Rocket 2 U Explained

Rocket 2 U
Cover:JetsRocket2U.jpg
Type:single
Artist:The Jets
Album:Magic
B-Side:Our Only Chance
Released:January 1, 1988
Genre:Dance-pop, R&B
Length:3:41
Label:MCA Records
Producer:Bobby Nunn
Prev Title:I Do You
Prev Year:1987
Next Title:Make It Real
Next Year:1988

"Rocket 2 U" is a song by the American sibling group, The Jets. It was written and produced by Bobby Nunn. The single, featuring lead vocals by Haini Wolfgramm,[1] received a nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 31st Grammy Awards in 1989.[2]

Released as the third single from their album Magic in 1988, the song was the second most successful single released from the album, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the R&B chart.

In July 2022 Nunn sued The NFL and NBC for using "Rocket 2U" during football games on NBC without a license.[3] The case was settled in April 2023 for an undisclosed amount.[4]

Background

Nunn originally offered "Rocket 2 U" to Earth, Wind & Fire for inclusion on their 1987 album, Touch the World. During that time, Nunn was talking to Bobby Brown, who introduced him to MCA Records executive Louil Silas Jr. Nunn played Silas several demos - one of which was "Rocket 2 U". Silas then wanted to give the song to The Jets. Nunn insisted on Earth, Wind & Fire recording the song, but the group was taking too long to start recording it. After the long wait, Philip Bailey suggested letting The Jets record it, to which Nunn agreed.[5]

Music video

The music video for the song depicts the band performing the song while wearing colorful clothes in front of a grey background, and comedic shots of a woman who has things going wrong all around her house, representing some of the song lyrics.

Chart performance

Chart (1988)Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[6] 92
U.S. Billboard Hot Crossover 302
U.S. Cash Box Top 100 5

Year-end charts

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Moana Wolfgramm . WBSSmedia. . 2020-01-19 .
  2. Web site: Jets . Recording Academy . 11 May 2020.
  3. Web site: TMZ – Bobby Nunn. 13 July 2022 . TMZ. United States.
  4. Web site: Bobby Nunn - Bloomberg Law . bloomberglaw.com. United States.
  5. Web site: Exclusive interview with Bobby Nunn . boogie80.com . Boogie 80 . 2023-02-15.
  6. Book: Kent, David. David Kent (historian)

    . David Kent (historian). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. illustrated. Australian Chart Book. St Ives, N.S.W.. 1993. 0-646-11917-6. 155.

  7. December 24, 1988 . 1988 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles . Y-20 . Billboard . 100 . 52 .
  8. Web site: Billboard Top 100 – 1988. October 3, 2016.