The song “When a Man Loves a Woman” was first and most famously sung by Percy Sledge in 1966, and a hugely popular later version was sung by Michael Bolton in 1991.

Main singer

  • The original hit recording of “When a Man Loves a Woman” was by American soul singer Percy Sledge, released in 1966.
  • His version reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B singles chart, becoming a classic of 1960s soul.

Other famous versions

  • Michael Bolton recorded a power‑ballad cover for his 1991 album Time, Love & Tenderness, and his version also hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
  • Other artists who have covered the song include Bette Midler, Luba, Jimmy Barnes, Joe Cocker and more, but Percy Sledge and Michael Bolton remain the best‑known voices associated with it.