Barbara Acklin was one of the shining voices of Chicago soul in the 1960s and 70s. Best known for her hit “Love Makes a Woman,” she made her mark as both a talented singer and a prolific songwriter. While her time in the spotlight was relatively short, her influence continues through the songs she helped shape and the artists she worked with.
| Barbara Acklin – Artist Profile | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barbara Jean Acklin |
| Birth Date | February 28, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, USA |
| Primary Genre | Soul / R&B |
| Key Hit | “Love Makes a Woman” (1968) |
| Notable Collaborators | Gene Chandler, Eugene Record, The Chi-Lites |
| Songwriting Highlights | “Have You Seen Her,” “Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” |
| Record Labels | Brunswick Records, Capitol Records |
| Died | November 27, 1998 (aged 55) |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Barbara Jean Acklin was born on February 28, 1943, in Oakland, California. Her family later moved to Chicago, where her musical journey truly began. Like many soul singers of her era, Acklin’s first stage was her church. She grew up singing gospel music and developed her voice in the strong spiritual tradition of her local congregation.
As a teenager, she began performing in clubs around Chicago while attending Dunbar Vocational High School. Her powerful yet smooth vocal style soon caught the attention of people in the local music scene.
From Receptionist to Recording Artist
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After school, Acklin took a job as a secretary for her cousin Monk Higgins, a saxophonist and producer. That role opened doors. Soon she became a receptionist at Brunswick Records, a well-known Chicago label. While working there, she met influential producer Carl Davis.
She didn’t just answer phones—she made sure the producers heard her demos. Davis was impressed and signed her to a recording deal. In 1968, she released her breakout single, “Love Makes a Woman.”
The song became a major hit, reaching:
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#3 on the Billboard R&B chart
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#15 on the Billboard Hot 100
It put Acklin on the map as a rising soul star.
Collaborations and Songwriting Success
In addition to singing, Barbara had a gift for songwriting. She co-wrote several hits with Eugene Record of The Chi-Lites, including:
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“Have You Seen Her” – a No. 1 R&B hit and Top 5 pop hit for The Chi-Lites
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“Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” – a hit for Jackie Wilson
Acklin also recorded a string of successful duets with Gene Chandler, including:
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“From the Teacher to the Preacher”
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“Show Me the Way to Go”
These duets became popular on the R&B charts and helped build her reputation as both a singer and collaborator.
Albums and Career Changes
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Acklin released several albums with Brunswick Records:
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Love Makes a Woman (1968)
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Seven Days of Night (1969)
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Someone Else’s Arms (1970)
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I Did It (1971)
Her music during this period blended upbeat grooves with emotionally rich ballads, supported by the classic Chicago soul production style.
In 1974, she moved to Capitol Records, hoping for greater creative control. Unfortunately, the switch didn’t bring commercial success. Her Capitol releases, including the single “Raindrops”, failed to make a strong impact on the charts.
Later Life and Final Years
By the late 1970s, Acklin’s presence in the recording industry had faded. However, she stayed active behind the scenes, helping with background vocals and songwriting. Her influence could still be felt in the sound of Chicago soul.
She eventually moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she lived a quieter life. She passed away on November 27, 1998, at the age of 55.
Legacy
Barbara Acklin’s work didn’t end with her passing. In 2002, a posthumous compilation titled The Best of Barbara Acklin: The Brunswick Anthology introduced her music to a new generation of listeners.
In total, Acklin placed 12 singles on the Billboard R&B chart, with several also crossing over to the pop charts. Her songs continue to be sampled and appreciated by soul fans and musicians.
Acklin is remembered not just for one major hit, but for a rich body of work that includes standout solo songs and timeless contributions to other artists’ success.