Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Want Ads

"Want Ads" is a song recorded by the American R&B and soul girl group Honey Cone. Released as a single in March 1971 by Hot Wax Records, it served as the lead single from their third studio album, Soulful Tapestry (1971). Written by Greg Perry and General Johnson, and produced by Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song is an upbeat soul track that uses the metaphor of a classified "want ad" for a woman seeking a new romantic partner after being neglected and cheated on by her current one. The single topped the for one week on June 12, 1971, and the Hot R&B Singles chart for three weeks, becoming Honey Cone's only number-one hit on either chart and their signature song. It was certified by the RIAA in June 1971 for sales of one million copies.

Background and Development

Writing and Inspiration

"Want Ads" was written by Greg Perry, General Norman Johnson, and Barney Perkins in 1970. The song's origins trace back to a suggestion from studio engineer Barney Perkins, who, while browsing classified advertisements in a , proposed the idea of crafting a track around the concept of want ads as a for personal longing. This inspiration drew directly from the everyday practice of using want ads to seek goods, services, or companionship in the pre-internet era, transforming the mundane into a of pursuit. Perry and Johnson developed the composition, refining the lyrics to depict a woman's sassy and desperate search for a suitable partner, avoiding any unintended implications such as through careful wording. The result was a direct, humorous tone, exemplified by lines like "Wanted! Young man, single and free / Experience in love preferred (but will accept a young trainee)," which capture the protagonist's bold requirements in a playful, classified-ad style. This approach highlighted the song's unique blend of wit and vulnerability, rooted in real-life personal ads that often revealed intimate desires.

Group Context

Honey Cone was formed in 1968 in as an R&B and soul , co-founded by , Carolyn Willis, and Shelly Clark. The trio drew early inspiration from traditions while establishing a modern soul sound. Shortly after their formation, they became the first act signed to Hot Wax Records, a label founded that year by the Holland-Dozier-Holland following their departure from . This affiliation provided crucial backing for their development as a premier female vocal ensemble in the burgeoning soul scene. Edna Wright served as lead vocalist, bringing prior professional experience from her time with the backup group between 1962 and 1964, where she contributed to sessions for artists like . Wright was also the younger sister of renowned singer , connecting her to a legacy of influential female voices in rock and . Willis and Clark complemented Wright's leads with harmonious support, forming a stable core lineup that endured through the group's active years. The group's initial releases reflected a Motown-influenced style, including their debut "While You're Out Looking for " in 1969 and follow-up "Girls It " in 1969, both produced under the Hot Wax banner. By 1971, under the production guidance of Greg Perry, their sound began transitioning toward a funkier, more assertive edge, as heard in tracks like "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show." This evolution, supported by consistent label investment and the trio's solidified chemistry, positioned for wider recognition in 1971. Thematically, this period aligned with their focus on empowered female narratives, which would later inform songs like "Want Ads."

Recording and Production

Studio Sessions

The recording of "Want Ads" took place in 1970 at the Hot Wax Records studio in , , and the track was released in 1971 as part of Honey Cone's second album, Sweet Replies. Produced by Greg Perry with engineering handled by Barney Perkins, the sessions prioritized a live band feel to capture the group's dynamic energy, highlighted by their tight vocal harmonies layered in three parts. The production utilized the rhythm section—featuring bass, drums, and guitar, including notable Motown session players such as on bass and on guitar—to establish a funky groove, with overdubs applied specifically to enhance the vocal interplay, creating a cohesive, high-energy soul sound. contributed rhythm guitar during the sessions. The track was recorded in 1970, allowing integration into the album before its completion.

