23 - SOUL

Many black songwriters and performers who had strayed over into the predominantly white camp of rock and roll during the 1950's, returned to the fold in the early 1960's. While whites had already latched onto rock and roll, a new musical movement was growing in the black community - a return of sorts to the roots of the black experience. It was called soul.

Soul was simply the inspired transferral of religious attitudes to black popular music. Capturing the fervour of gospel in the music and rejecting assimilation into white culture, black artists developed soul music. It was a form of black music that whites initially found difficult to emulate.

Soul was salvation - an emotional, almost churchlike form of R&B - good-hearted, honest and optimistic. During a soul performance, emotions were taken to the extreme. The music had a somewhat semi-religious feel, yet it could be highly sensual with lyrics depicting the most personal, intimate moments of the human experience. Soul was delivered in what could only be termed as "ghetto dialect," promoting a music associated exclusively with blacks.

From the early to mid 1960's, soul music emerged when black pride and the civil rights movement were in full flower. Soul shone as a beacon for the black community. Most of the soul pioneers were raised in the south and all had their musical roots in the church. Although much of the music was extremely rhythmic, especially the Stax/Volt style, the basis of the soul genre was the preachy, emotional ballad. Soul was serious business.

From Nov. 30, 1963 to Jan. 23, 1965, the charting of black music in Billboard Magazine had been discontinued because of the difficulties involved in pinpointing exactly what constituted R&B. White critics had already been confused by the fine line between early R&B and rock and roll. However, with the emergence of the totally black soul music, Billboard reinstated R&B as a separate entity in its chart listings.

During the classic soul period, there emerged two record labels which defined, specialized and dominated in the field. These were the major label Atlantic and the smaller yet innovative Stax/Volt company which later came to epitomize what soul was really all about.

By the late 1960's, an unthinkable thing happened. Whites had caught on to soul music and once again began copying it successfully to varying degrees. By this time, black artists were generally turning their backs on the regimented structure of southern soul, moving on to funk and several other more adventurous new black music styles. And although soulful vocals remained the mainstay of black popular music, the instrumental aspects were becoming much more technical. By 1969, the American public in general was also tiring of soul music. Psychedelia and heavy rock was dominating the mainstream and musical tastes had switched radically from AM to FM.

Soul as a pure music form had experienced its commercial heyday in the period between 1960 and 1968. Strangely enough, although it continued to thrive long after that period, it is interesting to note that soul's greatest commercial exponent did not technically arrive on the scene until 1967. Aretha Franklin's overwhelming popularity in the late 1960's and early 1970's was a fluke and a considerable tribute to her exceptional vocal artistry when one considers that classic soul was already at its peak at the time of her glorious debut.

SOUL PIONEERS

In the evolution of soul music, the contributions of three definitive stylists cannot be overlooked or overestimated. The first real soul protagonist was the great Ray Charles, whose churchy vocal style influenced a multitude of singers. Second is the bombastic James Brown, whose dynamic stage antics and full throttle delivery influenced later superstars like Michael Jackson and Prince. The third, Sam Cooke approached soul in a pop vein yet never abandoned his gospel roots. His silky smooth vocal style was obviously the more subtle of the three, allowing easier accessibility for the white market.

RAY CHARLES

• See Rhythm And Blues

JAMES BROWN

• (May 3, 1928 – )
• Singer/songwriter/dancer/arranger born in Macon, Georgia.
• As a child, he worked as a paperboy and shoeshine boy in Augusta, Georgia. Later as a youth, he picked cotton, boxed and played baseball.
• He learned to play the piano, drums and guitar.
• After high school, he went on the road singing gospel music.
• 1949 - Spent 4 years in prison for petty theft.
• 1954 - Joined the Atlanta based Gospel Starlighters.
• 1954 - Formed his own backup group The Famous Flames, developing a reputation for his dynamic and elaborate stage shows.
• Nov., 1955 - Signed with King/Federal Records.
• April, 1956 - His recording of "Please Please Please" went to #5 R&B.
• While other soul artists often crossed over into pop and country markets, Brown adamantly remained true to his roots. His sound was wholly black, not easily acceptable in the white mainstream.
• With his energetic stage performances and emotional vocal acrobatics, Brown became the definitive soul act, earning the well deserved titles of "Soul Brother #1," "Mr. Dynamite" and "The Godfather Of Soul."
• Famous for his emotional collapse onstage, revived by a group member comforting him and wrapping a cape around his shoulders.
• Oct. 24, 1962 - Recorded the legendary "Live At The Apollo" album.
• 1963 - The Beatles stated that Brown was one of the favourite artists, giving him a certain amount of commercial clout.
• 1963 - Formed The James Brown Show, a touring company made up of 40 singers, dancers and musicians. He produced his entire show, writing the songs, arranging the material, designing costumes, creating the choreography and overseeing the lighting.
• 1968 - Received the Top Soul Singer Award.
• By 1971, he had sold over 50 million discs.
• Jan. 23, 1986 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Dec. 15, 1988 - He was sentenced to 6 years in prison after resisting arrest and leading police on an interstate car chase.
• Feb. 27, 1991 - Paroled after spending 2 years in prison.
• Feb., 25, 1992 - Received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Although his greatest talent was his rhythmic arrangements, he has left an indelible mark on show business history with his innovative singing and dancing and his remarkable showmanship. Brown influenced a whole new crop of artists including Michael Jackson and Prince.
• Hits include "Night Train"(April, 1962)#5 R&B, #35, "Prisoner Of Love"(April, 1963)#18, (May, 1963)#6 R&B, "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"(July, 1965)#1 R&B, (Aug., 1965)#8, "I Got You (I Feel Good)" (Nov., 1965)#1 R&B, #3, "It's A Man's Man's Man's World"(May, 1966)#1 R&B, #8, "Cold Sweat (Part 1)"(July, 1967)#1 R&B, (Aug., 1967)#7, "I Got The Feelin'"(March, 1968)#1 R&B, #6, "Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud"(Sept., 1968)#1-6 wks. R&B, #10, "Mother Popcorn (You Got To Have A Mother For Me) (Part 1)"(June, 1969)#1-2 wks. R&B, #11, "Superbad"(Oct., 1970)#1-2 wks. R&B, #13, "Hot Pants (She Got To Use What She Got, To Get What She Wants) (Part 1)"(July, 1971)#1 R&B, #15, "The Payback (Part 1)"(March, 1974)#1-2 wks. R&B, #26 and "Living In America"(Dec., 1985)#10 R&B, #4.

SAM COOKE

• Samuel Cook (Jan. 22, 1931 - Dec. 11, 1964)
• Singer/songwriter born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
• One of the 8 children of Baptist minister Reverend Charles S. Cook.
• Sang with brothers, Charles Jr., L.C. and sisters Mary and Hattie in The Singing Children.
• 1946 - Age 15, became lead singer of teenage gospel group, The Highway QC's.
• 1948 - Became a member of The Pilgrim Travellers.
• 1950-1956 - Lead singer of the gospel vocal group The Soul Stirrers.
• His main vocal influence was the legendary founding member of The Soul Stirrers, R. H. Harris who retired in 1951.
• Producer/manager Bumps Blackwell lured him into the studio to record some non gospel solo tracks to be released under the pseudonym, Dale Cook.
• 1956 - Added the "e" to his last name.
• Oct., 1957 - His recording of "You Send Me" went to #1 R&B, #1-3 wks.
• Cooke developed a sort of soul yodel which became his trademark. He was the definitive soul crooner.
• 1958 - Married childhood sweetheart Barbara Campbell. They had 2 daughters, Linda and Tracey and a son, Vincent who died in 1963 at the age of 3. Linda Cooke later teamed with Cecil Womack in Womack & Womack.
• Jan., 1960 - Signed with RCA, writing many of his own hits.
• Cooke performed soul based vocals with strictly pop accompaniment. Some of his greatest soul recordings featured Lou Rawls on backup vocals.
• His style influenced soul great Otis Redding.
• Jan., 1961 - Formed SAR Records with Roy Crain and J>W. Alexander.
• Jan., 1963 - His youngest son Vincent drowned in his swimming pool.
• By 1964, he had sold over 15 million discs.
• Dec. 11, 1964 - Cooke was shot to death at a South Figuero Street motel in Los Angeles, California by 55 year old Bertha Franklin, the manager of the establishment. The exact circumstances are unknown.
• Jan. 23, 1986 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• March 7, 1987 - Inducted into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
• 1993 - Received The Apollo Theatre Foundation's Chairman's Award.
• Hits include "Only Sixteen"(June, 1959)#28, (July, 1959)#13, "Wonderful World"(May, 1960)#12, (June, 1960)#2 R&B, "Chain Gang" (Aug., 1960)#2 R&B, #2, "Cupid"(June, 1961)#20 R&B, #17, "Twistin' The Night Away"(Feb., 1962)#1-3 wks. R&B, #9, "Bring It On Home To Me"(June, 1962)#2 R&B, #13, "Another Saturday Night" (April, 1963)#10, (May, 1963)#1 R&B, "Little Red Rooster"(Oct., 1963)#11, (Nov., 1963)#7 R&B, "Shake"(Jan., 1965)#2 R&B, #7 and "A Change Is Gonna Come"(Jan., 1965)#9 R&B, #31.

ATLANTIC RECORDS

In October of 1947, Atlantic Records was founded by the Turkish ambassador Munir Ertegun's sons Ahmet (1924 – ) and Nesuhi (1919 - July 15, 1989) Ertegun. Ahmet was the main producer, later joined in 1953 by Jerry Wexler (Jan. 10, 1917 – ) (later Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee). The company became the most successful R&B/Soul label of all time. The definitive Atlantic Sound featured a heavy backbeat, strong tenor sax leads and percussive piano. Based in New York, Atlantic set the standard for other labels to follow.

