It might not have been the first encounter, but the indelible moment of truly hearing “Across 110th Street” arrived with the opening scene of Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” in 1997. Tarantino’s masterful long tracking shot, featuring Pam Grier in her air stewardess uniform heading to work at the airport, created an inseparable visual link to the song that resonates every time it plays.
Little did I know then that this iconic track had its genesis in another film soundtrack, a gritty crime thriller set in Harlem, released 25 years prior. “Across 110th Street,” the 1972 film starring Yaphet Kotto and Anthony Quinn, provided the initial platform for this powerful song.
Bobby Womack, a soul music luminary, not only performed but also penned all the songs for the film, collaborating with J.J. Johnson’s brooding funk score. Womack’s lyrics vividly echoed the harsh realities of poverty and desperation gripping Harlem residents during that era when it was, for many, a marginalized black ghetto.
The title itself, “Across 110th Street,” refers to the infamous dividing line in Manhattan that historically separated predominantly white and black communities, marking the beginning of Harlem. This title, and the song, became a potent symbol of the societal divides and struggles of the time. The songwriting is credited to both Bobby Womack and Peace, the latter being a reference to Womack’s band. Interestingly, “Peace” had previously achieved US chart success with “Harry Hippie,” a song less familiar to many.
Bobby Womack’s connection to the song’s themes was deeply personal. While not from Harlem, his upbringing in Cleveland was marked by profound poverty. He shared a bed with his four brothers in a ghetto environment, and stories circulated about his parents resorting to foraging for food, even retrieving discarded pig snouts from supermarket bins. This lived experience imbued his music with an authentic voice of struggle and resilience.
The profound impact of “Across 110th Street song” extends beyond its cinematic associations. Rapper 50 Cent, in an interview with NME, revealed that this was the first song that truly captivated him. He explained, “I fell in love because of how the situation was for black people in America at that time. There were a lot of struggle songs around. It seemed to be something that really moved the people around me. I felt the power of music to raise people up, to make them angry or proud.” This testament highlights the song’s enduring power as a social commentary and anthem of empowerment.
Strangely, Bobby Womack remained somewhat outside my musical radar until “Jackie Brown” brought him into focus. His career trajectory began decades earlier, in the 1950s, joining a doo-wop group with his brothers, a common starting point for many young black men aspiring to musical careers during that period.
The Womack Brothers’ breakthrough came through the generosity and mentorship of Sam Cooke, then a leading figure in gospel music with The Soul Stirrers. Cooke played a pivotal role in their development, facilitating a national tour with The Staple Singers, signing them to his record label, renaming them The Valentinos, and encouraging their relocation to Los Angeles. Crucially, he guided their transition from gospel to the burgeoning pop music scene.
Cooke also produced their records, including “It’s All Over Now,” a country-influenced song co-written by Bobby and his sister Shirley. This song began to climb the US charts, catching the ear of a rising British band, The Rolling Stones, during their inaugural American tour in 1964.
Remarkably, just nine days after hearing it, The Rolling Stones recorded “It’s All Over Now” at the legendary Chess Studios in Chicago. It became their first number one hit single in the UK, catapulting the song to international fame.
Womack initially resisted The Rolling Stones’ cover, reportedly telling Mick Jagger to write his own material. However, Sam Cooke persuaded him to reconsider. Legend has it that upon receiving his royalty check six months later, Womack’s perspective shifted dramatically, famously declaring that Jagger could “have any song he wants.”
Despite a remarkable 60-year career, Bobby Womack surprisingly never achieved a solo UK hit single. Yet, his legacy is profoundly cemented through songs like “Across 110th Street,” a track that transcends generations and continues to resonate with its raw portrayal of social realities and the enduring power of soul music.