Key Contributors

, a burgeoning session in the early , contributed the and iconic funky riff that underpins the song's infectious groove, marking one of his early high-profile studio appearances before his solo success with hits like "." General Norman Johnson, lead singer of the Chairmen of the Board, co-wrote "Want Ads" alongside Greg Perry and Barney Perkins, drawing from his experience in soul songcraft to shape the lyrics into a clever about romantic desperation. delivered the lead vocals with a bold, assertive tone that conveys the protagonist's determination, her experienced delivery—honed from years as a background singer for artists like and —bringing immediacy to the verses. Shellie Clark and Carolyn Willis provided the lush backup vocals, layering tight harmonies that enhance the 's soulful texture and create a dynamic call-and-response interplay with Wright's leads, a technique rooted in their prior work as session singers. Under the overall production oversight by Greg Perry, these contributions coalesced during sessions at the Hot Wax Records studio in , blending individual talents into a cohesive .

Musical Composition

Lyrics and Theme

The song "Want Ads" follows a verse-chorus structure typical of early R&B, featuring verses that detail the protagonist's relational frustrations followed by a highly repetitive —"Gonna put it in the want ads"—that echoes the concise, declarative style of classified advertisements. At its core, the explore themes of female empowerment through humor, with the female narrator rejecting an unfaithful partner who "stays out all night" and returns with "lipstick on his collar" and "perfume on it too," opting instead to advertise publicly for a better match as an act of self-assertion. This approach critiques dating norms by framing romantic pursuit as a practical job search, highlighting women's in ending unsatisfactory relationships rather than enduring them passively. Key lines in the intro and outline the protagonist's specifications for an ideal partner—"Wanted, young man single and free / Experience in preferred / But will accept a young trainee"—while the escalates the desperation with pleas like "This girl's in / Somebody me," blending with to underscore the emotional toll of . In the broader of R&B, the song serves as a lighthearted feminist commentary on relationships, aligning with the era's second-wave emphasis on women's and public expression of personal needs amid civil and movements.

Style and Arrangement

"Want Ads" exemplifies a blend of R&B, , and early genres, characteristic of the girl-group sound prevalent in the early , delivered at a of 94 beats per minute () in 4/4 . The track's production by the Hot Wax label, founded by former producers Holland-Dozier-Holland, draws heavily from 's songwriting and rhythmic DNA while introducing an edgier edge that prioritizes infectious groove over lush orchestration. This approach creates a lively pop-funk foundation, echoing elements of hits like The Jackson 5's "" in its purposeful, breezy propulsion. The arrangement centers on a prominent, gently bubbling bass line that drives the rhythm, accented by sharp horn stabs and high-fretted guitar chops from a young Ray Parker Jr., adding rhythmic punch without overwhelming the core groove. Call-and-response vocals, led by Edna Wright's piercing yet controlled delivery, build dynamically through group proclamations, culminating in a climactic bridge that heightens emotional intensity before resolving into the outro. Sweetly sweeping strings provide subtle lift, enhancing the track's radio-friendly appeal. Clocking in at 2:46, the song follows a concise structure of intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-outro, designed for tight pacing that maximizes hooks and replay value in the singles format. This format underscores the production's focus on accessibility, making "Want Ads" a standout in the transition from polish to funk-infused soul.

Release and Promotion

Single Release

"Want Ads" was released in March 1971 by Hot Wax Records as the from the group's album Sweet Replies. The track, which had been recorded the previous year, marked a significant step for following their earlier minor chart entries. The single was issued in the standard 7-inch vinyl format, backed by "We Belong Together" on the B-side. Initial pressings were distributed through the affiliated Invictus and Hot Wax networks, which facilitated broader reach to radio programmers. This release aligned with a targeted spring 1971 push aimed at both R&B and pop stations, capitalizing on the group's growing presence in the soul music scene. In subsequent years, the single appeared on reissues of the Sweet Replies album, preserving its availability for later audiences.

