"Operator" by William Spivery.

OK, girls and boys, back to the 50s: This long-time Cleveland resident was born in '31 and was an upholsterer and car seat repairman by trade but also penned a Gospel classic in the 50s. It was popularized by and became The Manhattan Transfer's first successful chart single in '75 (#22 on Billboard's Hot 100). It remains a staple in churches and karaoke bars. Other compositions include "Mr. John" ('64), a tribute to JFK and "Non-Violent Man" ('68) about Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. He left us in '04 at the age of 73. Gospel hit? Composer? Answer: "Operator" by William Spivery. The Manhattan Transfer's debut album remains a masterpiece. We saw them in Des Moines shortly after moving to Iowa in '81. Memorable concert! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9aKZZJvB0E

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