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Blues & Soul

Blues & Soul

Blues & Soul was a pioneering British music magazine covering black music. Originally titled Home of the Blues, it was founded in London by John Abbey in 1966, changing its title in 1967. John Abbey moved to the USA in the 1970s, handing control of the magazine to others. It is now published bi-monthly and available online.

1,250 articles

List of articles in the library

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Anita Baker

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 May 1987

YOU MIGHT assume that after winning two Grammies, a couple of Soul Train Music Awards and having a two million-plus-selling album, Anita Baker would hear ...

Chic: The Art of Being Chic

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

On the eve of their departure for their British concert dates, David Nathan talked to Chic about the chemistry that makes up their hit sound ...

Aretha Franklin: Aretha's Artistry

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, May 1968

THE YOUNG lady who has probably had more effect on the r&b scene in the U.S.A. than anyone else during the past year, who has ...

Howlin' Wolf: The Dave Godin Column: Howlin' Wolf

Essay by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, April 1969

I RECENTLY READ a most scathing and critical review of the new Howlin' Wolf album which has been issued in the States on Cadet-Concept (the ...

Doris Troy: Dave Godin Meets Mother Soul

Interview by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1970

WHEN EDITOR John Abbey asked me if I would do a feature interview with Doris Troy to coincide with her forthcoming single release on Apple, ...

Gladys Knight: Soul Perfection In Person

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

IT'S A VERY rare treat to meet an artist whose work you admire and whose in-person appearances you find exciting and who on top of ...

Aretha Franklin: Lady Soul in London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, May 1968

FRIDAY, MAY 10th, marked the long overdue arrival in Britain of America's first Lady of Soul, the remarkable Miss Aretha Franklin: an event which soul ...

Stevie Wonder: A Little Too Far Out?

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

ALL IN ALL, 1971 was not a big year for Stevie Wonder in this country, and his appearances in the chart were, in fact, few ...

Esther Phillips

Review and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1972

IT'S ALWAYS a very gratifying and rewarding experience to see an artist in whom you have particular faith and in who you strongly believe, finally ...

Aretha Franklin: Amazing Grace (Atlantic)

Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1972

WHEN I WAS first privileged to hear some of Aretha Franklin's Amazing Grace album when John Abbey brought back from the States several cassettes'-worth of ...

Billy Preston: Working The Way God Planned It!

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

BILLY PRESTON has been here all the time, yet he's only just arrived; and after many years of building his way up the bumpy road ...

Al Green: Love, Happiness And Convictions

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

2008 introduction: Known as the "Prince Of Soul," Al Green had built up a strong audience thanks to a string of hit singles and best-selling ...

Dionne Warwick: The Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1970

THE "PRINCE Albert Hall" (as Dionne so charmingly referred to it) is the most peculiar venue in London for a recording artist to play. ...

Bill Withers, Fontella Bass: Bill Withers/Fontella Bass: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1972

IN THESE days when it's applied with alarming frequency to practically every new talent that emerges, the word "genius" as with so many other superlatives ...

Rufus & Chaka Khan: Tellin' Something Good

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 August 1974

2008 introduction: The group Rufus had released its first album on ABC in 1973; by the following year, the Chicago-based team was on its second ...

Donny Hathaway: Reassessing His Musical Life

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 September 1973

2008 intro: Donny Hathaway was in London on vacation after completing work on a new album, Extensions Of A Man and took a brief time ...

Phyllis Hyman: This Lady's Got Star Karma

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

"This lady's got star karma...The buzz about Phyllis Hyman started amongst the superstar elite. It hasn't taken long for the word to get around..." ...

The Jackson 5, The Sisters Love, Junior Walker & the All Stars: The Jackson 5, Junior Walker, The Sisters Love: Empire Pool, Wembley

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1972

THE FIRST ever visit of Motown's Jackson Five is something which numerous people won't forget in a hurry: the staff at the hotels that the ...

The Sweet Inspirations: The Sweet Soul Of The Sweet Inspirations

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1971

IN THE first part of this short series, we covered the role of The Raelets. In this article, the work of the most important group ...

Luther Vandross: Luther Are Good For The Soul

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

2008 introduction: "Luther are three girls and two guys whose debut single for Cotillion is attracting a lot of attention. They are not headliners yet, ...

Eddie Kendricks: Holding On

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1973

2008 intro: Eddie Kendricks had enjoyed critical acclaim with his groundbreaking 1972 People, Hold On album. The former Temptation had to experience a commercial mainstream ...

Natalie Cole

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

BEING THE daughter of such an internationally famous man as the late Nat King Cole could conceivably pose a problem for any budding star. After ...

Aretha Franklin: Aretha: Supersoulstar

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 December 1973

2008 introduction: Aretha Franklin had just enjoyed major success with the Stevie Wonder composition 'Until You Come Back To Me'. She was in contract re-negotiations ...

Ashford & Simpson: Really Somethin' Else!

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 December 1973

OVER THE last five years, the emergence of producers-turned performers has been a phenomenon which brought into the limelight some of the finest creative forces ...

Esther Phillips: Twenty-Five Years A Star

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1972

A MORE apt title could surely not have been found for the initial Kudu set by Miss Esther Phillips. From A Whisper To A Scream ...

Stevie Wonder: Man Of Today And Tomorrow

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

ONE OF THE most rewarding and exciting aspects of taking any serious interest in any field of music is observing the artistic development and progress ...

The Stylistics: The Sound Of Sweet Soul

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1972

PERHAPS ONE of the most significant 'happenings' this year has been the much-deserved chart success of the sweet-soul-sounding Stylistics who have undoubtedly been hailed as ...

LaBelle: Tomorrow's Brightest Stars

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, October 1974

2008 introduction: In person interview conducted by David Nathan in the kitchen of Vicki Wickham's apartment in midtown Manhattan. Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: A Creative Explosion

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 September 1975

TO UNDERSTAND the true power of Earth, Wind & Fire, you have to understand that these are nine people with a message. A universal message ...

Nina Simone

Interview by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, July 1968

ONE IS always apprehensive about meeting artists for whom one has a great admiration or burning passion – I deliberately avoided meeting the one and ...

Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder: Minnie Riperton: How Minnie's cooking tempted Stevie Wonder

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

2008 introduction: This interview was David's second face-to-face conversation with Minnie; at the time, she was dealing with health challenges – in 1976, she had ...

Diana Ross: Talking With Diana Ross

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1973

PRE-CONCEIVED notions are always hard to forget and when one has been continually conditioned to a particular notion, time makes it that much harder to ...

Jackie Wilson: The Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 October 1972

THERE ARE very few performers whose career can span a good fifteen years and continue to be chart names and still draw crowds, particularly in ...

Stephanie Mills: The Wiz Kid!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1976

"This young lady has gusto, tenderness, sweetness, and Soul... all the qualities to make her more that just another singer – a Star!" David Nathan ...

The Emotions: Happiness Is…

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

Happy days are here again for Wanda, Jeanette and Sheila. They learned a lot from the quiet times and that knowledge is serving them well ...

The Raelets, Ray Charles: Ray Charles and The Raelets In Concert

Live Review by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 6 November 1970

THE ANNUAL concert featuring Ray Charles, his Orchestra and The Raelets is an event which usually draws S.R.O. crowds and this year was no exception. ...

Gloria Gaynor: Her 'Hello' Is Her Goodbye

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1974

2008 introduction: After having some club success with 'Honeybee', Gloria Gaynor was just beginning to get her career in gear when David met her in ...

Millie Jackson: Sayin' What Comes Naturally

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 May 1974

IF THERE is truly any justice, 1974 will see the final emergence of the magnificent Mille Jackson right at the top of her field, where ...

Curtis Mayfield: The Speakeasy, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

THE ALL-too-brief, spur-of-the-moment appearance of Curtis Mayfield at London's Speakeasy club must surely rank as a historic event in the history of soul music in ...

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: Martha Reeves: A Lady With A Big Future

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, February 1973

IT WOULD surely be true to say that every fan must have one or two records that they will always treasure – the special one ...

Dionne Warwicke: Just Being Herself

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 December 1973

THAT CERTAIN entertainers decline or prefer not to give interviews is an incomprehensible fact that frequently puzzles both journalists and the public. ...

The Supremes: Soulfully Supreme

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1971

2008 introduction: The Supremes were in the UK for their first post-Diana Ross tour with Jean Terrell as the group's new lead singer and Motown ...

Melba Moore: Soulful Sophistication

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 May 1975

LIKE MOST everyone else, you're probably under the impression that the name Melba Moore is more synonymous with Broadway, Las Vegas, supper clubs and Hollywood ...

Nina Simone: Nine Simone: Super Star For 1971

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1971

AS HAS been noted by her many fans and soul people generally, there has been a marked silence from the High Priestess of Soul for ...

Valerie Simpson: Underexposed

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1971

WITHOUT DOUBT, Valerie Simpson is one of the most important talents to emerge this year. Her debut album, Exposed made some considerable impression on both ...

Tami Lynn: Tam Lynn: Love Is Here And Now You're Gone (Cotillion)

Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1971

IT IS very difficult to analyse a debut album from any artist, since an artist's potential is often judged on their first album as opposed ...

The Four Tops, The Supremes: The Magnificent Seven Live: The Supremes and the Four Tops live at the Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 December 1971

DUE TO lack of publicity, the International Children's Aid Charity concert on Tuesday November 30 at the Royal Albert Hall was not as well attended ...

Garnet Mimms: Reflections On Garnet Mimms

Overview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1970

NEW YORK SOUL '64 TO '67 ...

James Brown: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1971

IF ARETHA is the Queen of Soul and Otis was the King of Soul, James Brown must qualify as the Super-King of Funk! On the ...

Ray Charles

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1972

TO QUOTE the title of one of his famous Atlantic recordings, a virtually guaranteed event is the annual visit of the Ray Charles revue with ...

B.B. King: King O' The Blues

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1971

PERHAPS MORE than any other single entertainer, B.B. King has contributed a good deal to "opening the doors" for the blues and for making it ...

Junior Walker & the All Stars: Junior Walker: Still as popular as ever

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1972

CURRENTLY enjoying very considerable success with his very cleverly put together maxi-single of 'Walk In The Night', 'Right On Brothers And Sisters' and 'Gotta Hold ...

Dionne Warwicke: Is She The Same Girl?

Comment by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1971

THE RELEASE of four Dionne Warwicke albums by Decca – Soulful, Motion Picture Hits, Promises Promises and Very Dionne has sparked off some renewed interest ...

The Edwin Hawkins Singers/Blue Mink: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1970

IN PRACTICALLY every biography written about today's soul singers, mention is made of how he or she began singing in church; so much so that ...

The Raelets: The Stars Behind The Stars: The Raelets

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 April 1971

THE ART of vocal back up work – the vocal accompaniment which so often complements and assists the names out front to obtain the exact ...

Clarence Carter, Candi Staton: Clarence Carter & Candi Staton: Clarence and Candi and Rick Hall

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1970

WHEN WE heard the good news of Clarence Carter's impending marriage to his protege, Candi Staton, we felt we had to get in touch with ...

The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield: Curtis Mayfield: No Longer An Impression

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 September 1970

AS EXCLUSIVELY reported in Blues & Soul some 4 months ago, Curtis Mayfield has officially left the Impressions after 12 years. When we finally tracked ...

The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield: Curtis Mayfield: Curtis; The Impressions: Check Out Your Mind

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 September 1970

Curtis Mayfield: Curtis (Curtom) ...

Ray Charles, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Wilson Pickett, Jerry Wexler: Jerry Wexler: Aretha, She's Just Unbelievable

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1971

JERRY WEXLER is without doubt, one of the great producers who revolutionised Rhythm and Blues music in the 50's and 60's. ...

The Temptations: The Talk Of The Town, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1970

ON ENTERING the exclusive surroundings of London's most popular dinner and entertainment club, my mind was engaged on the description that most journalists from the ...

Ike & Tina Turner: Workin' Together #1

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 February 1971

Part One ...

Ike & Tina Turner: Workin' Together #2

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 March 1971

Part Two: The Ike Turner Story ...

Ike & Tina Turner: Deutches Museum Hall, Munich

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 February 1971

TO WITNESS the Ike & Tina Turner Revue is an experience in itself but, to make certain that a revue of the show got into ...

Johnny Nash

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1973

"REALLY WEIRD" is how Johnny Nash describes the acceptance and success he's recently received in the States via his major CBS hit 'I Can See ...

Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band: Express Yourself

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1970

THOUGH THE Watts 103rd St. Band are not yet a big act in Britain, they have established themselves as one of the top attractions in ...

Sly & The Family Stone: Lyceum Ballroom, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1970

THE APPEARANCE in London of the much-heralded exponents and instigators of psychedelic soul – only their second ever British date; the first being at the ...

Aretha Franklin: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1970

WHEN THE second house of Aretha's only London date started half an hour late, it did at first appear a bad sign. However, since the ...

King Curtis: a Tribute

Obituary by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1971

CURTIS OUSELEY – known the world over as King Curtis – was fatally wounded and died on Friday, August 13 only a few yards away ...

Billie Holiday, Diana Ross: Diana Ross: The Lady Is A Winner

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1973

NO ONE is more aware than the lady herself of the totally negative attitude prevalent amongst quite a large number of people when it was ...

Frederick Knight: Success From Out Of Left Field

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 June 1972

REGULAR READERS of B&S will already be more than aware of how we occasionally jump on a record right from when it becomes available in ...

Curtis Mayfield: The Bitter End, NYC

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 February 1971

Curtis Mayfield's Solo Debut ...

Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway: Donny Hathaway: Aiming High

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 April 1972

AS WAS written in the Bill Withers feature in the last issue of B&S, there have been a handful of new talents in the 70's ...

The Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas: Wattstax 72: Seven Hours of Soul

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1972

THE whole idea of WATTSTAX '72 was splendid. It enabled more than 100,000 people to attend a seven hour concert at the Los Angeles Coliseum ...

The Moments, Sylvia Robinson: All Platinum Records: Behind The Scenes With Joe Robinson

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 August 1973

JOE ROBINSON is President of All Platinum Records, a complex of record companies that embraces Stang, Vibration, Horoscope, Turbo and All Platinum labels. ...

Sly & The Family Stone: White City, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 August 1973

"SLY STONE to appear at White City Festival". After reading various articles concerning Sly Stone, you imagine the feeling of reading this headline. ...

Al Green, Syl Johnson, Willie Mitchell: Willie Mitchell

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 June 1973

WILLIE MITCHELL. His name is synonymous with the rich brass sound that has become known worldwide as the Memphis Sound. For years, Willie as been ...

Jackie Moore, Wilson Pickett: Wilson Pickett, Jackie Moore: Copacabana, NYC

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, March 1972

CAN YOU imagine seeing Wilson Pickett at the Talk of the Town in London, complete with middle-aged folks having a night out, coach parties from ...

James Brown: The Sugar Shack Club, Boston

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 February 1971

The Greatest Showman In Soul ...

Betty Wright

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 March 1972

WHEN ATLANTIC recommences battle in this country following the switch from Polydor to Kinney's distribution, one of the records that will receive maximum support is ...

Esther Marrow, The Voices of East Harlem: The Voices Of East Harlem/Estha Marrow: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 October 1970

The Voices That Raised The Roof ...

The Temptations: Temptations Special: Damon Harris and Richard Street

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, April 1972

Rappin' with Damon Harris... ...

The Temptations: Temptations Special: Dennis Edwards

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, April 1972

THE PAST year has seen some traumatic changes for the Temptations, changes that would certainly have wrecked any normal group's career to the point where ...

The Intruders, O'Jays, Billy Paul: The O'Jays, Billy Paul, The Intruders – Philadelphia International Tour: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 December 1973

MOST INITIAL comments that I overheard on my way out from the Philly Package concert at London's Hammersmith Odeon theatre were slightly tinged with disappointment. ...

The Last Poets

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1972

THE LAST Poets have enjoyed success in the States via two albums, The Last Poets and This Is Madness, both on the Douglas label. However, ...

Van McCoy: The Real McCoy

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 October 1975

Although 'Van McCoy: The Artist' has really only just arrived in terms of commercial acceptance, Van's creative influence has played a major role within the ...

Blue Mink, Booker T & The MGs, Jimmy Ruffin: Booker T And The MGs/Blue Mink/Jimmy Ruffin: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, March 1970

THE HAMMERSMITH Odeon has been the scene of great jubilation and triumph for many top r&b/soul artists in the last few years and soul fans ...

The Mar-Keys, The Memphis Horns: The Memphis Horns

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 October 1970

HOW MANY of you have listened to the Memphis records and thought to yourself how great the brass is? Every Sam & Dave record, or ...

Funkadelic, Parliament: Parliament/Funkadelic: A Parliafunkadelicment Thang

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

RARELY DOES an R&B act cause any controversy or speculation prior to making a British tour. But the one exception in recent years is Funkadelic, ...

Barbara Mason: This Girl Is A Woman Now

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 June 1975

YOUR IMPRESSIONS of Ms. Barbara Mason may well be restricted to the young girl of the tender age of 16 singing her own composition, 'Yes ...

D.J. Rogers: Songs Of Love And Hope...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 February 1976

A young man whose West Coast reputation is spreading fast. ...

The Isley Brothers

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1970

The Isley Brothers, Ronnie, Rudolph and O'Kelly, have spent well over a decade at the top. Their success culminated in the formation of their own ...

Ann Peebles: Sweet and Soulful

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1974

David Nathan reports on Ann Peebles' London gigs and talks shop with the delectable lady. ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1972

"YOU KNOW, we recorded the album for Columbia but they just did not want it. They were too busy with Sly and Chicago; Santana and ...

Lorraine Ellison: Heart And Soul

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1974

David Nathan talks to the 'Stay With Me' lady, who's set to unleash her talents and become much more than just a singers' singer ...

The Dixie Flyers: The Guys Behind The Hits

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 June 1971

THE FIRST real opportunity that R&B fans had to know of Dixie Flyers collectively was when they turned up on Aretha's Spirit In The Dark/Don't ...

Chaka Khan, Rufus: Rufus' Chaka Khan: Golden Lady

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 December 1975

IT'S DIFFICULT to believe that much of the power, strength and soul that you hear when you hear Rufus stems from anyone as petite and ...

Bobby Womack

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1970

OUTSIDE OF the States, Bobby Womack does not really mean a great deal. On listening to his current American album, My Prescription, this is indeed ...

8th Day

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

WITHIN EVERY Invictus and Hot Wax group there is a winner. General Johnson showed up with the Chairmen, Steve Mancha turned up singing lead for ...

Al Green - Superstar

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 September 1971

THE LAST time I talked to Al Green, he was riding high with his adaptation of the Temptations' 'I Can't Get Next To You'. Now, ...

Al Wilson: Is this your idea of a Palyboy pin-up?

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 June 1976

Al Wilson, Playboy's first major soul signing, poses for B&S. Sorry we couldn't make it the centrefold, Al. ...

Ann Peebles

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 November 1971

ALREADY BEING tipped as a potential giant R&B record in this country is Ann Peebles version of 'Slipped, Tripped And Fell In Love'. The only ...

Archie Bell and the Drells: Archie & The Drells: here they go again

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 June 1976

Mr. Bell an' the guys had a somewhat lean spell after leaving Atlantic. Now they're reunited with Messrs Gamble and Huff and dancin' up the ...

Arthur Conley debuts on Capricorn

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 June 1971

ALTHOUGH ARTHUR Conley is acknowledged as being one of the finest young entertainers on today's Soul scene, it's quite a while since his last really ...

Barbara Pennington: And now, the voice of them all, Barbara Pennington

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1976

ACTUALLY, I must confess that when you ask me about hat-tricks from Blackpool, the first name to spring to mind would be Stanley Mortenson. But ...

Bootsy Collins: "Say man, do you thnk these shades make me look just a little like Bootsy Collins? Eh?"

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 June 1976

Well, they ought to. Yep, you guessed it kids, it's Bootsy himself – he of incredible Rubber Band fame. Our man's been around some and ...

Curtis Mayfield talks to B&S about his new album

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1971

IT IS, indeed, very rare for an American artist to make a short visit to this country and immediately score a hit single in the ...

The Jackson 5, Diana Ross: Diana Ross: Diana! (BBC 2)

Film/DVD/TV Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

MOTOWN'S MUCH-heralded first independent production centred on Diana Ross, proved to be all it was cracked out to be – and more! Screened on B.B.C. ...

Edwin Starr: Starr in ascendency!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 May 1976

YESSIREEBOB, VENUS and Mars are alright tonight! The past year has been relatively quiet for Edwin Starr but he seems happier than at any time ...

Sister Sledge: A Dynamic Delight

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

THE TRULY amazing dynamism of the four lovely ladies who make up Philadelphia's own SISTER SLEDGE are finally getting the kind of recognition which their ...

The Fascinations, Curtis Mayfield: It's third time lucky for the Fascinations

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

IT'S ONE of the strange things about the music world when a record that is five years old and is making its third bid for ...

Dee Dee Warwick: Back in your life

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

IT'S BEEN more than a while since we heard from one young lady whose consistently good records seemed to never hit quite as big as ...

Bobby Womack: Root-rappin' with Bobby Womack

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 March 1976

ROOT-RAPPIN? Whassat? Well, it's like this...John Abbey got to talking with Bobby and the conversation drifted to his very early days – his roots! ...

Stevie Wonder: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 February 1974

IT'S BEEN said before but it's got to be said again: Stevie Wonder is, firstly, one of the most creative talents in the musical world ...

Donna Summer: Prima Donna!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 February 1976

GETTING A record banned by the dear of BBC is as surefire a way of getting a hit as I know of and it's a ...

Arthur Conley, Jimmy Ruffin, Sam & Dave: Sam & Dave, Arthur Conley, Jimmy Ruffin: Royal Albert Hall, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1970

Soul together — so untogether! ...

Rozetta Johnson: Funkadelic, What's It All About

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1971

WHEN IT comes to female Soul singers, you've got to look south of the Mason-Dixon line. It's in the South that you'll find the girls ...

Gladys Knight and the Pips: "'If I Were Your Woman' is the long awaited follow up to 'Grapevine'" says Gladys Knight

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 February 1971

THE NEW Year is only a month old yet already something of great note has occurred in the chart stakes in the States. Gladys Knight ...

Joe Simon

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1971

WITH JOE Simon's signature, Spring Records have gained their first real entry into the super-star league. Joe's first for the label, 'Your Time To Cry', ...

Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers: The Staple Singers: doin' it again with Mister Mayfield

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1976

ONE OF the most welcome sights of recent months has been the re-appearance in the pop and R&B charts of that much-loved and extra-soulful family ...

Lamont Dozier: S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n' o-u-t...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

WHEN THE time comes to chronicle the names of some of the top producers and songwriters of the sixties and seventies, there is no question ...

Leon Haywood: The Good Times, The Bad Times And The Times In Between

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1973

IN OUR quest to track down the select band of artistes who are always there in the background but never seem to get the right ...

The Supremes

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 February 1974

PERHAPS MORE than any other female group around today, The Supremes have undergone what seem like almost regular personnel changes and to my mind, it's ...

Kool and the Gang: Introducing Kool And The Gang

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1971

CONSIDERING THAT Kool & The Gang have only ever had one British release they have an incredible following. That release – well over a year ...

Booker T & The MGs: Do Booker T and M.G.'s still exist?

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

DONALD 'DUCK' Dunn, best known in R&B circles for his invaluable contribution to our music via Booker T. & The M.G.'s, was recently in London ...

Millie Jackson

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 January 1972

MILLIE JACKSON has had one of the most meaningful songs of 1971 in her current hit, 'A Child Of God (It's hard To Believe)'. Not ...

Tamiko Jones: B&S debut feature: Tamiko Jones

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 May 1975

IF SHEER beauty could ensure a hit record, then Ms. Tamiko Jones would simply never yield the top spot. However, as well as having something ...

Tamiko Jones: the Spellbinder

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 December 1975

IT'S AMAZING how many of today's super-soulstars can be traced back to the Ric Tic-Golden World family for their very first step into showbiz. The ...

Betty Davis: Filthy But Funky

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

IT'S FUNNY how some women are genteel yet others may be quite the opposite – yet still manage to retain their femininity. ...

Barry White: The Message Really Is Love...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1979

IT'S an old criticism that so few people practice what they preach. But, in the case of Barry White, the title of his new album ...

Syreeta: Spinnin' To The Top

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 September 1974

LIVING IN the footsteps is a problem which daunts performers from time to time when they come from a successful musical family – we all ...

