Percy Sledge, born in Alabama, embarked on an unconventional journey in the music industry. By day, he worked as an orderly at a local hospital, while by night, he would perform with the Esquires Combo, a local band, on weekends. This dual existence continued until a former patient at the hospital, who knew both Sledge and renowned record producer Quin Ivy, introduced the two. Ivy was captivated by Sledge's distinctive and emotive singing style, which led to him signing the talented artist to a recording contract.
Sledge's debut record, the timeless "When a Man Loves a Woman," was released by Atlantic Records and went on to become a worldwide phenomenon, earning the distinction of being the first Atlantic record to achieve gold status. Although "When a Man Loves a Woman" remained his biggest hit, Sledge continued to produce chart-topping records. He remains an active performer to this day, with a particularly strong following in Europe.