Marketing and Performances

Honey Cone's promotion of "Want Ads" leveraged television appearances to highlight the group's vibrant stage presence and synchronized choreography, capitalizing on the single's infectious hook to appeal to both R&B and pop audiences. The label , founded by the Holland-Dozier-Holland team, targeted crossover success through strategic media exposure, building on the song's novelty theme to drive radio play across formats. A pivotal moment came with the group's debut on , where they performed "Want Ads" as one of the first musical guests on the show's premiere episode on October 2, 1971, hosted by ; this appearance introduced their dynamic routines to a national audience of fans. Later that year, Honey Cone appeared on , delivering a lively rendition of "Want Ads" alongside "Stick-Up," further emphasizing their polished and energetic delivery in a mainstream pop context. Complementing these TV spots, Hot Wax supported the single with print advertising in industry publications like Billboard magazine, featuring creative visuals that played on the song's classified ad motif to underscore its relatable, humorous narrative. The group also embarked on a 1971 promotional tour circuit, headlining U.S. shows and sharing bills with fellow soul acts from the Hot Wax and Invictus rosters, such as 100 Proof (Aged in Soul), to sustain momentum from the record's chart climb.

Commercial Performance

Chart Positions

"Want Ads" by achieved its highest chart success in the United States, marking the group's first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song debuted at No. 79 on the Hot 100 on April 10, 1971, steadily climbing the ranks to enter the top 10 by May and ultimately reaching No. 1 for one week on June 12, 1971. It maintained a presence on the chart for a total of 16 weeks, demonstrating sustained popularity during the summer months. On the R&B charts, "Want Ads" performed even more dominantly, topping the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart for three weeks from May 29 to June 19, 1971. This extended reign underscored the song's strong appeal within the soul and R&B audience, helping to solidify Honey Cone's reputation in that genre. The track's year-end performance was equally notable, ranking No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1971, reflecting its overall impact amid a competitive field of hits. Internationally, "Want Ads" saw moderate success, peaking at No. 11 on the and No. 3 on the . This crossover achievement highlighted the song's broader appeal beyond the U.S. market. Compared to Honey Cone's prior releases, such as "Girls It Ain't Easy," which peaked at No. 68 on the Hot 100, "Want Ads" represented a major breakthrough, propelling the group into mainstream stardom for the first time. The single's commercial momentum also contributed to its gold certification milestone.

Certifications and Sales

"Want Ads" achieved gold certification from the (RIAA) on May 14, 1971, recognizing sales of one million units in the United States. This milestone underscored the single's robust commercial performance, propelled by its crossover success that topped both the R&B and pop charts. At the time of its release, no platinum certification was possible, as the RIAA established the platinum award in 1976 to honor sales exceeding two million units for singles, reflecting evolving industry standards for higher-volume achievements. Modern retrospective certifications incorporating streaming equivalents do not apply to this era's physical sales metrics. Within Honey Cone's , "Want Ads" stands as their highest-selling , eclipsing other gold-certified tracks like "Stick-Up" and solidifying its position as the pinnacle of the group's commercial output.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in 1971, praised the song's infectious groove and witty lyrics in its singles review, highlighting its catchy appeal and clever narrative structure. Overall, contemporary reception was largely positive, with critics commending the vocal interplay among the trio's harmonies and the polished production by Greg Perry, though some pointed to minor critiques regarding its adherence to a somewhat formulaic arrangement. In retrospective assessments, underscores its subtle feminist undertones in the lyrics where the protagonist asserts agency by seeking a better partner through a classified ad. A 2016 reevaluation by included "Want Ads" in its list of the 200 best songs of the , describing it as a "proto-disco banger" for its upbeat rhythm and empowering cheekiness. The song's critical acclaim was further validated by a nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group at the in 1972, marking Honey Cone's only major Grammy nod.