Hugh Masekela: the Union of South Africa

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

HUGH MASAKELA is best known in this country for his UNI instrumental hit, 'Grazin' In The Grass', which later provided the Friends of Distinction with ...

Detroit Emeralds: The Detroit Emeralds

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

IF EVER there was a record destined to become an in-demand oldie, it is the Detroit Emeralds' 'Do Me Right', which somehow managed to avoid ...

Linda Carr & the Love Squad

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

ACTUALLY, ALTHOUGH we are acclaiming Ms. Linda Carr as a "B&S Debut Feature", we are being technically incorrect because Linda was featured way back in ...

Thelma Houston: The Star's Star

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

IT SEEMS that there will always be that small coterie of artists you will always find falling under that elusive category, "the singer's singer". ...

Carol Woods

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, January 1971

CAROL WOODS made her British debut recently on the Ember label with 'If I Let You' and, whilst this particular record has been unable to ...

Jean Plum

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

MAKING HER debut in the British soul charts this week is vivacious Jean Plum, whose London release of 'Look At The Boy' has been hotly ...

Darrow Fletcher: try something new

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

WE OFTEN hear tell of child prodogies – those rare breed that begin their careers at some more than tender age! Frequently, in the crazy ...

Walter Heath: B&S debut feature: Walter Heath

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

TALKING WITH Mr. Walter Heath midway during his recent stay in New York on the bill at the Uris Theatre with Seals & Crofts is ...

Leroy Hutson, The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield: The Impressions: Sooner or later and right now!

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

WITHOUT OVERSTATING the fact, you could justifiably say that The Impressions have come a long way! ...

Leroy Hutson: The Impressions: Introducing Leroy Hutson

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

IN ALL honesty, it was strange to see Fred Cash and Sam Gooden flanking a new "leader" and central figure of The Impressions. Sadly, the ...

George Clinton, Funkadelic: Introducing Rozetta Johnson

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1971

IT'S RARE that a tour by an American R&B group can cause controversy that makes headlines in the more general pop music papers. But that's ...

Revelation: B&S debut feature: Revelation

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

"POSITIVE THINKING and a high energy level" are, according to Benny Diggs, what make Revelation what they are. If you ever feel that you want ...

Don Gardner

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, March 1972

IT'S FUNNY the way that you run into people by surprise. On planning a quick interview with Curtis Mayfield, I discovered that his road manager ...

KC & the Sunshine Band

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 October 1978

WHENEVER you think of the Miama Sound, the name of K.C. & the Sunshine Band immediately springs to mind. Via a long string of golden ...

Ashford & Simpson: Ashford and Simpson: Writin' On

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1975

IT'S PRETTY hard to believe that the young, unassuming couple seated comfortably in their smart New York apartment-and-office are the masterminds behind a whole string ...

Heatwave: International Heatwave

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

LONDON, England, is hardly renowned for its temperate climate but it can boast one long and consistent Heatwave because it is – and probably always ...

Johnny Bristol, Allen Toussaint: Johnny Bristol and Allen Toussaint: Producers 'N' Performers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

IT SEEMS that it's an increasingly notable fact that more and more producers, after scoring successfully in that field, are turning their attention to the ...

Sylvester: The Living Proof Of Disco's Heat

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1979

'MIGHTY REAL' was, of course, one of Sylvester's biggest hits – his biggest in Europe, in fact. However, it is more than just the title ...

Ashford & Simpson, Graham Central Station, Larry Graham, Leroy Hutson, The Impressions, Al Jarreau, The Staple Singers, Dionne Warwick: California Soul Hits The Big Apple

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

A special report by David Nathan on the on-stage and behind-the-scenes activities at Warner Brothers' special "California Soul" series of concerts during end of February ...

Viola Wills: Struggling For The Truth

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 August 1974

IT CAME as something of a surprise to the lady to learn that her name was already familiar to a hard core following of fans ...

Isaac Hayes: The Most Important Soul Man Of Today

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, June 1970

JA: How did you first get together with David Porter, in the very beginning? ...

Doris Troy: Stretchin' Out and Gettin' Ahead

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 April 1974

AS WE promised in the last 'TALA', we're gonna be checking out a few of the American artists who have decided to make their home ...

Gloria Jones: Sharing Her Soul

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

HOW MANY times, I wonder, do we hear that old worn out cliché from visiting Americans about how much they dig this country and how ...

Bernie Worrell: P-Funk: Bernie Worrell, The Keyboard King

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

THE LATEST Parliafunkadelicment member to shoot solo shots is Bernie Worrell, the keyboard king of Funkadelia. Entitled All The Woo In the World, the album ...

The Brides Of Funkenstein: The Solo Talents Within The Parliafunkadelicment Thang…

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

AS ONE would imagine, monogamy isn't in keeping with Dr. Funkenstein's image and so I guess it was only natural that when he launched his ...

Funkadelic: P-Funk: Mike Hampton – Kid Funkadelic

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

REPRESENTING the younger generation of Funkadelicans is Mike Hampton, a long-haired extrovert who plays perhaps the meanest guitar within our musical sphere. "I am not ...

George Clinton, Funkadelic, Parliament: The George Clinton Interview: Part 2

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

Coinciding with the arrival of the whole Parliafunk-adelicment entourage in Britain for concert dates, B&S concludes its exclusive interview with the mastermind of the whole ...

Aretha Franklin, Leroy Hutson, Curtis Mayfield, The Staple Singers: Curtis Mayfield: The Creative Mastermind

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

TO TRY and describe Curtis Mayfield's enormous contribution to the music world would take far more adjectives than we have at our disposal. ...

The Temptations Came, Saw And Almost Conquered

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1970

AND SO, it's all over. The Temptations, first ambassadors of Soul and Motown have been and gone again. The question now is whether it was ...

Grover Washington Jr: Grover Washington: Mister Magic

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

IN JAZZ circles, Grover Washington Jr. is even unique because though he has been commercially successful in a big way, he still appeals to the ...

Willie Mitchell

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 November 1971

THE SUCCESS story of the day in our music must lie in Memphis with that patient and ever consistent genius, Willie Mitchell. Since he became ...

The Spinners: The Detroit Spinners: Living & Laughing

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

IF YOU talk about supergroups these days, it is inevitable that The Spinners will enter your conversation. In the relatively short space of four years, ...

Natural Four: Naturally together

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

CURRENTLY WOWING audiences on their tour with fellow Curtom recording artists, The Impressions, the four-man Natural Four are creating more than a little impact and ...

Kay-Gee's, Kool and the Gang: The Kay-Gee's

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 September 1975

IF YOU'RE talking of funky disco groups today, you're sure to mention Kool & the Gang, B.T. Express, the Fatback Band – and the Kay-Gees. ...

The Tams

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

THE MOST successful of all of this year's re-issues has undoubtedly been The Tams' 'Hey Girl Don't Bother Me', which, prior to being re-released on ...

Chocolate Syrup: Introducing Chocolate Syrup

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 January 1972

1971 HAS been a remarkable year for group's names and none has been more imaginative than Chocolate Syrup, five young men who are currently enjoying ...

David Ruffin, The Temptations: David Ruffin

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

THE TEMPTATIONS without David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams! Strange, but true – that is the sad situation as of today. There was enough ...

The Mighty Clouds Of Joy: Hey, you, get into these Clouds

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1976

HALF A Million Hustlers Can't Be Wrong. That's how many buyers Eddie Drennon attracted for 'Let's Do The Latin Hustle' – in the States alone. ...

R.B. Greaves

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1970

ONE OF the most promising talents to emerge in the States this year has been R. B. Greaves. His multi-million seller, 'Take A Letter Maria', ...

The Sylvers: Rappin' with the Sylvers

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 June 1976

WHEN PAT, Angie, Olympia, Edmund, Leon, James, Ricky and Foster (with Charmaine off sick that day) were seated around the table in Capitol's conference room, ...

Homer Banks

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1971

THERE IS always a curious under-current in Soul music in this country for certain artists who don't mean too much in their own country. ...

People's Choice: Introducing People's Choice

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 January 1972

PEOPLE'S CHOICE 'I Likes To Do It' has been one of the most consistent selling Mojo singles to date – it has never achieved the ...

James Brown, Bobby Byrd: Bobby Byrd

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1971

IF YOU'VE ever wondered who the second voice is on James Brown's 'Sex Machine', we can put your mind at rest for it is none ...

The Futures: B&S debut feature: The Futures

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

"TO BE a moon, not just a star" is the collective ambition of five, talented young guys from the City of Brotherly Love. Known as ...

Candi Staton

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1972

IT'S BEEN many months since Candi Staton was last featured on the charts in the States. Now, to confound everybody, she has two singles at ...

Freda Payne: The Story Behind Band Of Gold

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 September 1970

"THAT'S REALLY funny, because I was only talking to the office yesterday asking if 'Band Of Gold' had made any charts overseas – especially Britain". ...

Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 May 1972

THOUGH SOMEWHAT quiet on the recording scene of late, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the original wildman of our music, is still attracting large audiences in the ...

Betty Wright: Ms. B. in S.A.

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 January 1976

FOR EVERY successful sound, there always has to be a pioneer. For Motown and Detroit, I guess it was Smokey Robinson and the Miracles; for ...

Bobby Womack: Root-rappin' with Bobby Womack

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 April 1976

Part 2 of an exclusive feature in which Bobby drifts back to his early days... his roots! ...

Garnet Mimms: In Search Of A Record Outlet

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 June 1971

SOME FOUR years ago, Garnet Mimms was just about the hottest R&B entertainer in the States. Then his contract with United Artists Records expired and ...

Barbara Jean English

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1973

AT A time when a lot of talented girls are beginning to surface again, it is also worth noting that there are a few completely ...

Chic: A Day In The Life Of Chic

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

So what actually happens when you have the No. 1 pop, r&b and disco record in the nation? How does an average day transpire and ...

Dobie Gray

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1973

IN THESE sceptered isles, of course, Dobie Gray is best known in the Northern disco circuit where 'The In Crowd', 'Out On The Floor' and ...

Mel & Tim: Starting All Over Again

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1972

SINCE EXPLODING on to the scene some two years ago with two consecutive million sellers, Mel and Tim's recording career fell into a period of ...

The Drifters

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 October 1972

DESPITE BEING relatively cold in the States right now, The Drifters are having their most successful year ever in this country. They currently are on ...

The Softones: From the streets of Baltimore... The Softones

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1976

VERY FEW of the soul super-groups break through into the really big time without serving a kind of apprenticeship and, with out wishing to blow ...

Rev. James Cleveland, Aretha Franklin: Rev James Cleveland

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1972

IT'S REALLY quite a sad commentary on life that it took a pupil to bring the master to the attention of the world. But that's ...

The Persuasions: unreliable musicians led them to sing a cappella

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 March 1972

THE PERSUASIONS are unique. They are, in fact, the only full time professional exponents of Accapella in the States. Accepella is the art of musical ...

Dorothy Moore: Misty Lady

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1976

I the beginning, there were the Poppies. Dorothy Moore spent 2½ years with that trio. Bow, with her beautiful 'Misty Blue' smash, she's carved her very ...

Chuck Jackson: The need to succeed

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

ONE OF the major disappointments in what has otherwise been a very good year for our music was the cancellation of the proposed All Platinum ...

L.J. Johnson

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1976

COMPLETING THE other half of Ian Levine's winning double hand from Chicago, is L.J. Johnson who is comfortably placed in the higher echelons of both ...

David Ruffin, The Temptations: David Ruffin: Ruffin's Ready

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1976

IF YOU check your American charts this week, you'll find that David Ruffin – after a break of some two years – is riding both ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #1 – From Detroit to The Columbia Years

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

An appreciation of the career of Aretha Franklin ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #2 – The Golden Years

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

"THERE WAS a great zest, love and feeling for the music," states Jerry Wexler and when pressed further on the subject of that first session ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #3 – Into the '70s

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

1969 IS GENERALLY acclaimed as the year that saw something of a decline on Aretha's part. The decline was, in a sense, inevitable. The ridiculous ...

Ramsey Lewis: Don't It Feel Good

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 November 1975

WITH THE ever growing interest in jazz, it's interesting to note that in most instances, the names who are bringing about the revival are relatively ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #4 – The Brand New Aretha

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

Part 4 of an appreciation of the career of Aretha Franklin, by David Nathan... ...

Aretha Franklin: Queen Aretha #5 – The Future

Comment by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

David Nathan concludes his in-depth appreciation of Aretha Franklin ...

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band: Really Something Else

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

David Nathan spends an enlightening few hours with five very intelligent but pretty crazy people who are really shaking the industry up ...

Rick James

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1979

"TO ME, a punk is someone who says what's on his mind and who doesn't take no shit!" So says Rick James, one of our ...

Mtume: Not Just Funnin', Mtume Mean Real Business

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Mtume's jumping off point came when two of the guys wrote a hit for Roberta Flack, but they are more than just a songwriting team ...

The Commodores Story

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1979

THE COMMODORES have attained a peak that no black group before them has ever been able to attain. For 1978, they were the fourth best ...

Earth, Wind & Fire, The Emotions, Deniece Williams: Earth Wind & Fire: Maurice White

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 February 1978

WITHOUT A shadow of doubt, Earth Wind & Fire is the most successful group that our music has ever given the world. In fact, after ...

Albert King an' where he's comin' from

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 August 1976

Been stood up by your girl? Low on cash? Behind with your payments? Then you must know the blues. They'll be around as long as ...

The Beginning Of The End

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

"NASSAU'S GONE funky; Nassaus's gone Soul" is how the Beginning Of The End bounce into the history-making hit, 'Funky Nassau'. History? This is the best ...

Brenda & The Tabulations: Brenda and The Tabulations

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 January 1972

OVER THE past five years, Brenda & The Tabulations have been Philadelphia's most consistently successful act. Since the first time that she showed up on ...

Carla Thomas: The Memphis Queen

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

RIGHTLY, CARLA Thomas is the Memphis Queen. ...

Carol Woods: Get High on Carol

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 June 1971

SIX MONTHS ago, we featured a young lady in our magazine who had just made her British debut on the recording scene; her name was ...

Denise LaSalle: Denise La Salle

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1971

THE LAST twelve months have been extremely successful for new female Soul artistes. The most recent success belongs to Chicago's Denise La Salle, whose 'Trapped ...

The Platters: The real Platters!

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 November 1971

IN THE States, there is as much confusion over The Platters as there has been over The Drifters with numerous groups touring the country using ...

The Intruders

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

DESPITE HAVING been one of Soul's leading acts for close on five years now, The Intruders have yet to make any serious impression on the ...

Al Green, Willie Mitchell: Willie Mitchell: Changing Sounds In Memphis

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 June 1976

Willie Mitchell's distinctive Memphis sound has been the driving force behind many golden hits over the years. Now he feels it's time for a change. ...

Freda Payne: The Heart and Soul of Freda Payne

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1971

WITHOUT A DOUBT, the most exciting and worthwhile 'new' discovery of 1970 was Freda Payne. Exciting because she is just that; worthwhile because she will ...

Bob James: A Profile Of Mr Low Profile

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

FIRST, there was One. Then Two. Naturally, then, Three And now there's Four. ...

The Nite-Liters

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1972

THINGS HAVE changed quite a good deal for The Nite-Liters since we last heard from them. Back then, they were almost totally unknown in this ...

The Blackbyrds, Donald Byrd: Donald Byrd

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1976

THE THING that most interests me with the new wave of Funk-Jazz giants is that they all have a tale of interest to tell. Whereas ...

The Blackbyrds, Donald Byrd: Donald Byrd rools! Okay?

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

YOU CAN'T say you weren't warned! The F-J (Funk-Jazz, for those of you who have been up the Amazon for the past year!) Revolution has ...

Carol Douglas

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

WITH THE continued success of the disco in America, we are constantly getting a steady flow of new talent hitting the charts. Carol Douglas is ...

Teddy Pendergrass: The Sex Symbol Of Seventy Nine

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, October 1979

Teddy continues to fill the major stadiums across the States and now he tells David Nathan what it'll take to tempt him to Europe... ...

Rose Royce, The Temptations: The Norman Whitfield interview

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

With three of his productions currently in the top four singles in this country, the timing could not have been better for this exclusive interview ...

Ashford & Simpson, Diana Ross: Ashford & Simpson: Nick and Valerie's Hit Cure

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 November 1979

With the success of their recent albums and the ensuing singles hit, Ashford and Simpson have truly arrived. David Nathan finds out what makes them ...

Barry White: A Potential Superstar

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1973

ANYONE WHO has heard Barry White's first album on 20th Century will undoubtedly concur on the point I am about to make – he is ...

The Real Thing: Anglo Soul... The Real Thing

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 June 1976

AT A time when being black and British seems to be in vogue, it is important that we don't forget a group who have been ...

The Five Stairsteps: the Stairsteps revisited

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1971

IT'S ALMOST five years to the day since I first met Clarence Burke Sr., better known the world over as Papa Stairstep. At the time, ...

Charlie Whitehead

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 August 1975

YOU CAN never keep a good man down and that old saying certainly applies to ol' Swamp Dogg! Over the past decade, there's hardly been ...

Donnie Elbert

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, February 1972

HERE'S AN unbelievable story – would you believe that Donnie Elbert's 'Where Did Our Love Go' is three years old, was recorded in London and ...

Esther Phillips: what a difference a disco hit made

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1976

MS. PHILLIPS feels that new doors have opened up for her since 'Day'. She deeply regrets the cancellation of her Euro tour but looks forward ...

George Perkins

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1972

THREE YEARS ago, George Perkins' debut single, 'Crying In The Streets', gave him a No. 1 R&B record. Now comes the belated follow-up and a ...

Billy Preston

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, September 1969

DISCOVERED IN our own backyard! ...

Ronnie Dyson

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1973

IT'S WELL over a year ago that Ronnie Dyson took 'When You Get Right Down To It' to the top of both pop and soul ...

Chakachas: The great Chakachas mystery solved: well, almost!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1972

EVER SINCE the emergence of the Chakachas and their first record, 'Jungle Fever', there has been a great cloak of mystery surrounding their background. I ...

Detroit Emeralds: Abe, Larry and Joe: today's Emeralds

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 March 1976

IT'S A pity that the original Detroit Emeralds have split up into two segments and gone their own way. Not that the two units aren't ...

The Glass House

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 October 1970

ALREADY, Holland-Dozier-Holland have introduced us to Freda Payne and the Chairmen of the Board this year via their Invictus label. It is highly likely that ...

The Main Ingredient: A two-year run of hits

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1971

RCA RECORDS has never had a good reputation as an R&B label. However, quietly they have recently built up quite a roster of good R&B ...

Simtec & Wylie: Introducing Simtec & Wylie

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1971

IF YOUR'E looking for an ultra-funky record, then Simtec & Wylie's 'Gotta Get Get Over The Hump' is perfect for you. The record is currently ...

Tami Lynn

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

"YOU'RE JOKING. It's just like a dream. God, it must have been five...no, six years ago that I made that record." Those were the first ...

Mad Lads

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1971

THERE ARE numerous vocal groups that never make the Top 10 of the National Chart. Most of these acts simply fade into obscurity or carry ...

Ronnie McNeir

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

WITHOUT DOUBT, one of the prettiest and classiest ballads currently on the American charts comes from Detroit-based Ronnie McNeir and is entitled 'Wendy Is Gone'. ...

Carl Graves: B&S debut feature: Carl Graves

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

CARL GRAVES is a young man currently making his name on a worldwide basis via a lovely debut solo recording on A&M Records, 'Baby Hang ...

Aretha Franklin: The Aretha Franklin Interview...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 August 1978

In one of the very rare interviews she grants, Lady Soul gave this in-depth story to B&S' David Nathan at her beautiful Encino, California home. ...

Love Unlimited

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 June 1972

IT'S NOT very often that a basically Soul single is talked about as being an instant British hit but that's the way Love Unlimited's first ...

Brass Construction: The Brains Behind Brass Construction

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

B&S SuperEd, John Abbey, goes a-rappin' with BC's Superleader, Randy Muller... ...

Grover Washington Jr: The Man

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

By way of many fine recordings and countless live performances, Grover has become acknowledged as one of the decade's most talented musicians. But what of ...

Dionne Warwick: The real Dionne Warwick

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

David Nathan provides a penetrating and objective insight into the evergreen Dionne Warwick – an artiste of undisputed pedigree and longevity... ...

The Crusaders: 26 Years Young And The Best Is Yet To Come

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 July 1976

'Tis strange to think that the Crusaders were laying down their distinctive sounds before some of their fans were even a twinkle in their daddies' ...

Vernon Burch: B&S debut feature: Vernon Burch

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

VERNON BURCH may be a new name to you but his past is littered with success since he was one of the contributing members of ...

Moment Of Truth

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

NEW YORK-based group, the Moment of Truth, currently have one of the hottest disco properties in their Roulette outing of 'Helplessly'. The record – their ...

Dee Dee Warwick

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1970

DEE DEE Warwick has been turning out good records now for half a decade and she really hasn't received the acclaim she warrants. However, her ...

Oliver Sain: The Disco King

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 December 1975

WITH OLIVER Sain's current double headed hunk of disco funk climbing into the British charts at his customary high placing, the timing could not be ...

Dooley Silverspoon

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

ONE HARDLY is likely to forget the name of Dooley Silverspoon and that really was the main purpose behind Dooley – whose actual surname is ...

Troy Keyes: back in the swing with VMP

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1971

TROY KEYES had a very successful single in 1967, 'Love Explosions', and has been conspicuous by his absence ever since. "I spent a year with ...

Jean Knight: another Malaco Studios success

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

WITH THE initial success of King Floyd's 'Groove Me', Soul music spotlighted the relatively small town of Jackson, Mississippi, and the record's producer, Wardell Quezergue. ...

Bobby Moore

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

UNTIL I spoke with Bobby Moore – whose record of 'Call Me Your Anything Man' is just about disco-land's favourite sound of the day – ...

Choice Four: B&S debut feature: Choice Four

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

WITH VAN McCoy currently riding the crest of a wave as a producer and songwriter via his work with The Stylistics – and his own ...

Doris Jones: Electric Lady kicks Black Stash and goes solo...

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 May 1976

The Levine Machine leaps into action again and Ian's latest protege is New York's Doris Jones. ...

Billy Preston: No Longer Going Round In Circles!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

B&S talks to Billy about his early days with Little Richard and Ray Charles, his development as a solo talent and his recent pacting with ...

Brothers Johnson: Those Prolific Brothers Johnson

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

With their 'Strawberry Letter 23' smash, George and Louis have consolidated their sensational breakthrough of last year. David Nathan caught up with them in New ...

The Emotions, Gloria Gaynor, Thelma Houston, Grace Jones, The Salsoul Orchestra, Andrea True Connection: The Billboard Disco Convention: Disco Is Here To Stay

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

David Nathan reports from New York on the Billboard Disco Convention 1977. ...

Bettye LaVette, Esther Phillips: Behind the scenes with Lelan Rogers

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 July 1971

LELAN ROGERS first sprang to prominence as the man who brought national success to Esther Phillips with 'Release Me'. In the decade that has passed, ...

Brass Construction got Disco-Power!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 February 1976

I'M NOT prone to making rash statements (as most readers of B&S of any long-standing will bear witness) but I am going to predict that ...

Brook Benton: Bartender Benton sets 'em up for Britain

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

AFTER SOMETHING like twenty years of continuous success in the States, Brook Benton looks like finally achieving the breakthrough that has eluded him during the ...

Candi Staton: Candi's running free

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 June 1976

WITH THE greatest respect in the world to the delightful Candi Staton, I would have taken virtually any odds against ever seeing her sitting on ...

Chairmen Of The Board: General Johnson & the Chairmen: back to basics

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 March 1972

AS EXCLUSIVELY reported in B&S, the Chairmen Of The Board are back working but as a trio. ...

The Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 October 1972

WHEN AN act has a million seller first time out, it is highly unusual for the public to have to wait eleven months for the ...

Evelyn Thomas: Introducing Evelyn Thomas

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 February 1976

WITH THE Chicago Soul Road-show only weeks away from kicking off its British tour, the timing of 20th Century's Evelyn Thomas could not be better ...

Freddie North: the magnetic North

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1971

AFTER SIXTEEN years of trying hard, Freddie North has broken through into the proverbial good time – and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. ...

The Fuzz

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 May 1971

YOU HAVE probably noticed a record by a group called Fuzz, which has been on the American Top 100 now for some three months or ...

