Artist Spotlight: Jeffrey Osborne

Photo of Jeffrey Osborne

Jeffrey Osborne

In the summer of 1982, I got my driver’s license. It wasn’t long before I was spending a lot of time in my VW Beetle, driving around, listening to the radio and enjoying my newfound independence — as long as there was gas in the tank.

One of the songs I heard over and over that year was Jeffrey Osborne‘s “On the Wings of Love.” That love song was everywhere on the radio dial. Or maybe it just seemed that way to me because I didn’t want to hear love songs; I wanted to hear upbeat tunes that I could listen to LOUD while driving in my car.

Besides, I associated Osborne more with funk than love songs because he had been the lead singer of L.T.D., a band known for laying down a thumpin’ groove on “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again.” That song had reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 4 on the pop chart in the late ’70s, and to this day, if I hear it while driving, I turn it up.

“On the Wings of Love” continues to get airplay, too, proving that Osborne’s music still connects with listeners today. The Providence, R.I., native brings the ballads and the funk to Dorton Arena at the State Fair Thursday, Oct. 21, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $10 and are available at ncstatefair.org.

Below is the video for another song that will make you bob your head and tap the steering wheel, Osborne’s 1983 hit “Stay With Me Tonight.”

About Flying Bob

Most folks know me as Brian Long, but when it comes to the State Fair blog, I'm Flying Bob. Why Flying Bob? It's one of my favorite carnival rides. Plus, once the fair kicks off, I feel like I'm flying in circles at high speed. (All that's missing is a ride attendant shouting, "Do you wanna go fasterrrrr!") Here at the State Fair Press Office, it's our job to give you as much information about this massive event as possible. That's one of the reasons I enjoy contributing to this blog. I hope you'll enjoy reading it.

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