaka Khan on backing vocals, it became Winwood’s first U.S. No. 1 hit and earned two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Quick Facts

• Song: Higher Love
• Artist: Steve Winwood
• Album: Back in the High Life (1986)
• Single Release: June 1986
• Label: Island
• Writers: Steve Winwood & Will Jennings
• Producers: Steve Winwood & Russ Titelman
• Length: 5:51 (album) / 4:14 (single)
• Genres: Soft rock · Blue-eyed soul · Blues rock
• Backing vocals: Chaka Khan

Background & Release

Recorded across New York City studios and opening with a famously improvised drum fill by John “JR” Robinson, “Higher Love” showcases Winwood’s polished pop sensibility and rhythmic groove. It preceded his most commercially successful solo album, Back in the High Life. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Composition & Theme

With upbeat tempo and soulful production, the track blends driving synths, organic drums, and Chaka Khan’s backing vocals. Its hopeful lyrics and rich textures reflect Winwood’s fusion of gospel, R&B, and pop influences.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Music Video

Directed by Peter Kagan & Paula Greif in June 1986, the video features a dynamic stage performance with dancers, stylized lighting, and appearances by Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers. It received multiple MTV VMA nominations in 1987.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Reception & Legacy

• Steve Winwood’s first U.S. No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 (week of Aug 30, 1986)
• Won Grammys for Record of the Year & Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
• Anchored album Back in the High Life, which achieved 3× Platinum in the US

Chart Performance

Sources: Wikipedia (US, UK, Canada, Aus, Germany, Netherlands, Italy), American Songwriter, Official Charts Company.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Certifications

Personnel

• Steve Winwood – lead & backing vocals, synth, programming
• Chaka Khan – backing vocals
• Nile Rodgers – rhythm guitar
• John Robinson – drums
• Philippe Saisse, Robbie Kilgore – synth programming
• David Frank – synth horns
• Carole Steele – percussion

Track Listings

• 7″ UK/US: “Higher Love” (4:14) / “And I Go” (4:12)
• 12″ UK: Remix (7:45), Instrumental (6:05) / “And I Go”

Timeline

• June 1986 – Single released
• Late Aug 1986 – US chart peak #1
• Feb 1987 – Grammy wins (Record of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance)
• 1986 – Album certified 3× Platinum (US)

References

1. Wikipedia – Higher Love
2. Wikipedia – Back in the High Life
3. Wikipedia – Steve Winwood
4. American Songwriter – meaning of Higher Love