Artist of the Week - The Genius of Van McCoy
The man behind so many of our much loved records.
Van McCoy Biography (Wikipedia)
Van Allen Clinton McCoy (January 6, 1940 – July 6, 1979) was an American musician, record producer, arranger, songwriter, singer and orchestra conductor. He is known best for his 1975 internationally successful song "The Hustle". He has approximately 700 song copyrights to his credit, and is also noted for producing songs for such recording artists as Glad
Latest addition to our Artist of the Week feature - Bobby Bland
Bobby “Blue” Bland Biography
Robert Calvin Bland (né Robert Calvin Brooks; January 27, 1930 – June 23, 2013), known professionally as Bobby "Blue" Bland, was an American blues singer.
Bland developed a sound that mixed gospel with the blues and R&B. He was described as "among the great storytellers of blues and soul music... [who] created tempestuous arias of love, betrayal and resignation, set against roiling, d
Soul is a feeling. Funk is a way of life. For Rickey Calloway it's a truth that cannot be denied. For over half a century, his live shows and recordings have changed the whole vibration of the Earth.
Soul Sourcers will of course know his "Tell Me," and "Get It Right," or his work with the Dap Kings, Funk Knight, Jayvilla, and Kay Dee.
In 2010 Rickey linked up with Miami's own Henry Stone Music for his full length King Of Funk album, and on August 9th, 2019, his second release with the
Junior Walker Biography Preview (Wikipedia)
Autry DeWalt Mixon Jr. (June 14, 1931 – November 23, 1995), known professionally as Junior Walker, was an American saxophonist and vocalist who recorded for Motown during the 1960s.
His career started when he developed his own band in the mid-1950s as the Jumping Jacks. His longtime friend and drummer Billy Nicks (1935–2017) formed his own group, the Rhythm Rockers. Periodically, Nicks would sit in on Jumping Jack's shows, and Walker would sit
Northern Soul Connections #19 - It's Easy
The latest in our now long running series of infographics @Kenb
This 'connection' is all about a hunt for a 45 titles 'it's easy' touching many genres, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Tennessee, a myriad of labels, studios and bands, some called Mark IV, V etc etc
Read on below...
Northern Soul Connections #19 - It's Easy
A tale of copyright issues, long (and I do mean long) time readers may remember back in 2004 a book by photographer John Barrett was published containing many stylish and unique photos of the then current Northern Soul Scene
The blurb on Soul Source back in 2004 went like the below and you can also re-visit the original 2004 article via the link following the quote
A new book out now. 223 pages full of black and white images taken on today's Northern Soul scene, at venues all around t
Artist of the Week revisits the career of Mary Wells
Mary Wells Biography (Wikipedia)
Mary Esther Wells (May 13, 1943 – July 26, 1992) was an American singer who helped to define the emerging sound of Motown in the early 1960s. Along with the Supremes, the Miracles, the Temptations, and the Four Tops, Wells was said to have been part of the charge in black music onto radio stations and record shelves of mainstream America, "bridging the color lines in music at the time."
With a strin
This weeks Artist of the Week Celebrates the music of William Bell.
William Bell Biography (Wikipedia)
William Bell (born William Yarbrough; July 16, 1939) is an American soul singer and songwriter. As a performer, he is probably best known for his debut single, 1961's "You Don't Miss Your Water"; 1968's top 10 hit in the UK "Private Number", a duet with Judy Clay; and his only US top 40 hit, 1976's "Tryin' to Love Two", which also hit No. 1 on the R&B chart. Upon the death of O
Artist of the Week revisits the career of Carla Thomas.
Carla Thomas Discography (Soulful Kinda Music Link)
>>> Carla Thomas <<<
Carla Venita Thomas was born 21 December 21 1942. She is one of three daughters of soul artist Rufus Thomas and her first hit single was a duet with her father.
Over time she gained the nickname the 'Queen of Memphis Soul'...
