"Caravan of Love" is a song originally recorded by American R&B group Isley-Jasper-Isley, the second half of the Isley Brothers' 3 + 3 lineup of the 1970s. A cover version by the British band the Housemartins became an international hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1986.
Original Isley-Jasper-Isley version After breaking away from the family group, the splinter group including Chris Jasper wrote and produced this single, which was Jasper's interpolation intending to reach audiences by presenting Christian beliefs in his music. The song became the trio's biggest hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart and number 51 on the Billboard pop chart in 1985; it would be their only prominent hit before they embarked on solo careers in 1988. The music video was filmed on-location in New York City.
Track listings 7-inch vinyl single A. "Caravan of Love" – 4:15 B. "I Can't Get Over Losin' You" – 4:05
12-inch vinyl single A. "Caravan of Love" – 5:43 B. "I Can't Get Over Losin' You" – 4:05
Personnel Chris Jasper: Keyboards, lead vocals, piano, production Ernie Isley: Guitar, drums, backing vocals, production Marvin Isley: Bass, backing vocals, production
Charts +Chart (1985–1986)PeakpositionCanada Top Singles (RPM)74Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)24US Billboard Hot 10051US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)16US Hot Black Singles (Billboard)1
The Housemartins version
British indie band the Housemartins released "Caravan of Love" on November 24, 1986. The a cappella song was a success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart on December 16, 1986 (only the second a cappella recording to do so, after "Only You" by the Flying Pickets in 1983), before being denied the Christmas number one single by a posthumous re-release of Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite". The song was an international hit, reaching the top three in several countries, including topping the charts of Ireland and Sweden. It is included on the Housemartins' greatest hits compilation Now That's What I Call Quite Good.
Track listings 7-inch vinyl single A. "Caravan of Love" – 3:40 B. "When I First Met Jesus" – 2:46
12-inch vinyl single A1. "Caravan of Love" A2. "We Shall Not Be Moved" B1. "When I First Met Jesus" B2. "So Much in Love" B3. "Heaven Help Us All (Sermonette)"
Charts Weekly charts +Chart (1986–1987)PeakpositionAustralia (Kent Music Report)24European Hot 100 Singles (Music & Media)9Spain (AFYVE)4
Year-end charts +Chart (1986)PositionUK Singles (OCC)19
+Chart (1987)PositionBelgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)58European Hot 100 Singles (Music & Media)38Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)40Netherlands (Single Top 100)24New Zealand (RIANZ)13Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)19West Germany (Media Control)16
Certifications
Pixie Lott version In November 2014, British pop singer Pixie Lott released a charity version of the song as the lead single from her first hits collection, Platinum Pixie: Hits. The song charted at number 129 on the UK Singles Chart.
References