Northern Soul & Rare Soul Music News, Reviews & Features

Explore a wide range of soul music articles, from breaking news to in-depth features on Northern Soul, Motown, Funk and Soul Music.

Two cracking new Kent 45s out just in time for the weekend. 4 great sides, featuring The Afterglows and Charlie Rich, one on City and one on Town (complete with a new design), the full details follow below...

The Afterglows - I’m A Good Woman / Open The Door To Love - Kent City 108
West Coast producer Bill Silva had a whole LP of soul/rock from the little-known outfit the Afterglows in his vaults. Among the tracks was a killer cover of Barbara Lynn’s ‘I’m A Good Woman’. Any version of this song is popular, but the female lead on this number takes it to another level. This will crossover to many soul scenes.
The flip, ‘Open The Door To Love’, is a northern soul-oriented dancer that is both catchy and atmospheric and will be greeted as a great “new” release by collectors of this esoteric genre.

The Afterglows - I’m A Good Woman
The-Afterglows-Im-A-Good-Woman-source.mp3
The Afterglows - Open The Door To Love
The-Afterglows-Open-The-Door-To-Love.mp3

Charlie Rich - Don’t Tear Me Down / Hotels, Motels - Kent Town 177

Country singer Charlie Rich has previous on the rare-soul dance scene with ‘Love Is After Me’, the Hayes/Porter track recorded in Memphis for Hi Records, being popular in mod-frequented soul discotheques of the 60s. ‘Don’t Tear Me Down’ was recorded around the same time, but was unissued until a 1988 LP collection of Rich’s Hi-recorded tracks. Astute DJ Dean Anderson picked up on the powerful beat ballad and played it in the 90s, making it very popular - leading to a Kent 45 release in 2007.
That pressing is long-gone and the record continues to be spun at northern soul venues, thereby causing this second issue of the superlative soul song. We have coupled it with ‘Hotels, Motels’, another great soul dance track from the same sessions; it debuts on 45 here.

Charlie Rich - Don’t Tear Me Down
Charlie-Rich-Dont-Tea- Me-Down-source.mp3
Charlie Rich - Hotels, Motels
Charlie-Rich-Hotels-Motels-source.mp3

Availability
Both of these brand new 45s are now available via Ace Records website (tap here), and various record stores including our very own revamped Source Store (tap here to visit)

By Mike in New Releases · July 24Jul 24

BACK(ING) BY POPULAR DEMAND.
The incredible story of the Debonaires’ contribution to the 1960s music scene.
’20 feet from stardom’ is a 2013 film that explains the crucial role that background vocalists play in the ‘live’ performances of many famous stars. It focuses on the relatively minimal attention they received on stage despite their considerable talent. The same can be said of the anonymous voices featured on recordings of all genres throughout the modern age that also received little recognition or acclaim, but frequently contributed significantly to the sound or success of each project. The most prolific of these must surely be Detroit’s own Debonaires – or Elsie Gray, Dorothy Garland and Joyce Vincent to name them, who were featured on literally hundreds of recordings for a wide array of artists spanning the entire North American continent. Elsie Gray remembers starting out with her high school friends. ‘Dorothy, Joyce and young lady named Delores had their own group called the Stereophonics at Pershing High School around 1962 but Delores quit so they asked me to join which I did.

Golden World studios
One of the first songs we sang background on was for Gino Washington, then we came to the attention of Gwen Owens who used us on her song ‘Mystery man.’ She told us about Golden World and our mothers took us over there to try out. Joyce’s mom was the most enthusiastic and it was her that spoke to Bob Hamilton, who was the A&R director at Golden World, about auditioning. He referred us to Mr. Wingate who liked us but decided that we needed a stronger voice to be our lead singer, so he put an ad. in the paper and once we heard Diane we fell in love with her voice and she joined us. Diane began singing with us on ‘How’s your new love treating you’ but wasn’t really interested in singing background on other artists’ records so she didn’t do it. That was 1964 and that’s when we became The Debonaires.

Ed Wingate
Mr. Wingate told Patsy Lewis to take us under her wing. We had met her before at the Light Ground Armoury on 8 Mile when we were singing background on ‘Gonna send you back to Georgia’ for Timmy Shaw so we already knew her. From then on they would call us to do background sessions on a regular basis, mostly at Golden World but sometimes at United Sound or some of the other studios around town. They would call our parents to arrange the times but it was always in the evenings, after school, during the week and during the day on the weekends.

The Holidays L to R Robert Johnson, Tony Gray, Eddie Anderson
We recorded under our own group name too but it was mainly background work. Patsy would sometimes join us on sessions too.’ On many occasions the Debonaires would team up with fellow label mates, the Holidays – Tony Gray, Robert Johnson and Willie ‘Butch’ Johnson, who was later replaced by Eddie Anderson when he (Willie) was drafted into the military, to provide a slightly different sound. Dorothy Garland recalls how the pairing went at Golden World. ‘If it was one of the female singers like Barbara (Mercer) or Rose (Battiste) for example, they would always use us alone but for the guys like Edwin or J.J. they would frequently use us both. It just depended on the sound the producer was looking for. The only time I can remember when they didn’t use either of us was ‘Stop her on sight’ when the Meditation Singers with Laura Lee were brought in. I don’t know why Mr. Wingate did that because we all could have handled it.’

