British rock band Ace achieved a number one Billboard ranking for their 1974 single How Long decades after its original release, completing an unexpected resurgence for the classic track.
The song spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales chart in March 2020, while also rising to number eight on the Hot Rock and Alternative Songs listing. The revived interest followed its feature in a commercial for subscription service Amazon Prime, which introduced the 1970s track to a new generation of listeners.
As reported by Parade magazine, the song enjoyed a second life on the music charts despite failing to top the primary American singles chart during its initial release. Ultimate Classic Rock also recognized the track by placing it at number 31 on its ranking of the 40 best soft rock songs of all time.
When first released in the United States, How Long entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1975. It gradually climbed to number three and spent a total of 16 weeks on the listing.
The single proved to be the primary commercial success for Ace. Beyond its performance in the US, the track peaked at number three on the Canadian charts and reached number 20 on the UK singles chart. Its popularity also drove the band's debut studio album, Five-A-Side, to number 11 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Despite those accomplishments, Ace never secured a number one hit on those charts during their career.
Secret band conflict inspired lyrics
The backstory behind the creation of How Long remains one of its most notable elements. Listeners frequently assumed that the song's emotional chorus was written about suspicions of romantic infidelity, but the narrative was actually inspired by internal conflict within the band.
Bass guitarist Terry "Tex" Comer had secretly begun collaborating with rival group Sutherland Brothers and Quiver, whose members were actively trying to lure him away from Ace. The rest of the band were kept entirely unaware of his secret involvement with the other musicians.
The clandestine arrangement frustrated singer and songwriter Paul Carrack, who wrote How Long to capture the interpersonal tension and irritation caused by his bandmate's secret activities.
Cover versions and chart revival
The appeal of How Long extended well beyond the original lifespan of Ace, leading numerous artists to record their own renditions over the following decades.
Veteran British singer Rod Stewart released a cover of the track in 1981, taking it to number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100. American disco group Lipps Inc. and pop singer Donny Osmond also recorded versions of the song. Decades later, British pop band Simply Red incorporated the song's distinctive melodic motif into their 2003 hit single Sunrise.
By climbing to the top of the digital sales chart in 2020, the track finally earned a Billboard number one spot more than 40 years after missing the peak of the main US ranking in the 1970s.