Jeannie Reynolds

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

WITH SO much interest in the Philly disco sound, Detroit has been put pretty much into the shadows as far as dance music is concerned ...

Jimmy Bo Horne

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 December 1975

TRYING TO interview Jimmy Bo Horne is a strange mixture of a journalist's idea of paradise and bedlam because whilst for half of the time ...

Jimmy Ruffin

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1971

IT'S QUITE a few months now since Jimmy Ruffin was last in the British charts following a run of about one year when his name ...

Little Royal: Introducing Little Royal

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1972

CURRENTLY ENJOYING his first national success is Little Royal, whose 'Jealous' single currently stands high on the American Soul charts. Although it's his debut on ...

Mable John: in love with Hawaii (amongst other things)

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

MABLE JOHN, one of the most charming people in the whole record industry, bounded into London once more as leading lady with the Ray Charles ...

Maceo Parker & All The Kings Men

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1972

MACEO & All The King's Men, currently on the U.K. Singles chart with 'Got To Getcha' and 'Thank You', didn't come into existance until March ...

Mark IV: Protegees of Roy C

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 October 1972

I MAKE no apologies for stating that Mark IV's 'Honey I Still Love You' is by far my favourite record of the moment. Equally so, ...

Mike & Bill: Mike and Bill

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

THOUGH IT hasn't developed into being the monster success that we predicted, Mike & Bill's highly commendable (and danceworthy!) 'Somebody's Gotta Go' has established the ...

Esther Marrow: Newport News Virginia

Retrospective by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1970

BRITISH SOUL FANS could be for-given for having never heard of Miss Esther Marrow a month or so ago since Miss Marrow has, to date, ...

Roy Hamilton

Retrospective by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, September 1969

WE REGRET the loss this month of another R&B artist, Roy Hamilton. Whilst Roy has frequently strayed from R&B, he is generally considered to be ...

William Bell: Wow…William Bell

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, February 1971

WHEN IT comes to be rated as the most under-appreciated man in Soul music, one William Bell must rank as hot favourite. ...

Oscar Toney Jr

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 October 1971

THERE ARE a handful of American artists who don't need a current record to provide them with sufficient work in this country. Frequently, this is ...

Rufus Thomas: Funky Rufus

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 January 1972

BRITAIN HAS always been a happy hunting ground for Rufus Thomas, right back to his first tour in 1967, not so long after notching up ...

Sheer Elegance

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

WITH THE interest in home-grown soul now reaching the point where it's acceptable to feature British based artists and groups in the soul charts, one ...

The Dramatics

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1972

CONTINUING THE success story of former Golden World/Ric Tic artists are The Dramatics, who were recently awarded their first Gold Disc for million-plus sales on ...

Newcomers, The : The Newcomers

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

THOUGH THEY bear the name of The Newcomers and this is their Debut Feature in B&S, the trio are in fact far from being a ...

The Persuaders

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 October 1972

THEIR ALBUM sleeve note begins: "Most of us became aware of The Persuaders via their monster single recording of 'Thin Line Between Love And Hate'. ...

The Rimshots

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 August 1975

AS BRITAIN gradually develops its own soul character, an ever-increasing list of names are attracting interest on this side of the Atlantic before they break ...

Linda Lewis, The Staple Singers: The Staple Singers/Linda Lewis: Royal Festival Hall, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 February 1974

IF ANYONE ever asked for a definition of soul, the best advice you could give them would be to go to a concert by the ...

Unifics, The : The Unifics

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

THE UNIFICS main claim to fame in this country is via their in-demand oldie, 'Court Of Love', a record that sold close on a million ...

Shorty Long

Retrospective by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, September 1969

FREDERICK (SHORTY) Long drowned in a boating accident on Sunday, June 29. Also killed in the same accident was Shorty's friend, Oscar Williams, who also ...

Fugi

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1971

FUGI Is a name that will mean absolutely nothing to virtually every reader of B&S. So let's start by telling you that Fugi – pronounced ...

Ernie Bush

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

WITHOUT A shadow of doubt, one of Britain's most played disco sounds of the day is by Ernie Bush. Entitled 'Breakaway', the disco folk are ...

Grace Jones: The New Dahling Of The Disco Set

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1977

Jamaican-born Grace began as an actress and model in New York and Paris. Now she's fast building a reputation as Disco Queen. ...

Bettye Swann

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 June 1972

WE'VE SAID it before and we'll no doubt say it again – Britain's soul fans are far more loyal to their favourite girl singers than ...

Herb Alpert, Hugh Masekela: Herb Alpert and Hugh Masekela: Herb and Hugh Fusion

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 March 1978

Herb Alpert and Hugh Masekela explain their Tijuana Meets Africa project ...

Chic: How Chic's Bootlegged Single Became A Disco Smash…

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

REGARDLESS of whether you happen to be one of the many millions of people who now frequent discos on what has become a vast international ...

Clarence Carter, Candi Staton: Clarence Carter: 'Patches' An Ideal Album Track

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 November 1970

OWN UP, all those who didn't give Clarence Carter's 'Patches' even an outside chance of making the U.K. charts; let alone actually make the Top ...

Cameo: Sitting Pretty With Their Ugly Ego

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

If the group's second album was two steps ahead of their debut set, then the new one is five steps ahead of either, they feel. ...

James Booker: A Winner Never Quits, A Quitter Never Wins

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1976

'THE BLACK LIBERATCHI' That's what it says on the card and you can tell that it's going to be one of those interviews when you ...

Deniece Williams: A portrait of Niecy...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

David Nathan takes a look behind the public image of Deniece Williams and reveals other aspects of the diminutive songstress... ...

Billy Paul: It's The New Billy Paul, Let 'Im In

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

Billy's bubblin' over about his new recordings. He tells B&S about his hopes for them, and about his new act, his production plans, and his ...

Bunny Sigler: Bundino Sigalucci, Reluctant Songwriter

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

With a couple of albums under his belt from his days with Philly International and his hit of '67 'Let The Good Times Roll' behind ...

Major Lance

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1972

IF WE had to nominate the most asked after Soul artist who is outside of the super league of the Hayes/Mayfield/James Brown/Motown and ilk, it ...

Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones: Brothers Johnson: Good To Ya, Good For Ya

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 December 1976

ONE OF the success stories of 1976 in terms of 'newcomers' on the scene is concerned must involve George & Louis Johnson. Although they'd worked ...

Thom Bell, The Delfonics: The Delfonics

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 October 1972

PHILADELPHIA'S Delfonics are probably the innovators of the city's famed sound, dating back to their earliest Philly Groove hits such as 'La La Means I ...

Eddie Kendricks: The Two Sides of Eddie Kendricks

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

There's the man who goes on stage to work and the guy off-stage who's just a member of the public. "It's important those two people ...

Maze: The 'Inspiration' Behind Maze

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1979

B&S raps to Maze leader Frankie Beverly who reveals the formula behind their 'rapid' rise to stardom. ...

Evelyn "Champagne" King: Bubblin' Over

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

Currently the recipient of numerous accolades and predictions is the young lady known as Evelyn "Champagne" King. She certainly deserves all the praise she's getting. ...

Al Green: Superstar

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1972

PROBABLY THE MOST eligible superstar to join our ranks over the past twelve months is Al Green, an unpredictable artist and an equally unpredictable man. ...

Loleatta Holloway: Soulfully Yours, Loleatta...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

WITH ALL the current trends taking everyone from Melba Moore to Eddie Kendricks and Thelma Houston into the 'disco' arena, it should come as no ...

Rufus: Today and Tomorrow

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

ALMOST without notice to the soul community, Rufus arrived and departed our shores towards the end of last month simply to appear on BBC-TV's Top ...

Van McCoy: The Disco Man

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

THERE CAN be very few self-respecting soul fans around who don't own a record which has featured the name "Van McCoy" somewhere along the way. ...

Sister Sledge: 'We really are family'

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

THERE IS a certain closeness, a certain warmth about a family unit that is totally indestructible. It positively glows and when you are lucky enough ...

Syl Johnson: Truth Teller

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

ALMOST INEVITABLY, the one line of questioning that any interviewer takes with Syl Johnson involves Al Green, Willie Mitchell and Hi Records. Which is understandable ...

Chaka Khan, Rufus: Chaka Khan: Chaka Really Is Every Woman

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

OVER THE years, we have covered just about every possible facet of Chaka Khan's career. So, during a break whilst recording a new album with ...

Joe Simon: The new Joe Simon

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1979

I DON'T know about you, but my impression of Joe Simon has always been of a sober, conservative character. Maybe it was his clean approach ...

Judd Phillips: The Memphis Mercury Connection

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

NO, IT ISN'T a devious underworld operation; rather, it is the efforts of the Chicago-based Mercury organisation to be the first major to capitalise on ...

Kleeer

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

KLEEER IS another of the new signings that Atlantic has come up with of late. The sextet's debut record, 'Keeep Your Body Working', has already ...

War: Luther Rabb: War's new bass man...

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1979

War's newest member is rarin' to go...as part of a very enthusiastic band, and as a solo act ...

Bootsy Collins

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 April 1978

IN THE two years of 'its' acceptance, Bootsy's Rubber Band has become established as one of America's leading progressive R&B bands. Each of their three ...

Jermaine Jackson: Just Jermaine!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 April 1976

Having experienced the whole J5 explosion, how are things with Jermaine Jackson since goin' out on his own? Well, seems things are pretty fine, as ...

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas: Martha Reeves: Martha's Happier Than Ever Before

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

WE MEET AGAIN is the apt title for Martha Reeves stunning debut album for Fantasy Records because it reunites her with one of the men ...

Mass Production: Purest Mass Production

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

ALTHOUGH THEY don't actually top the charts with their every release, Mass Production have established themselves over their three year recording stint with Cotillion as ...

Mike Theodore: High On Success

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

WITH HIS second album on Westbound – High On Mad Mountain – seasoned producer/arranger, Mike Theodore is further consolidating on the success of his first ...

Narada Michael Walden: The Disco Awakening of Narada Michael Walden

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

ALTHOUGH he has just come off of one of Atlantic's biggest ever disco records – 'I Don't Want Nobody Else' – Narada Michael Walden wants ...

Prince Phillip Mitchell: Atlantic Crossing

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

AFTER TEN years of giving his best songs to other acts – notably 'Starting All Over Again' for Mel & Tim, 'Hurt So Good' for ...

Rance Allen

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1979

THE RELEASE of Straight From The Heart marks the return home of the Rance Allen Group. After a gap of four years – during which ...

Randy Jackson: Solo Randy Will Always Be Part Of The Jacksons

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 October 1978

THIS MONTH sees the release of the debut single by the latest of the super-talented children of Joe Jackson. Collectively, they are known to the ...

Brass Construction: Randy Muller: Dance To The Music

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

"The new Brass Construction album will have the same kind of rhythm pulse and good groove as the first one..." ...

Ronn Matlock: Introducing Mr. Ronn Matlock

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1979

RONN MATLOCK is the latest in an endless line of new talents who seem to be constantly emerging again from Detroit. Though his Hot City ...

Rose Royce: A Very Satisfying Year

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1979

UNDOUBTEDLY, 1978 was The Year Of The Groups. Earth Wind & Fire, the Commodores and Rose Royce almost held a monopoly on the awards. Though ...

Shirley Brown stretches out...

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1979

After her huge success with 'Woman To Woman', people expected Shirley to carry on rapping. Now she's resigned with Stax and her new album gives ...

Sister Sledge: Family Breakthrough

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

WHOEVER CAME up with the idea of putting that beautiful family quartet, Sister Sledge, together with platinum Chic hitmakers, Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, is ...

Sun Destination Superstardom

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

Pax Amantis?...the Custos Warriors?...Sun spokesman Byron Byrd explains all and then some... ...

Sweet Thunder: Versatility Is The Name Of The Game

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 June 1978

AS THEIR biography says, the name of Sweet Thunder does sound like a paradox but if you listen to their new and charted album – ...

Switch: Talent In Depth

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 March 1979

Lead vocalist Greg Williams explains how a chance meeting with Jermaine Jackson led to the guys achieving their big breakthrough. Now they're readying their second ...

Nancy Wilson: Nancy A Woman Of Today...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 June 1976

Talented. Aware. A warm and sincere human being. That's Nancy Wilson. She's achieved a great deal already but aims to fulfill many more dreams, both ...

The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Jacksons: The Jacksons: Ten Golden Years

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

The guys recently celebrated ten years as a headlining act and B&S took the opportunity to talk to them individually and gather their thoughts on ...

Sylvester: Step Three...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 March 1979

The man triumphed in both Disco sections of the annual B&S Poll but, surprisingly, tells us that his next album might actually be his last ...

T-Connection: Out To Kill

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

AFTER TWO rather varied albums, T-Connection have made up their minds that their about-to-be-released third album will be the one to kill the discos. ...

T-Connection Make It 3 In A Row

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

THOUGH THE disco boom of the past two years will no doubt have its negative after-effects, there can be no disputing the fact that it ...

Taka Boom: An Undisputed Talent

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1979

Taka spent a year and a half with Undisputed Truth and now she's capitalising on that experience with her solo career... ...

Tamiko Jones: Tamiko's Intercity Hit

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1979

New York, Detroit, Atlanta, back to Detroit, on to Nashville. Those were the ports of call for Tamiko Jones. ...

Tasha Thomas: Title Doubt

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

ALTHOUGH 'Shoot Me' has been the vehicle for the world to become acquainted with Ms. Tasha Thomas, it is a somewhat unlikely source. 'Shoot Me ...

Tasha Thomas: The Glamor of Disco

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

AS WE have so often said, one of the great things about the disco boom is that it has brought to the surface a whole ...

Taste Of Honey chase more sweet success

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

It ain't easy emulating the huge success of a record like 'Boogie Oogie Oogie' but the hit group are setting out to do just that. ...

Ann Peebles: Hangin' On To Success

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 May 1974

ALL OF a sudden, it seems like the whole world is talking about the talents of a magnificently soulful young woman and she puts it ...

Michael Jackson's Peacock Music

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

INTERVIEWS with Michael Jackson are few and far between. However, after the Jacksons' Platinum Party, at which the whole family was presented with platinum awards ...

ADC Band: The ADC Band: All Fired Up...

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 March 1979

THEIR BIOGRAPHY calls them a "funky renaissance band" and I guess that does just about sum up the ADC Band, Detroit's own band who have ...

The Bar-Kays: Bar-Kays put the city back on the world's musical map...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

"Shake your rump to the funk", the guys suggested, and the world tuned in to the new Memphis era ...

The Beck Family

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

The family group explain how the Jacksons inspired them to switch from gospel to contemporary music. ...

The Blue Notes wanna be the black Beatles!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 March 1978

The original Blue Notes, having endured the splits with Harold Melvin and Teddy Pendergrass, are aiming for versatility and the kind of musical freedom that ...

The Blackbyrds: You can't put a price on education, say the Blackbyrds…

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, March 1978

The guys have always restricted their working schedule in order to further their education. This has cost them a lot of dollars but they figure ...

McFadden and Whitehead: Ain't No Stoppin' Gene and John Now

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

The McFadden and Whitehead story began back in the 60's when they toured with Otis Redding as members of the Epsilons. Then, in the early ...

Graham Central Station: The Graham Standing at Platform 3 Will Call At All Stations

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 April 1976

"Constant change is the key these days," says Larry Graham of Graham Central Station. Having recently made inroads into the 'crossover' market, they're now striving ...

The Commodores: 3 Times a Winner

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 March 1979

Lionel Ritchie and the Commodores triumphed in 3 sections of the recent B&S Poll. Here Lionel, who won the award as Best Songwriter, tells why ...

Detroit Emeralds: The Emerald Behind The Floaters Gem

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 February 1978

HAVING FOUGHT their way back to prominence, the Detroit Emeralds are now set to consolidate themselves – not only in their own right but also ...

The Dixie Hummingbirds: Flyin' High

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1979

THERE HAS been a whole lot of publicity about the fact that fifty years ago, Walt Disney was introducing Mickey Mouse to the world over ...

The Drifters: We haven't sung soul since Clyde McPhatter left!

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

GROUPS COME, groups go. One day it'll rain, next day it'll be sunny. But one thing that you can rely upon is the fact that ...

The Floaters: Floating Into The Future

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, July 1979

WE'VE MADE this point on numerous occasions before – sometimes, a blockbuster hit can be the worst thing that can happen to a new act. ...

The Impressions: Lasting Impressions

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 November 1975

Ever since I became interested in our music, I can hardly remember a time when the Impressions have been absent from the charts. ...

The Impressions: The Impresssions: Lasting Impressions

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 October 1978

After more than 20 years as a group, the guys are now bigger than ever in Europe. Recordwise, plans are afoot for them to record ...

The Neville Brothers: A Family Affair

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

THE NAME of Neville is synonymous with the whole New Orleans sound. The eldest brother, Art, has invested more than twenty years into the music ...

The Ohio Players: Ohio Players Come Out Of Hibernation

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

John Abbey talks to Satch Satchell, the Ohio Players' spiritual leader. ...

The Ohio Players: Up An' Dancin'

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

"Arista are famous for their pre-programming scheme and they could afford us!" ...

The Originals: A New Chapter Begins

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 June 1978

Until recently, the Originals had spent their career at Motown, and enjoyed great success. But, they felt it was time to move on and now ...

The Soul Children: back on to a good thing

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 July 1978

The threesome are back in business with David Porter and their 'Can't Give Up A Good Thing' single is lighting the way for the Stax ...

The Spinners: Eternal Spinners

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, July 1979

TIMING AND distinctive sound are two of our favourite comments when it comes to reviewing music in B&S. Timing (and the inborn knowledge when to ...

The Stylistics: Back 'In Fashion'

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 September 1978

In Fashion just happens to be the title of the group's debut album for the Mercury label and it looks like giving them their biggest ...

The Trammps: Disco's Favourite Sons

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

IF THERE is such a thing as disco-land's favourite group, then that would surely have to be Trammps – five young men from Philadelphia who ...

Timmy Thomas: The Gospel Freak

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

The 'Why Can't We Live Together' man now has a dual role – as head of TK's Gospel division and leader of the Freak dancefloor ...

The Undisputed Truth: Their Aim Is Higher Than High

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 November 1975

WITH THE increasing use of theatrics within the sphere of our music, it is interesting to note that Motown's Undisputed Truth were just about the ...

Van McCoy: In Memory of Van McCoy

Obituary by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1979

JULY HAS been a devastating month for our music because of the tragic, sad deaths of Minnie Riperton and Van McCoy. Both were highly creative ...

Walter Murphy: Louie's Yer Uncle

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

ONE OF the most unusual records currently climbing the lists is 'Full Tilt Boogie' by the even more strangely named group, Uncle Louie. ...

Bettye LaVette: Underrated talent of out time

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1976

Soulful lady. 14 years experience, 23 singles and several gems to her credit, seeks opportunity to cut her first album. Apply to: Bettye Lavette ...

O'Jays: The O'Jays Interview

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 July 1978

John Abbey talks to lead singer Eddie Levert and newest member Sammy Strain, and reports on just why and how the O'Jays have remained in ...

Quincy Jones: Feelin' Great In '78

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 July 1978

Quincy Jones finds that the ideas and his music are just flowing these days, he feels like a man on the sea, just going with ...

Aretha Franklin: Our Queen

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1970

THE ARRIVAL in Britain of the Queen of Soul was, naturally, a Red Letter day in the 1970 Soul calendar. After all, this was only ...

The Staple Singers

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 January 1972

IF I HAD to select the most satisfying thing to me personally of 1972 (within the realms of our music!), I would be more than ...

The Manhattans: Kiss And Say Hello To The Manhattans

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1976

The Manhattans have been kinda bubbling under for a long time. Now destiny has caught up with them and their new osculatory single is currently ...

Curtis Mayfield

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

SINCE EMERGING as an important solo entertainer, Curtis Mayfield has also emerged as the president of a successful record company, due mainly to his basic ...

Thom Bell, Dionne Warwick: Dionne Warwick and Thom Bell: Hitting The Road Together

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 December 1975

WITHOUT ANY question, one of the most significant musical marriages of our decade was the one that brought the team of Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach ...

Gene Page In His Own Right

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 February 1976

He's worked with Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Diana & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Aretha, the J5, Martha Reeves, and many others. Now it's time to ...

Bill Withers

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, April 1972

WHEN 1971 is finally evaluated in years to come, historians will look back and acknowledge Bill Withers as one of the most significant and important ...

Bob & Earl: Back On The Road Again

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1972

IT'S MORE than three years since Bob & Earl were last here but much has happened for the duo in that time. ...

Margie Joseph: The Real Divine Miss M

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1976

ONE MAJOR criticism which is frequently levelled at the bigger record companies is how, with a relatively large roster, some of their strongest potential stars ...

B.B. King: An Audience With The King

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 November 1978

The King in question is Mr. B.B. King and in this exclusive interview he talks to John Abbey about the future of the blues as ...

Love Unlimited, Barry White: Barry White, Love Unlimited: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

Triumph at the Rainbow ...

Oscar Brown Jr.: Man With A Message

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 July 1974

HIT RECORDS are funny things. An artist can go in the studio, work for hours, use the best musicians, spend lots of money and think ...

Bruce Hawes: Bruces Hawes: Young Gifted Determined

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, June 1979

Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs in the black music field right now is the slow but sure emergence of a whole crop of ...

C.M Lord: This Lord's A Lady

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

C. M. Lord offers a diverse range of talent...a little bit of everything. But the little lady aims to avoid being pigeonholed when a hit ...

Cuba Gooding Comes In From The Cold

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

The former lead singer with The Main Ingredient has been away from the recording scene for just a year. In between, he's been busy preparing ...

Dobie Gray Is Driftin' Back...

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

"PEOPLE TEND to think that if you're not on the top of the charts, you fall flat on your face," states Dobie Gray. "Well, I've ...

Donny Hathaway: A Tribute to Donny Hathaway

Obituary by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

THE TRAGIC news of the death in mid-January of Donny Hathaway no doubt shocked the gifted singer-songwriter's many admirers across the world and it was ...

The 5th Dimension: The Fifth Dimension

Overview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

AFTER A period of time out of the recording limelight, The Fifth Dimension are back – with a new album ("Star Dancing"), a new record ...

GC Cameron: Rappin' with G.C. Cameron

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

PERHAPS ONE of Motown's most underrated artists must be Mr. G. C. Cameron. With the release of several singles and now with two albums firmly ...

Gloria Gaynor: Experience Gloria Gaynor

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 October 1975

HAILED AS the unrivalled Queen of the Discos, the delicious Ms. Gloria Gaynor has certainly spread her wings on her second MGM album, Experience. ...

Hamilton Bohannon: Insides Out

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

WHEN, BACK in January we became the first British magazine to interview the talented Hamilton Bohannon, I confess I didn't expect to ever have to ...

Hot: When You're Hot You're Hot

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

ONE OF the biggest international hits of 1977 belongs to three, very attractive, very intelligent young women who go by the name of Hot. ...

Jackie Moore: More Precious the Second Time Around

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 September 1975

Jackie Moore is a pleasing young lady who exploded on to the scene back in 1971 with a multi-million worldwide selling single called 'Precious Precious' ...

James Brown: The original Disco Man

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

'People are doing what I was doing ten years ago and calling it Disco' ...

Jim Gilstrap: Wonder Man

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

When 'Swing Your Daddy' exploded on to the scene, everybody was saying they knew the name of Jim Gilstrap – but where from? ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Jimmy Castor: The Everything Man Really Has Everything

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

ON REFLECTION, the two most successful names to emerge from the highly successful Atlantic Super-Soul concert tour were Jimmy Castor and Sister Sledge. ...

Joe Simon: The Reluctant Superstar

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 June 1975

IN TERMS of actual record sales and box office figures, Joe Simon has only one or two peers over the past decade or so. Yet ...

Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Johnny Guitar Watson

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 October 1975

"Let me talk to the Lone Ranger – and pronto!" ...

Jon Lucien: The Unique Mr Lucien

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

"IT'S IN a developing stage. My career is moving to another level," are Jon Lucien's opening remarks the day before his New York appearance with ...

Junior Walker & the All Stars: Time Out With Junior Walker

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

ONE OF the most consistently popular Motown artists of all time has to be Jr. Walker. His ratio of chart records may not be what ...

Jupiter Beyond Another Philly Breakout David Nathan

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1979

CURRENTLY CAUSING quite a stir on the U.K. soul singles' chart is a record that's literally come out of left field to make a strong ...

Leonard Caston

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

THE NAME Leonard Caston should already be more than familiar to B&S devotees because he has contributed a good deal to the furtherance of our ...

