[2] Considered by music critics and writers to be one of Redding's finest performances and a soul classic, it is a slow, emotional piece with Redding's pleading vocals backed by producer Steve Cropper's arpeggiated guitar parts and a horn section.

"[5] Cash Box described it as "a tender, slow-moving heartfelt lament about a fella whose love for his gal is growing cold.

Billboard pop and R&B charts as early as 1962, but "I've Been Loving You Too Long" became his biggest hit upon its release.

The Turners can be seen performing the song at Madison Square Garden in the Rolling Stones concert film Gimme Shelter (1970).

Prior to Tina, a former member of the Kings of Rhythm named Jimmy Thomas would perform that song.

[17] In 1992 Australian musician, Diesel recorded the song for his ARIA Chart number 1 album, The Lobbyist (1993).