Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette)

Benny Spellman

About Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette)

"Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)" is a song first recorded by New Orleans singer Benny Spellman in 1962. It was written by Allen Toussaint under the pseudonym Naomi Neville. The song became Spellman's only hit record, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard R&B chart and number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. The flip side of the single was "Fortune Teller", made famous by The Rolling Stones cover among others. Toussaint explained the song's origin in an interview with journalist Terry Gross of National Public Radio: "Well, 'Lipstick Traces'. ..the guy, Benny Spellman, that sang the bass part on "Mother-In-Law" - he didn't know what it was worth at the time we were doing it, but when "Mother-In-Law" came out and sold, and went to number one, let's say, Benny Spellman that sang the bass part made sure that everyone within the sound of his voice got to know that he sang that part. And then he would go around - he would gig - based on [the fact that] he sang the low part on "Mother-In-Law." And he encouraged me...with much force, to write him a song that he could use that concept. And one result of that was the song 'Lipstick Traces.'""Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)" was recorded in New Orleans on February 2, 1962. The background vocals were done by label mates Irma Thomas and Willie Harper. 


Year:
2009
104 
#2

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Your pretty brown eyes
Your wavy hair
I won't go home no more
'Cause you're not there

I'm telling you now
Like I told you before
I'm so in love with you
Don't leave me no more

Lipstick traces (oh) on a cigarette
Every memory lingers with me yet

I've got it bad
Like I told you before
I'm so in love with you
Don't leave me no more

(Won't you come on home?)
Won't you come on home?
(Won't you come back home?)
Won't you come back home?

I'm crazy 'bout you
Can't do without you
Won't you come on home?

Lipstick traces (oh) on a cigarette
Every memory lingers with me yet

I've got it bad
Like I told you before
I'm so in love with you
Don't leave me no more

I've got it bad
Like I told you before
I'm so in love with you
Don't leave me no more

(Leave me no more)
Don't leave me no more
(Leave me no more)
Don't leave me no more
(Leave me no more)
Don't leave me no more
(Leave me no more)

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Benny Spellman

Benny Spellman (December 11, 1931 – June 3, 2011) was an American rhythm and blues singer, best known for his 1962 hit "Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette)," written by Allen Toussaint and the original version of "Fortune Teller", covered by The Rolling Stones among others. "Lipstick Traces" reached #28 on the US Billboard Black singles chart and #80 on the Billboard Hot 100. Spellman variously worked with Allen Toussaint, Earl King ("Trick Bag"), Huey "Piano" Smith, Ernie K-Doe, Wilson Pickett, The Neville Brothers and The O'Jays. more »

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Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Background
"Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)" is a song originally performed by Benny Spellman, which was released in the year 1962. The song was written and produced by Allen Toussaint.
Songwriter
Allen Toussaint was a renowned American musician, songwriter, and record producer who was involved in many R&B, rock, and soul music hits from the 60s and 70s.
Performer
Benny Spellman was a prominent soul singer in the 1960s, known for his distinctive deep baritone voice.
Cover Versions
"Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)" has been covered by numerous artists from different genres, including Ringo Starr, Delbert McClinton, and The O'Jays.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showing its popularity at the time.
Music Genre
The song "Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)" is classified as Rhythm and Blues (R&B), characterized by its soulful lyrics and rhythmic beats.
Legacy
The song has enduring appeal and is frequently played on oldies radio stations, continuing to introduce Benny Spellman and Allen Toussaint to new generations of music lovers.
Historical Significance
It is considered one of the defining songs of New Orleans R&B.
Rights Ownership
The rights to "Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)" are presumably owned by Minit Records, the record label for which Benny Spellman recorded the song.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette)" are about a man who is haunted by the memory of a past lover, represented by the metaphor of lipstick traces on a cigarette.

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    Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette)

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1962

    Billboard #80


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