R.B. Greaves made a lasting impression on pop and soul music with just one unforgettable song: “Take a Letter, Maria.” While his time in the spotlight was brief, that 1969 single became a crossover hit that still resonates today. With catchy Latin-inspired horns and a storyline of heartbreak and hope, the song captured a unique moment in music history.
But who was the man behind the song? Greaves had deep roots in both American and Caribbean culture. He came from a musical family and carved out a career that briefly touched the charts before fading quietly. Here’s a closer look at the life, music, and legacy of R.B. Greaves.
| Full Name | Ronald Bertram Aloysius Greaves III |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | R.B. Greaves |
| Birthdate | November 28, 1943 |
| Birthplace | Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana) |
| Genres | Pop, Soul, R&B |
| Famous Hit | “Take a Letter, Maria” (1969) |
| Chart Peak | #2 on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Album | R.B. Greaves (1969) |
| Label | Atco Records (subsidiary of Atlantic Records) |
| Death | September 27, 2012 (aged 68) |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Ronald Bertram Aloysius Greaves III was born on November 28, 1943, on a U.S. Air Force base in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana). His father was serving in the military, which meant the family moved often.
After spending part of his childhood on a Seminole Indian reservation in the U.S., Greaves moved to the U.K. in the early 1960s. There, he began performing in clubs and building a name for himself. He also toured the Caribbean, adding rich cultural influences to his sound.
Greaves had a strong musical connection through family. His uncle was Sam Cooke, a pioneer of soul music. Cooke’s groundbreaking hits like “You Send Me” and “A Change Is Gonna Come” paved the way for Black artists in the industry. This legacy no doubt influenced Greaves, who pursued music with similar passion and emotional depth.
In England, Greaves became the lead vocalist for the band Sonny Childe and the TNTs. Though not widely known today, this experience helped him polish his stage presence and vocal delivery.
“Take a Letter, Maria” – A One-Hit Wonder That Endured
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Greaves’ biggest break came when he wrote “Take a Letter, Maria,” a song that blended storytelling, soul, and Latin brass into one unforgettable track.
The song follows a man who discovers his wife’s infidelity and dictates a letter of separation to his secretary, Maria. It’s not just about betrayal—there’s also a note of optimism. The final lines hint that he might begin a new chapter with Maria herself.
Although the song had been recorded by other artists—including Tom Jones and Stevie Wonder—Greaves hadn’t yet released his own version. That changed when Ahmet Ertegun, the co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, urged Greaves to record it himself. Ertegun’s instincts proved right.
Released in 1969 on Atlantic’s Atco label, “Take a Letter, Maria” was a smash. It climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #10 on the R&B chart, and #21 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The single went gold, selling over a million copies.
The track’s Latin-flavored horns, provided by the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, set it apart from other soul songs of the era. The arrangement added flair while keeping the emotional core intact.
Greaves included the song on his self-titled debut album, R.B. Greaves, released the same year. The album also featured other tracks, but none reached the same level of success.
Attempts to Follow Up
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Greaves released several follow-up singles, hoping to duplicate the success of “Take a Letter, Maria.” These included:
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“(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” – A cover of the Burt Bacharach and Hal David classic, which reached #27 on the pop chart and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
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“Whiter Shade of Pale” – A soulful take on the Procol Harum hit.
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“Fire and Rain” – A cover of James Taylor’s emotional ballad.
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“Margie, Who’s Watching the Baby?” – An original song released in 1977 on the Bareback label.
While a few singles charted modestly, none matched the popularity of his breakout hit. Greaves also recorded for Sunflower Records in the 1970s, but by that point, his commercial momentum had slowed significantly.
Style and Influence
R.B. Greaves had a unique sound that combined soul, pop, and Caribbean rhythm. His music often featured horns, strong melodies, and narrative lyrics. Unlike many artists of his time, Greaves didn’t rely solely on love ballads—his lyrics had a story-driven quality that made songs like “Take a Letter, Maria” stand out.
Though often labeled a one-hit wonder, Greaves was a skilled songwriter and performer with a voice that could carry both pain and promise in a single verse.
Later Years and Death
In his later years, Greaves stepped away from the public eye. There was no major comeback or reunion tour. Instead, he lived quietly, largely removed from the music industry that had once celebrated him.
R.B. Greaves died of prostate cancer on September 27, 2012, in Granada Hills, California. He was 68 years old.
While he may not have had a long list of hits, Greaves left behind a song that still gets airplay and evokes strong emotions more than five decades after its release.
Legacy
“Take a Letter, Maria” continues to appear in films, commercials, and radio playlists. Its story is timeless, and its sound is instantly recognizable. The song’s themes—betrayal, dignity, and starting over—still resonate with listeners today.
Greaves’ story is a reminder that one great song can make an artist unforgettable. He may have had just one major hit, but it was enough to carve his name into pop and soul history.