Gilbert, Cary (20 March 1942 – 15 February 1993)

Lyricist from Camden, New Jersey, whose words graced some of the most famous—and not so famous—R&B songs of the 1970s.

In 1972, Billy Paul topped the charts with “Me and Mrs. Jones”, co-written with Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes recorded Gamble-Gilbert-Huff material, as well, including “I’m Weak for You”, on their 1973 album, Black & Blue, and “Don’t Leave Me This Way”, in 1975. In 1976, The O’Jays went to #1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 with their recording of “Livin’ for the Weekend”.

Other songs co-written by Cary include: “Clean it Up (Sure is Pure Vocal Mix” by The Twister; “Don’t Let the Music Slip Away” by Archie Bell and the Drells; “False Faces” by Billy Paul; “Get Me” by Twista; “I Got to Put This Life Down” by Billy Paul; “Layin’ Low” by MFSB; and, “Let’s Clean up the Ghetto” by the Philadelphia International All Stars.

Cary passed away on 15^th February 1993. His lyrics live on on albums such as Billy Paul’s First Class, Twista’s Kamikaze, and Tightening Up: The Best of Archie Bell & the Drells.

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes recordings
Don’t Leave Me This Way (Kenneth Gamble/Cary Gilbert/Leon Huff)

Sources:

Gilbert, Cary (20 March 1942–15 February 1993)

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