Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)

First recorded by Benny Spellman (R&B #28 1962).
Other hit versions by The O’Jays (US #48/R&B #28/CAN #19 1965), The Amazing Rhythm Aces (US #104/C&W #88 1979).
Also recorded by Ringo Starr (1978).

From the wiki: “‘Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)’ was first recorded by New Orleans singer Benny Spellman in 1962 (with backing vocals done by Imperial Records label mates Irma Thomas (‘Time Is On My Side‘) and Willie Harper). The song was written by Allen Toussaint under the pseudonym ‘Naomi Neville’.”

“One of the earliest covers was done by The O’Jays in 1965. Their arrangement peaked on the R&B chart at #28, matching the R&B chart success of Spellman’s original, and surpassing it on the Hot 100 chart, peaking at #48 Pop. The single would be included in the group’s debut album, Comin’ Through, released in the same year.

“Ringo Starr covered ‘Lipstick Traces’ for his 1978 album Bad Boy. It was released as a promotional single but without any chart impact.

“In 1979, the Amazing Rhythm Aces covered ‘Lipstick Traces’ for their self-titled album, The Amazing Rhythm Aces. Their arrangement ‘bubbled under’ the Hot 100, and peaked at #88 on the Country Singles chart.”

The O’Jays, “Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)” (1965):

Ringo Starr, “Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)” (1978):

The Amazing Rhythm Aces, “Lipstick Traces (on a Cigarette)” (1979):