Joanna (Kool & the Gang song)


"Joanna" is a song by Kool & the Gang from their 1983 album, In the Heart. It was released as a single in November 1983.

Background

A romantic ballad similar to many of Kool & The Gang's later releases, the song features as its main subject the eponymous girl named "Joanna". In the group's music video, "Joanna" is portrayed as the current owner of a small, roadside café named "Joanna's Diner". Throughout the video, she serves the band members as both cook and waitress as they serenade her with the video occasionally flashing back to her younger days as a dancer at Harlem's famous Cotton Club in New York City and in love with the character portrayed by the group's lead singer, James "J.T." Taylor.

Chart performance

The song was an immediate hit peaking at #2 in the US for one week, behind "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club. Additionally, the track reached #2 in the UK as well as #1 on the US R&B chart.

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Cover Versions