If I ever get around to compiling a list of the perfect pop songs of all time, Stephanie Mills‘ “Never Knew Love Like This Before” will absolutely make my tally.

The Brooklyn-born Mills, who not incidentally turns 56 today, scored the biggest pop hit of her career with “Never Knew Love Like This Before.” Co-written and produced by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, the song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1980. The following year, “Never Knew Love Like This Before” garnered double Grammy love, winning Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. (Lucas would go on to produce Madonna’s 1983 debut album, including writing “Physical Attraction” and “Borderline.”)

Since moving to San Francisco nearly three years ago, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Stephanie Mills perform live here twice. While some can’t wait to hear her sing “Home” from The Wiz — Mills originated the role of Dorothy in the Broadway production — the sublime disco of “Never Knew Love Like This Before” does me over every time.

One place Stephanie Mills says we’ll never see her is on TV One’s Unsung series. Though she’s been approached to participate, she’s none too enamoured with the thought of sharing the intimate details of her life.

Purchase Stephanie Mills – “Never Knew Love Like This Before” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.