Loleatta Holloway

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

IT WOULDN'T take a genius to notice that Loleatta Holloway's delectable US hit, 'Cry To Me', is simply one of my favourite sounds of all ...

Lonnie Liston Smith: Visions Of A New World

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 October 1975

With the tremendous upsurge in jazz over the past couple of years, the strange thing is that remarkably few genuine 'new' names have benefitted. ...

Mandre: 'Soular' Soul From Outer Space

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

ACCORDING TO Motown Records' press release: "Unknown to but an enlightened few until now, we have been visited many times by denizens from the other ...

Melba Moore: Okay Melba, this really IS it...!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 May 1976

No messin' this time – the lady means business! Ms. Moore's Peach Melba album paved the way and now she's really cracked it with her ...

Lamont Dozier: Lamont Takes To The Road

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

Lamont Dozier is putting together a show to promote his new album and these will be his first live gigs for some 20 years! ...

William Bell: The Real William Bell

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1971

AFTER MANY years of having a fake William Bell on hand, the real McCoy finally arrived in Britain recently in the form of a suave, ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Jimmy Castor: Boogieing To The Top

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 April 1975

JIMMY CASTOR confesses that, right now, he is feeling elated. And one look at the charts or a few hours listening to nearly every r&b ...

Mary Wells: Back On The Right Track

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

Showing every sign of being ready to get right back into the swing of things, we recently had the opportunity to rap with Ms. Mary ...

Meco Has Lift Off

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

Exclusive inter-galactic communication with the Star Wars victor ...

Melba Moore: Rappin' with Melba Moore...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 August 1976

Okay folks, this is it....the lady gives her views on the music biz, artistic temperament, women in business, hit records, coping with success, and other ...

Michael Henderson: Here There And Everywhere

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

ALTHOUGH YOU'RE probably totally unaware of it, there's probably been some point in your musical 'life' when you've heard Michael Henderson! ...

Minnie Riperton: 'Minnie Bird', The 5 - Octave Soprano Is Back

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

MINNIE RIPERTON'S press bio reads: "The lady with the five and a half-octave coloratura soprano voice is a star". Without taking away from her talent ...

Natalie Cole: Whatever Will Be Will Be

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 November 1975

It's rare, very rare, for the son or daughter of a superstar to make it in his or her own right. The pressures are intense ...

Jackie Moore: Precious 8 Months Later A Hit

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 February 1971

BRITAIN HAS always been quick to accept a new Soul sister and, if anything, the respect accorded to a female singer in this country far ...

Jimmy Ruffin: I Nearly Became A Temptation

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, March 1970

AND SO, the news is out that the Ruffin brothers, David and Jimmy, could well be linking up in the States as a double act. ...

Johnny Williams: Slow Motion To The Top

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1973

JOHNNY WILLIAMS and his first release on Philadelphia International provided us with one of the most interesting statistical records of last year. Apart from the ...

The Lost Generation: Lost Generation

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1973

THE LOST GENERATION is four young men – two sets of brothers – who exploded to fame two years ago with 'The Sly, Slick And ...

Rick James: The Punk Funk Of Rick James

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 September 1978

Rick's style has been dubbed Punk Funk in some quarters. He himself agrees the term might be apt as it signifies the rebellious aspect of ...

Faith Hope & Charity: Faith Hope Charity — And Success

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 September 1975

THE NAME "Faith, Hope & Charity" may well be familiar to avid soul fans who remember their big hit of a couple of years back ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1972

EVERY YEAR, there are only a handful – maybe six – records which go on to become all-time personal favourites, records that get played at ...

The Three Degrees: Three Degrees: Universal Stars

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 January 1976

IN THE realm of female groups today, you would be hard put to name any set of ladies who can emulate the current popularity and ...

The Isley Brothers: Reflections Of Love And Life

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1976

The Brothers Isley are really tuned in to life around them and this awareness is the prime source of inspiration in their music. Eavesdrop as ...

Donny Hathaway Is A Genius

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 April 1971

WITH THE natural progression of our music, for the first time we are able to claim musical genius within Soul Music. ...

Brook Benton: Either You Got It Or You Don't Got It

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

ONE OF the most pleasing successes of 1970 was Brook Benton with what to me was probably the most soulful record of that year, 'Rainy ...

Booker T & The MGs: Booker T And MG's: Still Very Much Together

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 January 1971

IN THE British music press of late, there have been numerous rumours that Booker T. and the M.G.s have split up or are about to ...

Maxayn: Ready For Action

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1976

IT'S ALWAYS a pleasure to run into someone who is as warm and real as they are talented. Ms. Maxayn Lewis is one of that ...

The Crusaders: Crusaders Have Their Fingers On The Pulse Of Crossover Potential

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

Since dropping the 'Jazz' tag from their name, the group have made their mark in many musical areas. David Nathan talks to drummer Stix Hooper... ...

Eddie Kendricks, The Temptations: Eddie Kendricks: A Temptation No More

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 April 1971

A MOTOWN News Release, dated March 19, 1971, confirmed something that we had been hearing about for several weeks – namely that Eddie Kendricks, lead ...

Arthur Conley, The Supremes: The Supremes, Arthur Conley: Kilburn State, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1973

AWARE OF all the 'changes' that have been going on with the Supremes of late, it was natural to hope that some of the new, ...

Margie Joseph Makes A Big New Impression

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1971

FOR THOSE of you who haven't noticed, the fastest rising album on the American chart over the last month or so belongs to one Margie ...

Oscar Toney Jr

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, February 1971

No U.K. release for 2 years but still a great favourite ...

Otis Leavill

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1970

IT WAS ONLY because one member of Atlantic's London office staff had particular faith in Otis Leavill's R&B hit from the States, 'I Love You', ...

Patti LaBelle: Pattie Labelle and Bluebelles: Fly-IN High

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 November 1970

IT HAS gone virtually unnoticed in the British musical press that Pattie La Belle (or Patty La Belle or Patti La Belle!) and her Blue ...

Percy Sledge

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 October 1970

PERCY SLEDGE made a fleeting visit to London recently on his way to Holland to receive an award. Naturally, B&S got together with him and ...

Roberta Flack: The Real Roberta Flack

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1970

ROBERTA FLACK sings. In fact, as Les McCann so aptly put it in the liner notes of her first album for Atlantic Records, titled First ...

The Artistics

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1973

OLDIES HAVE always played a major part in the British Soul scene and it is quite amazing how many of these in-demand items come from ...

The Delfonics: Sexy Soul

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1970

GENERALLY, all forms of American music finally break through in Britain. But, to date, there has been one outstanding exception in that the smooth groups ...

The Flirtations: In Pursuit Of That Elusive Hit

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1970

DESPITE THE fact that the beautiful Flirtations virtually live on our doorstep, the British public has inexplicably ignored their many fine records, despite the fact ...

Billy Paul: The Age Old Problem Of The Follow Up

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1973

BILLY PAUL exploded on an unsuspecting public with the tale of 'Me And Mrs. Jones', a record that sold more than 2 1/2 million copies ...

The Four Tops: Changing Times

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1970

IN THE FIVE short months that have passed since the last time the Tops came to Britain, a great deal has happened to them. ...

The Real Thing: Gulliver's, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

MAKING ONE of their rare appearances in London, Liverpool's Real Thing put on an entertaining performance which demonstrated their vocal capabilities but did not show, ...

Dionne Warwicke: Right Back On Top

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 March 1975

ASIDE FROM 'Then Came You', her million-selling, Thom Bell-produced duo with The Detroit Spinners which catapulted to the higher echelons of the pop & soul ...

The Miracles: Thank The Beatles

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1970

SMOKEY ROBINSON and the Miracles flew into London specifically to appear on Tom Jones TV show. Even if many Soul fans disapprove of what Mr. ...

The Spinners: Motown's Spinners

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 February 1971

AFTER NEARLY ten years of trying, the Spinners finally achieved their break-through in this country via the first Stevie Wonder production of them. The song ...

The Stylistics: on poll success... Thom Bell... the Supper Club Scene

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1973

IT REALLY wasn't such a surprise to B&S readers that the Stylistics' first album should come out as top album in the annual B&S Poll. ...

Tom Dowd: The Reluctant Master

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1970

"COLUMBIA DIDN'T record Aretha badly, it was just that what they did was untimely. Aretha Franklin is incapable of making a bad record." ...

Vicki Anderson: Ready To Quit Unless Something Big Comes Along

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1971

VICKI ANDERSON made a lot of friends in this country with her part in the James Brown Revue. On record, she is best known for ...

Wilbert Harrison: One Man Band

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, May 1970

ALMOST WITHOUT WARNING, Wilbert Harrison arrived in London during mid-April to appear with Creedence Clearwater at London's Royal Albert Hall concerts. Wilbert was chosen by ...

New Birth: The Re-Birth Of New Birth

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

FRANKLY, ANYONE who has not in the past become totally confused with the New Birth, Niteliters and Love, Peace & Happiness triangle should apply immediately ...

Nona Hendryx: Nona's Found Her Piece Of The Rock

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

Nona Hendryx talks about her first solo album since the break-up of Labelle ...

Odia Coates: B&S debut feature: Odia Coates

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

ODIA COATES is now a lady with two claims to fame. Her actual discovery as far as the world is concerned is that she was ...

Odia Coates: Coates Of Many Colours

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 February 1977

IT'S FUNNY how some people look much better in real life than on photo. To date, I really haven't seen a good, accurate photograph of ...

Odyssey: The Native New Yorkers Hit The Road

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 December 1978

Odyssey held back from touring after their 'Native New Yorker' smash. But now, with their new single and album, they are eager to get out ...

Peabo Bryson Comes Into His Own...

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

With his debut album for Capitol, already certified as gold, Mr. Peabo Bryson is truly "reaching for the sky". His newest album, 'Crosswinds' looks set ...

Peaches and Herb: On A Groove Thing...

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

THEY'RE BOTH agreed: Peaches and Herb state almost unanimously that working on their latest album with producer Freddie Perren (the album is on Freddie's own ...

Philippe Wynne: Philippe solo: he's a Wynner

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

IT'S UNLIKELY that anyone would disagree that the soul world has seen its fair share of changes in recent times. Not only the music itself ...

Philly Devotions: A Story Of Patience And Dedication

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 July 1976

Everything comes to he who waits, they say. Well, these guys are hanging in there with the confidence that success will come when their talent ...

Pockets: Gold-lined Pockets

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 January 1978

VIRTUALLY everything that Earth, Wind & Fire touches turns to gold. One of the group's latest protegees consists of an eight-man aggregation known as Pockets. ...

Quazar: Outta The Woodshed An' Into The Charts

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

The group spent some 6 years woodshedding (preparing themselves to face the public.) Now, as David Nathan reports, their hard work is paying handsome dividends... ...

Ralph Johnson

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

AFTER a couple of years working The Impressions, Ralph Johnson decided earlier in the year to move on. Rather than just making a bid for ...

Ralph MacDonald: King Of The Skins

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

Ralph McDonald, the leading session percussionist and now a recording star in his own right. ...

The Ritchie Family: The Best Ritchie Family In Town

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

TRULY IN the vanguard of the disco set of entertainers are the three ladies who make up The Ritchie Family. No, they are not sisters ...

Rose Royce Clean Up With Car Wash

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 January 1977

With Norman Whitfield in the driving seat, the 10-piece outfit currently have two titles in the UK chart, both from the Car Wash movie.   ...

Rose Royce: How Total Concept became Rose Royce

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

It was as Total Concept that the Rose Royce combo came to London a few years ago. There followed a spell on the road with ...

Roy Ayers: The Ambidexterous Mind Of Roy Ayers

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1977

IN AMONGST that unending list of people who've been patiently waiting in the wings for that catapult into the realms of superstardom is a gentleman ...

Roy Ayers: The 35 Year Success Story

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 September 1976

Mr. A's been in the biz for 3 decades and right now he's enjoying more success than ever. Black music is the heart of American ...

Ruby Andrews: A Precious Gem

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

BRITAIN HAS always been a happy hunting ground for the more soulful American singers and though they may not all see their name in lights, ...

Rufus: Best of Both Worlds

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

Still maintaining their link with the departed Chaka Khan – Rufus now find their diverse talents sprouting in all directions.... ...

Rufus and Chaka Khan: The Beat Goes On

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1979

ANY CONFUSION you may have had about the exact status of the group Rufus should now be pretty much clarified in your mind – we ...

Rufus: They're Rufusizing Buckingham Palace

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

....and Chaka Khan's going down with Alice! Or, to be less obscure, June 11 will see Rufus and Chaka Khan playing one of the Queen's ...

Sam Dees: The Show Goes On

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

AS any reader of B&S will have already perceived, the new Sam Dees album – The Show Must Go On – ranks as one of ...

Sarah Dash: Putting It Together Again

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

After 16 years with the now legendary team of Patti Labelle & The Bluebelles (who after selling their hearts to the junkmen and disappearing over ...

Shalamar Hit A Sylvers Lining

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1979

JEFFREY DANIEL, Jody Watley and Howard Hewett have quite a few good reasons to feel good right now. As the members of hit group Shalamar, ...

Shirley Brown: Counting Her Blessings

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

ALL THOSE folk who dug the soulfully classic sound of Ms. Shirley Brown when the lady literally broke the charts up in 1974 (yes, it ...

Silver Convention: Take Three Girls

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 August 1976

...three girls who look good and sound good; dub them Silver Convention; groom them and create for them the perfect disco-soul setting. That's what Silvester ...

Shalamar, Simon Soussan: Simon's 'Uptown Festival'

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

THE NAME of Simon Soussan is synonymous with the authentic British Northern disco scene/sound. Before joining the "brain drain" and defecting to America (Los Angeles, ...

Sister Sledge: Sisters

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

SINCE IT'S a proven fact that rare talent cannot stay hidden indefinitely, you really shouldn't be at all surprised that Sister Sledge are currently reaping ...

Skip Mahoney & the Casuals: Skip Mahoney and The Casuals: Well, Bless My Soul

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, December 1976

QUIETLY MAKING quite a name for themselves in the States and now in this part of the world, too – are Washington's premier vocal group, ...

Smokey Robinson: Smokey Hits The Big Time

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

Smokey Robinson talks about his movie projects, recording and tour plans....and of his intention to visit Britain soon! ...

Smokey Robinson: Building A Quiet Storm

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 September 1975

WILLIAM 'SMOKEY' ROBINSON has been referred to as the "greatest poet of our decade" and when one listens to the unique lyric style that the ...

Five Special: Something Special

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

THERE'S NO doubt that having a famous brother as your producer can certainly help you get the foot in the door, but these days with ...

Spider's Webb: The Soulful Saga Of Spiders Webb

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

How a one-time Hully Gully exponent met and wed a Motown sessioness, and how as the frontrunners of Spiders Webb they wooed and won the ...

Sun A Shining

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

WHEN the sun shines, it shines on everybody. Similarly, that's what the group bearing the same name want their music to do... ...

Syreeta today!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

David Nathan catches up with the lovely lady and reports that she's feelin' on top of the world. And there's news of her upcoming album ...

T-Connection: The Nassau Connection

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

Meet T-Connection, another slab of talent from funky Nassau. Their 'Do What You Wanna' is disco dynamite, but they plan to develop the serious side ...

Tata Vega: Tata For Now

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1976

It's full speed ahead for Ms. Vega, who's being hailed as the most dynamic white female singer around. ...

Tavares: Kickin' Up A Storm Internationally

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

The guys say a big thank you for their B&S award and talk about their hectic schedule in coming months...records, tours, a movie. They've really ...

Tavares' Third Era Brings UK Breakthrough

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 July 1976

If Heaven is missing an angel, then that winged spirit must be smiling down on the brothers Tavares. They've really broken through internationally and plans ...

Tavares: Tired Of That Flip Flop Music...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1979

UNTIL THEY got caught up in the mad disco scramble – though admittedly they were one of the trendsetting groups in that category – the ...

Tavares: The Supergroup Of All Time

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1976

The five brothers are really buzzin' at this moment in time. Will they go on to become the biggest Soul group of all time? ...

Teddy Pendergrass: The Whole Town's Talking 'Bout Teddy

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

...Mr. Pendergrass, that is. B&S's John Abbey began whistlin' the toons from Teddy's album within minutes of first hearing it, an' that's the most accurate ...

Terry Callier's Poetry In Music

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

Terry Callier is currently reaping the rewards of his considerable talents. But, save for a series of telephone calls from Elektra Records, it might have ...

The Bar-Kays: Euro Rumpshakers Get Hip To The Bar-Kays

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 February 1977

The group so nearly made the big Euro breakthrough a decade ago with their 'Soul Finger' anthem. Now 'Shake Your Rump To The Funk' has ...

The Blackbyrds

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

David Nathan hears from Keith Kilgo and Joe Hall how the group plan to pass on their hard-earned experience to newer up-and-coming acts... ...

The Cate Brothers: Cate Bros' Blue Eyed Soul

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

ALTHOUGH SCOTLAND'S Average White Band are credited mostly for the pulling down of that old colour barrier that used to segregate white soul acts away ...

The Chambers Brothers: High Energy Encapsulated

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

AFTER A fairly lengthy absence from the charts – although they've by no means been absent from the music scene in general – The Chambers ...

The Controllers: Four Young Men With A Soulful Message

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

ALMOST EVER since the term "soul music" was coined – and it might be interesting to find out just who coined it first! – there ...

The Crusaders: In Their Prime

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

With 25 successful and productive years already accomplished, the Crusaders have only just begun! Drummer, Stix Hooper explains their formula for success and longevity, and ...

Detroit Emeralds: The Detroit Emeralds: Resurrection!

Report by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

Abe, James and Ivory are back in harness and the Detroit Emeralds are riding high again. B&S gets together with the guys and catches up ...

The Dramatics: "We're still singin' like we're starvin'!"

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

Starvin' they ain't, but the Dramatics still put every ounce of effort into their work. Over the years, they've scored heavily with singles but now ...

The Drifters: Still Drifting

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

TRYING TO interview the Drifters sometimes proves an almost impossible task but it is one that I relish every time it is made possible because ...

The Dynamic Superiors: Superiority Complex

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 February 1977

David Nathan raps with the Dynamic Superiors about this, that 'n' the other...an' particularly their new album, You Name It. ...

The Emotions: Emotions Laid Bare

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, July 1979

The girls divulge how they came to duet with EW&F on 'Boogie Wonderland' and talk at length about their songwriting activities... ...

The Emotions: Those Flowering Emotions Are Now In Full Bloom

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1977

The young ladies have finally cracked Britain, and with their single snuggled at the top of the B&S chart the way now looks clear for ...

The Facts of Life: The B&S Guide To The Facts Of Life

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

Hey, hold on friends, we ain't about to explain all about naughty parts! No, no....this is the Facts Of Life group who are currently burnin' ...

The Fantastic Four

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 September 1975

AS FAR as Britain is concerned, the mere fact that you've made a record for the legendary Ric Tic label is sufficient to make you ...

The Floaters: "We're Floating along on the crest of a wave…"

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

'Float On', the Floaters' disco monster was planned as an instrumental. But James Mitchell of the Detroit Emeralds dreamed the guys should ad-lib some vocals. ...

The Hitchhikers: These Hitchhikers are motorin' along...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

WITH THE increased number of albums being released by record companies generally and with so many of the albums being of such an increasing high ...

The Impressions: Imps In The Mood For Love

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1976

With everyone into disco music, the Impressions concentrated on a love mood for their Loving Power set. And that move seems to have paid handsome ...

The Isley Brothers: Go for your guns, amigo. Them thar Isleys are due back in town with a new album...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

Go For Your Guns Amigo: Them thar Isleys are due back in town with a new album... ...

The Jacksons: Look out! The Jacksons are back!

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

The Jackson boys take time out from recording their TV series to talk to B&S U.S. scribe, David Nathan ...

The Jacksons: Graduation days

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

The brothers have graduated with honours from their teeny bopper image. They still retain the respect and adulation of their younger fans but now the ...

The J.A.L.N Band: The J.A.L.N Explosion

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1976

After a spluttering start, Britain's black explosion is now gathering momentum and the J.A.L.N. Band look set to establish themselves as consistent hitmakers ...

Joneses, The (soul): Keeping Up With The Joneses

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 August 1975

UNTIL THEY recently returned to the charts with 'Love Inflation', you may be forgiven for wondering what had happened to the early promise and enterprise ...

Thelma Houston: Rappin' with Thelma Houston

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

YOU'VE HEARD it before so we'll spare the space and time it takes to tell you that for as long as she's been recording, Ms ...

Thelma Houston: Thelma's Heading For The Silver Screen

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1976

IT'S BEEN said time and time again but one of the most underrated female vocalists around is Ms. Thelma Houston. When Thelma first hit the ...

The Manhattans: Rappin' With The Manhattans

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

AT THE end of their recent highly successful debut British tour, we managed to corner the genial quartet of Manhattans just long enough to bring ...

The Miracles: Miracles 'Spy' Sensation

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

Uncle Sam has taken exception to the group's 'Spy For Brotherhood' and it's being withdrawn. "Rebellious", "Sacrilegeous", say the men in high places. "We're innocent", ...

The Miracles: In A New Bag

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 November 1975

THERE CAN be little doubt that one of the most interesting concept albums to come along in a very long time is the current set ...

The Moments: Magic Moments

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

You can't keep the good guys down and the Moments have popped up again with their 'Jack In The Box' monster. They talk to B&S ...

The Nobles: New and Exciting

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, August 1977

WE RECENTLY got the opportunity, alongside some of CBS' top executives, to check out a group recently signed to the company through a production deal ...

O'Jays: The O'Jays' Philly Decision

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 March 1977

'Magic' is how the O'Jays describe their success with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff and they want to continue working with them. But they want ...

The Ohio Players: Ohio Honey

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

OVER THE past year or so, I can't think of a group who has made as much impact on our music as the Ohio Players. ...

The Originals: Down To Hitsville

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

David Nathan talks to Freddie Gorman, once a single act and writer with Ric-Tic, who has been churning out hits with the Originals for 12 ...

People's Choice: The People's Choice

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 October 1975

WITH THEIR 'Do lt Anyway You Wanna' perched atop the world's R&B and pop charts, the Philadelphia band of the People's Choice are literally just ...

Gladys Knight and the Pips: The Pips: A Solo Album But No Split With Gladys

Report and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 February 1978

After twenty-five years together, Gladys Knight and The Pips have become virtually a musical institution. Now, a new chapter is opening in the history of ...

The Real Thing: The Naked Truth About Survival

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

John Abbey investigates the group's problems in surviving before their recent hits. ...

The Spinners: Today and Tomorrow

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 April 1977

David Nathan talks to the boys as they unfurl the dawning of a new era with the addition of John Edwards to replace lead singer ...

The Spinners: Rappin' with the Spinners

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

David Nathan talks of this 'n' that with Henry and Pervis of the Atlantic supergroup... ...

The Stylistics: Stylistics Plead Guilty To Recent Lack Of Direction

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

The guys feel they have been out of tune with the market for a while now but they are planning steps to get their career ...

The Supremes: New Supremes Will Spearhead New Motown Era

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

The rumours suggested that the Supremes might soon be no more. But, though Mary is leaving to go solo, Susaye and Scherrie will continue with ...

The Sylvers: Golden Sylvers Look To The Silver Screen

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Edmund Sylvers tells David Nathan about the group's new record affiliation, their aims in the film world and plans for a European tour.   ...

The Temptations: Still temptin'

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 October 1975

WHEN IT comes to successful vocal groups, the stalwart Temptations really have no peers. For over a decade now, they have reigned virtually uninterrupted over ...

The Three Degrees: The International Three Degrees

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 May 1975

THE MOST successful banner carriers on behalf of the Philly Sound are undoubtedly the beautiful and talented Three Degrees, Sheila Ferguson, Valerie Holiday and Fayette ...

The Trammps: Best Dressed Trammps You Ever Did See

Interview by John Abbey, David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

"WE FEEL that maybe this one is going to go straight to the top!" exclaims Harold 'Doc' Wade, one member of the five-member Trammps who ...

The Trammps: Can't Hold Back Trammps

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 November 1975

WITH 'Hold Back The Night' literally one step away from topping the British soul charts, now is the ideal time to trace back the long ...

The Whispers're Getting Louder

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

CURRENTLY ENJOYING, by their own admission, the most successful period in their career (in fact, as we write this article, radio station WBLS in New ...