Artist of the Week takes another look at the music of The Dramatics
The Dramatics Discography (Soulful Kinda Music Link)
>>> THE DRAMATICS <<<
The Dramatics
The Dramatics (formerly The Dynamics) are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. They are best known for their 1970s hit songs "In the Rain" and "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get", both of which were Top 10 Pop hits, as well as their later 1993 collaboration "Doggy Dogg World"
This week we turn our attention to the wonderful Temptations as our Artist of the Week. The incredible recording career of the members of this group has witnessed various line up changes over the years - so difficult to choose a favourite!
The Temptations Discography (Soulful Kinda Music Link)
>>> THE TEMPTATIONS <<<
The Group, The Various Lead Vocals & Solo Performance, etc.
Kent Levaughn Harris was born in 1930 in Oklahoma City into a musical family that moved to San Diego in 1936. He and his younger sister Dimples started their recording careers in 1954 when Kent cut the song ‘1992’ as Ducky Drake for Trend, while Dimples featured on the flip. Dimples would have a long solo career and a shorter one with her two other sisters Betty and Beverly as the Harris Sisters.
The highlight of Kent’s recording career was as Boogaloo and His Gallant Crew, recording ‘Cops
This week we celebrate the amazing vocals of Linda Jones.
Such an amazing voice lost to the world at only 27 years old.
We can only dream of what could have followed.
Linda Jones Biography (Wikipedia)
Linda Jones (December 14, 1944 – March 14, 1972) was an American soul singer with a strong gospel-influenced style.
Jones was born in Newark, New Jersey. She started singing in her family's gospel group, the Jones Singers at the age of six. Her first recording w
So the first series of American Soul comes to conclusion this week with Don Cornelius securing an appearance from Ike and Tina Turner but struggling with ever present distractions such as a rocky marriage , organised crime and his own health issues.
The BET channel were given a huge responsibility in reflecting a such an iconic programme that holds so many memories for its the series target audience . There have also been expectations from Soul fans with many of us feeling this w
In the week that a commemorative stamp was issued in America on what would have been his 80th birthday we would like to celebrate the music of Marvin Gaye.
Marvin Gaye Biography (Wikipedia)
Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.; April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of hits, including "Ain't That Peculiar", "Ho
A highlight of our Soul Source - Artist Of The Week feature
Every week we will be setting up a place where members are invited to talk, post and share info, stories, memories, highlights and more all regarding the artist who made this fine music. We will be using the past 'Artist Of The Week' topics as the base for this due to the large amount of enjoyable and worthwhile previous comments/posts
Getting this revived series under way this week is Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder Biogra
Black Panthers, The Lumpen, and Marvin Gaye
When Bottom & Company and Redbone had finished as ‘openers’ at The Forum, Los Angeles in May 1974, Marvin Gaye came on stage to a 32-piece orchestra conducted by Gene Page together with the back-up quartet Ladies Choice(ii). Marvin started with ‘Trouble Man’ and finished with ‘What’s Going On’.
Michael Torrance was one of those back-up singers in Ladies Choice, and also on the “Marvin Gaye Live LP” that was recorded live at Oakland-Alameda
Time for the latest edition of our long running infographic series 'Northern Soul Connections'. As you may be aware these 'infographics' are produced by member @Kenb and each issue takes a possible item of interest from the soul world' be it an artist, group or even a term and then builds up an infographic 'connected' view.
This issue is #18 and the connection this time around is titled 'Living Color - We were 3 different shades of black'. View it all below...
Rela
Press Release: The New Creation “The Fish Song/Elijah Knows” SJ541
Release Date: Monday 28thJanuary 2019
The New Creation were a five piece ensemble made up of family members Robert James Randle (Aka Rasheed Shakoor Sr) his son Keith Randle (aka Rasheed Shakoor Jr) their nephew/cousin Mel Houston. Mel’s stepfather William Cooper (aka Wali Ali) and a fifth unrelated member only remembered as Wayne E-2X.
The creator of The New Creation was William Cooper a guitarist who
Northern Connections #17 - It’s October. Spooky goings on, as we approach Halloween.
Another Witch uncovered? The double life of the Warlock?