The Debonaires photo L to R: Joyce Vincent, Elsie Gray, Dorothy Garland, Diane Mathis
Photo courtesy of Jim O'Hara
Throughout their career, the Debonaires would sing on literally hundreds of recording sessions, many of which were well known songs that became huge hits. And it wasn’t just on Detroit sessions either. As their reputation blossomed record labels from around the country would come a calling, although, according to Elsie Gray the bulk of their work did take place at Golden World. ‘From the time we started singing together most of the songs we sang on would be at Golden World. We knew our own artists because we saw them all the time but then other sessions would come in and we didn’t know who brought them in or, on many occasions, who they were for – put it this way, we never met them! Most of the time the lead vocal and (backing) track was what we heard – we would then plan out our arrangement and then add our vocals and go on to the next one. We would usually complete four to five songs on each session.
I remember us adding vocals to Nolan Strong’s ‘Village of love’ and that’s us on Betty Everett ‘The shoop shoop song’’ Another of the first big hits they sang on came from across the city. Dorothy recalls contributing to a Motown session in late 1963. ‘We added vocals to the Mary Wells song ‘What’s easy for two is so hard for one’ at Golden World but I don’t know why they didn’t use their own in house female backing singers, Andantes. We did it again a couple of years later – that’s us and the Holidays on Tammi Terrell ‘Come on and see me’, the Isley Brothers ‘This old heart of mine’ and ‘There’s no love left’ and we both sang background on ‘Do I love you’ for Frank Wilson, but that one was done at United Sound.’
For Detroit ‘rare soul’ enthusiasts, the list of their contributions to classic tracks is truly breathtaking. That’s them on ‘My world is on fire’ for Jimmy Mack, ‘Love finds a way’ on Margaret Little, both Dennis Edwards tunes on International Soulsville, Melvin Davis cuts, most of the ‘Pied Piper’ material, Ed Crook, Emanuel Laskey on Thelma, Larry Wright, all Jack Montgomery’s singles, to name a few and scores more – the list is almost endless! Elsie recalls many of the more obscure sessions. ‘Popcorn would always use us on his sessions because he knew us from his time at Golden World and just about anybody that wanted to record and try and get a hit in the city would use us. I remember we did one of Luther Ingram’s first recordings ‘If it’s all the same to you babe’ for Joe Hunter and Bob Bateman and ‘I spy for the FBI’ for Popcorn and then years later, when he recorded down at Stax in the late 1960s, insisted that we be on his sessions. Patsy was important in our work because she was the first point of contact when setting things up, and then she would call us. She knew a lot of people in the industry and got a great reputation for being able to provide professional background vocals. ’
To fully understand how the recording process worked in the ‘60s, the whole concept that artists, usually groups, and some musicians, played or sang on their own material has to be dispelled. The most blatant example of this was highlighted by the contribution that the ‘Wrecking Crew’, the studio band, at Gold Star studios in Los Angeles made to recordings by the Beach Boys, Mamas and Papas, Monkees, Turtles et al, when, to ensure optimum sales success, individual group members were prevented from playing on recordings in favour of more proficient players, and this happened with vocalists too. Many labels faced a similar dilemma when groups were touring yet recordings needed to be made. It was not uncommon for the lead singer to brought off tour to record, while session singers provided background vocals on the recordings.

Pat Lewis
Against this backdrop, the Debonaires, Holidays and Pat Lewis became well known in the industry as some of the best and brightest contributors and were frequently used on sessions from around the country, as Elsie Gray explains ‘ Yes, from as early as 1963 we would add vocals to almost completed projects that just needed our sound added, or sometimes where we would ‘fatten out’ existing background vocals. That’s us on Bettye Swann’s ‘Make me yours’ which came from LA, and we did ‘Apples, peaches, pumpkin pie’ for Jay and the Techniques, The Tams ‘Be young be foolish be happy’ ‘Here I go again’ for Archie Bell, all Darrell Banks’ records, Freddie Hughes ‘Send my baby back’ . I remember one of the few ‘live’ tracks we did was with the O’Jays at Golden World. We sang with them on ‘I’ll never forget you’ and a couple of others. It didn’t happen often but sometimes we would go to other cities to record. We did ‘Baby boy’ on Juanita Williams in New York because Mr. Wingate wanted Sammy Lowe to arrange and conduct the session, and another time we all went to Chicago to record Freddie Gorman’s ‘Take me back’ and ‘Can’t get it out of my mind’. I don’t know why but we did !’
The number of hit songs that would be added to their repertoire increased significantly as the 1970s dawned. Dorothy Garland explains. ’By 1970 we had pretty well disbanded the Debonaires as a working and recording group. Joyce left us with Telma Hopkins to join Tony Orlando as Dawn and they had some big hits. After Golden World was sold to Motown we still did background sessions but usually at United Sound, and as the Debonaires we joined Solid Hitbound Productions with LeBaron Taylor. We had a couple of local hits but nothing on a national scale. Although this is a huge country, the recording industry was much more connected and informed and people get to talking about things.

Gene Redd
We had met Gene Redd when he came to Golden World and he really liked our style. Gene was instrumental in getting us a lot of sessions. We had done some of Archie Bell’s tunes, who was from Philly, so those guys there knew who we were and Van McCoy and his cousin Rosie had done work at Golden World so they knew of us. Being so close to Chicago meant that we did sessions there too. That’s us on Tyrone Davis ‘If I could turn back the hands of time’ and we did ‘Love makes a woman’ and ‘Am I the same girl’ for Barbara Acklin. Elsie mentioned Luther Ingram earlier and that makes me think of his ‘If loving you is wrong’ album that we sang on with Patsy. We did ‘Ain’t that loving you’,’To the other man’,’You were made for me’,’I’ll be your shelter’, ‘Putting game down’ and ‘Always’. Patsy had strong contacts at Stax which lead to us all singing on ‘Mr. Big Stuff’ too for Jean Knight. Fond memories.’ Diane Mathis’ recollection of the demise of Golden World and the subsequent Motown purchase is tinged with sadness and some resentment as she recalls how the group were treated. ‘We really thought that this would be our big break. We knew that the Debonaires had got what it took to be major stars – we were young, pretty and could really sing and we were excellent performers on stage with elegant dress sense. Our parents provided us with that. I think Motown knew this but didn’t want us competing with the Supremes so they didn’t sign us. It was a corporate power move by Motown.’
The incredible number of songs the Debonaires, the Holidays and Pat Lewis sang on must surely elevate them to a ‘Background Singers Hall of Fame’ if such an institution ever comes to pass. As Elsie said recently ‘I’m so proud of what we achieved and I’m always coming across songs we sang on but I’d forgotten about. Just the other day I heard Al Green’s ‘Back up train’, and then ‘Cool jerk’ by the Capitols on the radio and it reminded me of those days. And it all began back at Golden World with Mr. Wingate and all those incredible people. I can see us now in that darkened studio when we did our thing. I don’t know why, but we always had to have the lights down low. I guess it was to create an atmosphere. They were the best days of our lives and I miss them dearly. Mr. Wingate was very good to us and it was so much fun.’ The Debonaires contribution to modern culture may never be fully realised. Fortunately, their legacy will be remembered and revered around the world by those of us who value their crucial role in the history of soul music in general, and Detroit rhythm and blues in particular.

