Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Barbara Acklin: The Soulful Songstress of the 1960s and 1970s

Barbara Acklin was a talented American soul singer and songwriter, best known for her 1968 hit single "Love Makes a Woman" and her co-writing credits on the multimillion-selling song "Have You Seen Her" in 1971 with Eugene Record, lead singer of the Chi-Lites. As a singer, she brought a unique blend of soul, R&B, and gospel to the music scene, while as a songwriter, she penned hits for herself and other artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

Early Life and Career

Born on February 28, 1943, in Oakland, California, Acklin moved to Chicago, Illinois, with her family in 1948. Encouraged to sing from a young age, she began performing as a soloist at the New Zion Baptist Church by the age of 11. As a teenager, she started singing at nightclubs in Chicago, eventually graduating from Dunbar Vocational High School.

Acklin's first foray into the music industry was as a secretary at St. Lawrence Records, where she worked before releasing her first record on the subsidiary Special Agent label under the pseudonym Barbara Allen. Produced by her cousin, saxophonist and producer Monk Higgins, this early start laid the foundation for her future success.

Rise to Fame

In 1966, Acklin began working as a receptionist at Brunswick Records' Chicago office, where she submitted demo recordings of her own songs to producer Carl Davis. One of her songs, "Whispers Gettin' Louder," co-written with David Scott, formerly of The Five Du-Tones, was recorded by Jackie Wilson, becoming his biggest hit for three years and reaching No. 5 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Wilson's success with Acklin's song led to her securing a recording contract with Brunswick. Her first two singles for the label were unsuccessful, but her third, "Show Me the Way To Go," a duet with Gene Chandler, made the R&B chart. This marked the beginning of her successful music career, both as a singer and songwriter.

Creative Partnerships and Hits

Acklin's collaboration with Eugene Record, lead singer of the Chi-Lites, resulted in some of her most notable works. Together, they co-wrote the hit song "Have You Seen Her" in 1971, which became a multimillion-seller. They also co-wrote "Two Little Kids" for Peaches and Herb, showcasing Acklin's versatility as a songwriter.

Acklin's biggest hit as a singer, "Love Makes a Woman," was released in 1968 and became a staple of the soul and R&B genres. This song, along with her other hits, cemented her status as a talented singer-songwriter of the 1960s and 1970s.

Legacy and Impact

Barbara Acklin's contributions to the music industry extend beyond her own successful singing and songwriting career. Her work with other artists, such as Jackie Wilson, Gene Chandler, and the Chi-Lites, helped shape the sound of soul and R&B music in the 1960s and 1970s.

Acklin's legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of musicians and songwriters. Her ability to craft hits that resonate with audiences, both as a singer and songwriter, has solidified her place in music history.

Personal Milestones and Later Life

Barbara Acklin passed away on November 27, 1998, but her music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world. Though her life was cut short, her impact on the music industry remains, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for her craft.

In recognition of her contributions, Acklin's music has been sampled and covered by various artists, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.