Maybe, maybe not. Judge for yourself.
Following on from the Graham Warr thread, I figured that this is the time to start collating some of those UNBELIEVABLE U.S. Northern finds. Or unbelievable disappointments too.
From experience, it's quite often the unexpected ones which turn out to be killers!
So here's an example from me, just to kick things off....
In 1988 I was stuck in a pretty boring job in between my more exciting jobs when I got a phone call from my ex boss who used to own the Warehouse in Leeds. He'd rece
I've finally managed to find this….enjoy
LETTERS TO THE EDITQR
write to the Mag address with your soul letters
Dear Blackbeat
I Have just got to have a say in the 60s newie versus modern soul/played out oldies argument, as I have been on the scene since 1972, having started at the Torch through Blackpool Highland Room, Mecca, Va Vas, Wigan Casino, Yate, Catacombs. All the good clubs, with the exception of St Ives and Samanthas. l experienced the first split in 1976-60s v New
Just a highlight word about a recently stumbled upon youtube 1967 video that may be of interest.
The video is simply titled 'The Cheetah', which doesn't really give a lot away but as the clip plays it turns out to be a 24 min documentary type programme from 1967 concerning itself with a 1960s/70s New York club... The Cheetah.
At first, it starts off with a familiar 60s hip groovy scene sort of vibe 'The Cheetah: A Mod Mecca' says the screen, followed by a couple of minutes of two c
Northern Connections #16 Benjamin and the...
There’s been many a thread about the ‘survival’ of the NS scene on SS. 'A youth culture left in the hands of old men' to name just one. Well... if these guys have anything to do with it, it will flourish. (This sentiment also extends to the likes of Secret Stash, Hayley Records, Diggin’ Deep, Timmion, and others who are making ‘new’ N.S. music ).
Ben Pirani “It’s Understanding” b side. Wouldn’t have been out of place had it been spun at a 1
Northern Soul Connections #15 - Ronnie & Robyn
For those that need a read at bank holiday...or are waiting for Cleethorpes.
Northern Connections #15
There is only ever one Single-Truth, and then versions, accounts and even faded memories. And unless you are
"the subject or directly related to the subject in time" there is no way to be 100% sure about that single-truth. So although I believe I have the compelling evidence for my views...
On Ronnie & Robyn, Sidro, D
I got to review Volume.1 of this book two years ago and now comes the concluding volume that takes us from L to Z. This weighty book kicks off with Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles 1960's albums and speedily progresses right through to the end of the alphabet. Info on the output of Little Milton, Charles Mann, Curtis Mayfield and Ullanda McCullough follows on in quick succession. Until I started to peruse the details chronicled here, I hadn't realised that the McCrays had enjoyed 8 album relea
We have #14 of this now long running series 'Northern soul Connections' to enjoy
Titled... Northern Soul Connections #14 - Confessin A Feeling For The Philharmonics
This lengthy 'connection' is a welcome addition to the series from @Kenb
The Philharmonics - I Need I Need Your Love
Tony Owen - Confessin' A Feeling
Northern Soul Connections #13 - The Sherry & Inverts Neighbourhood
After a bit of a break we have the latest in Northern Soul Connections series, it's #13 and this time around its a look at Sherry and the Inverts and their 'neighbourhood'
Read on
The Sherry & Inverts Neighbourhood...
you can view all of Kevs 13 Northern soul Connections via this link
Hit here to view all Kevs Northern Soul connections
Granada Reports ITV carried an interesting news story last Friday all about US Soul singer Jimmy Hamilton celebrating his 80th birthday in Chorley Lancashire.
The background to this clip starts back in the 1970s, when Granada Tv made a documentary in their series 'This England'. This episode was titled 'The Realistics In Belfast' and was first broadcast on 21st June 1976
(a brief clip of this documentary was featured on Outta Sites Records facebook page and was also featured in our
Back in 1966 (the 20th of May to be exact) the latest edition of the Detroit Free Press Newspaper had on offer a lengthy feature on Detroit's Golden World Records, concerning itself with such topics as the studio, the recording process and artists such as JJ Barnes and Edwin Starr
Thanks to the ever-expanding online newspaper archives (this one being newspapers.com ) you can read this feature almost as easy as on the day it was first published...
