Used To Be

The Forgotten Gem: "Used to Be" by Charlene and Stevie Wonder

There's something almost magical about duets that capture a fleeting moment in time, and "Used to Be" is one of those hidden treasures from the early '80s that sneaks up on you with its soulful honesty. Released in 1983, this collaboration between Charlene and Stevie Wonder isn't just a song—it's a snapshot of vulnerability wrapped in Motown polish. As someone who's spent years digging through the archives of one-hit wonders, I can tell you this track deserves more love than it's gotten. Let me take you back to how it all came together.

The Spark of Creation: A Tale of Heartbreak and Serendipity

Picture this: It's the early 1980s, and Charlene, fresh off the bittersweet success of her 1977 hit "I've Never Been to Me"—a song that bombed initially but exploded years later thanks to a Detroit DJ's hunch—is navigating the ups and downs of the music biz. By 1982, she's signed with Motown Records, eager to reinvent herself. That's when she pens the lyrics for "Used to Be," drawing straight from the raw ache of a crumbling relationship. The words pour out like a confession: reflections on love lost, the "used to be" that haunts you. It's personal, almost diary-like, and Charlene has shared in interviews how it stemmed from her own divorce, that gut-wrenching realization that what once felt eternal had slipped away.

Enter Stevie Wonder, the genius behind so much of Motown's golden era. Charlene, a longtime admirer, reached out to him directly. Legend has it she showed up at his studio unannounced, demo in hand, and poured her heart out. Stevie, ever the collaborator, was moved—not just by the melody, but by the emotion. He agreed to co-write and produce, adding his signature flair. One fun anecdote? During their first session, Stevie reportedly improvised the bridge on the spot, his fingers dancing over the keys while Charlene sang along, tears in her eyes. It was less a calculated hit factory and more a genuine meeting of souls, born from late-night talks and shared stories of love's fragility.

Recording in the Heart of Motown Magic

The recording happened at Motown's bustling studios in Hollywood, a far cry from the label's Detroit roots but still buzzing with that family vibe. Stevie helmed production, layering lush keyboards, subtle horns, and a groove that blends R&B smoothness with a touch of pop accessibility. Charlene's vocals shine—warm, wistful, with just enough grit—while Stevie's harmonies weave in like an old friend offering comfort. They tracked it in a whirlwind few days, with Stevie playing multiple instruments himself, as he often did. I love hearing how he encouraged Charlene to ad-lib during takes, capturing those imperfect, human moments that make the song breathe. No overproduced gloss here; it's intimate, like eavesdropping on a private reconciliation.

Release, Rise, and the Elusive Spotlight

Motown dropped "Used to Be" as the lead single from Charlene's album I've Never Been to Me (reissued with fresh tracks) in 1982, but it gained real traction in 1983. It climbed to No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100—not a chart-topper, but enough to turn heads, especially with Stevie’s name attached. Radio play was steady on adult contemporary stations, and the video, showing the duo in soft-lit introspection, added to its quiet charm. For Charlene, it was a brief resurgence, a reminder of her staying power after years in the wilderness. Stevie, of course, was riding high from his own hits, but he championed it personally, even performing it live with her at industry events.

Echoes of Impact: Why It Still Resonates

Culturally, "Used to Be" captures the '80s shift from disco excess to more introspective soul, influencing duets like Peaches & Herb's later works or even the emotional depth in Whitney Houston's early ballads. For a generation grappling with divorce rates spiking in the Reagan era, it hit home— a gentle anthem for moving on without bitterness. Musically, Stevie's touch elevated Charlene's vision, blending gospel roots with synth-era polish, and it's inspired covers in jazz lounges and indie playlists today. Anecdotally, fans still write to Charlene about how it helped them through breakups, proving its quiet power. In a sea of flashier hits, this one's a slow burn, reminding us that sometimes the deepest songs are the ones that whisper.