Trying to find the name and singer of a song that would have been recorded pre 1982. I was sung by a black male artist, from memory he was a fairly large guy.

The first part of the song is spoken, in a very deep voice, can't remember the exact words but it is along the lines of getting on an airplane, sitting down, looking across the tarmac at the lights of the terminal where he just said goodbye to his girlfriend, then the plane takes off in to the night, and the rest of the song is actually sung.

Anyone help would be much appreciated.
thanks