"Gypsy Woman" is a 1961 rhythm and blues song written by Curtis Mayfield and recorded by his group the Impressions. The group's first single following the departure of lead singer Jerry Butler, it reached No. 2 on the US Billboard R&B chart, No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 17 on the Cash Box chart. It also appeared on the group's 1963 eponymous debut album. Joe Bataan (1967), Brian Hyland (1970), Bobby Womack (1985), and Santana (1990) covered this song.
According to a 1995 British interview, Mayfield wrote "Gypsy Woman" when he was 12 years old.
Brian Hyland cover
In 1970, Brian Hyland recorded his version of the song, produced by Del Shannon and featuring Max Crook on keyboards which went up to Number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and in Canada, and number 4 in South Africa.
Hyland's version became a gold record. In that same year 1970, Major Lance also recorded the song.
Santana cover
Santana covered "Gypsy Woman" in 1990. Their version is included on soundtrack of the movie Spirits Dancing in the Flesh.
Chart history
Weekly charts
- The Impressions
- Brian Hyland version
- Santana cover
| Chart (1990)
|
Peak
position
|
| Canada RPM Adult Contemporary
|
29
|
| Canada RPM Top Singles
|
40
|
| US Billboard Adult Contemporary
|
31
|
|
Year-end charts
|
