Caravan of Love

"Caravan of Love" is a 1985 R&B hit originally recorded by Isley-Jasper-Isley, the second half of the Isley Brothers' 3 + 3 lineup of the 1970s.

Original Isley-Jasper-Isley version
After breaking away from the family group, the group (notably 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 going to 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 splintered into solo careers in 1988. The music video was filmed on-location in New York City.

Personnel

 * Chris Jasper: Keyboards, lead vocals, piano, production
 * Ernie Isley: Guitar, backing vocals, production
 * Marvin Isley: Bass, backing vocals, production

7" vinyl single
Side one Side two
 * 1) "Caravan of Love" – 4:15
 * 1) "I Can't Get over Losin' You" – 4:05

12" vinyl single
Side one Side two
 * 1) "Caravan of Love" – 5:43
 * 1) "I Can't Get over Losin' You" – 4:05

The Housemartins version
British indie band the Housemartins released "Caravan of Love" in November 1986. The a cappella song was a success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart on 16 December 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 3 in several countries, including no.1 in 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

Side one Side two
 * 1) "Caravan of Love" – 3:40
 * 1) "When I First Met Jesus" – 2:46

12-inch vinyl single

Side one Side two
 * 1) "Caravan of Love"
 * 2) "We Shall Not Be Moved"
 * 1) "When I First Met Jesus"
 * 2) "So Much in Love"
 * 3) "Heaven Help Us All (Sermonette)"

Other versions

 * In 2003, Australian born Irish singer Johnny Logan recorded the song on his album, We All Need Love.
 * In 2004, German pop group Preluders covered the song on their album, Prelude to History.
 * British pop singer Pixie Lott released a charity version of the song in November 2014, as the lead single from her first hits collection, Platinum Pixie: Hits. The song charted at number 129 on the UK Singles Chart.