In 1949, Atlantic had its first major hit with Stick McGhee & His Buddies' "Drinking Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee, Drinking Wine"(April, 1949)#2 R&B, (Aug., 1949)#26.

During the late 1940's and 1950's, it promoted the crème of the new black R&B performers, later cornering a considerable chunk of the soul market. It also distributed early Stax/Volt recordings before they became their foremost commercial rival. Later in the late 1960's, Atlantic widened its scope by promoting heavy rock acts like Led Zeppelin, and in the 1970's and 1980's, pop artists such as Bette Midler and Debbie Gibson.

From 1948, well into the 1970's, one apparent reason for the success of the Atlantic sound was the artistry of top engineer Tom Dowd (1925 – ), who later became a producer. During its early heyday, Atlantic's biggest star was the charismatic Ruth Brown and in the 1960's, its major artist was the incomparable Aretha Franklin. In fact, Brown's recordings sold so well that Atlantic became known as "the label that Ruth built," and Aretha's widespread popularity was so great that even after the decline of classic soul, her popularity remained intact, enabling Atlantic to dabble in other experimental music forms. Obviously, the power of the ladies in the music industry has been severely underestimated.

Jerry Wexler later formed Bang Records as an Atlantic subsidiary. The label's name was taken from the first names of Atlantic moguls, Bert Berns, Ahmet Ertegun, Nesuhi Ertegun and Gerald Wexler. Their roster of new talent included Neil Diamond and The McCoys.

THE ATLANTIC SOUL ARTISTS

SOLOMON BURKE

• (1936 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1945-1955 - Preached and broadcast from his own church, Solomon's Temple, gaining notoriety as "the wonder boy preacher."
• 1954 - Began recording for Apollo Records.
• Quit music to attend mortuary school.
• 1960 - Signed with Atlantic Records.
• Sept., 1961 - His recording of "Just Out Of Reach" went to #7 R&B, #24. It is considered by many to be the first bona fide soul recording.
• Burke built his style on the guidelines set by Ray Charles in the 1950's.
• July, 1968 - A group of top soul artists including Burke, Joe Tex, Arthur Conley, Ben E. King and Don Covay had a hit with "Soul Meeting" under the name The Soul Clan. It peaked at #34 R&B, #91.
• In the 1980's, became Bishop Burke, recording gospel for Savoy Records.
• 1997 - Became the owner of a chain of West Coast mortuaries.
• Hits include "Cry To Me"(Jan., 1962)#44, (Feb., 1962)#5 R&B, "If You Need Me"(April, 1963)#37, (May, 1963)#2 R&B, "You're Good For Me"(Nov., 1963)#8 R&B, #49, "Got To Get You Off My Mind"(March, 1965)#1-3 wks. R&B, #28, "Tonight's The Night"(May, 1965)#2 R&B, #28, "Keep A Light In The Window"(Feb., 1967)#15 R&B, #64 and "Love's Street And Fool's Road"(April, 1972)#13 R&B, #89.

WILSON PICKETT

• (March 18, 1941 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Prattville, Alabama.
• Began singing in local gospel groups.
• 1955 - Moved to Detroit, Michigan.
• Originally a member of the gospel group The Violinaires.
• Based his vocal style on that of the Rev. Julius Cheeks of The Sensational Nightingales.
• 1961-1963 - Lead singer of The Falcons who had a minor yet influential hit with "I Found A Love" (March, 1962)#75, (April, 1962)#6 R&B.
• 1963 - Went solo.
• 1964 - Signed with Atlantic Records.
• His career blossomed after working with white producer/guitarist Steve Cropper in Memphis, Tennessee.
• June, 1965 - His classic recording of "In The Midnight Hour" went to #1 R&B, (July, 1965)#21.
• Famous for his gruff earthy vocals and his macho soul-stomping stance. He became known as "the wicked, wicked Wilson Pickett."
• 1973 - Signed with RCA.
• 1987 - Signed with Motown.
• Jan. 16, 1991 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1994 - Served 1 year in prison for drinking and driving offences.
• Hits include "634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)"(Feb., 1966)#1-7 wks. R&B, #13, "Land Of A Thousand Dances"(July, 1966)#6, (Aug., 1966) #1 R&B, "Mustang Sally"(Nov., 1966)#23, (Dec., 1966)#6 R&B, "Funky Broadway"(Aug., 1967)#1 R&B, #8, "I'm In Love"(Dec., 1967) #4 R&B, #45, "Engine #9"(Sept., 1970)#14, (Oct., 1970)#3 R&B and "Don't Knock My Love - Pt.1"(April, 1971)#13, (May, 1971)#1 R&B.

CARLA THOMAS

• (Dec. 21, 1942 – )
• Singer born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Daughter of soul pioneer Rufus Thomas.
• 1952 - Age 10, she sang with The Teentown Singers.
• 1959 - Recorded "'Cause I Love You" with her father on Satellite Records (later Stax).
• 1961-1964 - Recorded with Atlantic Records, emerging as their #1 female soul singer prior to Aretha Franklin.
• 1965-1969 - Recorded for Stax Records.
• Thomas possessed a unique high pitched vocal style not unlike that of jazz singer Mildred Bailey.
• Hits include "Gee Whiz"(Jan., 1961)#10, (Feb., 1961)#5 R&B, "I'll Bring It Home To You"(Oct., 1962)#41, (Nov., 1962)#9 R&B, "B-A-B-Y"(Aug., 1966)#14, (Sept., 1966)#3 R&B, "Tramp"(May, 1967) #2 R&B, #26 (with Otis Redding) and "I Like What You're Doing (To Me)"(Feb., 1969)#9 R&B, #49.

PERCY SLEDGE

• (Nov. 25, 1940 – )
• Singer born in Leighton, Alabama.
• Cousin of singer Jimmy Hughes.
• 1955 - Age 15, began singing.
• Originally worked as an orderly at Colbert County Hospital in Leighton.
• Sledge sang at The Galilee Baptist Church, later performing with a local group called Esquires Combo.
• April, 1966 - His classic recording of "When A Man Loves A Woman" went to #1-4 wks. R&B, #1-2 wks.
• His popularity died in the early 1970's.
• 1987 - Recorded the country LP, "Wanted Again."
• Hits include "Warm And Tender Love"(July, 1966)#5 R&B, #17, "It Tears Me Up"(Oct., 1966)#20, (Nov., 1966)#7 R&B and "Take Time To Know Her"(March, 1968)#6 R&B, #11.

ARETHA FRANKLIN

• Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 – )
• Singer/pianist born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Raised in Buffalo and Detroit.
• Daughter of Reverend Cecil L. Franklin, pastor of The New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit.
• Her sisters Erma Franklin (1943 – ) and Carolyn Franklin (1944 - April 25, 1988) are also respected vocalists.
• Learned to play piano by listening to Eddie Heywood records.
• Inspired by Clara Ward and Mahalia Jackson.
• 1956 - Age 14, recorded gospel for the Checker label.
• 1956 - Recorded gospel for JVB/Battle, releasing her debut album, "The Gospel Sounds Of Aretha Franklin."
• 1956 - Age 14, joined her father's evangelistic tours for 4 years.
• She was tutored in music and piano by gospel crusader Reverend James Cleveland who lived with the Franklins for a time.
• She was encouraged to sing the blues by Major "Mule" Holly who had been the bassist for big bandleader Teddy Wilson.
• 1960 - Signed to Columbia Records by producer John Hammond, she was encouraged to sing jazz standards which resulted in commercial failure. This seemed to have been Hammond's only major career error. With Columbia, she recorded 8 albums.
• 1966 - Lacking career direction, she signed with Atlantic Records under the tutelage of producer Jerry Wexler. He immediately teamed her with the Stax house band, a group of white redneck musicians with an uncanny feel for soul music.
• March, 1967 - Her recording of "I Never Loved A Man" went to #1-7 wks. R&B, #9.
• April, 1967 - Her version of Otis Redding's "Respect" went to #1- 2 wks., (May, 1967)#1-8 wks. R&B.
• With her outrageous 4 octave full throttle vocal range, she brought soul to mainstream America, lashing the listener to the bone with her passionate whoops and soars.
• An accomplished pianist, she combined blues and gospel, setting a formulaic precedence for future artists.
• Nicknamed "Lady Soul" and "The Queen Of Soul" by the press.
• 1967 - Voted Billboard's Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1968 - She had 4 million selling singles and 2 gold albums.
• 1969 - Franklin began recording too many covers of white material such as "Eleanor Rigby," "The Weight" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Although impressive, it must be realized that these were recent hits, too soon to be re-released to an already bored public.
• Aretha's private life was chaotic. She never had any real luck with men.
• June, 1980 - Appeared in "The Blues Brothers" film.
• During the 1980's, she signed with Clive Davis' Arista Records, enjoying a well deserved comeback. She also began recording a series of duets with such artists as Eurythmics, George Michael and The Four Tops.
• Jan. 2, 1987 - Became the first female to be inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• April 25, 1988 - Carolyn Franklin died of cancer at the age of 43.
• 2001 - Recipient of 15 Grammys to date.
• Hits include "Baby I Love You"(July, 1967)#1 R&B, #4, "Chain Of Fools"(Dec., 1967)#1-4 wks. R&B, #2, "Since You've Been Gone" (March, 1968)#1-3 wks. R&B, #5, "Think"(May, 1968)#1-3 wks. R&B, #7, "The House That Jack Built"(Aug., 1968)#2 R&B, #6, "Share Your Love With Me"(Aug., 1969)#1-5 wks. R&B, #13, "Call Me"(Feb., 1970)#1-2 wks. R&B, #13, "Don't Play That Song"(Aug., 1970)#1-3 wks. R&B, #11, "Spanish Harlem"(July, 1971)#2, (Aug., 1971)#1-3 wks. R&B, "Daydreaming"(March, 1972)#1 R&B, #5, "Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)"(Nov., 1973)#1 R&B, #3, "Jump To It"(July, 1982)#1 R&B, (Aug., 1982)#24, "Freeway Of Love"(June, 1985)#1 R&B, #3 and "Who's Zoomin' Who"(Sept., 1985) #2 R&B, #7.

