Saturday Love Video of the Day: “Mama Used to Say” Junior (1982)

If your mama ever told you to “live your life” — this was the soundtrack. Junior (Norman “Junior” Giscombe) broke big with “Mama Used to Say” from his debut album Ji (1982). The single reached UK No. 7, US Hot 100 No. 30, US R&B No. 2, and US Dance No. 4 — a true transatlantic moment for UK soul. The run helped make Junior the first Black British artist to perform on Soul Train and earned him Billboard’s Best Newcomer (presented by James Brown!).

Song spark: Junior has said the lyric came from a real moment at his day job — a flirty encounter that made him think about age, timing, and the advice moms give. The result: a forever-jam wrapped in wisdom.

Why we love it for Saturday Love: It’s upbeat, it’s timeless, and it hits that sweet spot between classic R&B and early-80s club energy — the kind of record that makes errands feel like a two-step.

ATL, tap in: Catch Saturday Love with Donna today from 3–7 PM on Classix 102.9. Hit the request line at 855-79-DONNA and tell me what your mama used to say!

Quick Facts (bullet section)
Artist/Album: Junior — Ji (1982).
Charts: UK #7, US Hot 100 #30, US R&B #2, US Dance #4.
Breakthrough: First Black British artist on Soul Train; Billboard Best Newcomer.
Theme: Youth, patience, and mama’s wisdom — “take your time, young man.” (Artist origin story interview). PRS for Musc