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Soul Serenade: The Four Tops, “Bernadette”

Soul Serenade: The Four Tops, “Bernadette”

Ken Shane February 9, 2012 1

The Four Tops smash "Bernadette" was just one of the hundreds of Motown hits that featured the bass playing of the legendary James Jamerson

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Soul Serenade: The Jarmels, “A Little Bit Of Soap”

Soul Serenade: The Jarmels, “A Little Bit Of Soap”

Ken Shane February 2, 2012 2

The Jarmels only had one hit, but it was a big one. "A Little Bit of Soap" climbed to the upper reaches of the Pop Chart in September,

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Soul Serenade: Etta, Johnny, and Jimmy

Soul Serenade: Etta, Johnny, and Jimmy

Ken Shane January 26, 2012 5

The world of soul, R&B, and funk lost three of its greatest artists last week. Ken Shane remembers Etta James, Johnny Otis, and Jimmy Castor

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Soul Serenade: McKinley Mitchell, “The Town I Live In”

Soul Serenade: McKinley Mitchell, “The Town I Live In”

Ken Shane January 19, 2012 0

McKinley Mitchell was an under appreciated R&B singer who scaled the heights of the R&B charts in the '60s with the stunning ballad "The Town I Live In."

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A Fan’s Notes: Jellyfish, “Belly Button” and “Spilt Milk” (Win the 180-Gram Vinyl Reissues)

A Fan’s Notes: Jellyfish, “Belly Button” and “Spilt Milk” (Win the 180-Gram Vinyl Reissues)

Ken Shane January 17, 2012 9

Jellyfish recorded only two albums during their brief career. Neither has ever appeared on vinyl. Now both have been reissued in splendid new vinyl editions.

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Soul Serenade: Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, “I Sold My Heart To The Junkman”

Soul Serenade: Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, “I Sold My Heart To The Junkman”

Ken Shane January 12, 2012 0

Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles had a big hit in 1962 with "I Sold My Heart To the Junkman." Or did they

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A Fan’s Notes: Alex Chilton, “Free Again: The 1970 Sessions” (Win the Exclusive Vinyl Bundle)

A Fan’s Notes: Alex Chilton, “Free Again: The 1970 Sessions” (Win the Exclusive Vinyl Bundle)

Ken Shane January 10, 2012 0

In 1970 Alex Chilton was fed up with is role in the Box Tops and still a year away from Big Star. The music he made that summer was a bridge to the future

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Soul Serenade: Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band, “Express Yourself”

Soul Serenade: Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band, “Express Yourself”

Ken Shane January 5, 2012 4

The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band featured an ever-shifting cast of musicians until Charles Wright solidified the lineup for the funk classic "Express Yourself."

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Soul Serenade: Deon Jackson, “Love Makes The World Go Round”

Soul Serenade: Deon Jackson, “Love Makes The World Go Round”

Ken Shane December 29, 2011 0

Deon Jackson was a one-hit wonder. He had other, lesser hits, but he will always be remembered for his 1965 smash

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A Fan’s Notes: The Night Before Christmas

A Fan’s Notes: The Night Before Christmas

Ken Shane December 24, 2011 1

Peace on earth, and goodwill to all

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