CLARENCE CARTER

• (Jan. 14, 1936 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/arranger born in Montgomery, Alabama.
• Blind since age 1.
• 1947 - Age 11, taught himself to play guitar.
• During the early 1960's, he teamed with Calvin Scott, performing as Clarence And Calvin And The C&C Boys.
• 1965 - Joined the Hall's Fame label as a singer/songwriter/ session guitarist/arranger.
• 1966 - Went solo.
• 1968 - Signed with Atlantic.
• Wrote his arrangements in Braille.
• Married briefly to singer Candi Staton.
• 1975 - Signed with ABC.
• Carter scored big in the late 1980's with his sexually explicit club hit, "Strokin'."
• Hits include "Slip Away"(July, 1968)#2 R&B, #6, "Too Weak To Fight"(Nov., 1968)#3 R&B, #13 and "Patches"(July, 1970)#2 R&B, #4.

THE SPINNERS

• 1955 - Vocal quintet formed at Ferndale High School near Detroit, Michigan.
• Originally called The Domingoes.
• 1959 - Discovered by producer/vocalist Harvey Fuqua of The Moonglows.
• 1961 - Changed their name to The Spinners. During the mid 1960's, called themselves The Detroit Spinners so as not to be confused with the British folk group, The Spinners.
• During the 1960's, recorded on several labels including Motown.
• 1972 - Signed with Atlantic Records.
• The 1972 line-up consisted of Phillippe Wynne (tenor), Bobbie Smith (April 10, 1937 – ) (tenor), Billy Henderson (Aug. 9, 1939 – ) (tenor), Henry Fambrough (May 10, 1935 – ) (baritone) and Pervis Jackson (bass).
• Hits include "That's What Little Girls Are Made For"(June, 1961) #5 R&B, #27, "I'll Be Around"(Aug., 1972)#1-5 wks. R&B, (Sept., 1972)#3, "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love"(Dec., 1972)#1 R&B, #4, "One Of A Kind (Love Affair)"(April, 1973)#1-4 wks. R&B, #11, "Mighty Love - Pt. 1"(Jan., 1974)#1-2 wks. R&B, #20, "Then Came You"(July, 1974)#1, #2 R&B (with Dionne Warwick) and "The Rubberband Man"(Sept., 1976)#1 R&B, #2.

ROBERTA FLACK

• (Feb. 10, 1939 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Black Mountain near Ashville, North Carolina.
• Her father was a jazz musician and her mother was a church organist.
• Raised in Arlington, Virginia.
• 1954 - Age 15, she won a music scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C.
• After graduating with a BA in music, she became a teacher in Washinton, D.C.
• 1967 - Began her residency as a performer at Mr. Henry's Pub in Washington, D.C.
• 1967 - Discovered by jazz pianist Les McCann and was signed to Atlantic Records.
• 1969 - Cut her first album, "First Take."
• A remarkable song stylist.
• Recorded extensively with Donny Hathaway (1945 - 1979) until his death from suicide.
• 1996 - Appeared in the hiphop group Fugees' video of the remake of her #1 hit, "Killing Me Softly."
• 4 time Grammy winner.
• She has produced several of her own recordings under the name Rubina Flake.
• Hits include "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"(March, 1972)#1 -6 wks., (April, 1972)#4 R&B, "Where Is The Love"(June, 1972)#1 R&B, #5 (with Donny Hathaway), "Killing Me Softly With His Song" (Jan., 1973)#1-5 wks., (Feb., 1973)#2 R&B, "Feel Like Makin' Love"(June, 1974)#1-5 wks. R&B, #1, "The Closer I Get To You" (Feb., 1978)#1-2 wks. R&B, #2 (with Donny Hathaway), "Tonight I Celebrate My Love"(July, 1983)#5 R&B, #16 (with Peabo Bryson) and "Set The Night To Music"(1991) (with Maxi Priest).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER ATLANTIC SOUL RECORDINGS

• Ace Spectrum - "Don't Send Nobody Else"(Aug., 1974)#20 R&B, (Sept., 1974)#5.
• Archie Bell & The Drells - "Tighten Up"(March, 1968)#1-2 wks., (April, 1968)#1-2 wks. R&B.
• Judy Clay & Billy Vera - "Storybook Children"(Dec., 1967)#20 R&B, #54.
• Don Covay & The Goodtimers - "Seesaw"(Nov., 1965)#5 R&B, #44.
• Donny Hathaway - "You've Got A Friend"(June, 1971)#8 R&B, #29.
• The Sweet Inspirations - "Sweet Inspiration"(March, 1968)#5 R&B, #18.
• Doris Troy - "Just One Look"(June, 1963)#3 R&B, #10.

STAX RECORDS

"The Sound Of Memphis"

In 1960, Jim Stewart (1930 – ) and his sister Estelle Axton bought the Capitol Cinema, situated at East McLemore Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. It was to serve as the offices and studio for their newly founded Satellite Records. Beginning strictly as a local operation, their early recordings became so popular that a distribution deal was arranged with Atlantic Records in New York City. Their first notable release was "'Cause I Love You" by Rufus & Carla Thomas (Aug., 1960). In 1961, Satellite Records was renamed Stax, a combination of the names Stewart and Axton. Distribution by Atlantic continued until 1968 when Paramount/Dot took over. Stax also created a subsidiary label called Volt. Unfortunately, the Stax distribution problems continued in 1969 when Gulf Western took over and by the end of the 1960's, the label had begun to deteriorate, finally claiming bankruptcy in 1975. On Jan. 12, 1976, Stax closed down and in 1989, the building was demolished.

The Stax sound was definitely the epitome of what was known as southern soul, its basis being the magic created by its remarkable session musicians. The Stax house band had developed a rather distinctive lazy yet churchy style. Even during an up-tempo piece, they often appeared to be winding down. The Stax trademark was its heavily stressed weak beats. The band was made up of an incredible mixture of white redneck and black musicians, basically Booker T. & The M.G.'s, The Bar-Kays and several super session sidemen such as Isaac Hayes. The main rhythm section was often augmented by an outfit known as The Memphis Horns. No matter who the lead vocalist was, the same well-defined backing formula was applied. Simply put, it sounded like a huge well oiled machine. The discs released by Stax during its 1965-1968 peak period were representative of southern soul at its best.

Principal engineers Ron Capone and Jim Stewart (co-owner) can take much of the credit for capturing the distinctive Stax sound. The two most innovative and tasteful instrumentalists on many a Stax soul classic were white guitarist Steve Cropper and white bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn (see Booker T. & The M.G.'s). In 1959, both had been members of The Markeys. Cropper left the group in 1960 to join the newly formed Stax house band, Booker T. & The M.G.'s. Dunn joined in 1964, completing one of the most powerful and professional recording units in modern pop music history. Their sound was so incredibly intense that it seemed to virtually eat up one's speakers. The inspired combination of the driving house band, the writing talents of Isaac Hayes and David Porter and exceptional vocal stylings of artists such as Otis Redding and Sam & Dave added up to soul perfection.

Booker T. Jones had formed Booker T. & The M.G.'s as the session band for the Stax company, yet they also enjoyed several solo hits including their classic recording of "Green Onions."

BOOKER T. & THE M.G.'S

• 1960 - Interracial combo formed as the basis for the Stax house band.
• Booker T. Jones (Nov. 12, 1944 – )
• Keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Steve Cropper (Oct. 21, 1942 – )
• Guitarist from the Ozark Mountains, Missouri.
• Donald "Duck" Dunn (Nov. 24, 1941 – )
• Bassist from Memphis, Tennessee.
• Al Jackson Jr. (Nov. 27, 1934 - Oct. 1, 1975)
• Drummer from Memphis, Tennessee.
• Sometimes the group also featured guitarist Charlie Freeman.
• 1959 - Both Dunn and Cropper were members of The Markeys.
• The group's name was short for Memphis Group.
• 1968 - Disbanded, reuniting unsuccessfully in 1973.
• Oct. 1, 1975 - Jackson was murdered at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Hits include "Green Onions"(Aug., 1962)#1-4 wks. R&B, #3, "Hang 'Em High"(Nov., 1968)#35 R&B, #9 and "Time Is Tight"(March, 1969) #6, (April, 1969)#7 R&B.

THE MEMPHIS HORNS

• Andrew Love - sax
• Wayne Jackson - trumpet
• Joe Arnold - sax

THE BAR-KAYS

• 1966 - The core of the group began as The River Arrows.
• 1967 - The Bar-Kays was put together by Al Jackson of Booker T. & The M.G.'s as a second Stax session band, also serving as the backup group for Otis Redding.
• Consisting of Jimmy King (guitar), Ronnie Caldwell (organ), Phalon Jones (sax), Carl Cunningham (drums), James Alexander (bass) and Ben Cauley (trumpet).
• Dec. 10, 1967 - All of the six piece combo except James Alexander perished in the same plane crash that killed Otis Redding.
• Alexander later put together a second configuration of the band.
• Solo hits include the classic "Soul Finger"(May, 1967)#3 R&B, #17.