Timmy Thomas: The Sweet Smell Of Success Revisited

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 April 1977

Timmy Thomas is back in chart business with his 'Stone To The Bone' disco giant. He reflects on his previous success and how he's learned ...

Tony Etoria And The 'X' Factor

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

Tony's currently climbing both pop and Soul charts and seems to have that certain somethin' which could establish him as the first Black British Superstar... ...

Tornader: Blowin' Up A Storm

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

David Nathan traces the background of the rock, roots and reggae duo. ...

Tower Of Power: Ain't Nuthin' Stoppin' 'Em Now

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

EVEN THOUGH some people feel that their artist roster may just be too large to enable any act to 'happen' in a big way, CBS ...

Valentino

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 June 1975

WITHOUT A shadow of doubt, one of the most controversial records of all time within our musical sphere is Valentino's 'I Was Born This Way'. ...

Van McCoy: The New McCoy

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

John Abbey talks to Van McCoy who has just signed with MCA Records in a move to satisfy his desire to grow, as an artist ...

Village People: The Macho Answer To Women's Lib

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 June 1978

With a debut album that proved to be a big disco item in 1977 and a new album already making strong headway, the six guys ...

Walter Jackson: Feelin' Good an' He Does Ya Good

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

FOR ALL those deep soul folk who've been treasuring their collection of his Okeh records, the news that Mr Walter Jackson is really back and ...

War: The Latest News From The War Front

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

John Abbey talks to War's keyboard maestro, Lonnie Jordan, about their recent signing with MCA. ...

The Dells, The Dramatics: The Dells vs The Dramatics

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

TWO OF America's top vocal groups were in New York recently for a concert at The Felt Forum and we got the chance to talk ...

Chairmen Of The Board: The Chairmen of the Board

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 September 1970

FOR MANY YEARS, I have been singing the praise of a certain Norman Johnson, who was the lead voice with the Showmen. ...

Archie Bell and the Drells: Archie Bell & The Drells: Here They Go Again

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

IT'S BECOMING commonplace these days for Britain's pop public to turn on to American soul acts at a time when the artists' career is quiet ...

Hampton and Banks caught in the act!

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1976

'Caught In The Act' happens to be the title of Carl Hampton and Homer Banks' initial single for Warner Bros. When it comes to writing ...

The Moments: Moments with the Moments

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 April 1972

OF ALL the stalwart American groups, the most hard done-by title surely goes to the Moments, three young men with a string of hits that ...

Zulema: Zulema For Real

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 March 1975

IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY refreshing and highly unusual in this world full of phoney and plastic people to meet anyone with the honest, sensitive and just ...

Honey Cone: The Honey Cone...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 March 1972

DESPITE spending a week or so in this country, it is doubtful whether many British citizens had an opportunity to see Hot Wax' successful trio, ...

Ashford & Simpson: Ashford and Simpson: At Peace With The World And Themselves…

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1976

Ashford and Simpson are back in business after a lengthy sabbatical. Here they expound on their new album – how it reflects the changes they've ...

O'Jays: The O'Jays: Together For More Than A Decade

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1972

OF ALL the so-called lesser known American vocal groups, the O'Jays are one of the most remarkable. Not only have they been together for well ...

Freda Payne: "Wanna Get Re-acquainted?"

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

ACCORDING to the lovely lady herself, "the public is just getting re-acquainted with Freda Payne!" and if her latest album on A.B.C. is anything to ...

Eddie Kendricks: The Philly Connection starring Eddie Kendricks

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1976

B&S undercover agent probes Soul star's defection to another town ...

Bettye Lavette: First Album Due After Ten Years…

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1972

BELIEVE IT or not, Bettye Lavette is celebrating her tenth year as a recording artist and yet it is only now that she really feels ...

Sylvester: How an ex-Cockette named Ruby Blue became Sylvester...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1977

How an ex-Cockette named Ruby Blue became Sylvester... ...

Esther Phillips: The Time Is Now

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

CERTAINLY one of the most gratifying experiences is to see an artiste you've admired over a period of years finally get that long overdue recognition ...

Al Green: Soulful Al's not so Green in the disco stakes, either...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

Mr. Green's first album in a year leans more towards disco than anything else he's released. But, he explains, it wasn't a deliberate move to ...

Anita Ward: Anita rings chart bell

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

'RING MY BELL' is just about the hottest dance property in the land right now and it introduces to the world a young lady from ...

Archie Bell and the Drells: Q. When is a Philly group not a Philly group? A. When they're a bunch of Texans known as Archie Bell & the Drells

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1977

John Abbey talks to the group who found success in Philadelphia way before the whole Philadelphia thing happened... ...

Barry White: Look Out For Barry In '78

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

Barry White struck gold with his last single and album but he's set to surpass himself with his plans for next year ...

Biddu's Planning For The Future

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

WHEREAS MOST producers and artists are satisfied with concentrating on today, our old buddy. Biddu, is firmly trying to forge a new sound for the ...

The Drifters: Ex Drifter Bill Chooses The British Way Of Life

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

THE BRITISH soul colony – an ever expanding group of ex-patriot Americans who have chosen the British way of life – has had a goodly ...

Bobby Caldwell: The Final Breakthrough

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, April 1977

IF PATIENCE is a virtue, then TK's Bobby Caldwell is a virtuous being. ...

Hamilton Bohannon: Bohannon Boogies Into Phase Two

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 August 1976

Hamilton's free from the pressure he was under following his UK trip, and he's 'bad' no more! He's entering a new era and feels that ...

Bo Kirkland & Ruth David: Bo and Ruth Get Next To You

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

PROBABLY THE biggest selling import single of all time is Bo Kirkland & Ruth Davis' epic 'You're Gonna Get Next To Me'. ...

Boney M: The Newest Darlings Of Euro Disco

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 January 1977

FRANCE: No. 1. West Germany: No. 1. Sweden: No. 3. Switzerland: No 1. ...

Brick: An Introduction

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, December 1976

John Abbey talks to the dazzling new group who have just hit the top spot on the U.S. singles chart ...

Candido: Technicolor Yul Brynner

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

IT TOOK the advent of disco to allow percussionists to come to the fore, and challenging Ralph McDonald for the leading role in commercial percussionists ...

Carl Douglas

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 February 1977

Pssst! Didja hear th' one 'bout th' Polish Kung Fu fans?With 'Kung Fu Fighting', Carl Douglas scored one of the best-selling singles of all time, ...

Carol Douglas: Get Into Carol's Life

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

WITH THE release of her fifth album for Midsong International, Carol Douglas has reached a new stage in her career. ...

Celi Bee Spreads Her Wings

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1979

WE GOT the opportunity to spear with Celi Bee (of Celi Bee & the Buzzy Bunch disco fame) on one of the lady's rare stopovers ...

Chaka Khan: B&S award is more meaningful says Chaka...

Report by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1979

ON THE face of it, the most surprising Poll winner this year was Chaka Khan's victory in the Female Vocalist division – where she edged ...

Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers: Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers: Bustin' Loose

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

1979 HAS been acclaimed as the year that Funk would fight back. Proof of the truth of that statement can be found by simply looking ...

Cousin Joe Pleasants: Cousin Joe: 69 years young, an' the fire's still burnin'!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, December 1976

THE ONLY reason that the Blues is dying out is that the young folk simply don't want to know about the Blues. Even Blues legends ...

Creme D'Cocoa: Philly Versatility

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

VENTURE RECORDS was launched last fall and immediately attained its initial breakthrough with 'Do What You Feel', the debut release on a new quartet from ...

Danny Williams: The Ensign's flyin' and Danny's back with a bang!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

AS JUST about anyone will readily inform you, the current hit single of 'Dancin' Easy' is a parody of the well-known TV advert, for the ...

D.C LaRue: DC LaRue: Gay Clubs Give Birth To Hetero Hit

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 January 1977

PERHAPS THE final bolt in the ages old controversy about soul and colour was nailed in just a month back when D.C. LaRue's 'Cathedrals' topped ...

Deniece Williams: No Free Time For Niecy

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

THE SUCCESS story of 1977 certainly belongs to Deniece Williams. ...

Dexter Wansel: The Message In His Music

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

IF YOU take a look at virtually any album that comes out of Philadelphia International these days, you are almost certain to see Dexter Wansel's ...

Eddie Floyd: Malaco Is The Stax Of Tomorrow

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 August 1976

"MALACO? It's got a great future. It reminds me of Stax in the early days – there is that kind of atmosphere about the place ...

Eddie Henderson: doctor at the crossroads

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

With the music world making so many demands on his time, Eddie feels he may have to phase out his medical practice completely... ...

Eddie Henderson: Soul Transfusion Brings success To Doc Henderson

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

Eddie Henderson is a doctor of medicine and psychiatry, but currently he also has the hottest jazz-based album in the U.K. ...

Edwin Starr: Under Rated Super Starr

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1977

Edwin Starr consistently makes the charts, yet he's still somewhat underrated. He talks to B&S about his new album recorded at Chipping Norton and how ...

Edwin Starr Makes Contact

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

After a lengthy absence from the charts, Edwin's back with a vengeance. And he's well tuned in to disco as some folks acclaim 'Twenty Five ...

Eleanor Grant: Look Out For Eleanor In '78

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

ALTHOUGH AT present, the name of Eleanor Grant is barely known around the record buying brotherhood of the world, you only have to speak to ...

Enchantment: Introducing Enchantment

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

CURRENTLY ENJOYING their first major nationwide success is the five-man vocal group from Detroit, Enchantment, and though they appear under the Roadshow banner (via United ...

Etta James: Betta than evva!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 August 1978

Having licked a serious drug problem, Etta is climbing to the top again and has been delighting audiences on the road with the Rolling Stones, ...

Evelyn "Champagne" King: Evelyn Champagne King: A Bubbling Bundle Of Talent

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 March 1979

From office cleaning to record stardom, the 'champagne' lady uncorks her story...and cites producer T. Life as the Rat in her life!!! ...

Evelyn Thomas: Some Enchanted Evelyn

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

Evelyn Thomas, a recent visitor to Britain, talks to B&S about her new album sessions. ...

The Fantastic Four Are Back With A Bang

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

Courtesy of the disco boom, the Fantastic Four are back in business and scoring their biggest hit of all time... ...

The Fatback Band: Fatback Band: The Master Dance Combo...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 January 1978

John Abbey talks to Bill Curtis about the band that's not strictly a 'band' anymore ...

Fat Larry's Band: Fat Larry's slimming down (but getting bigger!)

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

Larry's losing weight, so he may be fronting Not-So-Fat-Larry's Band soon! Bat with their new Stax affiliation, he and the guys are getting bigger every ...

Faze-O repay Ohio Player's faith in them

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 July 1978

...and get SHE label off the ground! ...

Fern Kinney: Fern's In The Right Groove

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1979

POPPY SEEDS have been the source of at least one good thing in this world. In the 60's there was a group called the Poppies ...

Foxy Get Off On That Groove

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 September 1978

The all-white chart-toppers don't try to sound black – it's their natural way. "We just want to play that groove,'' they say. "If there isn't ...

Freda Payne

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 March 1978

"Success can be the emptiest place in the world," says Freda..."Having a husband and now a son makes me realise just how empty my life ...

Gene Chandler: The Duke Is Back

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1979

RIGHT NOW, Gene Chandler's 'Get Down' is just about the biggest disco record in the country. Presently, Gene is touring the country promoting his biggest ...

Gene Chandler: The Duke Of Earl Is Back

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 June 1978

Having grown tired of working the chittlin' circuit, Gene went off the road to concentrate on the business side of things...and scored some notable successes. ...

Gene Chandler: Number One

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 July 1979

ENCOUNTERED Gene Chandler, fresh from his European trek, where he was awarded a Silver Disc in London for sales exceeding 250,000 in the U.K. ...

Grace Jones: Amazing Grace

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 September 1978

The Queen of the Dancefloors, the inimitable Grace Jones ...

Grover Washington Jr: Grover's Motown Seed Is bearing fruit a-plenty

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

ALTHOUGH on odd occasions they have varied their musical direction – notably into Country & Western for a minute and via the Rare Earth Rock-Pop ...

Hamilton Bohannon: This Smile Belongs To Hamilton Bohannon

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

The Disco Man has the fastest-moving album of the day; that's why he's radiating happiness and joie de vie. ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes: Back To Their Roots

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 November 1978

The rumours are that Harold Melvin and the group are set to return to Philadelphia International. Harold himself tells B&S how it is.... ...

Heatwave: All Set To Burn Ya

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, November 1976

WITH THE increase in non-American soul oriented acts reaching a peak, tasty funk combos are appearing almost literally out of the woodwork. ...

Hodges, James & Smith: Hodges, James and Smith: The Time Is Now

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

WE AT B&S have always acknowledged the significance of timing. The right record at the right time and with the right company and suddenly a ...

Honey & The Bees: Introducing Honey and The Bees

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 January 1972

HONEY and the Bees are four beautiful young ladies from Philadelphia who have just come off their biggest hit to date. 'It's Gonna Take A ...

Idris Muhammad: Idris Boogies On Up

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

Idris Muhammad's new album is a deliberate attempt to widen his horizons and is set to surpass all that his Mutha album achieved. B&S examines ...

Instant Funk: The return of Funkkkkk

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

Into the winner's circle with a three year old recording, Instant Funk now look set to become 79's major funk success. Read on... ...

James Wells: First Time Around

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, December 1976

THE LATEST output from the Levine Machine is James Wells, who recently made a lightning trip to London to add some vocals for a new ...

Jerry Butler: The Ice Man Returneth Home

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Jerry talks to B&S about his reunion with Gamble and Huff and his plans for the future... ...

Jimmy Bo Horne: Seems To Me This Man's Gonna Happen

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

John Abbey talks to cyclist-cum-Soulman, Mr. Jimmy Bo Horne ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Bertha Butt meets Darth Vader... courtesy of Jimmy Castor, of course!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 July 1978

WHEN IT comes to novelty disco tunes, Jimmy Castor has proven himself to be irresistible. Right from 'Hey Leroy, Your Mama's Calling You', through the ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Jimmy Castor: Home

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 June 1979

AFTER AN absence of one album, the Jimmy Castor Bunch are back within the Atlantic family – this time on the Cotillion label. ...

Joe Simon: Mr Consistency That's Joe Simon

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 March 1978

"I may not make more than one gold record a year," he says, "but every release sells about 300,000...and that's what keeps me going to ...

Joe Tex: The Gut Feeling For A Hit

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 June 1978

Joe stays close to the streets and the people who buy the records. Thus, he has a good instinct for what's a likely hit and ...

Johnny Bristol: Still Hangin' In There...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 September 1978

'HANG ON In There Baby' remains to this day one of the best selling R&B based records of all time. It carried its creator, Johnny ...

Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Rappin' With Johnny Guitar Watson

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, December 1976

HIS RECENTLY COMPLETED EUROPEAN TOUR: "It was simply the greatest tour of my life! I don't think I've ever enjoyed myself on the road as ...

Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Johnny Guitar Watson and the ups and downs of success...

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 January 1978

Johnny has come up with 3 gold albums in little more than a year but it seems that life at the top isn't always one ...

Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Johnny Guitar Watson: Guitar Giant!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

AFTER THE comparative failure of Funk Beyond The Call Of Duty, Johnny Guitar Watson is back with a vengeance. ...

Kellee Patterson: Kellee Gets Fitted With Gold

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 April 1978

WELL, IT has taken a full six month cycle but Kellee Patterson has finally won her Gold disc for the interestingly titled 'If It Don't ...

Kilo: Worth Their Weight In Gold

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1979

THOUGH KILO may be a new name to you their first album is only just on the streets now, their debut for Stax – the ...

Larkin Arnold: A Capitol Investment

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 April 1978

LET'S BE honest. A couple of years or so back and if you mentioned the name of Capitol Records, you thought of Glen Campbell, the ...

War Effort

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 January 1980

John Abbey talks to the Music Band's harmonica ace, Lee Oskar ...

Lenny Williams: Mr Consistency

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1979

"It isn't time to start abandoning disco or anything as drastic as that. It's just that people want their music more varied these days." ...

Linda Evans: Solo Linda Scores Group Success

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

HAVING TRIED on three occasions to establish herself within a group – on each occasion, a trio, by the way – Linda Evans decided that ...

Mandrill Plan Operation World

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 February 1978

Following a highly successful tour of major American cities, Mandrill are now anxious to become a truly international act. Plans are underway for them to ...

Margie Joseph: Margie's Feeling Her Way To The Very Top

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

Margie Joseph is using her God-given talent to the full. "My dream is to be a superstar," she says, "and I just don't want anyone ...

Maze: The Golden Days Of Maze

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 April 1978

It took Maze around nine months to go gold with their debut album but their second set has equalled that feat in just six weeks ...

Millie Jackson rings the changes

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 July 1978

Millie's new album is far more uptempo than any album she's ever done. Ironically, the track that most people are picking up on is a ...

Nature's Divine

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1979

TAKE A tip from me...Nature's Divine are going to be a supergroup! This ten-piece ensemble from Detroit are already well on their way with their ...

Pleasure To Meet You

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

The 8-piece outfit spent most of their time in the studio until recently but with their fourth Fantasy album taking off they are currently on ...

Pleasure Is Their Business

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

Pleasure by name and pleasing to the ear, the guys look set to become one of the hot new acts of '78 ...

Prince Phillip Mitchell: Prince Phillip's Makin' It But Good

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 August 1978

As a songwriter, Phillip Mitchell has penned hits for such diverse talents as Millie Jackson, Candi Staton, Ben E. King and Joe Simon. Now he's ...

Rokotto

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1977

WHEN IT comes to our music, the fish-famed Scottish city of Dundee isn't exactly rivalling Detroit, Memphis or Philadelphia, is it? ...

The Platters: When Is A Platter Not A Platter

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

When he leaves the group, it seems Herb Reed says he's been unable to use the name even though he first thought of it. But ...

The Temptations: The best Temptations of them all?

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 November 1971

MUCH HAS been written in B&S lately about the departure of Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams from the Temptations and, in all fairness, a lot ...

Al Jarreau: Look Out, Al Jarreau's On His Way

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

IT SEEMS like but a short time since we last spoke to a talented gentleman who has been hailed by many of his peers and ...

James Brown: Talking Loud And Saying Something

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 March 1972

JAMES BROWN is renowned for being a leader of his people and never more so than right now. During his long and successful career, he ...

The Main Ingredient: Reaching Out For New Horizons

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 May 1975

IT IS JUST conceivable that you're one of these people who take The Main Ingredient for granted. They're the kind of group, you figure, who've ...

Al Green: The King Is Dead Long Live The King

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

Al Green: the Logical successor to the title of King of Memphis... ...

Alton McClain & Destiny: Alton Meets Her Destiny

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, July 1979

ONE OF this year's giant left field records comes from three absolutely beautiful young ladies, Alton McClain and Destiny (D'Marie Warren and Robyrda Stiger). ...

Alvin Cash: The Ali Connection

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

Alvin's friendship with Muhammad Ali goes way back and 'The Ali Shuffle' is his updated tribute to his good buddy. With the action the disc's ...

Archie Bell and the Drells: The State Visit by Archie Bell and the Drells

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

John Abbey talks to the man who was making disco records before Disco was even invented... ...

Taste Of Honey: A Taste Of Honey: Funky-unky-unky

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 August 1978

Boogie Oogie Oogie has shot A Taste Of Honey to international stardom, but John Abbey discovers they are more than just pretty faces! ...

Atlantic Starr: Meet Atlantic Starr

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 September 1978

John Abbey talks to the 9-piece outfit who are storming the U.S singles and albums charts ...

Average White Band: AWB: Danger This Band Blows Superstars Off Stage

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 April 1977

Chart toppers, gold and platinum discs, SRO crowds, the Average White Band are accepted by audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. And they've been ...

Barrabas: Rappin' with Barrabas

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1976

IN NEW YORK to finish the mixing on their next album for Atlantic recently were members of Barrabas, the Madrid-based group who've enjoyed success throughout ...

B.B. King: B.B King: Reds and Blues

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1979

"I learnt the true meaning of freedom...But I also believe that music is the international denominator for bringing people together" ...

Bloodstone: Shining brightly, six years on...

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

WOULD YOU believe that it's six years since Bloodstone hit the world's record charts with their haunting 'Natural High' ballad – probably one of the ...

Bobbi Humphrey: Bobbi's Jam with Stevie

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 July 1978

Bobbi Humphrey tells B&S how Stevie Wonder came to play harmonica on her 'Home Made Jam' single in return for help she had contributed to ...

The Imperials: Old Doo Waps Never Die

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 February 1978

The Imperials discover that Britain love 'em ...

Boney M: That risqué sleeve: "I hadn't even thought of it that way," says Boney M's Marcia!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

SO, I asked the lovely Marcia Barrett, of Boney M., whether a sleeve that depicts virtually naked ladies and a gent wrapped up in chains ...

Bootsy Collins: Nothing Will Stop The Funk

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1979

B&S drops in on Bootsy who says it out loud... ...

Brainstorm: UK Soulcharts Have A Brainstorm

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

Although Brainstorm did well enough in the States with their debut single, Britain woke up to them first and they established themselves to a greater ...

B.T. Express: BT Express: Still Groovin' On The Right Track Baby

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 July 1976

They came from virtually nowhere last year and set the whole world a-dancin'. Now, with the CBS promotion machine behind them, they're making the big ...

Bunny Sigler: A Disco Believer

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 April 1979

After 12 years, writer, producer, singer Bunny Sigler finally has the creative freedom to pursue all avenues to his own satisfaction. ...

Candi Staton: Disco Confuses Candi

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 September 1978

As long as she can remember, people have been dancing to Candi Staton's records. "It's just a new word for an old style," she says ...

Cerrone: Golden Cerrone

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

As his new album implies, Marc Cerrone surely has that Golden Touch...in fact, the album reportedly shipped gold in seven countries! ...

Doris Duke: The Other Woman

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1974

THERE ARE but a handful of names that seem to have an almost magical effect on soul folk everywhere. For some, the name is held ...

The Jones Girls: Keeping up with the Jones Girls

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1979

Diana Ross and Gamble & Huff are useful people to have in your corner, and the talented trio openly acknowledge their gratitude and the belief ...

Charo: Disco Comedienne

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 October 1978

The lady's natural wit made her a runaway success on America's chat shows and her debut album was an international winner. Now she feels she's ...

Con Funk Shun: Confunkshun: Memphians With California Bloodlines

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

The Magnificent Seven hail from the West Coast, but the band was born in Memphis ...

Deniece Williams: This Really Is Niecy

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

Spotlight on a charismatic new star, Ms. Deniece Williams ...

Doris Jones And The British Link

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

BECAUSE OF the nature of the music business, situations occasionally arise that go totally against the usual course of events. ...

Double Exposure: Secrets From The Locker Room

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1979

B&S investigator probes behind the scenes and unearths the concept of the quartet's startling new album... ...

Dynasty claim their piece of the rock

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1979

CURRENTLY ENJOYING their first major taste of success with 'I Don't Want To Be A Freak' is Dynasty, two young ladies and a young man ...

Eddie Henderson

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 December 1978

Eddie Henderson: I didn't get where I am today by not being danceable... ...

The Fatback Band: Fatback Band: Givin' The People What They Want

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

For their new Night Fever album, the band have concentrated on what the fans seem to like most – happy up 'n' dancin' music. John ...

George Benson: By George No. 1 R and B, Jazz and Pop

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

Music history was made recently when George Benson topped the R&B, jazz and pop charts with his debut album for Warner Bros. The guitar man ...

George McCrae: Okay George, Diamonds Are Forever But

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

In search of a new sound, George McCrae moved to New York to record his Diamond Touch album. But U.S. sales ain't been all they ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: Harold Melvin and Blues Notes: The Inside Story...

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

The Blue Notes split was one of the big Soul stories of '76. Harold Melvin talks to John Abbey and gives the lowdown on what ...

Heatwave: The Hardest Working Band In The Land

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

"We have always worked hard and that won't change because of a hit record. In fact, we may end up working harder" ...

Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters: Herbie Hancock: 'Ancock An' The 'Ead 'Unters

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

That's a fearful band name for someone as peaceful as Herbie Hancock to front. But, it's a name that clicks with the Soul-loving public when ...

Hidden Strength Uncovered...

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

The lowdown on the New York group who have hustled into both the U.S. and U.K. charts. A B&S expose by John Abbey who strongly ...

Hodges, James & Smith: Hodges James and Smith: A Soulful Sound And A Bit Of Razzle Dazzle

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

The ladies dislike any comparison with the Supremes and the Three Degrees but they have the charisma to take them right to the top. ...