Cultural Impact and Covers

"Want Ads" by Honey Cone has left a lasting mark on , particularly within the realms of R&B and , serving as a pioneering example of female-led anthems in the early . The song's innovative narrative of a woman seeking love through a classified ad challenged traditional roles in pop and helped pave the way for subsequent girl groups emphasizing independence and harmony-driven vocals. Its blend of upbeat and relatable storytelling influenced the structure of later R&B hits by female ensembles, contributing to the evolution of the genre toward more assertive female perspectives. The track has been covered multiple times, highlighting its enduring appeal across genres. In 1979, Ullanda McCullough released a disco-infused version on her album Love Zone, which peaked at No. 65 on the US R&B chart and reinterpreted the original's soulful energy with pulsating beats and extended grooves. Taylor Dayne included a pop-oriented remake on her 1988 debut album Tell It to My Heart, infusing the song with 1980s synth production while preserving its catchy hook and vocal interplay. "Want Ads" has also been sampled and interpolated in contemporary music, extending its rhythmic and melodic elements into new contexts. Mary Mary's 2005 gospel track "Heaven" incorporates vocal hooks from the original, blending them with uplifting harmonies to create a modern worship anthem that reached No. 1 on the Gospel chart. Similarly, The Avalanches' 2016 song "Because I'm Me" from the album interpolates the iconic guitar riff, layering it into a psychedelic sample that peaked at No. 18 on the Australian charts. The song's cultural footprint extends to visual media, where it has been featured to evoke nostalgia and themes of romance. It appears in the soundtrack of the 2007 romantic comedy Because I Said So, starring Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore, underscoring scenes of familial matchmaking and personal ads in a contemporary setting. Today, "Want Ads" frequently appears in curated playlists celebrating 1970s soul classics on streaming platforms, maintaining its relevance for new generations discovering vintage R&B. In terms of legacy, "Want Ads" symbolizes an era of girl group resurgence, with Honey Cone's success as one of the few all-female acts to top the in the early 1970s inspiring later groups like , who drew on similar vocal arrangements and empowerment themes in their 1990s hits. The group was inducted into the SoulMusic Hall of Fame in 2021, recognizing the song's role in shaping soul music's narrative of female agency.

