The Winans, “Special Lady” | Throwback Vibez

On the 18^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Special Lady” by The Winans. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 18^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Special Lady”, performed by The Winans.

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Theme & Lyrics  

In black gospel music, the Winans name carries tremendous weight – an understatement.  Honestly, they’re some of the most gifted group of musicians you’ll find regardless of genre.  Gospel is their calling card, though, in 1985, on The Winans’ Let My People Go, they contrast with an inspirational, contemporary R&B tribute to their grandmother, “Special Lady”.  In all honesty, “Special Lady” has a case as the best song from Let My People Go given the smooth vocals, the vocal harmonies, and the touching sentiment.

“She was a very special lady

One who really shared

She was a very special woman who cared about

The things in life that only count

Truly, can’t you see

She was a very special lady to me.”

Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! Furthermore, I love the smoothness of the sound and production work, as well as the harmonic progression.  Throughout, Carvin Winans, Marvin Winans, Michael Winans, and Ron Winans paint their grandmother as a marvelous woman.  “One to let us know / That true holiness was the only way to go,” they sing later, adding, “To live right / So that we could gain eternal life.” Special indeed!

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Final Thoughts  

Watching jeen-yuhs made me remember this gem – it appears early in the second episode before a young Kanye West begins rapping in 1990. Perhaps it’s ‘dated’ by some people’s standards approach 40 years of age, I continue to find this The Winans joint – wait for it – special.  “Special Lady” is a lovely ode to granny, period.

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The Winans • Let My People Go • Word Entertainment • 1985

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The Winans, “Special Lady”: Throwback Vibez No. 18 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro,  The Musical Hype, Word Entertainment]

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