Love the perspectives you draw out, Robert! And, points of reference....I had forgotten Rawls was at Monterey, and the medley/suite you point out on "Soulin'" is amazing....I'm sure I've heard it before, but he makes such smooth transitions with his narration. And, your mention of "Abbey Road" make me wonder if George and The Beatles had heard "Soulin'" at all.....hey, they were both on Capitol! They had free access if they wanted it!
Lou's '60s pop arsenal made me think of Tony Bennett (they were just 7 years apart); they both had relatively parallel careers in a pop/jazz lane, but Lou made the incredible transition to the Philly sound for about 5 years, starting in '76, reaching a whole new, younger audience! That's a move (management/agent/Lou?) I'd love to dig deeper into!
Similarly, Bennett took advantage of MTV, after leaving Columbia and spending the '70s on Verve and his own Improv. But, his son Danny helped steer his career in that new direction (even tempting Columbia to re-sign him). Then, Tony's involvement with Lady Gaga was another amazing move to watch happen!
Both these legends had to face musical irrelevance, and both managed to successfully move from what they were doing to "their next thing," and for both, these moves had to be challenging to a degree! Anyway, fun stuff, Robert, and it's great to see your frequent dives into these oft-forgotten performers!
Thanks, Brad. It would be amazing to think that Rawls had help to inspire the Abbey Road - my guess is probably no but wonderful to even think that they may be a possibility there.
Great read, as always. Funnily enough I came across a copy of Soulin' while crate-digging a few days ago. I hesitated but didn't end up getting it in the end. After reading this, though, I think I might go get it.
Robert, you continue to produce the most fantastic essays and to introduce me to artists I’d never heard of (Ray Price) or artists I’d heard of but never fully appreciated, as you did in this piece.
I always look forward to your essays and always wait until I have enough time to appreciate the writing and the music before diving in. Thanks again for another wonderful essay.
Sadly the album doesn’t appear to be on Spotify so I’ll need to find another source to enjoy it in its entirety.
Thank you, Mark, I very much appreciate this very kind comment. My guess is Soulin' will eventually make it to streaming services (most of it is available on various compilations but sadly not the full suite on side two) but should be easy to pick up on vinyl.
Big Lou Rawls fan here, Robert. And as usual, your excellent review reveals aspects of his artistry I hadn’t thought of before. Wonderful selections too. Thank you!
Love the perspectives you draw out, Robert! And, points of reference....I had forgotten Rawls was at Monterey, and the medley/suite you point out on "Soulin'" is amazing....I'm sure I've heard it before, but he makes such smooth transitions with his narration. And, your mention of "Abbey Road" make me wonder if George and The Beatles had heard "Soulin'" at all.....hey, they were both on Capitol! They had free access if they wanted it!
Lou's '60s pop arsenal made me think of Tony Bennett (they were just 7 years apart); they both had relatively parallel careers in a pop/jazz lane, but Lou made the incredible transition to the Philly sound for about 5 years, starting in '76, reaching a whole new, younger audience! That's a move (management/agent/Lou?) I'd love to dig deeper into!
Similarly, Bennett took advantage of MTV, after leaving Columbia and spending the '70s on Verve and his own Improv. But, his son Danny helped steer his career in that new direction (even tempting Columbia to re-sign him). Then, Tony's involvement with Lady Gaga was another amazing move to watch happen!
Both these legends had to face musical irrelevance, and both managed to successfully move from what they were doing to "their next thing," and for both, these moves had to be challenging to a degree! Anyway, fun stuff, Robert, and it's great to see your frequent dives into these oft-forgotten performers!
Thanks, Brad. It would be amazing to think that Rawls had help to inspire the Abbey Road - my guess is probably no but wonderful to even think that they may be a possibility there.
Grew up with this album in my house and still spin it now and then. Great piece!
Thank you, Michael.
Great read on an artist I have neglected. I need to listen now. Thank you 👍
You're welcome, Ian - enjoy!
Great read, as always. Funnily enough I came across a copy of Soulin' while crate-digging a few days ago. I hesitated but didn't end up getting it in the end. After reading this, though, I think I might go get it.
It's great - buy it without hesitation.
Robert, you continue to produce the most fantastic essays and to introduce me to artists I’d never heard of (Ray Price) or artists I’d heard of but never fully appreciated, as you did in this piece.
I always look forward to your essays and always wait until I have enough time to appreciate the writing and the music before diving in. Thanks again for another wonderful essay.
Sadly the album doesn’t appear to be on Spotify so I’ll need to find another source to enjoy it in its entirety.
Thank you, Mark, I very much appreciate this very kind comment. My guess is Soulin' will eventually make it to streaming services (most of it is available on various compilations but sadly not the full suite on side two) but should be easy to pick up on vinyl.
Lou’s voice, as smooth as butter! One of my favorite cuts is with Hampton & Joe Williams, Saturday night fish fry. Thanks for your take, Robert
Ooo - I haven't heard that.
Great read Robert. The man had a great voice and knew how to use it.
Thanks, Marco. He sure did!
That man was a class act. An always entertaining voice, and possessing a wit that would be the envy of any stand-up comic.
Rawls was superb.
Big Lou Rawls fan here, Robert. And as usual, your excellent review reveals aspects of his artistry I hadn’t thought of before. Wonderful selections too. Thank you!
Thanks, Andrew.
Let me be the first here:
Spotlight on Lou Rawls, y'all
Ah, don't he look boss, y'all
Singing "Love's a Hurtin' Thing," y'all
Oh yeah, oh yeah
I see you like good music!