ISAAC HAYES

• (Aug. 20, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist/producer/actor born in Covington, Tennessee.
• During the mid 1960's, worked as a writer and session musician for Stax Records.
• He teamed with David Porter to write several classic Stax hits including "Soul Man," "Hold On I'm Coming" and "I Thank You" for Sam & Dave.
• In the early part of his career, his husky vocals and elegant keyboard work were instrumental in helping soul music mature, yet later in the 1970's, he diluted the impact of his style with the use of syrupy string arrangements. His 1970's work predicted the emergence of disco.
• Hayes did not record any of his solo work on Stax.
• Nicknamed "Black Moses," he became famous for his shaved head, dark glasses and his exposed muscular chest embellished with heavy gold chains.
• Hayes composed the film scores for "Shaft"(1971), "Truck Turner" (1974) and "Tough Guys"(1986).
• Dec. 22, 1976 - $6 million in debt, he filed for bankruptcy.
• Hits include "Walk On By"(Aug., 1969)#30, (Sept., 1969)#13 R&B, "Theme From Shaft"(Oct., 1971)#2 R&B, #1-2 wks. and "Don't Let Go"(Sept., 1979)#11 R&B, (Oct., 1979)#18.

THE MAJOR STAX SOUL ARTISTS

RUFUS THOMAS

• (March 26, 1917 - Dec. 16, 2001)
• Singer/songwriter/choreographer born in Cayce, Mississippi.
• Raised in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Father of singers Carla and Vaneese Thomas and pianist Marvell Thomas.
• 1935 - Began as a comic, also singing with the Bill Fort Orchestra.
• 1950 - First recorded for Talent Records.
• June, 1951 - Began recording for Sam Phillips who leased 3 singles to Chess Records.
• March 8, 1953 - Recorded "Bear Cat," in answer to Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog."
• 1953-1974 - Worked as a disc jockey at WDIA in Memphis.
• Thomas, a real character who had begun his career as a minstrel show dancer, brought a sense of humour and traditional showbiz professionalism to the world of soul music.
• 1959 - Recorded "'Cause I Love You" with daughter Carla Thomas on Satellite Records.
• Hits include "Walking The Dog"(Oct., 1963)#5 R&B, #10, "Do The Funky Chicken"(Jan., 1970)#5 R&B, (Feb., 1970)#28 and "(Do The) Push And Pull"(Dec., 1970)#1-2 wks. R&B, #25.

WILLIAM BELL

• William Yarborough (July 16, 1939 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• 1953 - Performed with the Rufus Thomas band.
• 1957 - Recorded as the lead singer of The Del Rios.
• During the late 1950's, sang with The Phineas Newborn Orchestra.
• 1962-1966 - Served in the army.
• 1962 - Signed to Stax by Chip Moman.
• His recordings were more refined than those of his contemporaries.
• 1972 - After a number of unsuccessful recordings, he released the controversial "Phases Of Reality" album.
• 1980 - Established his own Peach Tree label in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Hits include "You Don't Miss Your Water"(April, 1962)#95, "Everybody Loves A Winner"(April, 1967)#18 R&B, #95, "A Tribute To A King"(April, 1968)#16 R&B, #86, "Private Number"(Aug., 1968) #75 (Sept., 1968)#17 R&B (with Judy Clay), "I Forgot To Be Your Lover"(Dec., 1968)#10 R&B, (Jan., 1969)#45 and "Tryin' To Love Two"(Dec., 1976)#1 R&B, (Feb., 1977)#10.

OTIS REDDING

• (Sept. 9, 1941 - Dec. 10, 1967)
• Singer/songwriter born in Dawson, Georgia
• Son of a Baptist minister, Redding began singing in church choirs.
• 1960 - Part time singer for local group Johnny Jenkins & The Pinetoppers.
• 1962 - Auditioned for Stax Records and was signed immediately. Redding wrote most of his own repertoire.
• R&B promoter Joe Galkin (1942 - Aug. 27, 1978) was responsible for launching Redding's career.
• March, 1963 - His first release, "These Arms Of Mine" went to #20 R&B, (May, 1963)#85.
• Redding began touring with The Stax/Volt Revue.
• April, 1967 - Aretha Franklin had a monster hit with her recording of his song, "Respect." Redding also co-wrote the classic "Sweet Soul Music" with Arthur Conley.
• June, 1967 - Appeared at The Monterey Pop Festival.
• Dec. 10, 1967 - Redding and several of his backup band The Bar- Kays were killed in a plane crash at Lake Monoma, near Madison, Wisconsin.
• 4,000 people attended his funeral in Macon, Georgia.
• Jan., 1968 - His recording of "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" went to #1-4 wks., (Feb., 1968)#1-3 wks. R&B. The recording went on to win 2 Grammys for Best Song and Best R&B Male Vocalist.
• 1980 - His 2 sons formed The Reddings.
• Jan. 18, 1989 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Mr. Pitiful"(Feb., 1965)#10 R&B, #41, "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)"(May, 1965)#2 R&B, #21, "Respect"(Sept., 1965)#4 R&B, #35, "Satisfaction"(March, 1966)#4 R&B, #31, "Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)"(Oct., 1966)#12 R&B, #29, "Try A Little Tenderness"(Dec., 1966)#4 R&B, #25, "Tramp"(May, 1967)#2 R&B, #26 (with Carla Thomas) and "Shake"(May, 1967)#47, (June, 1967)#16 R&B.

SAM & DAVE

• Sam Moore (Samuel David Moore) (Oct. 12, 1935 – )
• Singer born in Miami, Florida.
• David Prater (May 9, 1937 - April 9, 1988)
• Singer born in Ocilla, Georgia.
• Sam had been a member of the gospel group The Melionaires and Dave had already worked as a solo performer.
• 1961 - Became a vocal duo.
• 1962 - Signed to Roulette Records by Morris Levy.
• March, 1966 - Signed with Stax.
• The fusion of Sam & Dave's powerful, preachy gospel shouting and the driving Stax house band was the epitome of southern soul.
• Most of their hits were written and produced by the Isaac Hayes/ David Porter team.
• Later, they became the pattern for the Saturday Night Live satirical group, The Blues Brothers who also utilized the original Stax house band.
• 1968 - Split.
• Feb., 1979 - Reformed briefly after the success of "The Blues Brothers" film.
• 1980 - Appeared as themselves in the Paul Simon film, "One Trick Pony." The two split permanently.
• April 9, 1988 - Prater was killed in a car crash.
• Hits include "You Don't Know Like I Know"(Jan., 1966)#7 R&B, #90, "Hold On I'm Comin'"(April, 1966)#1 R&B, #21, "You Got Me Hummin'"(Dec., 1966)#7 R&B, #77, "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby"(Feb., 1967)#2 R&B, #42, "Soul Man"(Sept., 1967)#1-7 wks. R&B, #2, "I Thank You"(Jan., 1968)#9, (Feb., 1968)#41 (Jan., 1969)#18 R&B.

EDDIE FLOYD

• (June 25, 1935 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Montgomery, Alabama.
• 1955-1963 - An original member of The Falcons.
• 1966 - Signed with Stax.
• Wrote "634-5789" for Wilson Pickett and "Comfort Me" for Carla Thomas.
• Hits include "Knock On Wood"(Aug., 1966)#1 R&B, (Sept., 1966)#28, "Raise Your Hand"(Feb., 1967)#16 R&B, #79 and "I've Never Found A Girl"(July, 1968)#2 R&B, #40.

JOHNNIE TAYLOR

• (May 5, 1938 - May 31, 2000)
• Singer born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas.
• During the early 1950's, he performed with the gospel group, The Highway QC's in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1955 - Recorded with The Five Echoes on Vee-Jay.
• 1957 - Replaced Sam Cooke in The Soul Stirrers.
• 1961 - Went solo.
• 1963 - Recorded on Sam Cooke's SAR Records.
• 1965 - Signed with Stax.
• Nicknamed "The Soul Philosopher."
• 1975 - Signed with Columbia.
• May 31, 2000 - Died following a heart attack.
• Hits include "Who's Making Love"(Oct., 1968)#1-3 wks. R&B, #5, "Love Bones"(Dec., 1969)#4 R&B, #43, "I Believe In You (You Believe In Me)"(June, 1973)#1-2 wks. R&B, #11 and "Disco Lady" (Jan., 1976)#1-6 wks. R&B, #1-4 wks.

THE STAPLE SINGERS

• Family soul group from Drew, Mississippi.
• Consisting of guitarist Roebuck "Pop" Staples (Dec. 28, 1915 - Dec. 19, 2000), his son Pervis (1935 – ) and daughters Cleotha (1934 – ), Yvonne (1939 – ) and Mavis (1940 – ).
• Roebuck Staples learned blues guitar at a young age, later joining The Golden Trumpets spiritual group. He moved to Chicago in 1936.
• 1937 - Pop Staples formed the gospel group, The Golden Trumpets.
• 1951 - The Staple Singers began as a gospel act, gradually crossing over into soul and funk.
• 1953-1962 - Recorded for Vee-Jay.
• 1959 - Recorded their "Uncloudy Day." A rare gospel crossover, it climbed the R&B charts in 1960.
• Lead vocals were handled by the earthy voiced Mavis Staples.
• July, 1968 - Signed with Stax.
• 1968 - Mavis began recording solo as well as with the group.
• 1971 - Pervis left, replaced by Yvonne.
• 1987 - Mavis Staples was signed to Prince's (Paisley Park label.
• Aug., 1990 - Mavis portrayed Melody Cool in the Prince film, "Graffiti Bridge."
• 1993 - Pop Staples made a brief comeback with his "The Neighbourhood" album.
• 1996 - With Lucky Peterson, Mavis Staples released the traditional gospel album, "Spirituals And Gospels."
• March 15, 1999 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Heavy Makes You Happy"(Dec., 1970)#6 R&B, (Feb., 1971)#27, "Respect Yourself"(Oct., 1971)#2 R&B, #12, "I'll Take You There"(April, 1972)#1-4 wks. R&B, #1, "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)"(Oct., 1973)#1-3 wks. R&B, #9 and "Let's Do It Again" (Oct., 1975)#1-2 wks. R&B, #1.