Found on Newspapers.com
Cordial Recordings have a new release due out on 29 Jan 2018. To mark this release they have also put out also have put out an interview with Las Vegas Connection's original bass player and chief songwriter Paul Boudreaux, who is still active on the New Orleans music front today.
Las Vegas Connection 45 Details
Information
A Love Vinyl DRS Ltd Exclusive
Our fifth release is the Las Vegas Connection, who were a New Orlean band from the 1970s that released two singles on Senator J
Northern Soul Connections #12 - 12 Days Of Christmas - December 2017
Northern Soul Connections #12 and it's a rather apt northern connection, being it's the 12th one and the Christmas time one...
Before you view, just a quick word to let you know that Kev has said...
This will be my LAST REGULAR MONTHLY connections. I will, however, continue to post #13, etc, when I get “an itch” or some of the ongoing research I have develops better.
Hopefully, it won't be too long before w
Welcome to the 2017 Soul Source Advent Calendar
The idea is that via this article we will feature a Christmas soul related youtube clip every day up to Christmas Day.
The xmas soul sounds used will be made up of members choices and so we do need 24 members to nominate a choice by pm to myself via @mike
Be working on a first come, one member one nomination principle, 24 are needed, so best if you get them in now!
The first track for #1 Dec 1st follows below
Count
Northern Soul Connections #11 - Two Hitsville Writers Paired - November 2017
#11 and for this northern soul connection we are offered up a paired view of two writers that you may just be familiar with ....
The Chairmen of The Board (Featuring Ken Knox) have a new CD and download release on MoPhilly Records. 2018 will also see the group back in the Uk for several dates around the country.
Confirmed so far...
April 19th Under The Bridge London / UK
April 20th Hamptons Sports and Lesuire Chelmsford / UK
April 21st 1865
The great Otis Redding died half a century ago in December. He defined his era of Southern soul, and appeared to be on the way to defining another when he was taken from us. Dave Sallis offers this heartfelt tribute.
SOUL MAN
The great Otis Redding died half a century ago in December. He defined his era of Southern soul, and appeared to be on the way to defining another when he was taken from us. Dave Sallis offers this heartfelt tribute The 50th anniversary of the death of Otis Re
Northern Soul Connections #10 October 2017 - My Soul Train - Around the 'L'
All aboard the Soul Train, in fact all aboard the Chicago 'L' as this months Northern Soul Connections takes us onto the 'L' ...
The Chicago "L" (short for "elevated")is the rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and some of its surrounding suburbs in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). It is the fourth-largest rapid transit system in the Uni
Keeping a Faith : A personal look at contemporary gospel and spiritual soul music.
Given how much influence christianity and gospel music has had on the music we all love , its surprising how little attention in gets in discussions. I sense that very “English” rule at play here , never talking about religion and politics, especially when we’ve got white labels ,demo’s and re issues available to discuss. At the risk of scaring people off I think it deserves at least some acknowled
SOUL SOURCE BOOKSHELF – FLORIDA SOUL
When asked to name America’s main music producing cities or regions from a soul perspective, it would probably boil down to the stand out trio of Detroit, Philadelphia and Chicago, in no particular order. Memphis would also get thrown into the mix, but few might suggest Florida, an area more associated as a holiday destination rather than one rich in soul music history.
“Florida Soul”, written by John Capouya, a professor of journalism and writing at
James & Truitt with Black Smoke - What's wrong with it - Juca Records.
The label was based from a record store at 1119 Broadway, West Memphis, Arkansas. This was the home of several labels over the years including Delta and 8th Avenue. The store was run by one of the Craft brothers, the other ran the mastering service Craft Sound. Situated on the western side of the Mississippi river across from Memphis proper, this little sleepy town was also home to legendary radio station KWEM, which
50 years ago today four guys drove from Wilmington, Delaware, to Frank Virtue’s studio located on 1618 N. Broad St, Philadelphia to record their debut single as the Mello Souls.
