"Never Knew Love Like This Before" is a 1980 song written and produced by songwriters James Mtume and Reggie Lucas for American R&B recording artist Stephanie Mills's fourth studio album Sweet Sensation (1980). According to Lucas's wife, Kay, the song was inspired by the birth of their baby daughter, Lisa. The song became Mills's biggest hit on the US Billboard Pop Singles Chart, where it peaked at number six, outperforming her previously highest charting single, "What Cha' Gonna Do with My Lovin'", which peaked at number 22. The single was also successful on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts, peaking at No. 12 and No. five, respectively. It was a bigger success in the UK where it peaked at number four. The record won Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 1981 Grammy Awards, vanquishing competition that included Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, and Minnie Riperton. The song gave the title to the fourth episode of the second season of FX American drama television series Pose; in the episode, it was performed in playback, in the episode's final number, by the character of Candy, portrayed by Angelica Ross. Personnel Howard King – drums Basil Fearington – bass James Mtume – keyboards Hubert Eaves III – keyboards Reggie Lucas – guitar Ed Moore – guitar James Mtume – percussion Ed Walsh – synthesizer programming Tawatha Agee, Gwen Guthrie, Brenda White King, James Mtume & Reggie Lucas – background vocals Gene Blanco – String and horn arrangements Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Cover versions In 1999, French band Organiz' covered the song. The track reached on number five on French Singles Chart, and 6 on Belgian Singles Chart. Thomas Anders covered the song for his 1995 album Souled. In 2013, Jessie Ware covered the song for the soundtrack to the film I Give It a Year. Composition The Intro and Verse chords are [B E F#/A# D#m7 G#m7 C#m9 E/F#], cycling through the diatonic Circle of fifths in the key of B major. The Chorus section chords are [Emaj7 D#m7 C#m7 Emaj7 D#m7 C#m7 Emaj7 D#m7 C#sus4 C#7 E]. Certifications References External links Thomas Anders - Never Knew Love Like This Before on YouTube 1980 songs 1980 singles Stephanie Mills songs Songs written by Reggie Lucas Songs written by James Mtume 20th Century Fox Records singles Disco songs