Credits and Personnel

References

  1. [1]
    Definition of WANT AD
    - **Definition**: A newspaper advertisement stating that something (e.g., an employee, employment, or specified item) is wanted.
  2. [2]
    want ad, n. meanings, etymology and more - Oxford English Dictionary
    The earliest known use of the noun want ad is in the 1890s. OED's earliest evidence for want ad is from 1892, in Printers' Ink. Nearby entries.
  3. [3]
    Classified Advertising - Ad Age
    Sep 14, 2003 · The Philadelphia Public Ledger is said to have invented "modern" classified advertising shortly after the U.S. Civil War, which ended in 1865.Missing: history | Show results with:history
  4. [4]
    This was the first classified ad ever published in North America - CBC
    Feb 15, 2020 · Classified ads began appearing in England in the 1600s. They were handwritten, and nailed to posts. Some of the first copywriters in recorded ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  5. [5]
    http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Blossoms.html
  6. [6]
    https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/edna-wright-dead-9448113/
  7. [7]
    The Evolution of Classified Ads - ADvendio
    Jun 27, 2022 · In 1704, newspapers were the first source of classified ads, which provided advertisers with low-cost notices divided into a variety of categories.
  8. [8]
    Want Ads by Honey Cone - Songfacts
    An engineer at the studio named Barney Perkins also got a songwriting credit. It was Perkins who suggested a song about want ads, which were the way goods and ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  9. [9]
    The Number Ones: The Honey Cone's “Want Ads” - Stereogum
    Jan 30, 2019 · “Want Ads,” the trio's one big hit, did not come from Holland-Dozier-Holland. Instead, producer Greg Perry cowrote it with Chairmen Of The Board ...
  10. [10]
    Honey Cone (1968-1973) - BlackPast.org
    Jun 3, 2021 · Co-founded by the talented Edna Wright, Carolyn Willis, and Shelly Clark, the group drew inspiration from the doo-wop sounds of the late ...
  11. [11]
    Want Ads by Honey Cone - Songfacts
    The girls returned to Detroit and released the singles "Girls It Ain't Easy ... song with Honey Cone. ... Johnson and Perry teamed up to write a follow-up hit for ...
  12. [12]
    The Blossoms Page - Soulwalking
    Edna Wright (Darlene's sister) and Grazia Nitzsche were also members of the Blossoms. Edna Wright / oops here i go again - 1977. They ...
  13. [13]
    Edna Wright, Honey Cone Singer and Sister of Darlene Love, Dies
    Sep 12, 2020 · Edna Wright, best known as the lead singer of The Honey Cone, the girl group that went to No. 1 on the Hot 100 with the song “Want Ads” in 1971, has died.Missing: Blossoms | Show results with:Blossoms
  14. [14]
    Hot Wax and Honey-Sweet Hits - Adam White
    Apr 21, 2023 · Greg Perry never went back for the money. It was one day in 1968, and ... Want Ads” and “Stick-Up,” and Freda Payne's “Bring The Boys Home.Missing: originated | Show results with:originated
  15. [15]
    https://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/currentmusicology/article/download/5188/2431
  16. [16]
    On the Raydio: An Interview with Ray Parker, Jr. - PopMatters
    Dec 11, 2019 · I played on all that stuff like Honey Cone's “Want Ads” and Chairmen of the Board's “Patches”. The two hits that I know I missed that I wish ...
  17. [17]
    https://discover.hubpages.com/entertainment/best-rnb-songs-from-1971
  18. [18]
    'Want Ads' Singer Edna Wright, of Honey Cone, Dies
    Edna Wright, the lead singer of the female vocal trio Honey Cone, who scored a #1 pop and R&B hit with “Want Ads” in 1971, died Saturday (September 12).
  19. [19]
    https://www.discogs.com/release/926968-The-Honey-Cone-Want-Ads-We-Belong-Together
  20. [20]
    Honey Cone – Want Ads Lyrics - Genius
    Greg Perry. Writers. General Johnson, Barney Perkins & Greg Perry. Released in. March 1971. Songs That Sample Want Ads · The Intro by Slim Thug, Heaven by Mary ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  21. [21]
    Forever No. 1: The Honey Cone's 'Want Ads' - Billboard
    Sep 14, 2020 · "Want Ads" accomplishes what every pop song should set out to do: finding a new, novel and fun way to present extremely relatable emotions and ...
  22. [22]
    Get Down: Funk, Movement, and the End of the Great Migrations
    Nov 15, 2020 · Released in 1969, “Want Ads” articulates a gender and sexual politics similar to that traced by Hazel Carby in “The Sexual Politics of Woman's ...
  23. [23]
    [PDF] Sex and Laughter in Women's Music, 1970-77
    hit, and, to a lesser degree, Honey Cone's 1971 song "Want Ads." Women's music, on the other hand, was created for a lesbian audience to describe lesbian ...
  24. [24]
    Want Ads - Honey Cone BPM & Key Analysis | SongData.io