Writer’s note:
This tribute to the group is dedicated to founding member Elsie Gray (nee Baker) who passed away on 15th July 2025. Her dynamic talent and personality was a major factor in the Debonaires’ success. She will be greatly missed by friends, relatives and fans and will never be forgotten.
Rob Moss
July 2025

artists

By Rob Moss in Artists · July 21Jul 21

Latest issue of Northern Soul Connections #40 has just landed
Northern Soul Connections #40 - Stage IV
Lottery Kingpin, Hurricane Carter's boxing manager, Narcotics felon, Theatrical agent, Club owner, member-secretary of the local civic group Dem Damn Fellows, and why I'm here...
...Stage IV and Nathan Sermond

As always you can check out all Kens other quality 39! Northern Connections and more via his 'activity' profile page, via the link below...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/profile/37754-kenb/content/?type=cms_records5&change_section=1

northern connections

By Kenb in Soul Music Features · July 19Jul 19

Soul Up North #124 - Summer 2025
The Summer Issue contents go like this..

OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO
GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES
Dave Halsall
FUNK IN YO’ FACE – THERE’S A RIOT GOING ON – SLY STONE
Howard Priestly
THE ADMIATIONS
Karl ‘Chalky’ White
SOULFUL SEVENTIES SPINS aka ‘PLUMB’S PEACHES’
Steve Plumb
SOUL SPOTLIGHT – BENNY GORDON
Steve Guarnori
THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SOUL
Julie Molloy
TED MASSEY – A TRIBUTE
Various
HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS
Howard E
COLLECTING BRITISH
Lord Snooty
FLASHBACK FEATURES – JAKE ‘JOCK’ MITCHELL
Soulman Jan
SOUL IN A DIGITAL AGE
John Farrar
‘EXIT’ – THE TALE OF THE TEXAS MONSTER!
Dave Welding
SOUL IN PRINT – MAGAZINES & FANZINES (Part 27)
Iain McCartney
COLLECTOR’S CD – TRACK LISTING
Wayne Hudson
BROWNIE’S SIGNIFICANT SIDES
Tim Brown
VINYL PRESS EXTRA – THE REBIRTH OF SOUL CITY
David Nathen
THE EAST WIND BAND
John Smith
LITTLE SILVER DISCS
Howard E
CHICAGO SOUL
Shane Cox
LP SPOTLIGHT – ‘THIS IS NORTHERN SOUL’ & ‘THIS IS FUNKY JAZZ’
BGP
VIEW FROM THE APE HOUSE
Tim Brown
AND FINALLY – DEEP SOUL CORNER
Kevin Moore

Availability
Available now from all the usual stockists including our very own Source Store

Tap here to purchase Soul Up North 124 SUMMER Issue via our recently revamped Source Store

By Mike in New Releases · July 16Jul 16

Sly & The Family Stone | The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967
A new album release from One Moon Records, lp, cd and mp3 formats, the release notes follow below...
The First Family is an unprecedented live performance by the original Family Stone personnel, recorded just prior to their signing to Epic Records, and a full year before their chart breakthrough with ‘Dance To The Music.’ This is where it all began.
An after-hours set captured in March 1967 in Redwood City, just south of San Francisco, this fascinating recording explicates Sly Stone’s genius on a tremendously exciting and atmospheric set of vintage soul covers, peppered with the arrangements, motifs and intoxicating energy that would soon become familiar during the group’s ascent.
The historic performance on The First Family had lain buried for decades on a pair of 7-inch analog reels in the possession of the band’s first manager Rich Romanello. Accessed by top Sly sleuths Edwin & Arno Konings, Grammy-nominated reissue producer Alec Palao then worked diligently on the tapes to resuscitate the audio. Palao also contributed a hefty 15,000 word essay to the package’s deluxe 24-page booklet, loaded with rare visuals and memorabilia
With final mastering by Dan Hersch and a lacquer cut by Kevin Gray, the result is an electrifying forty minutes that proves that the genius and skill of Sly & The Family Stone came fully formed right from the womb. Indeed, this is where it all began.
Tracklisting:
I Ain’t Got Nobody (For Real)
Skate Now
Show Me
What Is Soul?
I Can’t Turn You Loose
Try A Little Tenderness **
Baby I Need Your Lovin’
Pucker Up Buttercup
Saint James Infirmary
I Gotta Go Now (Up On The Floor) / Funky Broadway
**CD/Digital Bonus Track
More info via
https://highmoonrecords.com/product/sly-family-stone-winchester-cathedral/

By Mike in New Releases · July 16Jul 16

Out this weekend a new 45 from Acid Jazz, details below
In April we announced the Spring Revisited project, in collaboration with Ace Records, exploring the musical legacy of the iconic New York label Spring Records, with a series of new mixes and limited edition vinyl releases.
After the rapid sell-out of the first release – 12” mixes of Millie Jackson’s iconic ‘We Got To Hit It Off’ from Dimitri From Paris and Opolopo respectively – we’re introducing a special 7” to the series. This release is fronted by Dimitri’s ‘Liberated Woman Edit’ of the track – a vinyl exclusive, dance-floor and flight-ready for DJ sets this summer.
UPDATE… we can reveal that the ‘other’ side will be a special version of Dave Lee’s inspired disco mix of The Joneses ‘Love Contest’.
It is presented in a beautiful aged reproduction of the classic Spring house-bag, looking as if it were hand-delivered to you from 1979. Limited to 500 copies and out 11 July, pre-order is advised…

