In the golden age of 1970s soul and funk, few projects captured the raw energy, tension, and street-level reality of urban life quite like the 1972 film Across 110th Street. Directed by Barry Shear and starring Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto, this neo-noir action thriller blended crime, racial tension, and desperation in Harlem. At its sonic heart was the unmistakable voice and songwriting of Bobby Womack, whose contributions to the soundtrack helped define the film’s gritty atmosphere and cemented its place in blaxploitation cinema history.
The Film: Harlem’s Dividing Line
Across 110th Street (adapted from Wally Ferris’s 1970 novel) takes its name from the real street that historically marked the boundary between Harlem and Central Park — a symbolic line of race, class, and power in 1970s New York. The plot follows a botched robbery of a Mafia count house that spirals into a violent turf war between Black gangsters, Italian mobsters, and corrupt police.
The film was known for its unflinching violence, on-location Harlem shooting (pioneering the use of the Arriflex 35BL camera), and themes of poverty, survival, and systemic struggle. While contemporary critics often panned it for its brutality, it has since gained appreciation as a thoughtful entry in the blaxploitation genre, earning strong modern scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes.
Bobby Womack Steps In
By 1972, Bobby Womack was already a soul legend — a former member of The Valentinos, a guitarist who played with legends like Sam Cooke, and a solo artist with hits like “Harry Hippie.” His raw, expressive voice and funky guitar work made him a natural fit for a story steeped in Harlem’s struggles.
Womack wrote and performed several key songs for the soundtrack, collaborating with jazz trombonist and composer J.J. Johnson, who handled much of the instrumental scoring. The result was a tight blend of soul, funk, rock, and jazz that perfectly underscored the film’s high-stakes drama.
The Soundtrack Highlights
The Across 110th Street soundtrack album (released December 1972 on United Artists) runs about 30 minutes and mixes vocal tracks by Womack & Peace with Johnson’s orchestral instrumentals. Standout tracks include:
• “Across 110th Street” (co-written by Womack and Johnson): The title track and lead single is a powerful, driving soul anthem with a tough groove. Its lyrics speak to being “beaten down by poverty” and doing whatever it takes to survive — themes that mirror the film’s desperate characters. It peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 56 on the Hot 100.
• “If You Don’t Want My Love”: A grainy, emotional ballad showcasing Womack’s vocal range.
• “Do It Right” and “Quicksand”: Funky, propulsive cuts suited for action sequences, blending James Brown energy with rock edges.
• Johnson’s contributions like “Harlem Clavinette,” “Harlem Love Theme,” and various instrumentals add soul-jazz mood with electronic flourishes that evoke the era’s urban tension.
The version of the title song in the film differs slightly from the hit single/album cut, adding to its cinematic punch.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Though the film wasn’t a massive box-office smash (it earned around $10 million), the soundtrack lived on. The title track gained new life decades later:
• Featured prominently in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown (1997) opening scene.
• Included in Ridley Scott’s American Gangster (2007).
50 Cent later cited it as one of the first songs that moved him, highlighting its power as a “struggle song” reflecting Black experiences in America.
For fans of 70s soul, the soundtrack stands alongside classics like Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly — not as polished, but deeply authentic and full of heart. Womack’s work here ranks among his strongest, blending personal expression with the film’s social commentary.
Why It Still Resonates
Bobby Womack’s soundtrack for Across 110th Street isn’t just movie music — it’s a time capsule of 1970s Harlem’s funk, pain, and resilience. The title track’s driving rhythm and soulful cry continue to inspire, sample, and soundtrack stories of survival and defiance.
Whether you’re diving into blaxploitation classics, building your 70s playlist, or hunting for retro merch vibes, spin this soundtrack. It’s pure VYNL energy: gritty, groovy, and unforgettable. Recommended listening: Stream the full soundtrack or grab a reissue. Pair it with other 70s soul gems for the ultimate retro night. What’s your favorite Bobby Womack track or blaxploitation soundtrack? Drop it in the comments — let’s keep the 70s vibes alive!
