Introduction:
“Behind Closed Doors” is a song that revitalized the career of Charlie Rich, a country music veteran, and propelled him to mainstream success in the 1970s. Released in 1973, the song became a defining hit for Rich, showcasing his smooth vocals and the lush “countrypolitan” sound that was popular at the time. It not only topped the country charts but also crossed over to the pop charts, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
Charlie Rich, nicknamed “the Silver Fox” for his prematurely gray hair and suave demeanor, had been active in the music industry for many years before his breakthrough with “Behind Closed Doors.” He began his career in the 1950s at Sun Records, where he played jazz and blues-influenced country music alongside legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. However, despite his talent, Rich struggled to find consistent commercial success for much of his early career. He dabbled in various genres, including rockabilly, jazz, and blues, before finding his niche in country music.
The song “Behind Closed Doors” was written by Kenny O’Dell, a Nashville songwriter. O’Dell crafted the song with Rich’s vocal style in mind, and producer Billy Sherrill played a crucial role in shaping the final recording. Sherrill, known for his production work with other country stars like Tammy Wynette and George Jones, helped to create the polished, orchestrated sound that defined the countrypolitan genre and contributed to the song’s broad appeal.
“Behind Closed Doors” was released as a single in January 1973 and appeared on Rich’s album of the same name, Behind Closed Doors, which was released later in May 1973. The album and its title track represented a turning point in Rich’s career, transforming him from a respected but somewhat obscure artist into a major star. The song’s lyrics hint at a passionate and private love affair, which, while somewhat suggestive for the time, resonated with a wide audience.
The song’s success was meteoric. “Behind Closed Doors” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, where it spent 20 weeks, and also climbed to No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart, demonstrating its crossover appeal. The song’s popularity helped the Behind Closed Doors album achieve significant sales, earning it a quadruple-platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“Behind Closed Doors” garnered numerous awards and honors. The Country Music Association (CMA) named the song Single of the Year, and Charlie Rich won Best Male Vocalist for his performance. The Academy of Country Music (ACM) also recognized the song and Rich with similar accolades. In addition, “Behind Closed Doors” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song for Kenny O’Dell and Best Country Vocal Performance, Male for Charlie Rich in 1974. In 2003, CMT ranked “Behind Closed Doors” No. 9 on its list of the 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. The album Behind Closed Doors also won the Country Music Association award for Album of the Year in 1973.
The impact of “Behind Closed Doors” on Charlie Rich’s career and on country music cannot be overstated. It revitalized his career, bringing him mainstream success and establishing him as a prominent figure in the countrypolitan movement. The song’s sophisticated production, smooth vocals, and evocative lyrics helped to broaden the appeal of country music, attracting new listeners and influencing subsequent generations of artists.