By Mike in New Releases · July 14Jul 14

The Seven Brothers - Crying In The Street - Charly LP
Reading the interesting sleeve notes by Dean Rudland ,accompanying this Gospel album ,he explains the amount of Gospel albums such as this that were recorded and then sold at churches or showcases around the USA ,without ever denting the music charts ,and remain obscure and rare ,often being pressed in small quantities.
This album ,which was originally released on Lelan Rogers “ House Of The Fox “ label ,features the powerful vocals of Robert Sims with the title track “ Crying In The Streets “ being a powerful Gospel version of the George Perkins 1969 song ,released in the wake of Dr Martin Luther King’s shooting in 1969 .The powerful “I Had A Dream “ ,the uptempo shouters “ I’ve Been Born Again “ ,” Me And The Devil “ and the jazzy tinged “ America “ are all good examples of overlooked Black music straight from the church .
As mentioned the sterling sleeve notes by Dean Rudland are really interesting,with the album being pressed on a silver / grey rippled effect vinyl .

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · July 13Jul 13

Gene Townsel - Time Wounds All Heels - UK Charly LP
Another great release from Charly Records ,with this superb album from Gene Townsel ,originally recorded at Tangerine studios in 1975 and finally released on the Dobre label in 1978 .From the opening track,the cleverly titled and Deep Soul flavoured “ Time Wounds All Heels “ ,Gene takes the listener through a very personal journey of love and heartbreak ,but delivered in a very uplifting way ,especially on the tracks “ I’m Walking Away “ and “There’s No Use Hiding “ ,which have remained very indemand tracks on the Modern / Crossover Soul scene ,with beautiful production and arrangements by Gene and Anita Mitchell ,using strings and guitar riffs to great effect .
Most of the tracks are self penned by Gene ,though two Bill Withers songs are included “ Hope She’ll Be Happier “ and the medley of “ I’m Her Daddy / Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast “ ,ending with a cover of the classic “ The Impossible Dream “ .Interesting to read in the credits that Clydene Jackson was involved in backing vocals .Apparently the reason why the original album is so rare ,is because Dobre Records was a tax shelter ,and very few copies became available in the marketplace .It’s good to see this album finally reissued on vinyl ,and able to reach a larger audience.Thanks to an interview by Colin Dilnot with Gene Townsel for the inside information on this project .

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · July 10Jul 10

JOE BATAAN… THE UNDISPUTED REIGNING KING OF LATIN SOUL!

Who better to shed a tear with during political turmoil than the undisputed reigning King of Latin Soul himself... Joe Bataan. “And I Cried” is a Latin Soul tear-jerker that'll break the hearts of many, then end with a bang! This rola cracks off with an overwhelming broken heart and tears, only felt by those who continue to struggle in the barrio, then segues into a Latin Percussion solo and an upbeat Mambo Cha-Cha to dance the tears away!

The flip is Joe Bataan’s rendition of The Occapello’s only record, “The Stars”, that'll take you back to Spanish Harlem street corners, between the Latin tinge and harmony groups.

This record strikes a perfect balance between new production and the legacy of Joe Bataan during his height. In fact, if someone told you these were remastered versions of previously unreleased Fania tracks, you’d bet your life on it! And for that reason, Joe Bataan continues to reign as the undisputed King of Latin Soul! Complete with tattoo tear drops from the studio of OG Midniters legend, Little Ray Jimenez at LA Sanctuary (East LA, CA), and defiantly crossing the border to Olah Producciones (Veracruz, MX), these rolas will make you cry just before reaching for the stars!

Intl. Dist: razadelsoul@gmail.com / Press & Booking: resquivel@solamusicgroup.com
Direct Sales: https://razadelsoul.bandcamp.com/

TITLE / ARTIST: And I Cried / The Stars - Joe Bataan
CATALOG# / SKU: SR-JB-002
7” Black Vinyl Single UPC: 875531028737
LABEL: SOLA Records
GENRE: R&B/Soul, Latin, Latin Soul, Low-rider Oldies, Harlem, NY
IN-STORES / RELEASE DATE: 5/16/25
FORMAT: 7” Black Vinyl Single w/Picture Sleeve
PRESSING: 1000 BLK
KEY MARKETS: Bay Area, Los Angeles, Texas, NY, Mexico, UK, Japan
WHOLESALE: razadelsoul@gmail.com / SLRP: $25 USD

#
TITLE (Click to Listen)
DESCRIPTION
A:
And I Cried
(R. Esquivel, A. Carmine)
© ℗ SOLA Records
ISRC: QZVS62400009
Latin Soul tear-jerker that racks off with an overwhelming broken heart, then segues way to a Latin Percussion solo, and an upbeat Mambo Cha-Cha to dance the tears away!
B:
The Stars
(B. Kline)
© Arc Music BMI ℗ SOLA Records
ISRC: QZVS62400010
Cover of The Occapello’s only record, “The Stars”, that'll take you back to Spanish Harlem street corners, between the Latin tinge and harmony groups.

sweet soul

By razadelsoul in New Releases · July 9Jul 9

Betty Harris - Soul Perfection- UK Charly
A timely reissue by Charly Records ,for this wonderful compilation album by Betty Harris - Soul Perfection ,which was originally issued in the UK on the legendary Action label in 1969 .This album replicates the 16 tracks in the same order as the original release ,with Soul quality to please both Deep Soul collectors and those who like to dance ,with every track epitomising the New Orleans sound with Allen Toussaint at the helm on song writing ,production and music duties .” What A Sad Feeling “ ,” Can’t Last Much Longer “ ,and “ Nearer To You “ are beautiful ballads with Ms Harris in great voice ,while the more uptempo “ I’m Evil Tonight “ ,”Ride Your Pony “ ,” I Don’t Wanna Hear It “ ,”Trouble With My Lover “ ,and “ 12 Red Roses “ are classic 60’s Soul dancers .In more recent times the funky “ Mean Man “ ,and “ I’m Gonna Git You “ have gained a new audience of fans digging “ sister funk “ tracks .
Informative sleeve notes by Dean Rudland ,some stunning label scans and beautiful bright pink vinyl complete an essential release .

