"If the Love Fits Wear It" by Leslie Pearl

Song#:  1031
Date:  05/22/1982
Debut:  90
Peak:  28
Weeks:  16
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Pearl initially got a foothold in the music business with her sister Debbie. The duo got signed to London Records and in 1977 issued a self-title debut album as "Pearl." It didn't amount to much, but Leslie's songwriting got attention and soon she was selling songs to artists like Karen Carpenter, Kenny Rogers, and Dr. Hook. With some success under her belt, she moved on to RCA Records and recorded a debut solo LP called "Words & Music." This first single did well getting into the pop Top 30 and reaching #7 at AC, but it would be her only chart entry. Despite the solid showing, Pearl would never record a follow-up album. Basically, it was one and done for her.

ReduxReview:  This is another song that wasn't a big hit on its initial run, but has lived on long past its chart life. It's become a favorite "lost" hit from the 80s, particularly for those who love the SoCal pop from that time period (or anyone who likes Carly Simon). I always liked the song but never bought it. I obviously have it now and love it when the song comes up on a playlist.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  Pearl was also a very successful jingle writer. She had written jingles for major companies/products like Pepsi and Ford. Perhaps her most famous jingle was for Folgers Coffee. Pearl wrote the music to the famous slogan "The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup." The jingle has been used since 1984 and was so popular that several famous musicians, like Aretha Franklin, sang the tune in the Folgers commercials.

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