Source Material: Irma Thomas – “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)”

Irma Thomas is a soul singer from New Orleans who mainly recorded in the ’60s and ’70s.  She started singing in the baptist church and then she transitioned to secular music.  In 1959, she released her debut single, “Don’t Mess With My Man,” on Ron Records.  It peaked at #22 on the Billboard R&B Chart.  In the ’60s, she recorded for Minit Records, and she primarily worked with Allen Toussaint, a renowned songwriter and producer from New Orleans.  Thomas and Toussaint found success with two of her singles, “It’s Too Soon To Know” (1961) and “It’s Raining” (1962).

In 1963, Imperial Records bought Minit Records, and Thomas continued to release her music on the new label.  “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” (1964) was one of the first songs she released for Imperial Records.  Her song was moderately successful at the time, but as of today, it’s enjoying an extended life through film and television.  “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” has been featured in episodes of Black Mirror, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Big Little Lies.  I think it’s dope that her record found a bigger audience through contemporary culture.

Irma Thomas – “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)”