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · July 8Jul 8

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By Mike in Soul Music News · July 6Jul 6

Two exciting new 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗔 𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 releases!
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR 14th July https://soul4real.es/shop/
RESERVA ESPECIAL: SOUND STAGE 7 / SEVENTY-SEVEN (S4R48)
S4R48 is dedicated to John Richbourg’s iconic labels, SOUND STAGE 7 and SEVENTY SEVEN, featuring the main man Joe Simon and the much-missed Ann Sexton on two album tracks available for the first time on 7”. Completing the EP are two originally unreleased tracks: Roscoe Shelton’s well-known Northern Soul classic "You’re the Dream", and another Southern Soul gem by Geater Davis.

RESERVA ESPECIAL: MUSCLE SHOALS SOUND (S4R49)
S4R49 focuses on the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and features four previously unreleased tracks: two by the wonderful Katie Love; a fabulous version of Phillip Mitchell’s "Hitch Hike to Heartbreak Road" by Curtis Wiggins; and an exquisite song from Sandra Wright’s lost session at the studio, written by George Jackson and recorded in January 1978—proof that the magic was still alive.

By Alexsubinas in New Releases · July 5Jul 5

Soul Direction Records are please to announce our next release.
Eddie Watkins Jr. and legacy – “Love Is Hard to Find” / “Did You Notice (My Love Grows)” – SD024
Pre Order from Friday 4th July – Release Date: Friday 18th July 2025
Soul Direction presents the second instalment of unissued tracks from the writer and composer behind the music of 70s group Legacy. Legacy was formed around 1975 by Eddie Watkins Jr., who started the band. At just 17 years old and still in high school, Eddie caught the attention of legendary Motown producer Norman Whitfield during an Undisputed Truth band rehearsal. A few days later, he received a call from Motown to play on Norman Whitfield’s new Temptations album, Masterpiece. Brenda Evans was a member of the Motown group The Undisputed Truth. She sang on their first three albums: The Undisputed Truth, Face to Face with the Truth, and Law of the Land, all released between 1973 and 1973. She left The Undisputed Truth and later married Eddie Watkins Jr. Brenda joined her husband’s band Legacy from 1974 to 1975. Under the guidance of Don Davis, Legacy recorded very few songs. The only two officially released were “I Must Confess” and “Believe in Yourself” on Tortoise International Records. The first set of unissued tracks released by Soul Direction—Boy, You’ve Been Acting Strange / Celebrate—were originally intended for Tortoise International Records. However, these two new tracks were meant for a planned new label that never materialized, and so they remained shelved until now. These two tracks came from two master tapes, and after further conversations with Eddie, he shared: “The lead vocals on Love Is Hard to Find were Delbert Nelson (who also performed some backing vocals for The Funk Brothers) and me, Eddie Watkins Jr.” Eddie is also the lead vocalist on “Did You Notice” (I Used to Love You.) He added, “Unbelievable! That’s me at 19–20 years old. I recognize Quentin Dennard playing drums on one of the songs too.”
“I was trying to copy Sly and the Family Stone by having different band members sing different parts,” he explained. “These were some of the first songs I ever wrote. Wow, I’m blown away. I’m speechless.” Eddie Watkins, who wrote all the songs, agreed to license the tracks to Soul Direction for a 7” vinyl release. Today, Eddie remains an active member of his church, spreading his message and living life. Without his support, this release wouldn’t have been possible.
The original Legacy members were:
• Eddie Watkins Jr. (Vocals & Bass Guitar)
• Brenda Evans (formerly of The Undisputed Truth)
• LaMarvin McMorris
• Delbert Nelson (Vocals)
• Butch Small
• Mark Johnson (Keyboards)
• Ricardo Rouse

Videos

Images

Full info and more via
https://soul-direction.co.uk/

By Mike in New Releases · July 4Jul 4

NEW LATIN SOUL 45 FROM JOE NARVAEZ FROM THEE BABY CUFFS FOR 4th OF JULY🎇!

In 1969, Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers released a rola titled, "Does Your Mama Know About Me", about a taboo interracial relationship. Written by Cheech & Chong's other half, Tommy Chong, a decade before he went up in smoke. That same year, @mr.joester joined the Junior Brown Berets during the height of the Chicano Movement and Anti-Establishment upheaval, when he was just 9 years old. Indoctrinated in carnalismo and La Causa, elder Brown Berets taught self-defense classes and focused on ending barrio warfare, explaining to a very young Joe, “That’s your carnal!”.

Just one year after Cheech & Chong’s cult classic, "Up In Smoke", hit the box office, @mr.joester began recording his own Latin Soul rendition of "Does Your Mama Know About Me", before serving in the US Army in Germany. Just a few years back, Joe Narvaez brought that old dream back to life! When asked what inspired Joe to record the rola, Joe responded, “Having served, I wanted to record a song about a woman in a relationship with a veteran in a wheelchair, and afraid of what her parents may think of his handicap.”

When asked about the state of the nation and mass immigration raids, @mr.joester replied, “I'm certainly an American, I feel proud that I served, we always were Americans, Mexico is part of the American Continent, but I guess we're not American enough. This guy the way he's doing things, like we're his police force, pitting us against each other, those that serve, against the civilians. How come we're good enough to serve this country, but not good enough to stay?”

The flip is a killer Chicano Soul, Latin percussion cover of Don Julian & The Larks' classic, "I Want You Back". Both rolas are previously unreleased from 1979.