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER STAX/VOLT HITS

• The Dramatics - "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get"(July, 1971)#3 R&B, #9.
• The Emotions - "So I Can Love You"(May, 1969)#3 R&B, #39.
• Albert King - "Born Under A Bad Sign"(Aug., 1967)#49 R&B.
• The Mad Lads - "I Want Someone"(Feb., 1966)#10 R&B, (March, 1966) #74.
• Ollie & The Nightingales - "I Got A Sure Thing"(April, 1968)#16 R&B, #73.

HI RECORDS

The Hi label, out of South Lauderdale, Memphis was a small yet impressive soul label, featuring a unique artist roster. Formed in 1957 by Joe Cuoghi as a subsidiary of the British owned London Records, it originally promoted several white entertainers such as Murray Kellum, Gene Simmons, Jerry Jaye and Elvis Presley's bassist Bill Black. By the 1970's, with producer Willie Mitchell, the label had embraced an exclusive soul format.

The Stax sound had become passé, yet Hi Records incorporated a suspiciously Stax oriented style featuring a down home collection of stars like Al Green and Ann Peebles. Hi epitomized the soft underbelly of soul in the early 1970's, never abrasive yet somehow consistently satisfying. Hi represented the transition from classic southern soul to the more funky sounds of the mid 1970's. It retained the root soul sensibility attributed to Stax while most other black companies were experimenting with watered down, string dominated disco sounds. Unfortunately, the Hi label folded in 1980.

THE HI SOUL ARTISTS

WILLIE MITCHELL

• (1928 – )
• Keyboardist/trumpeter/arranger/composer/producer born in Ashland, Mississippi.
• Played trumpet in high school.
• In the early 1950's, worked with Al Jackson and Tuff Green.
• 1954 - Formed his own group, later becoming the house band at Home Of The Blues.
• 1963 - Joined Hi Records.
• Produced and arranged recordings for Syl Johnson, Otis Clay, Ann Peebles, Al Green and O. V. Wright.
• Became the musical director/president of Hi Records.
• 1983 - Established his own Waylo label.
• 1987 - Produced "Popped In, Souled Out," the debut LP of the British pop band Wet Wet Wet.
• Hits include "20-75"(Aug., 1964)#31, "Soul Serenade"(March, 1968) #10 R&B, #23 and "Prayer Meetin'"(July, 1968)#45.

AL GREEN

• Al Greene (April 13, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Forest City, Arkansas.
• Originally performed in The Greene Brothers gospel group.
• 1959 - Moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• 1960 - First recorded for Fargo Records.
• 1964-1967 - Sang with The Creations.
• 1967-1968 - Sang with Al Greene & The Soul Mates, scoring a #5 R&B hit with "Back Up Train."
• 1968 - Went solo, signing with Hi Records.
• He wrote most of his own material, performing the songs in a distinctive whispery, high pitched vocal style much copied by other artists. His stage show became an erotic event for females, who tossed their undergarments onstage.
• 1976 - Left show business to become the Reverend Al Green, a pastor of The Full Gospel Tabernacle.
• 1980 - Turned exclusively to gospel music.
• Hits include "Let's Stay Together"(Dec., 1971)#1-9 wks. R&B, #1, "I'm Still In Love With You"(July, 1972)#1-2 wks. R&B, #3, "Call Me (Come Back Home)"(Feb., 1973)#2 R&B, #10, "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)"(Sept., 1974)#7, (Oct., 1974)#2 R&B and "L-O-V-E (Love)" (March, 1975)#1-2 wks. R&B.

ANN PEEBLES

• (April 27, 1947 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in East St. Louis, Missouri.
• 1955 - Age 8, began singing in the family gospel group, The Peebles Choir.
• Wife of songwriter Don Bryant.
• 1969 - Signed to the Hi label.
• Aug., 1973 - Her recording of "I Can't Stand The Rain" went to #6 R&B, (Sept., 1973)#38. John Lennon listed it as one of his favourite recordings.
• Noted for her fragile, grainy, soulful vocals.
• An influence to singer Alison Moyet.
• Hits include "Part Time Love"(Sept., 1970)#7 R&B, (Oct., 1970) #45, "I Pity The Fool"(March, 1971)#18 R&B, #85 and "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down"(Feb., 1973)#31 R&B.
• Recommended track - "Hangin' On"(1973).

SYL JOHNSON

• Syl Thompson (July 1, 1939 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
• Raised in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1959-1962 - Recorded for Federal Records.
• 1970 - Signed to Hi by Willie Mitchell.
• Hits include "Come On Sock It To Me"(July, 1957)#12 R&B, (Aug., 1967)#97, "Is It Because I'm Black"(Nov., 1969)#11 R&B, (Dec., 1969)#68, "Back For A Taste Of Your Love"(Sept., 1973)#16 R&B, (Oct., 1973)#72 and "Take Me To The River"(April, 1975)#7 R&B, (June, 1975)#48.

OTHER MAJOR SOUL ARTISTS

THE DELLS

• 1953 - Vocal quintet formed at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois.
• Consisting of Johnny Funches (lead), Marvin Junior (baritone), Verne Allison (tenor), Chuck Barksdale (bass) and Mickey McGill (baritone).
• 1953 - Began recording as The El-Rays.
• 1955-1961 - Signed to Vee-Jay Records.
• Spring, 1955 - First release, "Tell The World."
• Nov., 1956 - Their recording of "Oh What A Night" went to #4 R&B, much later becoming a #10 pop hit in Aug., 1969. It sold 1 million copies each time.
• 1960 - Funches was replaced by ex-Flamingo Johnny Carter after a car accident.
• 1962-1964 - Recorded for Chess Records.
• 1967 - Signed to Cadet.
• Hits include "Stay In My Corner"(June, 1968)#1-3 wks. R&B, #10, "Always Together"(Oct., 1968)#3 R&B, #18, "Open Up My Heart" (April, 1970)#5 R&B, #51 and "Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation" (April, 1973)#3 R&B, #34.

BOBBY "BLUE" BLAND

• Robert Calvin Bland (Jan. 27, 1930 – )
• Singer born in Rosemark, Tennessee.
• 1944 - Moved to Memphis where he sang gospel.
• 1949 - Became B. B. King's valet.
• 1951 - Began his recording career.
• 1953 - Signed to Duke Records.
• Early on, his style was hard edged, but later he became famous for his mellow baritone voice.
• Between 1957 and 1975, he had over 40 entries on the Billboard R&B charts.
• 1960 - Voted Best R&B Male Singer.
• Collaborated with B. B. King on the albums, "Together For The First Time"(1974) and "Together Again.....Live"(1976).
• One of the most influential blues/soul song stylists ever.
• Hits include "Farther Up the Road"(Aug., 1957)#1-2 wks. R&B, #43, "I Pity The Fool"(Feb., 1961)#1 R&B, #46, "Turn On Your Love Light"(Dec., 1961)#2 R&B, #28, "That's The Way Love Is"(Jan., 1963)#1-2 wks. R&B, #33, "These Hands (Small But Mighty)"(Aug., 1965)#63, (Sept., 1965)#4 R&B and "Chains Of Love"(Aug., 1969)#9 R&B, (Sept., 1969)#60.

ETTA JAMES

• See R&B

JACKIE WILSON

• Jack Leroy Wilson (June 9, 1934 - Jan. 21, 1984)
• Singer born in Detroit, Michigan.
• 1948 - Claiming to be 18, he won a Golden Gloves welter-weight boxing championship.
• His mother insisted that he give up boxing for singing.
• 1951 - Discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis in a talent contest.
• 1953 - Joined Billy Ward's Dominoes as the replacement for Clyde McPhatter.
• Late 1957 - Went solo.
• Oct., 1957 - His recording of "Reet Petite" went to #11 R&B, #62. It was written by future Motown president Berry Gordy Jr.
• Nov., 1958 - His recording of "Lonely Teardrops," written by Berry Gordy Jr., Tyran Carlo and Gwen Gordy, went to #1-7 wks. R&B, #7.
• 1961 - Survived a gunshot wound to the stomach by a female fan.
• A singer of amazing vocal range and skill, versatility and electrifying stage presence, whose influence can be seen in almost every male rock and R&B performer since.
• Sometimes nicknamed "Mr. Excitement" and "The Black Elvis."
• Sept. 25, 1975 - Wilson collapsed from a stroke onstage at The Latin Casino in Camden, New Jersey. He spent the rest of his life in a coma until his death on Jan. 21, 1984.
• 1987 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "To Be Loved"(April, 1958)#7 R&B, #22, "Night" (March, 1960)#4, (April, 1960)#3 R&B, "Doggin' Around"(April, 1960)#1-3 wks. R&B, #15, "Baby Workout"(March, 1963)#1-3 wks. R&B, #15, "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher"(Aug., 1967) #1 R&B, #6 and "This Love Is Real"(Dec., 1970)#9 R&B, #56.

