On March 10, 1963, “That’s the Way Love Is” by Bobby 'Blue' Bland reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, marking one of the most memorable moments in the singer’s career.
More than six decades later, the soulful ballad remains a powerful reminder of the emotional depth that defined early 1960s rhythm and blues.
Released in late 1962 on Duke Records, the song became a double-sided hit with “Call on Me.” By early 1963, it climbed to the top of the R&B charts and eventually peaked at No. 22 on the pop chart, introducing a wider audience to Bland’s expressive vocal style. The record would later become one of the standout tracks from the album Call on Me/That’s the Way Love Is, released around June 1963.
Written by Deadric Malone, a pseudonym used by Duke Records owner Don Robey, the song blends blues storytelling with soulful orchestration. The arrangement by Joe Scott gave the track a polished feel, with sweeping horns and a smooth rhythm section supporting Bland’s emotional delivery.
American blues and soul singer Bobby Blue Bland performs at the Petrillo Music Shell, 23rd Annual Chicago Blues Festival, Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, June 11, 2006.Photo by Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images
What made the record stand out was Bland’s voice. His rich baritone moved easily between smooth crooning and powerful gospel-style bursts. Listeners often remember his dramatic phrasing and the distinctive growl he would add between lines, a signature sound that helped define his recordings in the early 1960s.
The song’s lyrics capture the ups and downs of romance in simple but relatable terms. In one line, Bland sings about how love can shift from joy to heartbreak overnight, an idea many listeners still recognize in their own lives.
Music historians often point out that the track helped shape the soul-blues sound that became popular during that era. Per Britannica, its mix of gospel emotion, blues storytelling and polished studio arrangements would later influence many artists who followed.
Over the years, the song has been covered by performers such as Johnnie Taylor and Mavis Staples, showing how the melody and message continue to inspire new interpretations.
Born Robert Calvin Brooks on Jan. 27, 1930, in Rosemark, Tennessee, Bland grew up near Memphis, a city that played a major role in shaping his music. As a young performer, he joined a group of musicians known as the Beale Streeters, which included blues legend B.B. King and singer Johnny Ace.
Bland’s early career included gospel singing and small recording sessions before he eventually signed with Duke Records. By the late 1950s and early 1960s, he was producing a steady stream of hits, including “Cry Cry Cry,” “I Pity the Fool” and “Turn on Your Love Light.”
From 1957 to 1985, the singer placed 63 songs on the R&B charts, including 27 Top 10 hits and three No. 1 singles. That remarkable run earned him the nickname “the Sinatra of the Blues,” a nod to his polished vocal style and smooth stage presence.
Later in his career, Bland continued recording and touring, building a loyal fan base that followed him for decades. His 1974 song “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” later gained renewed attention when it was covered by rock and soul artists and sampled in hip-hop.
The music industry recognized Bland’s lasting influence with several honors. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1997, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to American music.
Bland passed away on June 23, 2013, at age 83 in Germantown, Tennessee. But his songs continue to circulate online, appearing in throwback playlists, video clips and discussions celebrating classic soul.
Today, 63 years after topping the charts, “That’s the Way Love Is” still reminds listeners why Bobby Bland’s voice remains one of the most recognizable in rhythm and blues history.
Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Classic Rock Songs’ of All Time Became the Ultimate Breakup Anthem
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