I Can Help
Encyclopedia
"I Can Help" is a song written and performed by Billy Swan
. Released in September 1974, the song was a big crossover
smash, reaching #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100
and Hot Country Singles
charts late that fall.
Although Swan had other charting singles on both the Hot 100 and country charts, the song is generally recognized as being Swan's only major hit single release
. However, Swan — later a member of the band Black Tie — had continued success as a songwriter for other artists and as a session musician.
chart and No. 6 on the United Kingdom's Record Retailer
chart. In addition, the song was a hit throughout most of Europe and also reached #1 in Australia.
"I Can Help" is certified gold for sales of 1,000,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America
. http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp In U.K., it has "Silver" certification, and in France, it has sales about 700,000.
Billy Swan
Billy Lance Swan is an American songwriter and singer, best known for his 1974 single, "I Can Help".-Life:Swan was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. As a child, he learned drums, piano and guitar, and began writing songs...
. Released in September 1974, the song was a big crossover
Crossover (music)
Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
smash, reaching #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and Hot Country Singles
Hot Country Songs
Hot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
charts late that fall.
Although Swan had other charting singles on both the Hot 100 and country charts, the song is generally recognized as being Swan's only major hit single release
One-hit wonder
A one-hit wonder is a person or act known mainly for only a single success. The term is most often used to describe music performers with only one hit single.-Characteristics:...
. However, Swan — later a member of the band Black Tie — had continued success as a songwriter for other artists and as a session musician.
Song history
Two versions of the song exist:- In the album version, applause can be heard as the final note is held for several seconds. The song ends with a reprise of the final musical bridge and more applause. However, it still does not end there; Swan plays still another reprise of the final musical bridge as the song fades out.
- The single edit immediately fades out after the aforementioned applause begins.
Chart success
In addition to being a No. 1 country and pop hit, "I Can Help" reached No. 6 on Billboards Hot Adult Contemporary SinglesHot Adult Contemporary Tracks
The Adult Contemporary chart is a weekly chart published in Billboard magazine that lists the most popular songs on adult contemporary and "lite-pop" radio stations in the United States...
chart and No. 6 on the United Kingdom's Record Retailer
Record Retailer
Record Retailer was a trade newspaper for the UK record industry. It was founded in August 1959 as a monthly newspaper covering both labels and dealers. Its founding editor was Roy Parker...
chart. In addition, the song was a hit throughout most of Europe and also reached #1 in Australia.
"I Can Help" is certified gold for sales of 1,000,000 units by the Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
. http://www.riaa.com/gp/database/search_results.asp In U.K., it has "Silver" certification, and in France, it has sales about 700,000.
Chart positions
| Chart (1974-5) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks | 6 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Top Singles | 2 |
| Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks | 4 |
| Euro Hit 50 | 1 |
| Norwegian Singles Chart | 1 |
| Austrian Top 40 | 1 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 1 |
| Belgian VRT Top 30 | 1 |
| Dutch Top 40 | 1 |
| German Singles Chart | 1 |
| Australian Kent Music Report | 1 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 1 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 1 |
| Danish Singles Chart | 1 |
| French Singles Chart | 1 |
| South African Singles Chart | 3 |
| Spanish Singles Chart | 4 |
| U.K. Singles Chart | 6 |
| Irish Singles Chart | 11 |
| Italian Singles Chart | 42 |
Year-End Chart
| Chart (1974) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Top Singles | 16 |
| Chart (1975) | Peak position |
| Belgian VRT Top 30 | 4 |
| Swiss Music Charts | 5 |
| Austrian Top 40 | 6 |
| German Media Control Charts | 10 |
| Dutch Top 40 | 16 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 43 |