THE IMPRESSIONS

• 1957 - Quintet formed in Chicago, Illinois from the remnants of The Roosters.
• Consisting of Jerry Butler (Dec. 8, 1939 – ), Curtis Mayfield (June 3, 1942 - Dec. 26. 1999), Sam Gooden (Sept. 2, 1939 – ) and brothers Arthur Brooks and James Brooks.
• Butler and Mayfield had previously been members of The Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers.
• 1958 - Butler went solo, replaced by Fred Cash.
• Many personnel changes since.
• 1970 - Mayfield went solo.
• 1991 - The group was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1994 - Mayfield became a Grammy Legend Award Winner.
• 1995 - Mayfield became a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner.
• March, 1999 - Mayfield was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "For Your Precious Love"(June, 1958)#11, (July, 1958)#3 R&B, "Gypsy Woman"(Oct., 1961)#20, (Nov., 1961)#2 R&B, "It's Alright"(Sept., 1963)#4, (Oct., 1963)#1-2 wks. R&B, "People Get Ready"(Feb., 1965)#3 R&B, #14, "We're A Winner"(Dec., 1967) #14, (Jan., 1968)#1 R&B, "Choice Of Colours"(June, 1969)#1 R&B, #21 and "Finally Got Myself Together (I'm A Changed Man)"(April, 1974)#1-2 wks. R&B, (May, 1974)#17.

JERRY BUTLER

• (Dec. 8, 1939 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Sunflower, Mississippi.
• 1942 - Family migrated to Chicago, Illinois.
• 1951 - Age 12, began singing in choirs.
• Began singing with Curtis Mayfield in The Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers.
• 1957 - Both Butler and Mayfield joined The Roosters who became The Impressions.
• 1958 - Went solo.
• Famous for his smooth silky baritone voice, he was nicknamed "The Ice Man" by Philadelphia DJ Georgie Woods.
• 1966 - Signed to Mercury, working with staff producer Jerry Ross.
• Later in Chicago, formed his Music Workshop to generate new material.
• Hits include "He Will Break Your Heart"(Oct., 1960)#1-7 wks. R&B, #7, "Make It Easy On Yourself"(July, 1962)#20, (Sept., 1962)#18 R&B, "Let It Be Me"(Sept., 1964)#5 R&B, #5 (with Betty Everett), "Hey Western Union Man"(Aug., 1968)#16, (Sept., 1968)#1 R&B and "Only The Strong Survive"(March, 1969)#1-2 wks. R&B, #4.

THE ISLEY BROTHERS

• Trio formed in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Consisting of brothers O'Kelly (Dec. 25, 1937 - March 31, 1986), Ronald (May 21, 1941 – ) and Rudolph (April 1, 1939 – ) Isley.
• Formed in the 1950's as a gospel group.
• 1957 - Moved to New York and began recording on Teenage Records.
• Sept., 1959 - Their recording of "Shout" went to #47.
• They became famous for their energetic stage show.
• 1962 - Recorded briefly for Atlantic.
• Jimi Hendrix, then known as Jimmy James was their guitarist for a time.
• During the late 1960's, signed with Motown.
• 1969 - Formed their own label, T-Neck.
• 1973-1984 - They incorporated their younger brothers Ernie (guitar/drums) and Marvin (bass), and their cousin Chris Jasper (keys) into the group.
• 1984 - The group split into two trios, Isley, Jasper, Isley and the original Isley Brothers.
• March 31, 1986 - O'Kelly Isley died of a heart attack.
• Hits include "Twist And Shout"(June, 1962)#2 R&B, #17, "This Old Heart Of Mine"(Feb., 1966)#6 R&B, #12, "It's Your Thing"(March, 1969)#1-4 wks. R&B, #2, "That Lady (Part 1)"(July, 1973)#2 R&B, #6, "Fight The Power (Part 1)"(May, 1975)#1-3 wks. R&B (June, 1975)#4 and "The Pride (Part 1)"(March, 1977)#1 R&B, (May, 1977) #63.

NINA SIMONE

• Eunice Waymon (Feb. 21, 1933 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Tryon, South Carolina.
• Jazz/blues/soul singer.
• Eccentric, colourful and unique artist who attended New York's Juilliard School Of Music. She later taught piano.
• Late 1950's, began recording for Bethlehem, later with Colpix.
• Composer of the classic "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."
• 1965 - Made appearances in Britain where she built a strong following.
• Simone was a prominent figure in the civil rights campaigns.
• 1972 - Released the "It Is Finished" album.
• 1980 - Released the "Baltimore" album.
• June, 2000 - Recognized by The International Association Of African American Music.
• Hits include "I Love's You Porgy"(June, 1959)#2 R&B, (Aug., 1959)#18, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"(Dec., 1964)#131, "I Put A Spell On You"(June, 1965)#120, (July, 1965)#23 R&B and "To Be Young Gifted And Black"(Nov., 1969)#8 R&B, (Dec., 1969)#76.
• Recommended track - Her jazzy rendition of "My Baby Just Cares For Me," re-released in 1987 in Britain.

MAXINE BROWN

• Singer/songwriter born in Kingstree, South Carolina.
• During the late 1950's, she performed with The Manhattans and Royaltones gospel groups in New York City.
• Often recorded duets with Chuck Jackson.
• Hits include "All In My Mind"(Dec., 1960)#19, (Jan., 1961)#2 R&B, "Funny"(March, 1961)#25, (April, 1961)#3 R&B, "Oh No Not My Baby" (Oct., 1964)#24 R&B, #24 and "If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody"(Dec., 1965)#63.

BEN E. KING

• Benjamin Earl Nelson (Sept. 23, 1938 – )
• Singer born in Henderson, North Carolina.
• In New York City, formed his own group The Four B's, later auditioning unsuccessfully for The Moonglows.
• 1956 - Joined The Five Crowns who became the second edition of The Drifters in 1959.
• 1960 - Went solo, recording for Atlantic.
• 1969 - Left Atlantic, later resigning.
• Hits include "Spanish Harlem"(Dec., 1960)#10, (Jan., 1961)#15 R&B, "Stand By Me"(May, 1961)#1-4 wks. R&B, #4, "Don't Play That Song"(April, 1962)#11, (May, 1962)#2 R&B, "I (Who Have Nothing)" (June, 1963)#29, (Aug., 1963)#16 R&B and "Supernatural Thing - Part 1"(Jan., 1975)#1 R&B, (Feb., 1975)#5.

ARTHUR ALEXANDER

• (May 10, 1940 - June 16, 1993)
• Singer/songwriter born in Florence, Alabama.
• In his teens, sang in a local gospel group.
• Began his association with Muscle Shoals producer Rick Hall.
• 1960 - First recorded for Judd.
• Many of his recordings were later covered by British artists such as The Beatles ("Anna") and The Rolling Stones ("You Better Move On").
• 1979 - Recorded with Carl Perkins on Koala.
• Hits include "You Better Move On"(Feb., 1962)#24, "Where Have You Been"(May, 1962)#58, "Anna"(Oct., 1962)#10 R&B, #68, "Every Day I Have To Cry Some"(Sept., 1975)#45 and "Sharing The Night Together"(May, 1976)#92 R&B.
• Other classic recordings include "Go Home Girl"(1962) and "A Shot Of Rhythm And Blues"(1962).

CHUCK JACKSON

• (July 22, 1937 – )
• Singer born in Latta, South Carolina.
• 1957 - Sang with The Raspberry Singers gospel group.
• 1957-1959 - Sang with The Dell-Vikings.
• 1960 - Went solo.
• Balladeer with a powerful deep resonant voice.
• Hits include "I Don't Want To Cry"(Feb., 1961)#5 R&B, #36, "Any Day Now (My Wild Beautiful Bird)"(April, 1962)#23, (May, 1962)#2 R&B, "Something You Got"(April, 1965)#55, (May, 1965)#10 R&B and "Hold On I'm Coming"(Feb., 1967)#91, (March, 1967)#20 R&B (with Maxine Brown).

THE MANHATTANS

• Vocal quintet formed in Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Consisting of George "Smitty" Smith ( – 1970) (lead), Winfred "Blue" Lovett (bass), Richard Taylor (aka: Abdul Rashid Talhah) ( – Dec. 7, 1987) (baritone), Kenneth "Wally" Kelly (tenor) and Edward "Sonny" Bivins (tenor).
• 1962 - Began recording for Piney.
• 1970 - Smith died of spinal meningitis.
• 1971 - Smith replaced by Gerald Alston.
• 1976 - Taylor left.
• During the 1980's, the group featured female vocalist Regina Belle who went solo in 1987.
• Hits include "I Wanna Be (Your Everything)"(Jan., 1965)#12 R&B, #68, "One Life To Live"(Sept., 1972)#3 R&B, "Kiss And Say Goodbye"(April, 1976)#1 R&B, #1-2 wks. and "Shining Star"(March, 1980)#4 R&B, (April, 1980)#5.

LEE DORSEY

• Irving Lee Dorsey (Dec. 24, 1924 - Dec. 1, 1986)
• Singer/songwriter born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• 1934 - Moved to Portland, Oregon.
• During the 1940's, he was a boxer known as "Kid Chocolate."
• Aug., 1961 - His recording of "Ya-Ya" went to #1 R&B, (Sept., 1961)#7.
• Dorsey's recordings featured a strong funky style partially due to the production of Allen Toussaint and Marshall Sehorn.
• 1965 - Signed to Amy, a subsidiary of the Bell label in New York City.
• 1965 - Teamed with songwriter Allen Toussaint.
• During the 1970's, retired and worked at his car repair business.
• 1976 - Guested on the debut LP by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Dukes.
• Dec. 1, 1986 - Died of emphysema in New Orleans.
• Hits include "Ride Your Pony"(June, 1965)#7 R&B, (July, 1965)#28, "Get Out Of My Life Woman"(Jan., 1966)#5 R&B, #44, "Working In The Coal Mine"(July, 1966)#8, (Aug., 1966)#5 R&B and "Holy Cow" (Oct., 1966)#23, (Nov., 1966)#10 R&B.

