If You Leave Me Now

"If You Leave Me Now"
Song
B-side	"Together Again"

"If You Leave Me Now" is the title of a popular hit ballad by the American rock group Chicago, from their album Chicago X. It was written and sung by bass guitar player Peter Cetera and released as a single in July 1976.

It is also the title of a compilation album released by Columbia Records (Columbia 38590) in 1983.

The single topped the US charts on October 23, 1976, and stayed there for two weeks, making it the first number one hit for the group as well as hitting number one on the Easy Listening charts. It also reached #1 in the UK on November 13, 1976, maintaining the position for three weeks. It was popular in multiple radio formats, and at one point during its peak listeners could hear it being played simultaneously on four different New York City radio stations.

"If You Leave Me Now" was also Chicago's biggest hit worldwide, after topping the charts in other countries such as Britain and Australia. It went on to win Grammy Awards for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.

Cover versions

There have been over 100 versions of "If You Leave Me Now" recorded by artists throughout the world, among them:

• Alexandra Lushington covered the song during semi-finals stage of the seventh season of American Idol.
• Brotherhood of Man on their 1980 album Sing 20 Number One Hits
• Elkie Brooks, released a version of the song on her album Pearls in 1981.
• Peter Cetera re-recorded the song as a solo artist for his 1997 album You're the Inspiration: A Collection.
• Khalil Fong, a R&B singer based in Hong Kong, recorded a version on his second Mandarin album, This Love.
• Isley Brothers on their 2001 album Eternal.
• Danish popstar Christine Milton recorded an uptempo version for her debut album Friday in 2003.
• Philippine bossa nova singer Sitti recorded a cover of this song for her second album My Bossa Nova.
• John Barrowman on his 2007 album Another Side.
• Suzy Bogguss on her 2007 album Sweet Danger.
• Upside Down (boyband), a British group from 1996, charted at #27
• 3T, feat. T-Rio, 2005
• Boyz II Men on their 2009 album Love
• Egotrippi has released a finnish version called Jos Sä Lähdet Pois.

Live cover performances

• Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire sang the song during their joint concerts with Chicago in 2004-2006. This version was included in the Love Songs album by Chicago.

Sampling

• A sample of the song is used by British electronica duo Lemon Jelly on the "Nice Weather For Ducks" B-side "Soft" (2003).

See also

• List of number-one singles in Australia during the 1970s
• List of Dutch Top 40 number-one singles of 1976
• List of number-one singles from the 1970s (UK)
• List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 1976 (U.S.)
• List of number-one adult contemporary singles of 1976 (U.S.)
• List of European number-one hits of 1977

External links

• If You Leave Me Now at allmusic.com