Idris Muhammad: The Mountain Comes To Muhammad

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

Turn This Mutha Out brought runaway success to Idris Muhammad, but his roots go back 20 years when he was drummer in Larry Williams' band. ...

Impact: 4 Happy Men Make An Impact

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1976

AFTER WHAT can only be termed a false start with 'Happy Man', the rich promise of new Atco quartet, Impact is reaching fruition rather rapidly ...

James and Bobby Purify: The Purified Anglophiles

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

"Audiences? British are best...." Who says so? Messrs. James and Bobby, the Purify Brothers. Read on folks... ...

Jeff Perry: A Family Affair

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

Spotlight on the man who made the classic 'Love Don't Come No Stronger'. Jeff and his four brothers spearheaded a very talented family, as John ...

Jerry Butler: The Return The Ice Man

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1977

There were those who felt Jerry Butler might fade into obscurity. But, you can't keep a good man down and he's back with a vengeance...a ...

Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Johnny Guitar Watson: When You're Hot You're Hot

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 August 1976

Johnny 'Guitar' Watson has three singles riding the current chart, but he just couldn't believe that one of them is his old duet with Larry ...

Kenny Gamble: Kenny's Gamble Pays Off

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

John Abbey talks to Kenny Gamble about the success of the Philadelphia International project which spearheads the whole 'Clean Up The Ghetto' campaign. ...

Leon Ware: Motown's Musical Masseur

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 February 1977

Some guys get all the best album sleeve sessions! With his Musical Massage set, Leon Ware has come to the fore of Motown's influx on ...

Lou Rawls And The Philly Pay Off

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 August 1976

Lou was beginning to feel he'd never happen big in Britain but his CBS-Philly tie-up has paid a big divvy. Now he's planning a trip ...

Bunny Sigler: On To A Winning Streak

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1973

THERE ARE honestly very few people within our musical sphere who I really want to interview and who I have missed. But one such person ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Musical Giants

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

ONE OF the gratifying success stories of this musical decade belongs unquestionably to a group who have literally become giants in the music world. We ...

Gary Byrd: The Communicator

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1977

David Nathan talks to Gary Byrd, one of New York's top deejays, lyricist for Stevie Wonder, and a young man with a mission or two ...

Aretha Franklin: Aretha's Thank You To B&S Readers

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

ANOTHER VISIT PLANNED FOR THE END OF THE YEAR ...

Clydie King: Ready Willing And Certainly Able

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1973

I SUPPOSE it's true to say that Clydie King is best generally known in this country for her successful duet hit with Jimmy Holiday, 'Ready. ...

Cheryl Lynn: Cheryl's Trip Down The Yellow Brick Road

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

"I'M JUST excited about the whole thing!" bubbles Ms. Cheryl Lynn and she has every reason for feeling that way. Her debut Columbia album and ...

Mark Radice: The Reluctant Disco Star

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 August 1976

Mark recording at the tender age of 7, and was groomed in the pop stakes. However, his new album features back-ups from Brass Construction and ...

Marlena Shaw …and happy days (aaaaay!)

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

AND SHORTLY after arriving back at her Las Vegas home, Marlena Learned that CBS were inviting her to their annual conference – held this year ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Rappin' with Maurice White (of Earth, Wind and Fire)

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

JUST AS their American run of successes seems to be on a temporary wane, so supergroup Earth Wind & Fire achieve their British breakthrough – ...

Maze: A Maze In Grace

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

Maze are recognised as Capitol's premier jazz band; but they really cut right across the board and sell to disco, funk, pop and rock fans ...

Ted Taylor: Bespoke Soul Taylor Made Hit Steals Up Chart

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1976

Ted Taylor's contribution to Soul goes back further even than the Soul charts themselves – his early experience being gained with the original Mighty Clouds ...

The Blackbyrds: Awright, we're back to settle some unfinished business!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 February 1977

The Blackbyrds' keyboards ace, Kevin Toney, explains the delay in getting their new album together, and the new directions they're heading in... ...

The Manhattans: Manhattans Are Planning A Doo Wop Album

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 June 1978

The guys started out as a street-corner group and have always maintained an interest in the old doo-wap style. Now there's talk of them cutting ...

The Manhattans zoom back...

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1979

'Kiss And Say Goodbye' provided the Manhattans with a global hit, and now the enduring quartet look forward to continued success with their new album. ...

The Staple Singers: Muscle Shoals Revisited...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

IT CAN'T be coincidence that the minute the Staples return to Muscle Shoals, they come away with their best selling album since the last time ...

The Temptations: The Revitalised Temptations

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

Some felt that the Temps wouldn't survive outside of Motown but the guys are happy with their initial tracks for Atlantic and plan to fight ...

The Temptations: Temptations Thrive On Their New Found Freedom...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

AFTER A rather disappointing first year with Atlantic Records, it looks as though 1979 will see the mighty Temptations searching in earnest to regain their ...

The Trammps: How Chaplin Helped Give Birth To The Trammps

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 June 1978

The re-release of 'Disco Inferno', by way of its success in Saturday Night Fever, could give Trammps their first gold disc. B&S talks to Earl ...

Van McCoy Comes Out Of Retreat...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 February 1979

Having now emerged from a somewhat less fruitful period, following his huge international smash, 'The Hustle', Van McCoy talks of his recent creative and emotional ...

Average White Band: AWB Aim To Spread Their Wings

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 August 1978

Having signed an international deal with RCA records, the band plan to take their music around the world ...

Gladys Knight And The Pips: a new chapter

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1973

A NEW page in the seemingly long and successful career of Gladys Knight & the Pips is about to begin with the group's debut release ...

Curtis Mayfield: The Gentle Genius

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

FEW – IF ANY – people have contributed as much to the progression of what is generally regarded as Soul music as has Curtis Mayfield, ...

Gloria Gaynor: Come What May, '79 Was Going To Be Gloria's Year!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 December 1979

SO YOU thought Gloria Gaynor was still just the original Queen of Disco? You figured she might not be able to repeat the phenomenal success ...

Jean Carne: Jean Carn: Happy Is The Only Way To Fly...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

Jean's second album, Happy To Be With You, is winning friends with R&B and jazz fans alike...and happy also sums up the way she feels ...

B.B. King: Background To A Living Legend

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 June 1971

B.B. KING is the undisputed King of the Blues – fact! Every press release in existence on B.B. will tell you that he is a ...

Earth Wind and Fire: Earth, Wind & Fire: Progress Is The Key

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, July 1979

THERE SEEMS TO BE absolutely no question that in terms of consistency, universal and international acceptance and popularity, Earth, Wind & Fire have no peers. ...

Chairmen Of The Board

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 June 1971

HAVING HAD three consecutive chart records in this country and with 'Pay To The Piper' gradually edging its way into the Top 30, the Chairmen ...

Henry Allen, Cerrone, Mass Production, Sister Sledge, Slave, Philippe Wynne: Henry Allen and Cotillion Records: One Of The Pioneers Of The Development Of The Contemporary Black Music Industry

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

Since its revival a couple of years back, Cotillion Records has underlined Atlantic Records' commitment to black music. With pioneer Henry Allen at the helm, ...

Laura Lee

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1972

DESPITE the fact that she has never been properly represented in this country on record, Laura Lee is certainly one of the most requested female ...

Gladys Knight and The Pips

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1972

BELIEVE IT or not, this September marks the 20th anniversary of Gladys Knight and the Pips. Before you let your imagination run away with you, ...

Wild Cherry: Ripe 'n' Funky

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

Wild Cherry used to be into heavy rock. Now they play that funky music and their hit single has gone platinum... ...

Funkadelic, Parliament: Parliament/Funkadelic

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

After nearly twenty years together under the able guidance of Mr. George Clinton, Parliament and Funkadelic and associated entities have finally begun to receive the ...

Sam & Dave: Together again: Sam & Dave

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 August 1971

AFTER less than a year apart, Sam Moore and Dave Prater – alias Sam & Dave, the Dynamic Duo – are back together. The decision ...

The Drifters, Clyde McPhatter: Clyde McPhatter: A Personal Tribute

Obituary by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1972

CLYDE McPhatter is dead. I would be a liar if I said I was surprised because Clyde has been 'lost' for quite a few years. ...

The 5th Dimension: The Times They Are A Changin'

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 June 1976

ALMOST SINCE their inception a decade ago, The Fifth Dimension have become almost a musical institution. Not necessarily one to everyone's taste because for the ...

New York City: Playboy Club, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 March 1974

SOMETIMES THE atmosphere or the vibes, whatever you want to call it, can have a profound effect on the performance of entertainers and if you're ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass: Rappin' with Teddy Pendergrass

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

CURRENTLY fulfilling all the promise he's ever shown when with Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes with a flourishing solo career, we took a little ...

Grover Washington Jr.

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1973

GROVER WASHINGTON Jr. became one of Kudu's brightest lights by a complete one in a million accident. "I was called in to do a background ...

Kool and The Gang: The Gang's Still Kool Baby

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

Kool & the Gang have been through a period of transition recently and undergone personnel changes. But in continuing with their Disco-Funk material they're still ...

First Choice: Everybody's First Choice

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1973

IT'S NOT very often that we Europeans get the opportunity to appreciate an American Soul record in advance to the native Americans, but in the ...

Margie Joseph: Haven't I Paid Enough Dues?

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 August 1976

Though Margie Joseph feels she still has a lot more promise to fulfill, she thinks she's already done enough to be up there in the ...

Randy Crawford, The Crusaders: The Crusaders: Street crusade

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

B&S catches up with the Crusaders who have campaigned for jazz all over the world and whose new album is centred around 'street life'... ...

Bobby Byrd: Past Present And Future

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 1976

WITH MR. Bobby Byrd, currently set for a tour of the U.K. (November 19 thru December 5), it seemed an appropriate time to get with ...

The Commodores Story part 2

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1979

Commodore William King concludes this exclusive interview talking about the group's new album, the prospect of solo albums, touring plans, and a possible full-length movie... ...

L.T.D.'s Devotion To Quality

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

WITH THE disco boom now officially on the wane, maybe we can get back to normal business! But before we write off that whole dance ...

Loleatta Holloway: Queen Of The Night

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

The 'Cry To Me' lady talks to B&S about her new disco following... ...

The Manhattans

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 June 1972

REGULAR readers of B&S who follow the U.S. charts have probably noticed that every now and then a record comes on the charts then drops ...

Graham Central Station: Undiscovered Pioneers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

David Nathan talks to a true innovator, Mr. Larry Graham ...

Slave: Chained To The Charts

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

IT WOULD hardly take much research to see that there is a whole new core or breed of musicians and groups who are breaking through ...

The Edwin Hawkins Singers: Edwin Hawkins

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1970

EVERY NOW and then, a true phenomenon occurs in the world of popular music. The 60's was a period when at least one unusual occurrence ...

Chic: An Interview with Nile Rodgers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, July 1979

David Nathan talks to Nile Rodgers, co-founder of the fabulously successful Chic, whose new album is being tipped as another world-beater. ...

The Trammps: Zing Went Bummie And The Bums...!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 February 1976

THIS FEATURE could so easily have been devoted to – wait for it! – Bummie & the Bums! Who is this Bummie character I can ...

Al Green: Poll '72's Top Male Vocalist

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1973

ALTHOUGH AL Green claimed to be a little surprised about being voted No. 1 Male Vocalist in our annual poll. I think that few other ...

Lamont Dozier: The Hitmaker Supreme Who Can't Read Or Write Music

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

....but he's got a good ear and keeps cookin' up the goodies! David Nathan investigates the art of culinary composing, according to Lamont Dozier. ...

Candi Staton: sweet as ever, but "I van run producers up the wall!"

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

Ms. Staton was well pleased with her B&S award for '76's Record Of The Year. She's very self-critical and tries to look at everything she ...

Inez Foxx Speaks Frankly To B and S

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, June 1970

...and tells the truth about her first solo tour and its problems ...

Garnet Mimms: Mr. Mimms Comes Truckin' On Back

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

Garnet Mimms, already assured of a place in Soul's Hall of Fame, is back in business after a two-year lay-off spent cooling out and reflecting ...

The Brecker Brothers

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

NOW THAT the colour barriers have been well and truly broken down within our music, odds are that at any given moment, you'll find two ...

Barrett Strong: Stronghold

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

IT'S STRANGE to think that without Barrett Strong, it is quite conceivable that the whole Motown empire would have never gotten off the floor because ...

Jean Carne: Jean Carn: Philly's First Lady

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

Stints with the likes of EW&F, Norman Connors and Duke Ellington provided Jean with a wealth of experience. Now, with Gamble and Huff in Philadelphia, ...

Eddie Kendricks: The Hit Man Hits Again

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

IF EVER an album was aptly titled it is the new Eddie Kendricks' Tamla set – The Hit Man. ...

Bonnie Pointer: Pointer view

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 September 1979

Leaving a successful group for a solo career can prove to be a daunting challenge, but Bonnie Pointer looks to have made the right decision. ...

Amii Stewart: Amii's knockin' on stardom's door

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

B&S talks to the very talented Ms. Amii Stewart ...

The Hues Corporation: The Love Corporation

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 March 1975

'LOVE CORPORATION' really is an apt title for the Hues Corporation's new single because this L.A.-based trio literally ooze love for their fellow men and ...

George McCrae: Growing Pains But It's Worth It All

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 December 1975

IN SOME ways, George McCrae has attained the impossible. Because if you consider the past, you'll find that virtually every artist who literally explodes on ...

Mary Wilson: No One Can Sing "Baby Baby" Like Mary...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

"I'D REACHED a point where, in order to maintain the level we had reached with the original Supremes, I'd have to do something myself. I ...

David Porter: Gritty Groovy Now He's Got It

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 November 1970

REMEMBER THE big Soul boom of last year when every second record on the pop chart was a revived Soul sound? Naturally, everyone saw this ...

Roberta Flack: Flack's Back

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 March 1978

Roberta Flack – the Star who likes to hang out just like everyday folks ...

Tina Charles: Anglo Soul... Tina Charles

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1976

IF YOU ask any New York disco follower which British name they most associate with their chosen musical path, I'll lay you odds-on that they'll ...

Harvey Mason: Have Funk Will Travel

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

ONE OF the most interesting developments in recent years on the contemporary music scene has been the recognition and attention paid to those folk who ...

KC & the Sunshine Band: KC and The Sunshine Band: The Miami Innovation

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 July 1975

A GREAT deal has been written about the emergence of the Miami Sound via names such as George and Gwen McCrae, Little Beaver and, of ...

Patti LaBelle: Going Straight

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 August 1978

For her new album, Tasty, Patti has adopted a whole new approach. She tells David Nathan how she accepted the challenge of showing people another ...

Rose Royce: The Golden Success Story

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 September 1978

The band's three albums have all gone gold, and then platinum – some achievement! Percussionist Terry Santiel tells B&S of the debt they owe to ...

Betty Wright: The Final Ascent To Those Dizzy Heights

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

David Nathan gets up-to-date with the lady and prophesises big success for her in coming months ...

B.T. Express-ions

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 September 1975

WHEN IT comes to disco funk, James Brown is perhaps no longer unrivalled since the arrival of the B.T. Express, who are proving to be ...

War: War and Peace

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

THE QUESTION that every B&S reader has been asking of late has been: Where is War? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the last War ...

Al Jarreau: Days Of Future Past...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

Since the release of his debut album three years ago, Al Jarreau has firmly established himself as a creative talent of the first order. He ...

Isaac Hayes: Black Moses Back From The Wilderness

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 August 1975

A SIGN OF TRUE GREATNESS in terms of an entertainer is surely the ability to stay. Think about it – how many names can you ...

The Moments and All Platinum Records: Moments To Remember

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

I'M SURE THE Moments will understand my meaning when I say that I am absolutely dumbfounded to be able to write a feature on them ...

Millie Jackson: In Tune With The People

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

Soul's upfront lady makes sure she stays on target by taking time and trouble to talk to the people and staying in touch with what's ...

Labelle, Patti LaBelle: The real, raw Patti LaBelle

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

Patti is happier with her latest album than with anything she has ever done before, and feels that producer Skip Scarbrough has captured the real, ...

James and Bobby Purify: Their Two-Timing Puppet

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1976

Discerning U.K. record buyers have shown their mettle once again. The Purify boys' recut of 'I'm Your Puppet' has virtually been passed over in the ...

The Commodores: Hot At Home An' Zoomin' In Europe

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 February 1978

SO, FOR the good news for European fans. The Commodores will definitely be touring Europe this April, and that is confirmed! ...

The J.A.L.N Band: Anglo Soul... The J.A.L.N. Band

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1976

IN THE PAST, whenever a British-based band has attempted to create some genuine funky music, it has generally been sneered at and bypassed. But with ...

Randy Crawford: The Coming Of Age Of A Star

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1977

PROVIDING ONE of the highlights for a recent sell-out concert in New York which featured Grover Washington Jr., was a young stylist who is quickly ...

The Blackbyrds

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 January 1976

THE FIRST really big soul occasion for the year so far has been the recent highly successful concert appearances of Donald Byrd and the Blackbyrds. ...

ZZ Hill: ZZ and The Making Of A Soul Classic

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 January 1978

'Love Is So Good When You're Stealing It' is one of '77's most soulful sides. David Nathan talks to ZZ Hill about his earlier days ...

Natalie Cole: The Natalie Cole interview

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

IN THREE short years, Natalie Cole has risen to the point where today she is a household name. In the past few months, Natalie has ...

The Ohio Players: The Spirit of '76

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 July 1976

IT HAD to be more than just coincidence. Here I was in Ohio Player Satch Satchell's luxurious hotel suite overlooking Grosvenor Square writing for our ...

Curtis Mayfield: Love To The People

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

I ADMIT THAT I always eagerly look forward to the bi-annual interview time with Curtis Mayfield because it never quite seems like an interview. ...

Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Ann Peebles: Willie Mitchell: Gettin' Hi High Again

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

Willie Mitchell has virtually forsaken his own career in favour of running Hi Records and putting the label back up there... ...

Sylvester: The Second Step

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 August 1978

The man himself talks to John Abbey about his second Fantasy album, his attitudes, and his aims for the future. Another B&S exclusive... ...

The Meters: Restless Days In New Orleans

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1976

By rights, the band should be right up there at the top. But, it seems they have hassles and problems to contend with. On their ...

O'Jays: The O'Jays Mind Their Own Business

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1976

At a time when big-name tours have become economically prohibitive, the trio took it on themselves to underwrite their own nationwide tour. Eddie Levert explains ...

Whitney Houston: An Interview with Whitney Houston

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1991

SO MUCH HAS BEEN written and said about Whitney Houston since she burst on to the recording scene in 1985 with 'You Give Good Love', ...

Cissy Houston In Her Own Right

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

Cissy has sung behind countless superstars, from Elvis to Aretha, particularly during her stint as leader of the Sweet Inspirations. She's now out front again ...

Marlena Shaw : Marlena Shaw: Let's Hear It For The Good Guys (and Gals!)

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1976

"Who Is This Bitch, Anyway?" Hey man, we're not being abusive...that was the title of Marlena Shaw's breakthrough album and serves to introduce this background ...

Millie Jackson: A few moments pleasure with Millie Jackson

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1979

John Abbey talks to Millie about her new album, and her forthcoming set with Isaac Hayes... ...

Cameo: Still Going Strong After Rigor Mortis Has Set in

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1977

B&S raps with the funky, funky 9-man band who play some pretty arresting music ...

Al Green: Soul Minister Al Aims To Get Next To You

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

Right now, Al Green's planning his future lifestyle. He wants more than hit records. He aims to show folks the key to divinity. Heavy stuff? ...

Al Wilson: Something For Everybody

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

Mr. W. doesn't regret not putting all his eggs in one basket. Because he's been able to adapt, he's kept working, as he explains to ...

Anglo-Saxon Brown: Evolving

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 June 1977

ANGLO-SAXON Brown. A brand of shoes? A new company brewing beer? Tailors? No, just eight very talented people who, after several years of standing in ...

Aretha Franklin: Aretha Still Rules Okay

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1977

A rare and exclusive interview with David Nathan. Aretha tells B&S about her new album, her movie and tour plans, and life on the West ...

Arthur Prysock: Arthur Socks It To Ya

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1977

AS RECENTLY noted in B&S' review of Mr. Arthur Prysock's 'When Love Is New', the time seems right for a number of gentlemen who've been ...

B.B. King: Keepin' The Blues Alive

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1976

THE WORD "blues" has become almost synonymous with the word "king", be it Albert, Freddie or B.B. The blues as a musical form has existed ...

Bell and James

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1979

CURRENTLY PROVING to be one of 1979's hottest records is a tune which has literally exploded on the pop and r&b charts almost simultaneously. ...

Betty Wright: Wright on

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 October 1978

Thirteen years on in her career, Betty Wright has finally begun to gain acceptance outside of just R&B circles. David Nathan reports... ...

Billy Butler: On The Right Track

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

AFTER many years in the background, it seems that Curtis Mayfield has persuaded Billy Butler (brother of Jerry) to step out front and put his ...

Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo: Very Much Together

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

AFTER ALMOST ten years with The Fifth Dimension, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo announced in November of last year that they'd decided to go it ...

Black Music Association: A Singular Voice For The Black Music Industry

Comment by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 June 1979

The Black Music Association has just celebrated its first anniversary. B&S outlines its concept and success as a vehicle to preserve, project and further Black ...

Blacksmoke

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

CURRENTLY CREATING much excitement and interest throughout the States with their own brand of music are a group of young men known as Blacksmoke. ...

Bobbi Humphrey: Bobbi Means Business

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1977

Ms. Humphrey knows that talent isn't always enough to achieve success. Thus, she's formed her own management company and now stands or falls on her ...

Bobby Womack

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

Bobby's now with Columbia Records and he's brim full of confidence to conquer the world. An' the good news for U.K. fans is that he's ...

Brass Construction

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, December 1976

IT WAS with a great deal of anticipation and curiosity that everyone waited patiently for the second Brass Construction album on U.A. Perhaps no one ...

Brenda & The Tabulations: Brenda and The Tabulations: Coming Back For More

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

After five years of turning out soul classics, Brenda 'retired' to become a housewife. But now she's back in business and rarin' to go.... ...

B.T. Express: Rappin' with B.T. Express

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

David Nathan gets the feedback from leader Bill Risbrook on how the band view things now that they're off and running with CBS. ...

Candi Staton: The Four Phases Of Candi

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

"It's about time that people realized that we can do more than change diapers and wash up dishes!" ...

Carl Davis: Doing His Own Thing

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 26 April 1977

WHEN YOU talk about Chicago in a musical way, there are some names that spring to mind instantly. Curtis Mayfield, Chess Records, The Chi-Lites, Chaka ...

Carol Douglas: The much-travelled Ms. Carol Douglas

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1976

'Doctor's Orders' created a big demand for Carol in Europe and she still has a heavy working schedule. The lady took time out to bring ...

Chanson: There's No Holdin' 'Em Back

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

James and David have worked as session musicians on countless hits but now, with their debut on Ariola, they've become an instant success in their ...

George Clinton, Funkadelic, Parliament: Parliament Funkadelic: Watch Out The Mothership Is Coming

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 December 1978

Beware, Britain – the Mothership is coming! George Clinton and those extra-terrestial beings, Parliament-Funkadelic, are about to descend on to your cities. It will be ...

Major Harris

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

WHEN WE all take a good reflective look back at 1975, one of the records which will unquestionably stand out as one of the biggest ...

Ann Peebles: Learning To Cope With The Rain

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 April 1975

BEING THE recording artist for a classic can have almost as many pitfalls as advantages. The history of our music is littered with names who ...

Barbara Lynn

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 September 1972

BARBARA LYNN is probably best known for her composition of 'You'll Lose A Good Thing', which she recorded herself in 1962 and gained a Gold ...

Marvin Gaye: Let's Get It On (Tamla)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1973

UNLESS A veritable monster soul single rears its head during the final quarter of this year, Marvin Gaye will have the pleasure of having the ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth Wind and Fire

Book Excerpt by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 September 1975

SO BRITAIN has finally tasted the elements. Earth Wind & Fire, nine piece California-based self-contained band/group, have been described by most American music journalists at ...

Sam & Dave: The Split — The Story

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 July 1970

AFTER 10 YEARS, Sam and Dave have finally parted company. They both intend to continue in the business, yet neither is certain of exactly which ...

