Roll Me Through the Rushes

"Roll Me Through the Rushes" is a song written by David Lasley and Lana Marrano, originally recorded by Rosie, featuring the vocals of David Lasley and released on their "Better Late Than Never" album by RCA in 1976. American R&B singer and songwriter Chaka Khan covered the song for her debut solo album, Chaka, produced by Arif Mardin and released in 1978 by Warner Bros. Records.
The Harlettes opened Act II of Bette Midler's 1976 The Bette Midler Show HBO special with "Roll Me Through the Rushes". In 1977, the live concert was released as Live at Last), Midler's first live album. The song was recorded by Sharon Redd, Ula Hedwig and Charlotte Crossley on their "Formerly of the Harlettes" album released in 1978.

Chaka Khan version

Overview

Of Chaka Khan's recording on her debut solo album,

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.

Cissy Houston – backing vocals
Hamish Stuart – backing vocals
David Lasley – backing vocals, songwriting
Luther Vandross – backing vocals
Will Lee – bass
Rick Marotta – drums
Leon Pendarvis – electric piano
Brook Tillotson – French horn
Jim Buffington – French horn
Cornell Dupree – guitar
Phil Upchurch – guitar
Gene Bianco – harp
Lana Marrano – songwriting
Arif Mardin – producer, arranging

Recorded at Atlantic Studios.

Critical reception

The song received notable critical praise and mention in numerous record reviews and reviews, with Don Shewey of the Boston Phoenix declaring it a "pop-gospel standard". HiFi Magazine wrote "The Arif Mardin-produced album celebrates a lot of Aretha soul" citing "Roll Me Through the Rushes".