Credits:

Vocals: Joe Narvaez
Transferred and restored by Jessica Thompson, Jessica Thompson Audio (Berkeley, CA)
Remixed & Mastered by Thee Midas Touch at Wyldwood Recording Studios (Berkeley, CA)
Art Direction by Thee Midas Touch
© Jobete Music Co Inc ASCAP ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester, © Cherryl Music BMI ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester

Intl. Dist: razadelsoul@gmail.com / Press & Booking: jnar1434vr@yahoo.com
Direct Sales: https://joenarvaez.bandcamp.com/
TITLE / ARTIST: Does Your Mama Know About Me / I Want You Back - Joe Narvaez (from Thee Baby Cuffs)
CATALOG# / SKU: JOE-002-BLK
7” Black Vinyl Single UPC: 199284739635
LABEL: Mr. Joester
GENRE: R&B/Soul, Low-rider Oldies, Latin Soul, Previously unreleased, San Jo, CA
IN-STORES / RELEASE DATE: 7/04/25
FORMAT: 7” Black Vinyl Single
PRESSING: 400 BLK, 100 Acid Trip (Bandcamp Exclusive), Master Lacquer Cut by Anne-Marie Suenram, formerly from Fantasy Studios (Berkeley, CA), using their famed Neumann VMS 66 disc-cutting lathe, one-step pressing at Musicol Vinyl Pressing Plant (Columbus, OH)
KEY MARKETS: Bay Area, Los Angeles, Texas, NY, Mexico, UK, Japan
WHOLESALE: razadelsoul@gmail.com / SLRP: $15 USD
#
TITLE (Click to Listen)
DESCRIPTION
A:
Does Your Mama Know About Me
(HT Baird, T. Chong)
© Jobete Music Co Inc ASCAP ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester
ISRC: QZZGE2500021
Digital UPC: 199519860257
Latin Soul rendition of Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers’ classic about a taboo interracial couple, written by Cheech & Chong's other half, unreleased from 1979
B:
I Want You Back
(D. Julian)
© Cherryl Music BMI ℗ 2025 Mr. Joester
ISRC: QZZGE2500011
Digital UPC: 199341889839
Chicano Soul, Latin percussion cover of Don Julian & The Larks classic, unreleased from 1979

By razadelsoul in New Releases · July 4Jul 4

A new 45 from Symphonical Records
Carlton Jumel Smith & The Wax Preachers - 'Gotta Go Home' - Symphonical Records
Release notes
The newest release by NYC Soul Singer Carlton Jumel Smith, and the first time collaborating with London's own Wax Preachers on this double A-sider single, 'Gotta Go Home' & 'Loud & Clear'.
Produced by Fergal McBride, the single showcases the uplifting harmonies conducted by Carlton Jumel Smith, a well-versed showman when it comes to all things soul with a deep discography through Timmion & Colemine Records, backed by The Wax Preachers, a self-coined heavy instrumental funk band, with a string of releases on Funk Night Records.
released June 18, 2025

Video
Carlton Jumel Smith & The Wax Preachers

Bandcamp Link for both vinyl and download purchase
https://symphonicalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/gotta-go-home-loud-and-clear

By The Milk Man in New Releases · July 3Jul 3

Charly Records keep pushing out the new releases. This weekend saw the release of the first 2 x 45s on their revamped 'Soul City' imprint
Details of the first two 45s and one of the the next follow below...
Chris Jackson and His Music People - Since There's No Doubt / Forever I'll Stay With You
The first release selected by SOUL CITY on their 2025 relaunched logo is a much-sought-after number by Chris Jackson and His Music People. Originally slated for release on Soul City 120 in late 1969 but withdrawn following disagreements with the artist and the financial collapse of the label in 1970. But it wasn't the end of the story,
‘There's No Doubt.’ A handful of acetates were created for planned release on Soul City but with the label’s demise, the record was not issued although label co-founder Dave Godin did intend for the track to be part of an ill-fated 444 American Recordings venture that never materialised. Reputedly, only one of the acetates survived. Now, at last,
Soul City presents the 55th Anniversary restoration of the, near-mythical, Northern Soul dancer coupled with Chris Jackson's original composition Forever I'll Stay With You (SC112).
The Ikettes - What'cha Gonna Do / Beauty Is Just Skin Deep
The second release selected for the relaunched SOUL CITY label combines two tracks by The Ikettes. The ‘A-side, a long-time Northern Soul favourite, was originally released on Phil Spector's Phi-Dan label in 1966, the year that saw the release of the now iconic River Deep - Mountain High album produced by Spector.
Written and produced by Ike Turner, 'What'cha Gonna Do (When I Leave You)', features the legendary P.P. Arnold (an Ikette from 1965-1966) on lead vocals, with sisters Brenda and Patrice Holloway providing background vocals aided by Tina.
Our chosen B-side, 'Beauty Is Just Skin Deep', was originally cut by Ike & Tina in 1966 for Ray Charles' Tangerine label. Produced by Ike, this version by The Ikettes (with a line-up of  Margaret Ann Thomas, Maxayn Lewis, Pat Powdrill, Mary Jean Brown) was released on Pompeii Records in 1968.
Video Playlist

Spotify

Upcoming 45
Kenny Smith - Lord What's Happened

Further info and more via website
https://charlydirect.com/collections/7-vinyl

By Mike in New Releases · July 1Jul 1

Love Train - The Gamble & Huff Songbook - Various Artists (Songwriter Series) CDTOP 534
New album in the 'Songwriter Series' from Kent Records
Release notes
Since Ace began what soon became a ‘Songwriter Series’ some years ago, one of the most frequently asked questions from customers and retailers alike has been ‘When are you going to do a Gamble & Huff project?’
Their songwriting partnership celebrates its 60th anniversary next year, and so with that in mind – and while these venerable gentlemen are both still with us – there has never been a more opportune time for Kent to debut “Love Train: The Songs Of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff” than now…
Full notes and more info via
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/love-train-the-gamble-huff-songbook

