Precious Pop Pearls: The Story Behind Grover Washington Jr. – “Just the Two of Us”

In the spring of 1981, a song aired on the radio that blurred the lines between jazz and pop. A warm saxophone, a velvety-smooth voice, and an irresistible groove fused into a love song that would enchant generations. ‘Just the Two of Us’ by Grover Washington Jr. with Bill Withers was more than a hit. It was definitive proof that jazz belonged on the big stage and marked the peak of a movement that would firmly establish smooth jazz.

Grover Washington Jr.

Grover Washington Jr. was born on 12 December 1943 in Buffalo, New York, into a family steeped in music. His father played tenor saxophone and collected old jazz records, while his mother sang in a church choir. At eight, young Grover received his first saxophone. While other children played outside, he snuck into clubs to watch blues legends perform. By the age of twelve, he was already performing professionally.

After a period in the army, where he met drummer Billy Cobham, Washington moved to Philadelphia in 1967, the city that would become his artistic home. His breakthrough came unexpectedly. When alto saxophonist Hank Crawford had to cancel a recording session for Creed Taylor’s Kudu Records, Washington stepped in. This led to his debut album ‘Inner City Blues’, marking the beginning of an impressive career.

Washington’s fourth album, ‘Mister Magic,’ in 1975 brought him commercial success. It reached number one on Billboard’s R&B album chart and number ten on the pop chart. The title track became a hit, and Washington proved he could excel on various saxophones: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. Critics were divided on his commercial approach, but no one could deny his musical craftsmanship.

Just the Two of Us

In 1980, Washington signed with Elektra Records, part of the Warner Music Group. For his album ‘Winelight’, he sought a fresh sound, something that combined his love of basketball with refined grooves. The album opened with the title track ‘Winelight’, followed by ‘Let It Flow’, a tribute to his beloved Philadelphia 76ers player Julius Erving, better known as Dr J.

Producers Ralph MacDonald and William Salter gave the album its biggest success. They had written an instrumental composition and invited Bill Withers to add lyrics and vocals. Withers, already established with hits like ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘Lean on Me’, could not resist. He recognised the composition’s potential and turned it into an ode to romantic love.

The result was ‘Just the Two of Us’, a track that brilliantly weaved Washington’s smooth saxophone playing with Withers’ warm, soulful voice. The foundation was a refined chord progression reminiscent of the ‘Sunny’ sequence, but with its own twist. Richard Tee’s electric piano provided a velvety base, while Eric Gale’s jazzy guitar chords and Steve Gadd’s subtle drumming strengthened the groove. The steel drum solo in the 12-inch version added a tropical touch, giving the song an extra dimension.

When ‘Just the Two of Us’ was released as a single in February 1981, the response was overwhelming. The song climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100, held back for three weeks first by Sheena Easton’s ‘Morning Train’ and later by Kim Carnes’ ‘Bette Davis Eyes’. On the R&B Singles chart, it reached number three. The track stayed on the Hot 100 for 24 weeks, including eleven weeks in the top 10.

Internationally, the song also resonated. In the UK, it reached number 34, in France number 32, and in Australia, where it was heavily played on adult contemporary radio, it peaked at number 31. It became a worldwide standard for romance, played in restaurants, on beaches, and during intimate moments.

At the 1982 Grammy Awards, ‘Just the Two of Us’ won Best R&B Song. Withers, Salter, and MacDonald shared the honour. The album ‘Winelight’ won the Grammy for Best Jazz Fusion Performance and was also nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. For Washington, it was his only top 40 hit in the United States, but what a hit.

Will Smith

In 1997, ‘Just the Two of Us’ found a second life when rapper and actor Will Smith sampled it for his debut album ‘Big Willie Style’. Smith’s version retained the familiar melody and chorus but shifted the focus entirely. Instead of romantic love, the song celebrated the bond between father and son, specifically addressed to his eldest son, Trey.

