Eddie Rabbitt Moves Fans With Performance Of His Chart-Topping 1980 Song ‘I Love A Rainy Night’

Mar 24, 2023 by apost team

When people think of country music, the first artists that would probably come into mind for some people would be the likes of Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and even Morgan Wallen. But before those male country artists became popular, Eddie Rabbitt belonged to the generation of country artists who paved the way for them in the 70s and 80s. 

Born Edward Thomas Rabbitt, the American country music singer was also a songwriter. His illustrious career began in the late 1960s. He gained significant prominence when he composed the song "Kentucky Rain" for Elvis Presley in 1970 and "Pure Love" for Ronnie Milsap in 1974. 

After breaking through in the industry, Rabbit then helped craft the biggest country crossover songs in the early 80s, like "Suspicions" and "Every Which Way but Loose,” the theme song from “Every Which Way but Loose.” He was also known for his duets with Juice Newton and Crystal Gayle, "Both to Each Other (Friends and Lovers)" and "You and I,” respectively. 

But perhaps one of the most iconic songs he released, next to “Kentucky Rain," was the 1980 Billboard Hot 100 hit “I Love a Rainy Night." Since then, he has amassed monumental success in his career. The song was the second single from his sixth studio album, “Horizon.” 

Although he was credited largely for the success of the song, Rabbit co-wrote it with two other people, Even Stevens and David Malloy.

Thanks to its beautiful lyrics and timeless tune, the song remained to be a classic country song up until now. 

Released in November 1980 via Elektra Records, “I Love a Rainy Night” became one of the most successful songs that Rabbitt has released in his career. Music historian Fred Bonson said that the song was being written for 12 years. Apparently, Rabbit rummaged through his collection of old tapes in his own basement. 

Upon hearing a part of the song, he recorded it – coincidentally, on a rainy night back in the 1960s. 

"It brought back the memory of sitting in a small apartment, staring out the window at one o'clock in the morning, watching the rain come down," Bronson wrote in his book, “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.” "He sang into his tape recorder, 'I love a rainy night, I love a rainy night.'"

After his lightbulb moment, Rabbit sought the help of his songwriting buddies, Malloy and Stevens – they eventually recorded the remaining parts of the song. 

The song expounds on the lyrics and recalls vivid descriptions of a man’s fascination with thunderstorms and the peace that rain brings to him – almost like a pluviophile. Lyrically, the song also explained how thunderstorms and rains give a man a “renewed sense of hope.” 

Apart from the lyrics that would probably keep one occupied on a rainy evening, it was also quite distinctive for others because of its hand claps and finger snaps that can be heard throughout the song. Percussionist Farrell Morris was reported to have added that part to the song. 

Since then, the song has gained popularity – launching Rabbitt’s music career to even greater heights. 

apost.com

It was Rabbitt’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 charts; the last song of his that got to the coveted list was "Drivin' My Life Away,” which only ranked No. 5. 

Meanwhile, the song also cemented country music’s popularity during that time in the 1980s. This is because “I Love a Rainy Night,” took over Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" at the top spot. This was the last time that the popular songs charts featured back-to-back country genre songs at the summit of the charts.

The song was also certified gold because of its half a million sold units by the Recording Industry Association of America. If one listens to the song again, it might take them back to the time when rainy nights are reminiscent only of peaceful and cold nights, but not disasters and floodings. 

“Well, I love a rainy night. It's such a beautiful sight, I love to feel the rain on my face. Taste the rain on my lips, In the moonlight shadows. Showers wash all of my cares away, I wake up to a sunny day,” Rabbit sang. “Puts a song in this heart of mine, puts a smile on my face every time.”

On YouTube, the song transported people into a daze of nostalgia upon hearing the song for the first time or when they were still growing up. 

“When I was just 5 years old in 1975, I remember my dad often sitting in our living room with his guitar, and listening to Eddie Rabbitt on the radio. My dad was a country music singer in Washington State,” a fan shared. 

“I remember meeting him when I was a kid he picked me to come up on stage with him I'll never forget,” another recalled. 

Are you a fan of Eddie Rabbitt? Have you heard of the song “I Love A Rainy Night?" What is your favorite Eddie Rabbitt song? Let us know, and pass this on to your family and friends so that they may remember this classic hit!