Leaflet Preview Scans

Tracks
01 Love In Them There Hills - The Vibrations
02 United - Peaches & Herb
03 I'm Gonna Make You Love Me - Madeline Bell
04 (You) Got What I Need - Freddie Scott
05 A Brand New Me - Mary Wells
06 Only The Strong Survive - Elvis Presley
07 Cowboys To Girls - The Intruders
08 Lost (Unedited Version) - Jerry Butler
09 Together - Gladys Knight & The Pips
10 I Can't Stop Dancing - Archie Bell & The Drells
11 Let's Get Together Soon - Dusty Springfield
12 Ain't No Doubt About It - Wilson Pickett
13 Drowning In The Sea Of Love - Joe Simon
14 Love Train - The Supremes
15 Me And Mr. Jones (Part 1) - Barbara Mason
16 Expressway To Your Heart - Margo Thunder
17 I Love Music (Part 1) - The O'Jays
18 I've Got The Groove - George Faith
19 Don't Leave Me This Way - Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes
20 Never Gonna Give You Up - Bonnie Bramlett & Dobie Gray
21 You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (Single version) - Lou Rawls
22 If You Don't Know Me By Now - Jean Carn & The Temptations
23 Now That We've Found Love - Third World
24 Hey Western Union Man - Bobby Rush

By Mike in New Releases · June 30Jun 30

Reissued for the first time on a limited 100 press collectors edition on Brown Vinyl.
The Inclinations - Could This Be Love, That I Feel / Cross My Heart (To You) Janus 1974.
Baltimore, Maryland soul vocal group consisting of Billy Butler, James Player, Harold Foster, Charles Addison & Darnell Carter previously known as The Optimistics with Jerome Webb instead of Darnell Carter
Billy Butler and Charles Addison had previously recorded as The Del Capris and then as Beverly and The Del Capris before transitioning into the Optimistics.
Billy Butler produced 'Just Let Me Know' by Allen Harris and Perpetual Motion which he co-wrote with Allen Harris as well as Jay (James) Player 'Love Is The Answer' singer from The Inclinations. Billy also co-wrote and produced Crosswind 'Fire'.
The Optimistics were best known for 'Say It Baby' which was thought to be an Album only track and rumoured to be a single but unproven until surfaced in 2024!
They were based in Harlem and were supposedly discovered by Marvin Gaye who gave them their first break introducing them to Baltimore DJ Al Jefferson who eventually signed them to Turbo a subsidiary of All Platinum. They were assigned to George Kerr who produced their solitary Album. Despite their talent the album failed to get noticed primarily due to lack of promotion by the label. The group wanted to part ways but discovered their contract gave exclusive rights of their name to the label.
So if they wanted to continue recording, they needed to create a new identity and so they became The Inclinations. Al Robinson secured them a deal with GRT's Janus Records.
They released two killer sweet soul singles which are very rare and sought after 'I'm Gonna Make Love Last This Time' released in 1972 and by far the hardest of the two this double header 'Could This Be Love, That I Feel / Cross My Heart (To You) in 1974.
Lovingly remastered by Frank at the Carvery. Don't miss this limited reissue of their most sought after 45. Sweet Soul at its finest.
Available here
https://www.globalsoulstore.com/

By Jmsoul in New Releases · June 29Jun 29

Currently only available on Vinyl the debut single from the Soul Steppers on a very limited run of 45s.
Soul Steppers
This is the Brand New Single from The Soul Steppers, out now on a Limited Edition Vinyl 45. "Fly With You" b/w "Slow It Down" taken from their forthcoming 6 track E.P. "Now Is The Time"
The 10 piece Brighton based outfit formed around 10 years ago to shake up the live soul music scene, performing re-worked & rearranged versions of 60s & 70s soul & funk rarities, which then inspired the band to start writing their own material & develop their own sound.
The Steppers have performed at The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club nights, along with numerous sold out shows at well renowned venues including The Jazz Cafe, The Blues Kitchen & The Pizza Express Soho Jazz Club.
Soul, Jazz-Funk & Latin influences are all in the mix, the music highlighting their big band sound, featuring a super tight rhythm section, seriously soulful vocals & a punchy 4 piece horn section.
Both tracks written & produced by Tony Mead & Mark Treffel. 'Slow It Down' Co-written with Glenn Fallows.
Perfect fit for the ever-popular Retro Soul sound from this British Band.
Available to buy here
https://www.globalsoulstore.com/

By Jmsoul in New Releases · June 28Jun 28

Latin Soul Legend Joe Bataan Announces Rare UK Dates

The ‘King of Latin Soul’ to return to the UK for the first time in four years for shows at We Out Here Festival in Dorset on August 14th and the Jazz Cafe in London on August 17th*

By Mike in New Releases · June 26Jun 26

King Errison - The King Arrives - Charly Records
King Errison is a highly regarded percussionist player originally from Nassau Bahamas ,with a long and successful career.Early in his career he and his band were featured in the James Bond “ Thunderball “ film ,he was part of Neil Diamonds backing band for over 30 years ,and he was heralded the “ unsung hero “ of Motown by Raynoma Singleton and also Berry Gordy ,playing with Marvin Gaye ,Jackson 5 ,Diana Ross and many more of the Motown stable .He was also a member of The Incredible Bongo Band ,and recorded many solo albums which are revered for the “ breakbeats “ in Hip Hop circles .
“ The King Arrives “ is a solo album cut for and released in 1970 on Wally Rokers Canyon label,famous for releases by Swamp Dogg and Doris Duke amongst others .
The key track here is “ Zola “ ,also released on a 45 ,and a massive play on the Rare Soul scene of the mid 70’s ,a manic ,infectious bongo led side .The rest of the album could be described as Jazz with a Caribbean flavour ,with an array of highly regarded musicians such as : David T. Walker ,Wilton Felder ,Preston Love and George Bohannan .If you are a lover of Jazz this album is worth investigating.