    With Want Ads by Honey Cone having a BPM of 94 with a half-time of 47 BPM and a double-time of 188 BPM, we would consider this track to have a Andante (at a ...
  25. [25]
    100 Best R&B Songs From 1971 - HubPages
    May 8, 2025 · In 1971, there was still space for horns and bass lines that had their own conversations beneath the vocals. ... 'Want Ads'—The Honey Cone. 13. ' ...
  26. [26]
    The Honey Cone - Want Ads / We Belong Together
    ### Summary of "Want Ads" by Honey Cone
  27. [27]
    Hot Wax Album Discography - Both Sides Now Publications
    Oct 21, 2005 · Their first single for Hot Wax was the Honey Cone's "While You ... Hot Wax label mainly on the reputation of Holland, Dozier, and Holland.
  28. [28]
    Sweet Replies - Honey Cone | Album - AllMusic
    Rating 8.2/10 (10) Sweet Replies by Honey Cone released in 1971. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  29. [29]
    https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=1&URLidx=0&Disk=14748_01-2
  30. [30]
    Vintage Honey Cone
    HONEY CONE performs “Want Ads” on Soul Train. Honey Cone was the first act to appear on the popular televised show, Soul Train, which featured performances ...
  31. [31]
    The Want Ads/Artists: The Honey Cone) | Facebook
    Oct 2, 2025 · To celebrate this occasion here are The Honey Cone (The first Artists to perform on the Iconic stage) with their hit song "The Want Ads" in 1971 ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  32. [32]
    "American Bandstand" Episode #14.49 (TV Episode 1971) - IMDb
    Episode #14.49: With Dick Clark, Honey Cone, Tommy Roe. The vocal trio Honey Cone sing "Want Ads" and "Stick-Up." Tommy Roe performs "Stagger Lee."
  33. [33]
    The Unhooked Generation: Holland-Dozier-Holland After Motown
    The subject matter of the group's next single, “Girls It Ain't Easy,” is a bit closer to the Motown girl group's woe-is-me wheelhouse, a fact accentuated by the ...
  34. [34]
    BILLBOARD #1 HITS: #254: “WANT ADS”- THE HONEY CONE
    Jul 13, 2020 · General Norman Johnson who was brought in to help with the writing of “Want Ads” was the leader of Chairmen Of The Board. The song was first ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  35. [35]
    EPK — HONEY CONE
    They received the prestigious FOREVER NUMBER 1 AWARD for their pop hit record WANT ADS from BILLBOARD MUSIC! HONEY CONE was recently inducted into the SOUL ...
  36. [36]
    Story of Gold® & Platinum® - RIAA
    Check out our interactive timeline to learn about the program's storied history. Story of Gold® & Platinum®. A Gold & Platinum certification is a pinnacle ...
  37. [37]
    [PDF] 1971 In Review: Best Artists, Albums, Singles - World Radio History
    Dec 25, 1971 · ... Honey Cone -Hot Wax 7110 (Dist: Buddah). 28. 34. KNOW) I'M LOSING YOU ... career goes back to the early 50's when he served as profes ...
  38. [38]
    Want Ads - Honey Cone | AllMusic
    Explore Want Ads by Honey Cone. Get track information, read reviews, listen to it streaming, and more at AllMusic.
  39. [39]
    Want Ads by Honey Cone - Samples, Covers and Remixes
    Who produced "Want Ads" by Honey Cone? "Want Ads" was produced by Greg Perry. Discussion.
  40. [40]
    Taylor Dayne cover of Honey Cone's 'Want Ads' - WhoSampled
    "Want Ads" by Taylor Dayne is a cover of Honey Cone's "Want Ads". Listen to both songs on WhoSampled.
  41. [41]
    Mary Mary's 'Heaven' sample of Honey Cone's 'Want Ads'
    "Heaven" by Mary Mary sampled Honey Cone's "Want Ads". Listen to both songs on WhoSampled.
  42. [42]
    Songs that Sampled Want Ads by Honey Cone - WhoSampled
    Songs that Sampled Want Ads by Honey Cone on WhoSampled. ... Mary Mary's Heaven, Heaven · Mary Mary, 2005, Multiple Elements. Jim Jones feat ...
  43. [43]
    Because I Said So Soundtrack - SoundtrackINFO
    Apr 24, 2007 · Because I Said So soundtrack, music by various artists. ... "Want Ads" by The Honey Cone (thanks to Allyson, Manila) add more ...
  44. [44]
    Want Ads - song and lyrics by Honey Cone - Spotify
    Lyrics. Wanted, young man single and free. Experience in love preferred, but will accept a young trainee. Oh, I'm gonna put it in the want ads, ...Missing: sessions Studios
  45. [45]
    R.I.P. Pamela Hutchinson – the sister who completed The Emotions ...
    Sep 21, 2020 · In the 1970s before “Best of My Love,” there had only been two: Honey Cone's “Want Ads” in 1971 and Silver Convention's “Fly Robin Fly” in '75.
  46. [46]
    Honey Cone's Music Career and Achievements - Facebook
    Sep 5, 2025 · Today, “Want Ads” remains a cultural touchstone—sampled by artists, covered by singers, and remembered as a track that blended musical ...En Vogue is an American R&B/pop vocal group formed in 1989 in ...En Vogue debuted at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with ...More results from www.facebook.com