Breakaway

About Breakaway

"Breakaway" (spelled "Break-a-Way" on the original 45 RPM label, but usually spelled "Breakaway" on most subsequent releases and compilations) is a song written by Jackie DeShannon and Sharon Sheeley. It was originally recorded by Irma Thomas in 1964 and released as the B-Side of her biggest hit, the US No. 17 single "Wish Someone Would Care". A demo version performed by DeShannon was also recorded but remained unreleased until a 1994 compilation. The original version of "Breakaway" was never a hit, not making the Billboard Hot 100. Nevertheless, "Breakaway" is today generally a better-remembered song than the A-Side of Thomas' record, which might be partly due to Tracey Ullman's hit 1980s cover. It has become a staple in Thomas' live performances and appears on several recent Irma Thomas and "New Orleans music" compilations. British singer Beryl Marsden recorded a cover version of this song in 1965, for Columbia Records "Breakaway" was Tracey Ullman's 1983 debut single in the UK, and reached No. 4 in the UK Singles Chart. The track then appeared on Ullman's album You Broke My Heart In 17 Places, which was released in 1984. more »