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Soul Serenade: The Four Tops, “Bernadette”
The Four Tops smash "Bernadette" was just one of the hundreds of Motown hits that featured the bass playing of the legendary James Jamerson
Read More »Soul Serenade: The Jarmels, “A Little Bit Of Soap”
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,
Read More »Soul Serenade: Etta, Johnny, and Jimmy
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
Read More »Soul Serenade: McKinley Mitchell, “The Town I Live In”
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."
Read More »A Fan’s Notes: Jellyfish, “Belly Button” and “Spilt Milk” (Win the 180-Gram Vinyl Reissues)
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.
Read More »Soul Serenade: Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles, “I Sold My Heart To The Junkman”
Patti LaBelle and the Blue Belles had a big hit in 1962 with "I Sold My Heart To the Junkman." Or did they
Read More »A Fan’s Notes: Alex Chilton, “Free Again: The 1970 Sessions” (Win the Exclusive Vinyl Bundle)
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
Read More »Soul Serenade: Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band, “Express Yourself”
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."
Read More »Soul Serenade: Deon Jackson, “Love Makes The World Go Round”
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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