IKE & TINA TURNER

• Ike Turner (Izear Luster Turner) (Nov. 15, 1931 – )
• Guitarist/pianist born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
• Tina Turner (Anna Mae Bullock) (Nov. 26, 1939 – )
• Singer/dancer/actress born in Brownsville, Tennessee.
• Husband and wife duo, married from 1958 to 1976 (although some sources state that they were not wed).
• 1942 - Age 11, Ike was pianist for Sonny Boy Williamson.
• While in high school, he formed his own group, The Kings Of Rhythm.
• His band backed Jackie Brenston on the classic recording of "Rocket 88"(May, 1951)#1-5 wks. R&B. It is often considered to be the first rock and roll recording.
• During the 1950's, Ike became a respected session guitarist.
• 1960 - Turner developed The Ike & Tina Turner Revue, a dynamic stage show featuring Tina.
• Their female backup group, The Ikettes performed intricate choreography with Tina.
• Their style was more related to early R&B and rock and roll roots than to 1960's soul. However, the passionate vocals of Tina Turner, grossly overlooked until the 1980's, rivalled any of her contemporary soul sisters.
• May, 1966 - Their classic recording of "River Deep Mountain High," produced by Phil Spector, although a commercial failure reaching only #88 on the charts, is considered by many to be a masterpiece. It did however climb to #3 on the U.K. charts.
• 1974 - Disbanded, Ike and Tina's marital problems causing a major scandal when she charged him with abuse.
• Ike continued to spark controversy because of his ongoing drug problems.
• During the 1980's, Tina achieved the superstar status she so rightfully deserved.
• 1991 - Both were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "A Fool In Love"(Aug., 1960)#2 R&B, #27, "It's Gonna Work Out Fine"(July, 1961)#2 R&B, #14, "Tra La La La La La" (March, 1962)#9 R&B, #50, "Proud Mary" (Jan., 1971)#4, (Feb., 1971)#5 R&B and "Nutbush City Limits"(Aug., 1973)#11 R&B, (Sept., 1973)#22.

TINA TURNER

• Anna Mae Bullock (Nov. 26, 1939 – )
• Singer/dancer/actress born in Brownsville, Tennessee.
• 1958-1976 - Married to R&B guitarist Ike Turner. They were divorced after Tina revealed that she was a victim of years of abuse.
• 1960-1974 - Fronted The Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
• Famous for her soulful vocals, energetic stage antics and skimpy outfits. In the early part of her career, her singing was often bypassed and the focus placed on her choreography and fabulous legs.
• June, 1982 - First recording after going solo was "Ball Of Confusion" with Heaven 17.
• May, 1984 - Her recording of "What's Love Got To Do With It" went to #1-3 wks., (June, 1984)#2 R&B. It was awarded 4 Grammys - Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Female Vocal Performance and Best Rock Female Vocal Performance.
• During the 1980's, she achieved superstardom as a first rate vocalist and later as an actress.
• Film appearances include "Tommy"(1975) and "Mad Max - Beyond Thunderdome"(1985).
• Tina Turner is seemingly ageless, a true survivor and an absolute joy to watch in performance.
• 1993 - Her steamy autobiography, "What's Love Got To Do With It" became a major motion picture starring Angela Bassett.
• June 30, 2000 - At a concert in Zurich, announced she would retire at the end of her current world tour.
• Hits include "Let's Stay Together"(Jan., 1984)#26, "Better Be Good To Me"(Sept., 1984)#6 R&B, #5, "Private Dancer"(Jan., 1985) #3 R&B, #7, "We Don't Need Another Hero"(July, 1985)#3 R&B, #2, "Typical Male"(Aug., 1986)#3 R&B, #2, "Steamy Windows"(Nov., 1989)#39, "Love Thing"(1991), "I Don't Wanna Fight"(1993), "Never In Your Wildest Dreams"(1997) and "When The Heartache Is Over"(1999).

DIONNE WARWICK

• Marie Dionne Warwick (Dec. 12, 1940 – )
• Singer/actress born in East Orange, New Jersey.
• Cousin of singer Whitney Houston.
• At an early age, with her aunt Cissy Houston (Emily Drinkard) sang in the gospel group The Drinkard Singers.
• Formed The Gospelaires with Cissy Houston and her sister Dee Dee Warwick.
• During the late 1950's, worked as a session singer.
• 1962 - She came to the attention of the Burt Bacharach & Hal David songwriting team who arranged a contract for her with Scepter Records.
• Dec., 1962 - Her recording of "Don't Make Me Over" went to #21, (Jan., 1963)#5 R&B.
• Although technically not a soul singer, she is certainly one of the most soulful vocalists in the business. Much of her material was in the pop ballad vein yet there is a distinct soul flavour in her delivery.
• Between Dec., 1962 and Aug., 1971, she charted with 38 different titles on Scepter. All but 5 were written by Bacharach & David.
• 1969 - Appeared in the movie, "Slaves."
• 1971 - Suffered a dry spell after leaving Scepter Records and her relationship with Bacharach deteriorated.
• Her peak period was during her professional relationship with Bacharach as the chief interpreter of his songs. In the 1970's, she sued him because he had ceased writing specifically for her, damaging her career. However, in the late 1970's and 1980's, she enjoyed a successful comeback.
• 1971-1975 - Added an "e" to the end of her last name for luck.
• 1980-1981 and 1985-1986 - Hosted TV's "Solid Gold."
• 1996 - Began hosting TV's "The Psychic Friends Network."
• Hits include "Anyone Who Had A Heart"(Dec., 1963)#8 R&B, (Jan., 1964)#8, "Walk On By"(April, 1964)#6 R&B, (May, 1964)#6, "Message To Michael"(April, 1966)#5 R&B, #8, "Trains And Boats And Planes" (July, 1966)#22, (Aug., 1966)#49 R&B, "Alfie"(May, 1967)#5 R&B, #15, "I Say A Little Prayer For You"(Nov., 1967)#8 R&B, #4, "(Theme From) Valley Of The Dolls"(Feb., 1968)#13 R&B, #2, "Do You Know The Way To San Jose"(May, 1968)#23 R&B, #10, "This Girl's In Love With You"(Feb., 1969)#7, (March, 1969)#7, "I'll Never Fall In Love Again"(Jan., 1970)#17 R&B, #6, "Then Came You" (July, 1974)#2 R&B, (Aug., 1974)#1 (with The Spinners), "I'll Never Love This Way Again"(June, 1979)#18 R&B, (July, 1979)#5, "Heartbreaker" (Oct., 1982)#14 R&B, (Nov., 1982)#10 and "That's What Friends Are For"(Nov., 1985)#1-3 wks. R&B, #1-4 wks. (with Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Elton John).

JOE TEX

• Joseph Arrington Jr. (Aug. 8, 1933 - Aug. 13, 1982)
• Singer/songwriter born in Rogers, Texas.
• Began singing with local gospel groups while in high school.
• 1954 - Won a recording contract at the Apollo Theatre talent contest.
• 1955-1957 - Recorded for King Records.
• 1958-1960 - Recorded for Ace Records.
• Wrote material for many artists including Jerry Butler and James Brown.
• 1961 - Signed to Big Tree Music by publisher Buddy Killen.
• Dec., 1964 - His recording of "Hold What You've Got" went to #5, (Jan., 1965)#2 R&B.
• July, 1972 - Converted to the Muslim faith, changing his name to Joseph Hazziez.
• Aug. 13, 1982 - Died of a heart attack in Navasota, Texas.
• Hits include "You Got What It Takes"(Feb., 1965)#10 R&B, #51, "The Love You Save (May Be Your Own)"(March, 1966)#2 R&B, #56, "Skinny Legs And All"(Oct., 1967)#10, (Nov., 1967)#2 R&B and "I Gotcha"(Jan., 1972)#1 R&B, #2.

LOU RAWLS

• (Dec. 1, 1935 – )
• Singer born in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1957-1959 - Sang with the gospel group, Pilgrim Travelers.
• 1962 - Sang the harmony vocals on Sam Cooke's recording of "Bring It On Home To Me."
• Sept., 1966 - His recording of "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" went to #1 R&B, #13.
• Noted for his deep resonant voice and 3 octave range.
• Developed a rhythmic monologue style called "aoulin."
• 1967 - Appeared at The Monterey Pop Festival.
• 1969 - Hosted his own summer TV variety series.
• Appeared in several movies and worked in TV in partnership with Dick Clark.
• 1982 - Recorded for Epic Records.
• Hits include "Dead End Street"(March, 1967)#29, (April, 1967)#3 R&B, "You're Good Thing (Is About To End)"(July, 1969)#3 R&B, #18, "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine"(May, 1976)#1-2 wks. R&B, (June, 1976)#2 and "Lady Love"(Dec., 1977)#21 R&B, (Jan., 1978)#24.

ARTHUR CONLEY

• (Jan. 4, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Atlanta, Georgia.
• 1965 - Discovered by Otis Redding with whom he wrote "Sweet Soul Music."
• First recorded as Arthur & The Corvets for NRC.
• Hits include "Sweet Soul Music"(March, 1967)#2 R&B, #2 and "Shake Rattle And Roll"(June, 1967)#31, (July, 1967)#20 R&B.

