"
Never Can Say Goodbye" is a song written by
Clifton Davis and originally recorded by
The Jackson 5. The song was originally written and intended for the Supremes to record; however Motown decided the song would be better for the Jackson 5. Released as a
single in 1971, it was one of the group's most successful songs. The song has been covered numerous times, most notably in 1974 by
disco diva Gloria Gaynor and in 1987 by British pop group
The Communards.