Tender Love – Force M.D.’s | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#10), R&B (#4) and Adult Contemporary (#2); 1986
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
The Force M.D.’s literally came from the streets of New York; performing publicly all around Greenwich Village as the LD’s to the tune of $400 a day in tips. Teaming up with DJ Dr. Rock, the two brothers, an uncle, and two friends, did their thing at hip-hop venues.
In 1984, they signed with Tommy Boy, and hit the charts with Let Me Love You (#49 R&B) as the Force M.D.’s (for “musical diversity”). Within a year they’d added the R&B hits Tears (#5) and Itchin’ For A Scratch (#13) to their resume.
The mainstream crowd first heard the Force M.D.’s in 1985 on the soundtrack to Krush Groove starring Sheila E. The track in question, Tender Love, was written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and highlighted the group’s innovative blend of classic soul harmonies with contemporary hip-hop style.
Tender Love entered the rhythm list on Christmas week 1985, and by mid-April, the M.D.’s had a Top 10 crossover single.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Lyrics Written by:
- Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).