THE 5TH DIMENSION

• 1966 - Los Angeles, California based vocal quintet.
• Originally called The Versatiles.
• Consisting of Marilyn McCoo (Sept. 30, 1943 – ), Billy Davis Jr. (June 26, 1940 – ), Florence LaRue (Feb. 4, 1944 – ), Lamont McLemore (Sept. 17, 1940 – ) and Ron Townson (Jan. 20, 1933 - Aug. 2, 2001).
• McCoo was Miss Bronze 1962.
• 1969 - McCoo and Davis married.
• 1976 - McCoo and Davis began recording as a duo. Their biggest hit was "You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)"(Sept., 1976)#1.
• During the early 1980's, McCoo hosted TV's "Solid Gold."
• 1995 - McCoo starred in the Broadway revival of "Showboat."
• Aug. 2, 2001 - Townson died in Las Vegas of kidney failure.
• Hits include "Up-Up And Away"(June, 1967)#7, "Stoned Soul Picnic" (June, 1968)#2 R&B, #3, "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In"(March, 1969)#6 R&B, #1-6 wks., "Wedding Bell Blues"(Sept., 1969)#1-3 wks., (Oct., 1969)#23 R&B, "One Less Bell To Answer"(Oct., 1970)#2, (Nov., 1970)#4 R&B, "(Last Night) I Didn't Get To Sleep At All"(April, 1972)#28 R&B, #8 and "If I Could Reach You"(Sept., 1972)#10.

TYRONE DAVIS

• (May 4, 1948 – )
• Singer born in Greenville, Mississippi.
• Raised in Saginaw, Michigan.
• 1959 - Moved to Chicago, Illinois.
• One-time chauffeur for soul singer Freddie King.
• 1965 - Began recording as Tyrone The Wonder Boy.
• 1968 - Began recording for the Atlantic subsidiary label, Cotillion.
• Noted for his gruff, emotional delivery.
• Hits include "Can I Change My Mind"(Dec., 1968)#1-3 wks. R&B, #5, "Turn Back The Hands Of Time"(March, 1970)#1-2 wks. R&B, #3, "Without You In My Life"(March, 1973)#5 R&B, (April, 1973)#64 and "Are You Serious"(Nov., 1982)#3 R&B, (Dec., 1982)#57.

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER CLASSIC SOUL RECORDINGS

• Bob & Earl - "Harlem Shuffle"(Dec., 1963)#44 R&B, #44.
• James Carr - "The Dark End Of The Street"(Feb., 1967)#10 R&B, #77.
• Chairmen Of The Board - "Give Me Just A Little More Time"(Jan., 1970)#8 R&B, #3.
• Gene Chandler - "Duke Of Earl"(Jan., 1962)#1-5 wks. R&B, #1-3 wks.
• Sonny Charles & The Checkmates Ltd. - "Black Pearl"(May, 1969)#8 R&B, #13.
• The Chi-Lites - "Oh Girl"(April, 1972)#1-2 wks. R&B, #13.
• Merry Clayton - "Gimme Shelter"(June, 1970)#73.
• Mitty Collier - "I Had A Talk With My Man"(Sept., 1964)#41 R&B, #41.
• The Delfonics - "La - La Means I Love You"(Feb., 1968)#2 R&B, #4.
• Shirley Ellis - "The Nitty Gritty"(Nov., 1963)#8 R&B, #8.
• King Floyd - "Groove Me"(Oct., 1970)#1-4 wks. R&B, #6.
• Inez Foxx - "Mockingbird"(June, 1963)#2 R&B, #7.
• Erma Franklin - "Piece Of My Heart"(Oct., 1967)#10 R&B, (Nov., 1967)#62.
• Dobie Gray - "The 'In' Crowd"(Jan., 1965)#11 R&B, #13.
• Bobby Hebb - "Sunny"(June, 1966)#3 R&B, #2.
• Joe Hinton - "Funny"(Aug., 1964)#13 R&B, #13.
• Eddie Holman - "Hey There Lonely Girl"(Dec., 1969)#4 R&B, #2.
• King Curtis - "Memphis Soul Stew"(Aug., 1967)#33, (Sept., 1967)#6 R&B.
• Major Lance - "Um Um Um Um Um Um"(Jan., 1964)#5 R&B, #5.
• Barbara Lynn - "You'll Lose A Good Thing"(June, 1962)#1-3 wks. R&B, #8.
• Maurice & Mac - "You Left The Water Running"(1968).
• Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters - "Cry Baby"(Aug., 1963)#4, (Sept., 1963)#1-3 wks. R&B.
• James & Bobby Purify - "I'm Your Puppet"(Sept., 1966)#5 R&B, #6.
• Joe Simon - "The Chokin' Kind"(March, 1969)#1-3 wks. R&B, #13.
• O. C. Smith - "Little Green Apples"(Aug., 1968)#2.
• Irma Thomas - "Wish Someone Would Care"(March, 1964)#17 R&B, #17.
• Oscar Toney Jr. - "For Your Precious Love"(May, 1967)#4 R&B, #23.
• Bobby Womack - "Lookin' For A Love"(Jan., 1974)#1-3 wks. R&B, (Feb., 1974)#10.

BLUE EYED SOUL - WHITE SOUL ARTISTS

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS

• Bill Medley (Sept. 19, 1940 – )
• Baritone/songwriter born in Santa Ana, California.
• Bobby Hatfield (Aug. 10, 1940 – )
• Tenor born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
• 1962 - Blue eyed soul duo first recorded as The Paramours.
• Medley wrote their much covered hit, "Little Latin Lupe Lu."
• They became regulars on the TV shows, "Shindig" and "Hullabaloo."
• Dec., 1964 - Their classic recording of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" went to #1-2 wks., (Jan., 1965)#3 R&B. It was co-written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil & Phil Spector and featured Spector's lavish "wall of sound" production.
• 1968-1974 - Disbanded after numerous ego clashes.
• Medley went solo having success with the hits "I Can't Make It Alone"(May, 1968)#95 and "Brown Eyed Woman"(Aug., 1968)#43, (Sept., 1968)#37 R&B.
• March, 1968 - Hatfield replaced Medley in The Righteous Brothers unsuccessfully with Jimmy Walker of The Knickerbockers.
• 1974 - Reunited. The magic they created as a duo could not be duplicated as solo performers.
• Their forte was the big beat soul ballad.
• Sept., 1987 - Medley and Jennifer Warnes had a #1 hit with "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" (from the film, "Dirty Dancing").
• 1990 - Their original recording of "Unchained Melody" once again became a top hit after it was featured in the movie, "Ghost."
• Hits include "Little Latin Lupe Lu"(May, 1963)#49, "Unchained Melody"(July, 1965)#4, (Aug., 1965)#6 R&B, "Ebb Tide"(Dec., 1965) #13 R&B, #5, "(You're My) Soul And Inspiration"(March, 1966)#1-3 wks., (April, 1966)#13 R&B, "He"(June, 1966)#18 and "Rock And Roll Heaven"(May, 1974)#3.

DUSTY SPRINGFIELD

• See The British Invasion

ROY HEAD & THE TRAITS

• Roy Head (Jan. 9, 1943 – )
• Singer/guitarist from Three Rivers, Texas.
• Began singing R&B, later crossing over into country.
• Scored a southwestern regional hit with the country song, "One More Time."
• Biggest hit was his classic "Treat Her Right"(Sept., 1965)#2 R&B, #2.

MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS

• Mitch Ryder (William Levise Jr.) (Feb. 26, 1945 – )
• Singer born in Detroit, Michigan.
• Ryder began his career singing in black clubs, later singing with the black vocal quartet The Preps.
• 1962 - Originally called Billy Lee & The Rivieras, later renamed by producer Bob Crewe.
• Consisting of Ryder (vocals), "Little" John Badenjek (1948 – ) (drums), Joseph Cubert (1947 - June 16, 1991) (rhythm guitar), Jimmy McCartney (1947 – ) (lead guitarist) and Earl Eliot (bass).
• The group was famous for their medleys.
• 1967 - Ryder went solo, his only hit being "What Now My Love."
• 1971 - Formed the group Detroit.
• 1972-1978- Left the music business.
• 1978 - Recorded without success.
• 1983 - Released the "Never Kick A Sleeping Dog" album.
• He was a great influence on Bruce Springsteen.
• Hits include "Jenny Take A Ride"(Dec., 1965)#10, "Devil With A Blue Dress On & Good Golly Miss Molly"(Oct., 1966)#4 and "Sock It To Me Baby"(Feb., 1967)#6.

THE BUCKINGHAMS

• Chicago white pop/soul outfit.
• Consisting of singer Dennis Tufano (Sept. 11, 1948 – ), keyboardist Dennis Miccoli (Sept. 2, 1947 – ), guitarist Carl Giamarese (Aug. 21, 1947 – ), bassist Nicholas Fortune (May 2, 1946 – ) and drummer Jon Paulos (March 31, 1948 – ).
• Originally called The Pulsations.
• Hits include "Kind Of A Drag"(Dec., 1966)#1-2 wks., "Don't You Care"(March, 1967)#6 and "Mercy Mercy Mercy"(June, 1967)#5.

THE SWINGING MEDALLIONS

• Eight piece band from Greenwood, South Carolina.
• Biggest hit was "Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)"(April, 1966) #17.

WAYNE COCHRAN & HIS C. C. RIDERS

• Singer/songwriter.
• Flamboyant white James Brown sound-alike and his soul band.
• Famous for his gigantic pompadour.
• Sept., 1964 - His song, "Last Kiss," recorded by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers went to #2.
• Non charted single, "Life's Little Ups And Downs."

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 16: Rhythm And Blues
• Chapter 21: The Girl Groups
• Chapter 22: Motown
• Chapter 32: Disco
• Chapter 35: Funk And The New R&B
• Chapter 36: Rap
• Chapter 37: Eighties Revue

BIBLIOGRAPHY