Silas, Fisher, James T and Randy were accompanied by their manager Mr Marshall and George Lewis, who co-wrote both of the songs. A group of local teenagers, Keith, Kenny, Larry, Johnny and Frank provided the music.
‘I Got My Pride’, which featured Silas on lead, was cut in one take and this was the song that w
BOOK REVIEW – “Soul Survivor: A Biography of Al Green” by Jimmy McDonough.
None of Al Green’s back catalogue can be found on the my iPod and neither have I listened to any of his work on YouTube, although at a quick glance, the likes of ‘For the Good Times’ has had an incredible 20,118,785 views, ‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’ some 29,277,088 and ‘Let’s Stay Together’ 111,814,990. Perhaps surprisingly ‘Tired of Being Alone’ only hits 19, 668,845. However, like everyone else on here, I a
Thanks to First Experience records we have to pass on news and info all about a recent album release from Paul Tillman Smith on Chump Change Records
Titled 'A Beautiful Heart' this album offers a wide range of quality soul output, you just need to hit the preview clip below to get a taste of the quality that is on offer here. Alongside Paul the album features a whole host of Bay Areas soul singer and musicians, further down you can read Pauls own words 'The Story' (which does accompany t
Thanks to Dave Withers for passing on the info on this great online documentary all about...
Arctic Records
Friday Arts is a 30-minute arts, culture and entertainment magazine that features three distinct stories about the arts and the artists in our area. Friday Arts casts a light on some of Philadelphia's best-kept secrets in the arts.
ART OF LIFE — PRODUCED BY KAREN SMYLES
Founded by WDAS program director/deejay Jimmy Bishop in conjunction with Jamie/Guyden Records in 1964,
The Intrigues: Lost Philly Soul Recording Discovered.
Press Release: The Intrigues “If The Shoe Fits” SJLP 5013 & SJCD 5013
Release Date: Monday September 18th 2017
This product is available in both CD and Vinyl formats.
In 1969 a local Philly group, The Intrigues, hit pay dirt with their self penned song “In A Moment”, initially released on their own Bullet label. This Thom Bell and Bobby Martin song was later picked up by the NYC Yew
This months Soul Connection infographic from @Kenb have just arrived and can be viewed directly below. This month the connection is titled...
Northern Soul Connections September 2017 - Sweet Home Alabama
BOOK REVIEW – “I Hear A Symphony: Motown and Crossover R&B” by J. Andrew Flory.
Like many of you, I have read a considerable number of Motown related books over the years. Some were good, some excellent, while others left a bit to be desired. The likes of ‘Where Did Our Love Go’ by Nelson George, “Berry, Me and Motown” by Ramona Gordy Singleton, Women of Motown by Susan Whitall and ‘The Stories Behind The UK Singles’ by Terry Wilson fall into the former categories, while the likes of ‘T
The latest Northern Soul Connections have just arrived on the doormat from @Kenb. We are now at #8 in this firmly established infographic series and this time around the northern soul connection is... Northern Soul Connections #8 - 'Studio & their sides, stations & their DJs'
50 years ago, this month
R&B Voices of the 1967 Race Riots
This is just a short piece to acknowledge the 50th anniversary.
Before the Newark and Detroit riots, the 1July 8th 1967 Billboard reported…“the record industry will be a focal point of a campaign attempting to ease racial tensions during the so- called "long hot summer days". Clyde Otis spearheaded the drive to enlist record company support to supply DJ’s with special ’public service records’ that will get a message of
Time for #7 in this now well established series of Northern Soul 'connections' infographics from @Kenb
Northern Soul Connections #7 - Two Ladies Two Songs
This time around we are looking at two ladies and two songs with similar melodies, the ladies being La Reine La Mar and Marion Stewart and the songs.....
site note
have added the two tracks being talked about below
La Reine La Mar - That's Not The Way To Love - CLOUD 503-B
Marion Stewa
