George McCrae
George McCrae (born 1944) is an American soul/disco singer famous for his 1974 mega-hit "Rock Your Baby," one of the first disco anthems, selling millions globally and earning him a Grammy nomination. Born in Florida, he started with his group The Jivin' Jets, served in the Navy, then formed a successful duo with his wife, Gwen McCrae, before her solo success and their eventual divorce. He continued recording and touring, especially in Europe, maintaining a career in classic soul and disco, often working with his daughters and releasing new music even in the 2000s.
Born October 19, 1944, in West Palm Beach, Florida, he formed his first singing group, The Jivin' Jets, as a teenager. He Joined the U.S. Navy in 1963 and married singer Gwen Mosley that same year; they reformed The Jivin' Jets with Gwen and later worked as a duo, recording for Henry Stone's Alston label.
In 1974, he released his iconic track "Rock Your Baby", a global smash that launched the disco era, hitting #1 in the U.S., UK, and many other countries. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and charts in over 40 countries and earned McCrae a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocalist in 1975. He followed up with hits like "I Can't Leave You Alone" and "You Can Have It".
He divorced Gwen in 1976 and later married Dutch model Yvonne Bergsma in 1989. He remained popular in Europe, releasing albums like One Step Closer to Love in the 1980s, and continued recording.
McCrae continues to perform and has shared homes in Florida, Aruba, and the Netherlands. In 2016, he released the concept album Love, featuring backing vocals from his daughters Sophia and Leah. As of late 2024, he released the dance single "Gotta Have It" with artist Lynda Law.
Love
Arranged By [Horns] – Jel Jongen, Roger Heijster
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster 3:36
2 We Got Love
Arranged By [Horns] – Hans Van Houdt, Nico Gerarts
Music By, Lyrics By – Roger Heijster 3:05
3 Longing For You
Arranged By [Strings] – Ward Veentra
Lyrics By – George McCray
Music By – Roger Heistjer 2:48
4 Love Me
Arranged By [Horns] – Arjan Muusz, Roger Heijster
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster, Roeland Hugen
Music By – Roger Heijster, Roeland Hugen 4:05
5 Call Me
Arranged By [Horns] – Arjan Muusz
Lyrics By – Roger Heijster
Music By – Maarten Helsloot, Roger Heijster 3:25
6 Count On Me
Arranged By [Horns] – Martinus Filemon, Nico Gerarts, Roger Heijster
Synthesizer [Farfisa Synthorchestra] – Lennart Temmink
Written-By – Martinus Filemon, Roger Heijster 3:52
7 Rosanna
Arranged By [Horns] – Arjan Muusz, Jel Jongen, Roger Heijster
Arranged By [Strings] – Ward Veentra
Lyrics By – George McCray
Music By – Roger Heijster 4:04
8 Brand New Man
Arranged By [Horns] – Nico Gerarts, Roger Heijster
Arranged By [Strings] – Ward Veentra
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster 2:51
9 Sexy Woman
Arranged By [Horns] – Arjan Muusz, Jel Jongen, Roger Heijster
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster 3:13
10 Beautiful
Arranged By [Horns] – Arjan Muusz, Roger Heijster
Arranged By [Strings] – Ward Veenstra
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster 3:21
11 Ooh Baby Baby
Arranged By [Horns] – Hans Van Houdt, Nico Gerarts, Roger Heijster
Lyrics By – Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster, Thomas Dessing 3:16
12 Girl Of My Dreams
Arranged By [Horns] – Jel Jongen, Nico Gerarts, Roger Heijster
Written-By – Roger Heijster 3:11
13 A Taste Of Heaven
Arranged By [Horns] – Nico Gerarts, Roger Heijster
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster
Soloist [Trumpet] – Rik Moi
Whistling – Fred van Straten 3:14
14 Living Out A Dream
Arranged By [Horns] – Roger Heijster
Lyrics By – George McCray, Roger Heijster
Music By – Roger Heijster 3:58
15 A Taste Of Heaven (Reprise) 1:27
Label: PopMi Music – PMICD1601
Format: CD, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 2016
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Disco, Funk
George McCrae's 2016 album Love was generally well-received as a welcome return to his soulful roots, praised for its modern production (including immersive Auro-3D audio) that blends classic '70s soul/disco vibes with contemporary polish, featuring McCrae's still-impressive falsetto and energetic performances from his Dutch band, though some reviewers wished for a bit more raw grit like his earlier hits. It was seen as a delightful, easy-listening soul record, perfect for fans of his iconic sound, proving his voice still held its quality after decades.
The album successfully merges vintage soul/disco with modern production, appealing to longtime fans and new listeners. Reviewers consistently highlighted McCrae's voice, noting his falsetto remained strong and pleasant, with impressive range and emotion.
Its state-of-the-art recording, especially the immersive Auro-3D audio, was a major selling point for audiophiles, offering a high-quality listening experience.
His touring band from the Netherlands, The Love Band, provided a lively, horn-enhanced sound. While enjoyable and classic-sounding, some felt it lacked the raw grit of his biggest hits, but remained a solid, fresh addition to his discography.
Love was seen as an enjoyable, polished, and authentic soul album that showcased George McCrae's enduring vocal talent and brought back the feel of '70s T.K. Records soul with updated soundscapes, making it a worthwhile listen for soul and disco fans.
Rock Your Baby
A2 I Can't Leave You Alone (I Keep Holdin' On) 3:10
A3 You Got My Heart 2:35
A4 You Can Have It All 2:40
B1 Look At You 4:55
B2 Make It Right 2:57
B3 I Need Somebody Like You 3:34
B4 I Get Lifted 2:50
B5 Rock Your Baby (Reprise) 2:05
Written by – H. W. Casey - R. Finch
Label: T.K. Records – T.K. 501
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
George McCrae's Rock Your Baby album, built around the iconic, gentle disco hit, is celebrated for its smooth, infectious Miami soul/funk grooves, pioneering use of drum machines, and McCrae's sweet falsetto, offering a dreamy, upbeat, and foundational sound for early disco that's both simple and sophisticated. Reviews praise its "hard seasoned Miami Funk Band grooving," catchy hooks, and how the low-tech production created a fresh, danceable vibe, making it a timeless gem despite its simple structure.
"Rock Your Baby" was a disco pioneer, using the Roland TR-77 drum machine to create a steady, accessible beat that "democratized the dance floor". The production, by KC & The Sunshine Band's Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch, features sleek arrangements and precise instrumentation, creating a soft, dreamy, yet funky atmosphere.
McCrae's soft, slightly fragile falsetto delivers playful, sweet vocals, even on suggestive lyrics, making the tracks feel intimate and club-friendly.
The album is noted for its authentic Miami funk sound, with seasoned musicians providing a solid groove without being overly heavy or bloated. It perfectly blends soulful vocals with the emerging electronic elements of disco, influencing artists and shaping the genre.
Many reviewers call it a classic for its uplifting, fresh sound, perfect for adding sunshine to any day. While some find the song structures simple or the vocals one-note, its beauty lies in its uncomplicated catchiness and "cheap DIY sophistication". The album's sound influenced many, from John Lennon to Yo La Tengo, solidifying its importance in music history.
In essence, Rock Your Baby is seen as a quintessential early disco album, a feel-good record with a distinctive smooth sound and a landmark title track that defined a moment in dance music.