Holland-Dozier-Holland: Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart

For Valentine’s Day, it is apropos to have a song about either love or the heart. Then, how about both? The Supremes’ “Love is like an Itching in my Heart” was composed by Holland-Dozier-Holland and produced by Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier. This 1966 recording peaked on the R&B charts at #7 and at #9 on Billboard’s and Cashbox’s pop charts. The single was issued on Motown’s primary label.

Diana Ross, as usual, was the lead singer on this hit single and was joined by Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson on backup vocals. The production on this single was extremely bright and it was perfect for AM radio and small, oval car radio speakers. The constant snare drum demands that you tap your feet or clap your hands.

The Funk Brothers provided the instrumentation. Not only was there a baritone sax solo, a glockenspiel (sometimes called “bells”) added accent to this hit. The glockenspiel gave this single almost a marching band feel. I love it. Have a happy Valentine’s Day.