Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight


"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, from his 1972 album One Man Dog. It was released as the lead single from the album, and peaked at No. 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on January 13, 1973. It also reached No. 3 Easy Listening. In Canada, the song reached No. 18 on the Pop Singles chart and No. 7 AC.
The song has been included on three of Taylor's greatest-hits collection albums: Greatest Hits, Classic Songs and The Best of James Taylor. Taylor re-recorded the song for the 2001 Michael Brecker album ; this rendition won Taylor the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2002.
It has been recorded by various pop and jazz artists, notably The Isley Brothers and Isaac Hayes, along with saxophonist Boney James, whose version was also released as a single.

Personnel

AllMusic reviewer Bill Janovitz wrote that the song is "a stunning example of the Tin Pan Alley-type of jazzy romantic ballad", and that the song's lyrics, about "a betrayed lover who allows his lonely heart to control his head", were unusual in that songs on that theme were usually performed by female artists.

Covers and samples

The song has been recorded by the following artists:
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" has also been performed live by artists including George Benson, Pat Metheny, and Earth, Wind & Fire.