Johnny Lee Brought to the Top “Lookin’ for Love” in 1980

The song “Lookin’ for Love” came out in June 1980. It was part of the soundtrack to the film Urban Cowboy which also dropped off that same year. Thanks to country legend Johnny Lee who gave the song a chance to get recorded. Otherwise, it would’ve never been part of the famous movie starred by John Travolta. Prior to this, “Lookin’ for Love” was pitched to more than 20 artists but all of them had rejected it. After record executive Irving Azoff proposed the song to Lee, such gave birth to “Lookin’ for Love.” Perhaps, the song itself was waiting for the right artist to record it. And when Lee’s turn came, a new song that soon to be a smash country hit was born. Lee breathed life to “Lookin’ for Love” and even brought it to the top of the country chart in 1980. The singer, who served as one of the main nightclub acts at Mickey Gilley’s nightclub, has since performed the song in different shows.

Additional Information About the Song

Songwriters Wanda Mallette, Bob Morrison, and Patti Ryan held the credit for the song’s lyrics. Lee recorded it on his album Urban Cowboy. The song didn’t appeal that much to several reviewers. In fact, they’ve rated the song unfavorably. And, many of these critics have thought of its success as brought only by John Travolta’s liking of it. Nonetheless, the audience loved the song as much as they liked the movie. Accordingly, it went to No. 1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs chart where it stayed for three weeks. The song was also a crossover hit peaking at No. 5 on the pop chart. Having sold one million copies, the song received gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Eventually, “Lookin’ for Love” became recognized as a country music standard and many fans and critics alike had later acclaimed the song.

Watch the music video for “Lookin’ for Love” below with scenes from the film, Urban Cowboy.

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