Name of old-school soul ballad? I think lyrics include "It's too late, it'!

Name of old-school soul ballad? I think lyrics include "It's too late, it's too late!"?

This is a slow ballad...something you'd stroll to. And it's hugely painful and sad. I think it was recorded in the 50's or early 60s. The meter is 4/4 with a swing.

It starts with about 3 backup singers (black women, I think), singing 4 notes up a chromatic scale, kind of lazily. They're all in sync and harmonizing. They sing about 4 bars'-worth, when the soloist comes in---this is a very husky and mature woman--she sounds like she's black, too. She's got a raspy voice. (Ok, this is embarassing, but it might be a guy! I'm doing this from memory...) She/he sings in a very bluesy way, and climaxes with "it's too late! it's too late!" before resolving the melody. The backup singers only sing between the verses, and cut out when the soloist sings.

I don't know any more lyrics, unfortunately. The recording I've heard is also kind of lo-fi. Any ideas?

I don't think it's Carole King, her song came out in 1971. It's a far cry from the 50s-60s, and doesn't start with backup singers. I'm researching my collection. This rings a bell to me. I'll let you know if I find it.

Panterita