Smith’s lyrics were personal and poignant. He opened with the emotional memory of Trey’s birth and continued with fatherly advice about avoiding drugs, street violence, and bad company. Produced by Sauce of Somethin’ for the People, the track combined the original jazz-funk foundation with contemporary hip-hop elements. Fuzzy contributed the chorus and ad-libs, giving the track an R&B vibe.

Smith’s version was released as the fourth single from ‘Big Willie Style’ in July 1998. It reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two in the UK. The video, directed by Bob Giraldi, featured Smith playing with Trey alongside footage of other famous fathers with their children, including Babyface, Magic Johnson, and Muhammad Ali. The song became one of Smith’s biggest solo hits and introduced the original to a new generation of listeners.

Winelight

Released in October 1980, ‘Winelight’ defined Washington’s artistic vision. The album was smooth, refined, and infused with R&B and easy listening influences. Washington played various saxophones, alternating long, expressive solos with subtle melodic passages. The musicians around him were top-tier: Marcus Miller on bass, Eric Gale on guitar, and Richard Tee on keyboards.

The opening track, ‘Winelight’, immediately set the mood with a relaxing groove and Washington’s velvety saxophone. ‘Let It Flow’ brought energy and funk, perfectly matching Dr J’s athletic grace. ‘In the Name of Love’ was later reworked by Ralph MacDonald and Bill Withers without Washington’s saxophone. ‘Take Me There’ offered a melodic journey, while ‘Make Me a Memory (Sad Samba)’ closed the album with introspective, melancholic harmonies.

The album went platinum in 1981 and reached high positions on both jazz and pop charts. It firmly established Washington as a pioneer of the smooth jazz explosion that would dominate the 1980s. Critics were divided. Some praised its accessibility and craftsmanship; others criticised its commercialism. Worldwide listeners embraced it as a masterpiece of atmospheric, emotive music.

Mister Magic

For those wishing to dive deeper into Washington’s work, 1975’s ‘Mister Magic’ is essential. The title track, written by MacDonald and Salter (the same writers as ‘Just the Two of Us’), became a major hit, reaching number 16 on the R&B Singles chart. The album showcased Washington’s ability to blend funk, jazz, and soul into a sound both intellectually satisfying and physically compelling.

‘Earth Tones’, a sprawling track over twelve minutes long, used natural sounds and aggressive solos, while ‘Black Frost’ created a mysterious atmosphere with strings. The album topped the soul and jazz album charts and reached number ten on the pop chart. It proved that despite criticism of his commercial approach, Washington was a serious jazz musician with roots in R&B and soul-jazz.

Bill Withers

For Bill Withers, ‘Just the Two of Us’ was one of his last major artistic successes. After issues with Columbia Records and frustration over the control A&R executives—whom he called ‘blaxperts’—wanted over his music, Withers turned to collaborations from 1977 onwards. While ‘Just the Two of Us’ won a Grammy, Withers increasingly distanced himself from the music industry.

In 1985, he released his final studio album, ‘Watching You Watching Me’, after which he retired from music. He later said he did not miss touring or performing. He had lived for the music and felt no need to continue once his love for the industry had faded. Withers passed away on 30 March 2020, but his songs, including ‘Just the Two of Us’, continue to inspire generations.

Grover Washington Jr. continued touring and recording after ‘Winelight’ but never reached the same commercial heights. He remained a respected figure in the jazz world, playing with presidents and jazz greats, and influencing artists such as Kenny G. On 17 December 1999, just five days after his 56th birthday, Washington collapsed after recording a TV show in New York City. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed a massive heart attack. Washington passed away later that evening.

His legacy remains intact. ‘Just the Two of Us’ continues to be played on radio stations worldwide, used in films and series, and covered by artists across genres. In 2020, the song saw a revival on TikTok, introducing a new generation to its timeless beauty. It is a gem that continues to shine, no matter how often it is rediscovered.