By Eddie Hubbard in New Releases · June 26Jun 26

A new Kent cd/lp due out this weekend...
New Breed R&B - Money Talks - Various Artists - CDTOP 532
A clip of the release notes follows, see the link below for the full read.
New R&B discoveries continue to emerge and entertain the many followers of the New Breed musical cult; nobody finds more than the Kent connoisseurs.
Berna Dean’s two previously unheard recordings are by far her best. They were laid down at Cosimo Matassa’s New Orleans’ studios by GNP Crescendo but eschewed in favour of two relatively average sides. The great 50s R&B songwriter Jesse Stone provides a rocker for the much-admired Jimmy Breedlove and a super-catchy ‘This Morning’ for an unknown mixed vocal group that has a joyous gospel feel. Jesse also penned ‘Private Eye’, a classic early 60s story-song, for Buddy Wilkins which was issued on Al Sears’ Tri-Ess imprint.
The title track is used twice, on two very different Fraternity recordings. Kenny Smith’s version was issued in 1964 and has many followers, but the equally meritorious Coasters-inspired composition by the Citations is newly discovered. Win Menifee’s ‘I’m Runnin’ Around’ from the same Cincinnati label comes complete with a fascinating back-story.
Full release notes and purchase options via
https://www.acerecords.co.uk/new-breed-money-talks

Leaflet Preview Scans

Track Listing Cd (Lp differs)
1. Don't Try To Tell Me - Berna-Dean
2. This Mornin' - The Jesse Stone Singers
3. All Around The World - Vermettya Royster With James Brown's Band
4. What's On Your Mind - The Four Bars
5. Bucket O Blood - Big Boy Groves
6. Don't Look Now - Wilbur "Hi-Fi" White & King Kolax Band
7. Laundromat - Elroy Peace
8. Twist It Baby - Jimmie Lee Robinson
9. Not So Much Talk - Jimmy Breedlove
10. Money Talks - Kenny Smith
11. Mary Don't You Weep - The Delights
12. Laughing On The Outside - Berna-Dean
13. I'm A Good Woman - The Afterglows
14. I'm Runnin' Around - Win Menifee
15. Case Of The Blues - Albert Washington
16. Private Eye - Buddy Wilkins
17. Hey Little Girl Pt 1 - Roosevelt Lee
18. Hey Hey Baby - T-Bone Walker
19. Goin' Away Baby (Round Like An Apple) - Smokey Wilson
20. You Make Me Mad - Johnny Madara
21. Money Talks (Tell Me What I Say) - The Citations
22. Tell Me Why - Richard Berry
23. Ain't No Woman Gonna Make Me A Fool - Willie Hutchinson
24. What Kind Of Love - Ernest Lane & The Ikettes (With Tina Turner)
25. Cleopatra - The Precisions - Berna-Dean

By Mike in New Releases · June 24Jun 24

A quick shout that our 'Source Weekly Email Newsletter' has returned.
Due to the recent upgrade a new system is now being used which means that all members who have already opted in to receive 'our latest news and information' will now get this newsletter sent automatically once per week.
You can check and control if needed your subscription status (when logged in) with the below link, which does allow you to select on/off
Basically as before the newsletter will send you a weekly heads up of all that's been going on here at Soul Source.
The first issue has just been sent and the next one, all being well, will be next week and then once every week

soul source

By Mike in Soul Music News · June 20Jun 20

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New Book - High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor Berry - Al Abrams
New Book - High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor Berry - Al Abrams

Mike · 7 hours ago7 hr

The follow up to the 2011 Al Abrams book 'Hype & Sou!: Behind the Scenes At Motown' was published recently. Titled 'High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor, Berry', this time around the focus is on Al Abrams' experience, starting from his teenage years in 1959 when he was hired at Motown, to his role as Motown's Press Officer. Already picking up good reviews, release notes follows below Release notes High on Sou!: Tell Me it's Just a Rumor, Berry Al Abrams was Detroit Motown Family Grit; No
- books
- motown
New Album - Riker Up - Charly Records - Adventures in AI Land

Mike · yesterday at 12:001 day

Details of a new upcoming album release from Charly Records, currently a pre-order, shipping on December 12th. And as with all things AI nowadays, there’s no doubt that this latest development in this ‘controversial’ genre will be of interest to both those for and against 'this sort of thing'. Charly Records release notes follow below... Riker Up! - Northern Soul Reborn RIK-LP 101 / RIK-CD 101 UK release date: 12th December 2025 US release date: 19th December 2025 "Riker Up! is the world’s first
New Album - Soul Jamaica - Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records
New Album - Soul Jamaica - Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records

Mike · Thursday at 09:105 days

Soul Jamaica -Various Artists - Soul Jazz Records Featuring Alton Ellis, Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, Sound Dimension and more! New album from Soul Jazz Records, available in vinyl, cd and download formats Release notes Soul Jazz Records’ new Soul Jamaica brings together a wicked selection of reggae funk and soul tracks from the legendary Studio One stable, featuring a stellar line-up of artists including Jackie Mittoo, The Heptones, The Gladiators, Sim Smith, Peter Tosh and The Wailers, Cedric
- releases
Soul Weekend Event Map Shout 17-19 Oct 2025

Mike · Thursday at 11:115 days

Our weekly soul event heads up, using our 'map views' from the Soul Source Event guide Over 100 events this week and this time we have had to use 2 map screengrabs to show them all! Event Guide Index - Just visit and then tap the Red Link for our dynamic event map to pop up Visit Soul Source Soul Event Guide Index For more deliberate soul event searching can use our 'Events Near Me- Local Soul' Feature Explore Our 'Events Near Me - Local Soul' Feature
Soul Up North #125 - Autumn 2025 Out Now

Mike · October 13Oct 13

Not just the leaves that are dropping, here's details of the latest Soul Up North issue... Soul Up North #125 - Autumn 2025 Out Now #OPENING PAGE : CONTENTS – EDITORIAL & INFO #GOOD TUNES & GREAT GROOVES Dave Halsall #FUNK IN YO’ FACE – PHILLYFUNK Howard Priestly #SUBSTANCE & STYLE Steven Riley #SOUL SPOTLIGHT – BENNY GORDON REVISITED – PART 2 Steve Guarnori #HOT OFF THE VINYL PRESS Howard E #SOUL BOOK REVIEWS I.M. / HFE #CHICAGO SOUL Shane Cox #THE LADIES CHOICE – COLLECTING RARE SO

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