L.T.D.: LTD: Love Togetherness And Devotion

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

David Nathan talks to L.T.D.'s Billy Osborne, who traces the group's history and explains their philosophy ...

Mandrill: They Did It Their Way...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1976

Hey caramba, the boys are really grabbing some attention with their 'Disco Lypso' cut. And they've proved it never pays to give in. They've continued ...

Ike & Tina Turner: The Stars Behind The Stars: Part Three — The Ikettes and Others!

Overview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

IN THE last part of this series about vocal back-up girls, we'll deal with the numerous ladies who don't belong to any particular group plus ...

Hugh Masekela: Africa's Ambassador To The USA

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 March 1976

Our diplomatic correspondent in Los Angeles talks to Hugh Masekela, one of Africa's favourite sons. ...

The Stylistics

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1972

IN THE past year or so, we have been blessed with more genuine talent acceptance for our music and those who make it than at ...

The Tymes: A Tyme Piece

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 March 1975

THERE ARE two specific reasons why it is always a pleasure for me to interview and then present a feature on the Tymes. Firstly, because ...

Teddy Pendergrass

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 29 August 1978

Teddy talks to David Nathan about his professional plans and personal philosophies ...

Gil Scott-Heron: Good Evening, Here Is The News on Gil Scott-Heron

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1976

The 'Jo'burg' man has a reputation for telling it like it is. However, John Abbey had his pre conceived notions of Gil completely and pleasantly ...

Chic, Norma Jean Wright: Norma Jean: The girl from Chic with that certain something...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

One of the brightest new stars on the horizon is a young lady whose voice has already been heard across the world. As lead singer ...

GQ Present 'Gentlemen's Funk'

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

David Nathan talks to the GQ quartet, currently scoring with their 'Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)' opus and finds that they label their music as 'gentlemen's funk'. ...

The Showstoppers: The Show Stoppers

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 27 February 1970

'AIN'T NOTHING But A Houseparty' reads the title but there's a lot more to the Show Stoppers first hit than just that! ...

The Showstoppers: Second Time Around For The Showstoppers

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1971

ONE-HIT WONDERS are far from being an unusual phenomena on the pop scene. Surprisingly, considering the generally higher level of artistic merit required, they are ...

Patti Austin: The Jingle Queen Breaks Out

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 February 1978

David Nathan talks to a soulful lady whose dulcet tones can also be heard on numerous American TV commercials ...

Ralph MacDonald: The Percussive Roots Of Ralph McDonald

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 April 1978

Ralph's new album traces his musical roots from Africa to the Islands and America. Here he talks about his dual roles as artist and producer, ...

Tamiko Jones: John Abbey and Tamiko Jones: A Soulful Wedding In Atlanta

Report by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1977

CERTAINLY one of the most exciting events of this year (might even qualify for the decade!) was the soulful wedding of our esteemed editor, Mr. John Abbey to the ...

The Dells' Silver Jubilee

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1977

Twenty-five years continuous success… and with the original line-up still intact. Dave Nathan files this exclusive interveiw with Chuck Barksdale. ...

Bobby Womack

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1972

"I'M FINALLY going to make it to Europe," an overjoyed Bobby Womack yelled over the phone to me! "My agent just told me that there's ...

Marlena Shaw : Marlena Shaw: Sweet Beginnings

Interview by John Abbey, David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1977

Re-united with producer Bert deCoteaux at Columbia, Ms. Shaw has really started to blossom. David Nathan and John Abbey gather th' fax from th' lady… ...

New York City: A Return Ticket From Philadelphia

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 April 1975

AT A TIME when we should have been welcoming George McCrae back for his second British tour, we are instead featuring that super-talented quartet, New ...

Bobby "Blue" Bland: Bobby Blue Bland: Arrival!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 November 1973

WHEN THE news was announced that the vast ABC/Dunhill Record complex had purchased the Duke-Peacock group of companies, speculation began as to what ABC would ...

Rick James, The Mary Jane Girls: Rick James' Case Of Life Or Death

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 October 1980

Our Punk Funk hero has a new perspective on life following his recent hospitalisation. He's had to readjust his lifestyle as it became a case ...

Chic, Diana Ross: Diana Ross: Diana (Motown 8033)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 June 1980

'Upside Down'; 'Tenderness'; 'Friend To Friend'; 'I'm Coming Out'; 'Have Fun (Again)'; 'My Old Piano'; 'Now That You're Gone'; 'Give Up'. ...

Teena Marie: T's Ready!

Interview by Lloyd Bradley, Blues & Soul, 12 August 1980

ON THE west side of Los Angeles lies Venice, situated between LA proper and the ocean. Most of it is beach. ...

Larry Graham's Maui Manoeuvres...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 October 1980

Larry's built his own studio on the Hawaiian island of Maui and the first project was his own solo album. But this doesn't signal the ...

Richard Tee: Natural Ingredients (CBS 84194)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 October 1980

'What A Woman Really Means'; 'Now'; 'The Nut's Off The Screw'; 'Tell It Like It Is'; 'Us'; 'Back Door Man'; 'Spinning Song' ...

The Valentine Brothers: Valentines Day

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 3 May 1983

IF EVER A record could be said to sum up the times we are all living through right now, then it must be the Valentine ...

Flyte Tyme 10th Year Anniversary, 1982-1992: The Jam & Lewis Story

Report by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992

I COULDN'T believe that I'd actually asked for a hotel wake-up call for 3:45am! By 4:30am I was struggling to keep my eyes open in ...

Flyte Tyme, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Alexander O'Neal, Prince, The Time: The Jam & Lewis Story, Part 1: Flyte of Fantasy

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992

To mark the tenth anniversary of Jam & Lewis's ultra-successful Flyte Tyme Productions, Jeff Lorez flew to Minneapolis and spoke to Jimmy Jam for more than eight hours over two ...

Arrested Development: Astoria, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992

THERE ARE THOSE amongst the hardcore rap community who think Arrested Development's down home, rural southern porch-sitting image is a stereotyped one that will prove ...

Patti Austin, Cherrelle, The Human League, Cheryl Lynn, Alexander O'Neal, The SOS Band: Jam & Lewis: Flyte of Fantasy Part II

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 January 1993

Jeff Lorez continues his in-depth report on the tenth anniversary of Jam & Lewis's Flyte Tyme Productions. ...

Herb Alpert, Bell Biv DeVoe, Morris Day, Johnny Gill, Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, New Edition, Alexander O'Neal, Sounds of Blackness, The Time, Ralph Tresvant: Jam & Lewis: Flyte of Fantasy Part III

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 February 1993

Jeff Lorez concludes his in-depth report on the tenth anniversary of Jam & Lewis's Flyte Tyme Productions ...

Cathy Dennis, Janet Jackson, Madonna: Shep Pettibone: Spontaneous Combustion

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1993

No amount of studio technology can ever compete with the priceless element of spontaneity to set things on fire, says Shep... ...

Bell Biv DeVoe, Public Enemy, Son Of Bazerk, Young Black Teenagers: Hank Shocklee: Rebel With A Cause

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991

"Yo Jeff, man, I'm sorry, what can I say? I wanted this interview to happen as much as you did, but Hank's just too busy ...

Tony Toni Toné: The Forum, Kentish Town, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

I'M A FAN of the Tonies... what they stand for, the music they make, the whole tongue in cheek element; their acknowledgement of Northern California's ...

The Chimes: Sign O'The Chimes

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

B&S talks to Chimes members James Locke and Pauline Henry about their Poll success and their plans to maintain the impetus ...

Ice Cube, Laquan, Yo Yo: Ice Cube, Yo Yo, Laquan: Brixton Academy, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

I'VE ALWAYS thought that the Brixton Academy, out of the larger venues, beats the likes of The Hammersmith Odeon and Dominion hands down when it ...

En Vogue: Diva-Stating

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992

Jeff Lorez travels to Oakland, California to talk to writer/producers Foster & McElory about the apparent True Brit in their new "Funky Divas" album for En Vogue — and to the ...

En Vogue: Funky Divas (East West America)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992

'This Is Your Life'; 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)'; 'Hip-Hop Lover'; 'Free Your Mind'; 'Desire'; 'Giving Him Something He Can Feel'; 'It Ain't ...

Mavis Staples, Prince, The Steeles: Prince & The New Power Generation/Mavis Staples/The Steeles: Wembley Arena and Bagley's Warehouse, King's Cross Freight Depot, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

THE MAN KNOWS no bounds. Having already performed a half hour show for the BBC that morning, Prince was intent on ending his European tour ...

The Last Poets: Thoughts... and Music: The Last Poets

Comment by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 October 1970

AS EDITOR of Blues & Soul, I have always done my personal utmost to concentrate on the musical content of our music and the artists ...

The 5th Dimension, Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, Betty Everett, Bob & Earl, Chuck Jackson, The Delfonics, The Dells, Eddie Floyd, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Lou Rawls, Mary Wells, Rufus Thomas, The Supremes, The Temptations: On Disc: Singles Reviewed By John E. Abbey

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 March 1970

RECORD OF THE FORTNIGHT ...

Fat Larry's Band: Fat Larry's Slimming Down (But Getting Bigger!)

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

Larry's losing weight, so he may be fronting Not-So-Fat-Larry's Band soon! But with their new Stax affiliation, he and the guys are getting bigger every ...

The Jacksons: Triumph (Epic)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

'Can You Feel It'; 'Lovely One'; 'Your Ways'; 'Everybody'; 'Heartbreak Hotel'; 'Time Waits For No One'; 'Walk Right Now'; 'Give It Up'; 'Wondering Who' ...

Shirley Caesar: The First Lady of Gospel

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

IT'S LONG been acknowledged that some of the very finest black performers around today have their roots squarely and firmly in the gospel field. Everyone ...

Rick James: Garden Of Love (Motown)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 October 1980

'Big Time'; 'Don't Give Up On Love'; 'Island Lady'; 'Gettin' It On'; 'Summer Love'; 'Mary-Go-Round'; 'Gettin' It On (In The Sunshine) Reprise' ...

Aaliyah talks about her One In a Million album & more

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1996

Just 17 but already something of a music biz veteran with a million selling debut album and dues-paying road activities behind her, the sweetly seductive ...

David Sanborn, Rachelle Ferrell: Town & Country Club, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 29 December 1992

I HAVE TO admit, I don't think that the largely all standing T&C was the ideal venue for either of these acts. ...

D'Angelo: The Gift & The Curse

Retrospective by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, May 2008

HE WAS a quiet, softly spoken, artsy type that clearly preferred to let his music do the talking. It seems like a lifetime ago. In ...

Stephanie Mills: Sweet Sensation (20th Century Fox T603)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 June 1980

'Sweet Sensation'; 'Try My Love'; 'I Just Wanna Say'; 'Wish That You Were Mine'; 'D-a-n-c-i-n''; 'Still Mine'; 'Never Knew Love Like This Before'; 'Mixture Of ...

Mariah Carey: Daydream Believer

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 24 October 1995

The outrageously successful singer talks to B&S about her new Daydream album; working alongside some of the industry's most prestigious names and her ever increasing ...

Millie Jackson: For Men Only (Polydor 2391460)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 July 1980

'This Is Where I Came In'; 'This Is It'; 'If That Don't Turn You On'; 'I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again'; 'A ...

Aaliyah: The M Factor (Movies, Music, Motivation)

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2000

Major record and movie success could just be the ingredients for an ego problem. However, the Native New Yorker singer/actress remains firmly rooted in reality. ...

Mariah Carey: Butterfly Kisses... Or In Bed With Mariah!

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 23 September 1997

Jeff Lorez flies to LA, does a spot of celeb-spotting and then spends a couple of hours interviewing Mariah Carey in bed on the subject ...

Cheryl Lynn, Luther Vandross: Cheryl Lynn: Cheryl & Luther's Instant Love Affair...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1982

ONE OF the big success stories of the moment surrounds Cheryl Lynn, whose duet with Luther Vandross on 'If This World Were Mine' is currently ...

Al Green: Soul Deep

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, November 2008

IT'S A TOUGH CALL for most legendary soul music artists: how do you make a new album that will appeal to a contemporary audience while ...

Debarge: The New First Family Of Motown

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 May 1983

IT SEEMS that Motown have finally found the successor to the Jacksons! After the ineffectiveness of the first album by the Debarge family, their second ...

Timmy Thomas: The One Man Band

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 March 1973

MOST PEOPLE probably figure that 'Why Can't We Live Together' is the first time they have heard the hypnotic and highly individualistic style of organ ...

Roberta Flack: Sounds for Saturday (BBC-2)

Film/DVD/TV Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1972

Roberta Flack TV Special... deliberately brilliant? ...

De La Soul: De La Soul Is Dead (Big Life BLR LP8)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991

'Intro'; 'Oldies Of O's'; 'Talkin' Bout Hey Love'; 'Pease Porridge'; 'Skit 1'; 'Johnny's Dead AKA Vincent Mason (Live From The BK Lounge)'; 'A Roller Skating ...

Billy Paul

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 January 1973

WITH THE current and phenominal success of the production and songwriting team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, it is only right that Billy Paul ...

War: The World Is A Ghetto (LA LAS 29400)

Review by uncredited writer, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

'The Cisko Kid'; 'Where Was You At'; 'City, Country, City'; 'Four Cornered Room'; 'The World Is A Ghetto'; 'Beetles In The Bog' ...

Mariah Carey: Beyond The Rainbow

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 November 1999

Sony's undisputed queen is about to release her brand new album, Rainbow, which highlights some very personal aspects of her roller coaster ride to superstardom. ...

Billy Paul: 360 Degrees Of Billy Paul (Epic 653S1)

Review by uncredited writer, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

'Brown Baby'; 'I'm Just a Prisoner'; 'It's Too Late'; 'Me And Mrs. Jones'; 'Am I Black Enough For You'; 'Let's Stay Together'; 'Your Song'; 'I'm Gonna Make It ...

Herb Alpert: North On South St. (A&M 395 345-2)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991

'Jump Street'; 'It's The Last Dance'; 'Passion Lady'; 'North On South St.'; 'Paradise 25'; 'Na Na Na'; 'Funky Reggae'; 'Where's Tommy'; 'City Terrace'; 'I Can't ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (CBS 65350 £2.29)

Review by uncredited writer, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

'I Miss You'; 'Ebony Woman'; 'Yesterday I Had The Blues'; 'If You Don't Know Me By Now'; 'Be For Real'; 'Let Me Into Your World'; ...

Womack and Womack: Womack & Womack: Family Spirit (Arista 261356)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991

'Family Spirit'; 'Uptown'; 'Refusal'; 'Living In A Different World'; 'United (In Paradise)'; 'My Dear (The Letter)'; 'Blue Jean Baby'; 'Danceworld'; 'Keep On Climbing'; 'Lonely Island'. ...

Frankie Knuckles: Disco Lives

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992

As the disco boom strikes UK club-land again, B&S touches base with New York DJ, remixer/producer, Frankie Knuckles, to trace disco's roots and chart it's ...

Sade: Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1993

THEY CAME, they saw, they conquered! Hot on the heels of the two million US sales for Love Deluxe, their latest album, UK group Sade ...

Guy: Teddy Riley: The Life of Riley

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Poll winner Teddy Riley talks to B&S about the Guy split, Michael Jackson, his new record label and technology. ...

Tupac Shakur: 2 Pac: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z (Interscope)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1993

'Holler If Ya Hear Me'; 'Pac's Theme (Interlude)'; 'Point The Finga'; 'Something 2 Die 4 (Interlude)'; 'Last Wordz'; 'Souljah's Revenge'; 'Peep Game'; 'Strugglin''; 'Guess Who's ...

Tom Browne: Love Approach (Arista/GRP 5008)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 August 1980

'Funkin' For Jamaica (N.Y.)'; 'Her Silent Smile'; 'Forever More'; 'Dreams Of Loving You'; 'Nocturne'; 'Martha'; 'Moon Rise'; 'Weak In The Knees' ...

Chic, Diana Ross: Chic Speak

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 August 1980

Chic's Bernard Edwards talks about the frustrations of being underestimated outside of the disco sphere; about the problems of producing the Diana Ross album; and ...

Etta James: The Time Of Her Life

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1992

With her new Jerry Wexler-produced The Right Time album showcasing Etta James at the pinnacle of soul creativity, the lady talks to Roger St. Pierre ...

Aurra: Live And Let Live (Salsoul SA 8559)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 May 1983

'Such A Feeling'; 'Coming To Get You'; 'Live And Let Live'; 'Undercover Lover'; 'Baby Love'; 'You Can't Keep On Walking'; 'One More Time'; 'Positive' ...

Syreeta, Stevie Wonder: Stevie & Syreeta: A Perfect Marriage Of Musical Ideas

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 July 1970

THIS YEAR, 1970, Motown are celebrating their 10th anniversary. During their ten very successful years, Stevie Wonder has been virtually an ever present. ...

Diana Ross: Reflections on Diana's solo debut

Report by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 July 1970

TOURING late June, Diana Ross passed through London during a holiday period and E.M.I. Records held a reception in her honour. ...

Teena Marie: Irons In The Fire (STML)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

'I Need Your Lovin''; 'Young Love'; 'First Class Love'; 'Irons In The Fire'; 'Chains'; 'You Make Love Like Springtime'; 'Tune In Tomorrow'; 'You Make Love ...

The Pointer Sisters: Special Things (Planet K 52242)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

'Could I Be Dreaming'; 'He's So Shy'; 'The Love Too Good To Last'; 'Evil'; 'Save This Night For Love'; 'We've Got The Power'; 'Where Did ...

John "Jellybean" Benitez: Jellybean Benitez: 'Bean Meanz Bizness

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991

IF YOU were of the opinion that Jellybean Benitez, one of the mainstays of the East Coast club scene for the last decade, lives and ...

Aretha Franklin: Lady Soul Cooks!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

David Nathan drops in on Aretha at home in Los Angeles to talk about her debut album for Arista and her first movie role.... and ...

Chaka Khan, Rufus: Chaka Khan: Chaka's Naughty Bits

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 April 1980

Naughty is the title of Chaka Khan's new album, but she denies trying to project a 'naughty' image. However, she confesses to being naturally impish ...

The Dave Godin Column: Northern Soul

Report by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 25 June 1971

THE CALL of the North was getting too strong to resist any longer, and I just had to take some time out and make another ...

Randy Crawford: Now We May Begin (Warner Bros.)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 July 1980

'Last Night At Danceland'; 'Tender Falls The Rain'; 'My Heart Is Not As Young As It Used To Be'; 'Now We May Begin'; 'Blue Flame'; ...

The Stylistics: Four Releases, Four Hits!

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 March 1972

FOR SO LONG, the Delfonics were acclaimed as the leading exponents of the Philadelphia Sound and that was the way it stayed until only a ...

Marvin Gaye: The Gaye-ity and Pain of the Love Man…

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 15 July 1980

In this B&S exclusive, Marvin Gaye tells Roger St. Pierre about his problems and his search for a soulmate, and runs through his next album, ...

Deee-Lite: The Message "Within"

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992

There's a means in Deee-Lite's madness. Their new album, Infinity Within aims to touch hearts and minds whilst keeping their feet firmly on the dancefloor ...

Millie Jackson: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1982

GROIN-GRINDING, FOUL-MOUTHED, OUTRAGEOUSLY SENSUAL, Millie Jackson isn't exactly the kind of girl you would take home to meet Mum — but she sure is fun ...

Lonnie Liston Smith: Escape From Limbo...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 May 1983

It's been almost three years since Lonnie Liston Smith came across with new product. But with his new Dreams Of Tomorrow set he's escaped from ...

Kurtis Blow: Rumble In The (Concrete) Jungle!

Interview by Lloyd Bradley, Blues & Soul, 29 January 1980

A Blow by Blow account... ...

Harold Battiste, Sam Cooke, Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, Barbara George, Tami Lynn, Prince La La, Sonny & Cher, Allen Toussaint: Behind the Scenes with Harold Battiste

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1971

FREQUENTLY, we receive letters from readers' asking us to write about the people behind the scenes in our music. For example, the features we did ...

Odyssey: Hang Together (RCA 13526)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 August 1980

'Hang Together'; 'Never Had It At All'; 'Don't Tell Me, Tell Her'; 'Down Boy'; 'Follow Me'; 'Use It Up And Wear It Out'; 'If You're ...

Bootsy Collins: Bootsy Sweats it Out

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1981

Bootsy Collins explains his foolosophy and talks about his long lay-off and the legal hassles surrounding The Rubber Band... ...

War: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by Lloyd Bradley, Blues & Soul, 22 April 1980

WAR(RIORS) COME OUT TO PLAY-AY ...

Da Lench Mob, Ice Cube, Kam: Ice Cube, Kam, Da Lench Mob: Brixton Academy, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1993

I'VE GOT TO tip my hat to the Brixton Academy for consistency. ...

Aretha Franklin: Radio City Music Hall, New York NY

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1993

IT WAS A packed Radio City Music Hall that turned out to witness the Queen Of Soul on this, the first of a two night ...

Sam & Dave: Inside Sam Moore

Interview by uncredited writer, Blues & Soul, 13 March 1970

An in-depth interview with Sam Moore, one part of the fantastic Sam & Dave team known everywhere as Double Dynamite. ...

Tina Turner, Ike & Tina Turner: What's Love Got To Do With It? (Dir.: Brian Gibson, Buena Vista Pictures)

Film/DVD/TV Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

Tina: a legend in her own time ...

The Temptations: Psychedelic Shack (Gordy 947 U.S.) — (Tamla Motown 11147 U.K.)

Review by uncredited writer, Blues & Soul, 8 May 1970

EXCLUSIVE! THE NEW TEMPTATIONS ALBUM IN DEPTH ...

Crown Heights Affair: Crown Princes of Disco!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 September 1978

WHEN IT comes to disco acceptance, few groups have attained the peaks that New York's Crown Heights Affair have managed over the past three years. ...

En Vogue: No. 1 Out of the Box

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

Having secured an almost unprecedented acceptance with their first LP, En Vogue intend to continue their high flying success story ...

Isaac Hayes: The Isaac Hayes Movement (Enterprise 1010 — U.S.), (Stax 1032 — U.K.)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1970

THE ISAAC HAYES MOVEMENT IN DEPTH ...

Stereo MCs: The Stereo MC's: "Lost" Cause

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991

Refusing to bow to style trends or pigeon-holing, the stereo MC's insist on being judged on their music only  ...

Regina Belle: Pride and Passion

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 March 1993

It had been three years since Regina's last album, but then she found herself topping the charts with her movie duet with Peabo Bryson. Now ...

Meli'sa Morgan: A Suitable Case For Treatment

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992

Psychiatrist, Dr. Jeff Lorez has moved his practice to New York. Enter his first patient... Meli'sa Morgan ...

Loose Ends: Two Lips from Amsterdam

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

The particular lips enunciating down the telephone line belonged to Carl McIntosh, leader of poll winners Loose Ends and a young man in demand. Carl ...

Johnny Gill: Four Times a Winner

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

B&S poll scoop, US tour, new LP and the President's balls! ...

James Brown, The J.B.'s, Fred Wesley: Fred Wesley: Right, Said Fred...

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1991

Fred Wesley talks of funk, jazz and the idiosyncratic Mr. Brown ...

Loleatta Holloway: No More Free Samples

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992

Having been sampled to distraction by all and sundry and having suffered her fair share of rip offs, Loleatta Holloway is back with a new ...

Tony! Toni! Tone!: The Tonies Plan to Utilise UK Rough Stuff

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991

US hitmakers Tony! Toni! Tone! look to the "tougher" sound of London for continued success ...

Millie Jackson: Millie Jackson (Mojo Select 2918.005 £2.00)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

'If This Is Love'; 'I Ain't Giving Up'; 'I Miss You Baby'; 'A Child Of God'; 'Ask Me What You Want'; 'My Man A Sweet Man'; ...

Massive Attack: Massive: Young Guns IV

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991

Massive have always been known for their individual stance in music making. Now the hard work appears to be paying off for the Bristol based quartet ...

Prince & the New Power Generation: Earls Court, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992

GOOD OLD Prince, where would we be without him? In an industry that often seems filled with blandness and conformity there's the lil' fella in ...

Frankie Knuckles: Bare Knuckles

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1993

He wasn't exactly the most prolific remixer last year, but B&S readers still voted him the best in the business. He bares his soul to Jeff Lorez ...

Midnight Star: Star Attraction

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 February 1985

NOW HERE'S a trivia question I couldn't answer immediately! Which was the only group to have a Platinum album during 1984? ...

