Aretha Franklin “Runnin’ Out Of Fools” (Columbia 4-43113, R&B#30, Pop#57, 1964) I’ve always prized Aretha’s Columbia output moreso than her Atlantic output. I think a compilation that was released some 13-14 years ago really stated it accurately: Queen in Waiting. Beloved by Dinah Washington herself, Queen of the Blues, it should be by no surprise…
Tag: Uptown Soul
Pat Thomas “The Long Long Night” (Verve 10333-B, 1964)
Pat Thomas “The Long Long Night” (Verve 10333-B, 1964) Jazz Singer Pat Thomas found herself in an interesting predicament. Having trotted onto the scene in 1961, she managed to score the one of highest charting versions of ” “Desafinado (Slightly Out Of Tune)” the next year. Her relative youth, beauty and poise made her seem…
Barbara Lewis “I’ll Make Him Love Me” (Atlantic 2400, Pop #72, 1967)
Barbara Lewis “I’ll Make Him Love Me” (Atlantic 2400, Pop #72, 1967) Her otherworldly sweet singing and songwriting brought her one of the most legendary R&B classics from 1963. We celebrate the seductive powers of one Barbara Lewis, who still sweetens things up as she strolls into her 73rd Birthday this Tuesday Evening. Although a…
The Drifters “Answer The Phone” (Atlantic 2268-B, 1965)
The Drifters “Answer The Phone” (Atlantic 2268-B, 1965) One of the difficulties of relating any song about the technology surrounding telephone calls is that most are remarkably dated. From “Beechwood 4-5-7-8-9” from 1962 or “Mr Telephone Man” in 1984, so many things have gone the way of the rotary dial. But avoiding calls is timeless….
Doris Troy “I’ll Do Anything (He Wants Me To Do)” (Calla 114, 1966)
Doris Troy “I’ll Do Anything (He Wants Me To Do)” (Calla 114, 1966) It’s of amazing wonder that Doris Troy actually qualifies as a One Hit Wonder. Her 1963 debut for Atlantic Records was her only entry into the Billboard Hot 100. For what would have been her 79th Birthday, we look at some of her…
Dee Dee Warwick “Don’t Pay Them No Mind” (From the LP Foolish Fool, 1969)
Dee Dee Warwick “Don’t Pay Them No Mind” (From the LP Foolish Fool, 1969) It stands, the last day of 2015. Personally and collectively its one for the history books. If anyone tells you that this year hasn’t profoundly shaken them in any way, either they’re a profoundly privileged asshole or they’re straight up lying…
Joanie Sommers “Never Throw Your Dreams Away” (Columbia 43567, 1966)
Joanie Sommers “Never Throw Your Dreams Away” (Columbia 43567, 1966) As the year winds down to a close, more of the song-intention setting that I do for myself comes to mind. Popular Music in particular is chockful with affirmations worth of a lifetime of Oxygen network self help programming. Thankfully, at 3 1/2 minutes maximum, I can…
Kim Weston “A Little More Love” (Tamla 54106, 1964)
Kim Weston “A Little More Love” (Tamla 54106, 1964) It’s rare that I say I have a favorite anything. Fickle Gemini and all. But I do, about 75% of the time say I do have a favorite singer, and that’s none other than Kim Weston. Born 76 years ago today as Agatha Nathalia Weston in…
Dionne Warwick “This Empty Place” (Scepter 1247, R&B#26 Pop#84, 1963)
Dionne Warwick “This Empty Place” (Scepter 1247, R&B#26 Pop#84, 1963) What is there to say about Dionne Warwick? Plenty. In 60 years of performing, acting, and becoming a Pop Culture institution, she rests on a throne chock full of some of the most beloved popular music of the post war era. At 75 years old…
Anna King “The Big Change” (Ludix 103, 1963)
Anna King “The Big Change” (Ludix 103, 1963) Sometimes all it takes is one LP and a connection to a Soul Legend to solidify your place in R&B History. However, Anna King was much more than her year + affiliation with James Brown and his review. Today we celebrate what would have been the Philly…
DJ Larsupreme 