Written by: Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff
Recorded: 26 January; February; March 1977
Producer: Arif Mardin
Engineer: Lew Hahn
Released: 20 September 1977 (UK), 30 September 1977 (US)
Available on:
Ringo The 4th
Personnel
Ringo Starr: vocals, drums
David Spinozza, John Tropea, Jeff Mironov: guitar
Don Grolnick: keyboards
Ken Bichel: synthesizer
Randy Brecker: trumpet
Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone
Tony Levin: bass guitar
Steve Gadd: drums
Unknown: strings
‘Drowning In The Sea Of Love’ is the opening song on Ringo Starr’s sixth solo album, 1977’s Ringo The 4th.
It had originally been recorded in 1971 by Joe Simon as the title track of his seventh album. Released as a single, it reached number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was also covered by Northern Irish band The Adventures.
‘Drowning In The Sea Of Love’ was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, pioneers of the Philly soul sound of the 1970s. As an opening salvo in Starr’s follow-up to the disappointment of Ringo’s Rotogravure, and with the song given a disco makeover, it sent a clear message that he was attempting to remain relevant to the times.
The first UK single from Ringo The 4th was ‘Drowning In The Sea Of Love’, with the non-album song ‘Just A Dream’ on the b-side.
The single had a shorter edit of the song. Released on 16 September 1977, it did not chart. It was issued in the US on 18 October, peaking at number 162.