Roy Ayers, Idris Muhammad: Avery Fisher Hall, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

Ayers/Muhammad: funk in the snow ...

Billy Preston, Syreeta: Billy Preston & Syreeta: Rebirth? A Fast Break is all it Takes...!

Interview by Lloyd Bradley, Blues & Soul, 29 January 1980

Lloyd Bradley talks to Billy Preston and Syreeta, the latest in a select line of classic hit pairings ...

Anita Baker: Anita & the Killing Machine

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 January 1991

The straight talking Anita Baker delivers her verdict on the state of R&B and the double standards applied by the U.S. music business. David Nathan ...

David Ruffin: Gentleman Ruffin (Warner Bros. K3416)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 October 1980

'I Wanna Be With You'; 'All I Need'; 'Love Supply'; 'Still In Love With You'; 'I Got A Thing For You'; 'Can We Make Love ...

The Ohio Players

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1972

THE OHIO Players started life a decade ago as the Ohio Untouchables and their first real claim to fame is that they were featured vocalists ...

Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown, TLC: L.A. & Babyface: Reid All About It

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 9 September 1992

As if to ridicule the cynics who suggested that they'd passed their sell-by date, L.A. & Babyface are back with a bang and leading a two man assault on the music biz. L.A. Reid talks ...

2 Live Crew, Color Me Badd, Johnny Gill, Ice-T, Keith Sweat: Various Artists: Music From The Motion Picture New Jack City (Giant 9 24424-1)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

'New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)' — Ice-T; 'I'm Dreamin'' — Christopher Williams; 'I'm Still Waiting' — Johnny Gill; '(There You Go) Tellin' Me No Again' ...

Ultra Naté: Baltimore Blues

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 22 January 1991

On the brink of international acclaim, Baltimore vocalist Ultra Naté recalls early days of distinctly negative vibes ...

Regina Belle: The Blue Note, Greenwich Village, New York NY

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992

THE FAMED Blue Note club situated in Greenwich Village has been able to boast an impressive line-up of visiting female divas in recent weeks. With ...

Da Lench Mob, Ice Cube: Da Lench Mob: Straight Out Tha Jungle

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992

Da Lench Mob explain how the LA riots inadvertently gave birth to the title of their Guerillas In Tha Mist debut album. "We wanted to come out with a ...

The Chi-Lites: Eugene Record: Today's Genius

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

IT WAS in February 1970 that my eyes were first really opened to the Chi-Lites. Until then. I had only been able to hear a ...

Coolio: Gangsta's Paradise (Tommy Boy 1141)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 November 1995

THE PHENOMENAL success of the single 'Gangsta's Paradise', taken from the Dangerous Minds soundtrack has hastened this, the album of the same name. It's Coolio's all important ...

The Pharcyde: Labcabcalifornia (Delicious Vinyl/Capitol)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 November 1995

THE PHARCYDE sneaked into our consciousness a few years back with the ridiculously infectious 'She Keeps On Passin' Me By' and they rode in strong ...

Phyllis Hyman: Heart to Heart

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

When Phyllis Hyman opens her heart, it opens all the way, with no holds barred. In a totally frank and, candid interview, the B&S best female vocalist ...

Stevie Wonder: Wembley Arena, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

WITH NO newly released album to promote, Stevie and band, backed by The Royal Philharmonic string section could afford to wallow in musical nostalgia and ...

Ice Cube: The Predator (Island BRLP 592)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992

'The First Day Of School'; 'When Will They Shoot'; 'I'm Scared'; 'Wicked'; 'Now I Gotta Wet 'Cha'; 'Predator'; 'It Was A Good Day'; 'We Had ...

Arrested Development: 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of... (Cooltempo/Chrysalis)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 May 1992

'Man's Final Frontier'; 'Mama's Always On Stage'; 'People Everyday'; 'Blues Happy'; 'Mr. Wendal'; 'Children Play With Earth'; 'Raining Revolution'; 'Fishin' 4 Religion'; 'Give A Man ...

Land Of A Thousand Dances

Report by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 8 January 1971

BY SOME miracle I managed to catch the train on time at Euston. Anyone who knows me will gladly confirm that I am a terror ...

Sounds of Blackness: The Sounds of Blackness: The Night Before Christmas...A Musical Fantasy (A&M 549 000-2)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992

A SOUNDS OF Blackness album really is something of a musical adventure. This, as with the first is an exploration into the history and development ...

Doris Troy, The Roy Young Band: Doris Troy, Roy Young Band: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 January 1972

Mother Soul at the Rainbow ...

Freddie Jackson: Dinner Time With Freddie

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 September 1992

David Nathan dons his best bib and tucker and joins Freddie Jackson for dinner in LA, to discuss his new Time For Love album and ...

Erma Franklin: Ad Infinitum!

Retrospective and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1992

Thanks to their inclusion in TV ads, a number of soul classics have enjoyed new leases of life and seem destined to remain firm favourites ...

John "Jellybean" Benitez: Jellybean: Spillin' The Beans (Atlantic 7567-82180-2)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991

JELLYBEAN'S NEVER made any secret of the fact that it's the commercial end of the dance music spectrum he's interested in. His work with Madonna ...

Etta James: Town And Country Club, London

Live Review by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992

ETTA JAMES is a big, big lady, with a big, big voice — and she certainly made full use of her lung-power in wowing her ...

Gang Starr: Step In The Arena (Cooltempo CTLP 21)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 January 1991

G.U.R.U. KEITHY E and DJ Premiere have jam packed an album full of 18 mini story-like raps, which helps to promote a continued diversity despite ...

Shakatak, By George!

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1984

Shakatak rap with B&S about their new album, their status internationally and, raw fish! ...

Al Jarreau: Moving Heaven and Earth

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 June 1992

A four year gap in between albums has caused Al Jarreau to carefully re-evaluate his career. The conclusions made and actions undertaken as shown on ...

George Clinton, Funkadelic, Parliament: The P-Funk Noo Doo Crew: the Man with the Key to Funk

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1981

George Clinton takes the lid off R&B... Rhythm and Business, that is! ...

The Commodores: Live (Motown TMSP 6007)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

'Won't You Come Dance With Me'; 'Slippery When Wet'; 'Come Inside'; 'Just To Be Close To You'; 'Funny Feelings'; 'Fancy Dancer'; 'Sweet Love'; 'Zoom'; 'Easy'; ...

Joe Sample: Classic Invitation

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 May 1993

Joe's new Invitation album of standards provides him with the musical therapy he felt he badly needed and gave him the chance to "move on"... ...

Eumir Deodato, Kool and the Gang: Cruisin' with Deodato

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 October 1980

Eumir Deodato's interests have always spanned the whole musical spectrum, as reflected in his 1973 smash hit, 'Theme From 2001'. Currently, he's in the spotlight ...

Patti LaBelle: Patti Kicks Out!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 April 1980

David Nathan catches up with Patti LaBelle, and finds she has plenty to say about the state of her career... ...

War: Slippin' Back to Darkness...

Interview by Lloyd Bradley, Blues & Soul, 22 April 1980

JOHN MILTON (1608-1674), probably ranked among England's top five poets, once said "For what can war, but endless war, still breed?" I don't think me ...

SWV: It's About Time (RCA/BMG 07863 66074)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

IT'S ABOUT Time is a pretty applicable title for this group's release in the UK which has been long overdue. Into their umpteenth hit single ...

Slave and the Freedom of Musical Expression

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1978

The group are young and impatient to show their total musical prowess. Their second album shows a change of approach and is another attempt at ...

Teddy Pendergrass: Preparing To Close The Door And Turn Off The Lights After 25 Glorious Years?

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1993

Teddy celebrates the 25th anniversary of his highly successful career with his new A Little More Magic album, but he hints to JEFF LOREZ that ...

Bobby Brown: Bobby (MCA)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992

IF AIN'T BROKE don't fix it. Working with Teddy Riley and L.A. & 'Face worked pretty well for Bobby Brown first time round and my ...

Mantronix: Mantronik the Dance King: No Messin'

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 March 1991

THERE'S LITTLE disputing the massive force Curtis Mantronik and the whole Mantronix aggregation have had on dance music in the '80's. Through early releases such ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth Wind & Fire: All 'N' All (CBS 86051)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

ANY ALBUM that can go straight into the American charts at No. 1 and sell more than two million in its first month can't be ...

Robert Cray, B.B. King: B.B. King, Robert Cray: Hammersmith Apollo, London

Live Review by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1992

KING BY name, King by nature — B.B. of that ilk was certainly well named. ...

Chaka Khan: The Woman I Am (Warner Bros 7599-26296-2)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 April 1992

IF I HAD any say in what Chaka Khan recorded I'd go in the studio with her and a bunch of top musicians and play ...

Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Luther Vandross: Marcus Miller: Back to the Future

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1993

CATCHING UP with Marcus Miller is no easy task. Forget about trying his home in New Jersey because he's hardly ever there. Chances are you'll ...

Mary Wells: a Tribute by Dave Godin

Obituary by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992

GIRL GODDESS OF R&B FANS... this title (long before political correctness had taken all the passion, fun and romance out of sexual desire), was the ...

Village People: Village People (DJM DJF20524)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

'San Francisco'; 'In Hollywood'; 'Fire Island'; 'Village People' ...

Will Downing: Turn Left for Musical Paradise

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 March 1991

AN ARTICLE inspired by Will Downing's landmark new album A Dream Fulfilled requires a somewhat profound opening line, so here goes: there comes a time ...

The Dramatics: A Dramatic Experience

Report and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, April 1974

OVER THE past two years, the Dramatics have become established as one of the most consistently successful vocal groups in America. The success streak began ...

Ten City: Basic Instincts

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992

Ten City's new album, No House Big Enough sees them in stripped down, raw and uncompromising form, intent on causing dancefloor mayhem. ...

Bone Thugs-n-Harmony: Family Values

Profile and Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 November 1995

From out of Cleveland's mean streets to US stardom and chart status, B T-N-H maintain a closely-knit family circle. JEFF LOREZ pays a visit. ...

Stacy Lattisaw, Narada Michael Walden: Narada's Awakening Continues...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 January 1980

Narada's 1979 chartbusting Awakening album paved the way for 1980 success. Now, the talented performer reveals his plans for continued acceptance and his aspirations for ...

Keith Washington: Make Time For Love (Qwest/Warner Bros 4-45336)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

THE FACT that, for me, the Maze chestnut, 'Before I Let Go', which is played by a live band, is the best cut on this ...

Doris Troy: Soul/Gospel on T.V.

Film/DVD/TV Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 September 1972

ONE COULD quite justifiably be forgiven for assuming that the week of the recent Bank Holiday was television's 'National Doris Troy Week' for the lady ...

Maceo Parker: Have Funk — Will Travel!

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1992

Home is where the funk is for Maceo Parker and his on-the-road partners. He lives in Carolina, is managed from California, records in New York ...

Ice-T: Ice on Ice

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 27 April 1993

In this face to face interview conducted at his home in Beverly Hills, Ice-T talks to Jeff Lorez about the man behind the notorious myth... ...

T.S. Monk's House of Music...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1981

ONE OF the year's first really big records is not only the debut release by a new group but it also gives birth to a ...

Prince, Mavis Staples: Mavis Staples: A Voice Like No Other...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

Times were tough for Mavis Staples in the years when she and her family didn't have a deal... and then along came Prince and signed ...

Maceo Parker, The Sweat Band: The P-Funk New Doo Crew… No Sweat, it's Bootsy's Banned Band!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1981

Maceo Parker explains that the Sweat Band is virtually a continuation of the Rubber Band ...

Brass Construction: Brass Construction III (United Artists UAS 30124)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

WELL, THE question in hand for this album is simply this — are you fed up with the Brass Construction sound yet? If so, you'll ...

Blackstreet, Teddy Riley, Wreckx-N-Effect: Wiley Riley

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1992

Jeff Lorez caught up with Teddy Riley when he was "on a kind of break", having just completed the Wreckx-N-Effect album and preparing forthcoming work ...

Pete Rock & CL Smooth: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth: Rock Steady & Smooth Talking

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992

Who helped revive PE's international status? Who brought weight back to Heavy D? Who have one of the hottest rap albums around? Pete Rock & ...

Gil Scott-Heron: Bridges (Arista SPARTY 1031)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

'Hello Sunday, Hello Road'; 'Song Of The Wind'; 'Racetrack In France'; 'Vildgolia'; 'Under The Hammer'; 'We Almost Lost Detroit'; 'Tuskegee'; 'Delta Man'; '95 South'. ...

El DeBarge: Storm Warning

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 May 1992

FLASHBACK: it's 1989 and El DeBarge is sitting in a conference room at Motown Records discussing his then new album, Gemini (his first in three ...

Kool Moe Dee: Greatest Hits (Jive 01241-41493-4)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

KOOL MOE Dee's Terminator-1 type shades and shiny tracksuits do seem somewhat outdated by today's hip-hop standards and, to many, Moe Dee himself may be ...

Charles & Eddie: Soul Providers

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 15 December 1992

With the runaway success of their 'Would I Lie To You', Charles & Eddie suggest that maybe the public are ready for real songs and ...

Prince Charles & The City Beat Band: Lock Up Yer Women... Prince Charles Is Comin'

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 May 1983

IN DAYS of yore, it was not uncommon for plundering royalty to ravage the land and have their evil way with local wenches. But we ...

Con Funk Shun's Golden Spirit...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 July 1980

"It's a cold business," claim Con Funk Shun, but the seven piece funk aggregation couldn't be hotter right now... ...

Brenda Russell: Talkin' Proud and Sayin' Something...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

BRENDA RUSSELL, singer/songwriter extraordinaire, is sitting in the tasteful living room of her house, tucked away from the madness of LA at the end of ...

Soul II Soul: The Right Time

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992

Jazzie B feels Soul II Soul should be recognised for more than just their beats. The collective's new album Just Right Volume II aims to ...

George Benson: Labour of Love

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

TRYING TO please all of the people all of the time is no easy task and when you're a multi-faceted music man you run the ...

MC Lyte: Lyte-headed

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 20 July 1993

To quote the title of her new album, "Ain't No Other" quite like MC Lyte. And the lady has her head well screwed on, getting ...

Sounds of Blackness: S.O.B. Story!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Gospel soul aggregation Sounds Of Blackness, having secured two major awards in the B&S Poll, intend to keep their music and their beliefs in harmony ...

The Whispers: Love For Love (Solar 60216)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 May 1983

ALTHOUGH SIDE one is sub-titled the "dancin' side" (and side two is the "romantic side"), that is somewhat misleading because to be truthful, only the ...

Sounds of Blackness, Ralph Tresvant, Luther Vandross, Caron Wheeler: Jam & Lewis: Future Perspectives

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Jam & Lewis have been voted the best songwriters in the B&S poll of the second year in succession. However, in a chaotic year, the ...

Michael McDonald: The Heart and Soul of Michael McDonald

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 April 1987

'Sweet Freedom' re-established Michael's R&B profile and here he explains to David Nathan why it has always been there. ...

Ronny Jordan: The Revolution Starts Here!

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 September 1993

Ronny Jordan feels he was 'born to play' and, having notched up a quarter million sales with his debut album and walked off with the ...

Joey Negro: Disco Lives: Joey Negro

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1992

"So who is this disco fiend, Joey Negro, who has lent his remixing powers to the likes of Kenyatta and the Brand New Heavies? Is ...

Ten City: City Slickers

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 April 1991

LAST ISSUE De La Soul made the comment: "the less talented you are as a singer, the better you seem to do in the commercial ...

Chaka Khan, Rufus: The B&S Hall of Fame: Rufus & Chaka Khan

Retrospective by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 May 1992

"I've been to hell and back... in a limousine!" (Chaka Khan) ...

Ultra Naté: Insane in the Brain

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 September 1993

The music industry can send a woman over the edge. Ultra Naté may see her new album, One Woman's Insanity, as a 'do or die' ...

Garnet Mimms: Unsung Heroes: Garnet Mimms

Retrospective by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1993

Roger St Pierre tracks some of the legendary names from R&B history. ...

Brian McKnight: The Life of Brian

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 August 1992

He sings, he writes, he plays, he's just released his debut solo album and he's only twenty-two. Wow! ...

Will Downing: Willpower

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 June 1992

Confirmed anglophile Will Downing cements his ongoing love affair with the British public by picking up three Poll category awards. The ever genial Mr. D ...

Diana Ross: To Love Again (Motown STML 12152)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 April 1981

AFTER THE massive success of the Chic produced Diana album, the chic Ms. Ross reverts back to her sophisticated approach for this set of nine ...

Gwen McCrae: Gwen's Return Trip

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1982

WITH THE release of her second Atlantic album, On My Way, it looks as if the Florida born Capricorn, Gwen McCrae — born December 21 ...

Klymaxx: The Feminine Touch

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1982

IN AN INDUSTRY that is male-oriented, the arrival of the eight-piece, self-contained and all girl group, Klymaxx is a welcome addition. The lovely ladies are ...

C+C Music Factory: Spotlight on Clivilles & Cole: The C&C Beat Generation

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 March 1991

B&S takes a walk on the wild side to meet up with David Cole, who, with Robert Clivilles, is currently hotter than hot. Trek on... ...

Willie Hutch: This Brother's Worked It Out

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 August 1973

MOTOWN'S PRESS release on Willie Hutch proudly quotes what Cash Box — the influential American music trade paper — said about his soundtrack to The ...

Ephraim Lewis: Wolverhampton Wanderer

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1992

Wolverhampton to Beverly Hills is a long old trek to take but, Ephraim Lewis has made it, taking with him his distinctive brand of British ...

Michael Henderson: Goin' Places (Buddah BDLH 5018)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

BEST KNOWN for his work with Norman Connors — he sang lead on 'You Are My Starship' — Michael is vocally similar to Marvin Gaye ...

Timmy Thomas: 'Why Can't We Live Together'/'Funky Me' (Glades 2027.012)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 February 1973

SOMEBODY RECENTLY described this record as the 'I've Been Lonely For So Long' of 1973 and there are certainly similarities. It is completely out of ...

Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson, The Jacksons: The Jacksons: Victory — Tour de Force or Tour de Farce?

Report by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1984

John Abbey reports from backstage at the opening of The Jacksons' Victory Tour, the most eagerly awaited tour for many a long year. The organisation, ...

Cherrelle's Sound Investment

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 July 1984

Despite a frustrating and depressing stint in Los Angeles, Cherrelle stuck to her guns and is now enjoying the success she fought for. ...

Earth, Wind & Fire, Barbra Streisand, Maurice White: Maurice White: White in Flight

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1984

Maurice White talks to B&S — about EW&F's pause for thought, about his own solo album, about his productions for Barbra Streisand, and about some ...

Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, Luther Vandross: Marcus Miller: Bassline Return

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1984

B&S EXCLUSIVE WITH MARCUS MILLER In this interview direct from the USA, the poll-winning bassman talks to John Abbey about his sparkling new album, the people ...

Dee Dee Sharp: Dee-Dee Sharp Gamble: What Color Is Love (Philadelphia Int. PIR 82433)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 January 1978

DEE DEE'S second album since coming out of retirement and the biggest puzzle in my mind is simply why this superlative set didn't make the ...

Sylvester: Mutual Admiration Time

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 February 1987

For his new Mutual Attraction album, Sylvester has cut his version of Stevie Wonder's 'Living For The City', which he first heard at a club ...

Anita Baker: Good songs, that's what count!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 3 February 1987

The limelight has never been brighter for 'the songstress' Anita Baker but she always has time for a chat with B&S, David Nathan strikes up ...

Stanley Clarke: Ace of Bass

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 February 1987

"In a lot of ways, I guess I've taken the bass as far as it can be taken", says Stanley Clarke ...

Stephanie Mills: The Stephanie Mills interview... The Sweet Sensation of Wizdom

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 June 1980

AT THE tender age of just twenty-three, Stephanie Mills has starred on Broadway, earned two Gold albums and a Gold single and headlined concerts in ...

Judy Clay: Judy's private number rings at last!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 September 1993

When David Nathan rang Judy Clay, he was amazed to learn that he would be conducting her first-ever full-out interview with any publication, despite her ...

Sam Moore, Lou Reed, Sam & Dave: Sam & Dave & Lou

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 3 February 1987

Golden oldies never die, but they come back in different guises. Sam Moore and Lou Reed are currently scoring with 'Soul Man' — a veritable ...

Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Ann Peebles: Willie Mitchell: Mr. Memphis

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 January 1974

WHILST THE Philadelphia Sound has undoubtedly been the top sound of 1973, the nearest rival to it has been the Memphis Sound as carried out ...

Marvin Gaye: What's Going On (Tamla-Motown)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 July 1971

An in-depth review of Marvin Gaye's chart-topping American album, What's Going On. ...

Sly & the Family Stone: Impressions of Sly Stewart

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 August 1973

WHEN ONE interviews Sly Stewart, it's not so much an interview — it's more a case of throwing a question into a computer and coming ...

Eddie Kendricks, The Temptations: Eddie Kendricks: The Son of Sagittarius

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 May 1974

THE BRIGHTEST star on the horizon at the end of 1973 and beginning of 1974 was undoubtedly Eddie Kendricks, one-time lead vocalist with the world's ...

Syreeta, Stevie Wonder: Syreeta... Lady Wonder

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 January 1973

I HONESTLY wonder how many people have listened to Syreeta's first Mowest album, entitled simply Syreeta, and compared it to the last record that this ...

Curtis Mayfield: Superfly (Buddah Super 2318.065 £2.25) *****

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 20 October 1972

CURTIS, THE Gentle Genius, joins the ranks of Black music-men who have supplied their musical talents towards film scores. However, Curtis surpasses all of them, ...

George McCrae, Gwen McCrae: George & Gwen McCrae: Mr. & Mrs. Soul!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 July 1974

IN EUROPE, we are quite used to discos being a major force behind the establishing of R&B hits but it's a medium that hasn't been ...

Dr. John, The Meters, Aaron Neville: The Mighty Meters

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 August 1973

WITH VIRTUALLY no publicity, the mighty Meters recently came into London as part of the Dr. John entourage. We were fortunate enough to catch up ...

Rare Earth

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 September 1974

A look at a rather special group — the first white act to headline an Apollo show in many a long year... and they won ...

The Isley Brothers: The Isleys: first time winners again!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 November 1973

THE SUCCESS of 'That Lady' keeps up quite a remarkable record for the stalwart three brothers, the Isleys. Over the years, the brothers have been ...

Manu Dibango: The Soul Makossa Man

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 April 1974

HIS FRIENDS call him Dibbs but to the rest of the world his name is Manu Dibango, and he is the creator of one of ...

The Staple Singers: Be What You Are

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 August 1973

AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF THEIR NEW ALBUM BE WHAT YOU ARE ...

Betty Wright: Hoorah! Hoorah!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 March 1975

Betty Finally Cleans Up In Britain ...

Donny Hathaway: Donny Hathaway Live! (Atlantic K40369 £2.09) ****

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 April 1972

DONNY HATHAWAY has quietly established himself as one of the most successful of the newer acts. His great strength seems to lie in his knowledge ...

Brand Nubian: All For One (Elektra)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 April 1991

THIS HAS been a hot import item for quite a while now and, when you hear it, you'll understand why. Whilst in many circles rap ...

James Booker: A winner never quits, a quitter never wins...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1976

'THE BLACK LIBERATCHI' That's what it says on the card and you can tell that it's going to be one of those interviews when you ...

Curtis Mayfield: Roots (Curtom)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1971

A PREVIEW OF CURTIS MAYFIELD'S SECOND STUDIO-RECORDED SOLO ALBUM ...

Grover Washington Jr: The importance of being Grover...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 May 1977

The Life, Times and Philosophy of Grover Washington Jr. "Communication is the key," he says... ...

Bloodstone, Curtis Mayfield: Curtis Mayfield, Bloodstone: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1972

CONFUSION OVER the starting time of the first Curtis Mayfield performance at a British theatre did not auger well for the evening and the additional ...

Sylvester: Step II (Fantasy F549)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 October 1978

SYLVESTER HAS carved a niche for himself in the disco world and his second Fantasy album will certainly consolidate his following around the nation's dancefloors. ...

Shirley Brown: Woman to Woman (and men too!)

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 21 January 1975

ONE OF 1974's really great soul records was undoubtedly Shirley Brown's 'Woman To Woman', the million selling single that launched Stax' new Truth label and ...

Gloria Gaynor: The First Lady of Disco

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 November 1978

Although she may not have been scoring as consistently on the charts in recent times, Ms. Gloria gaynor — the acknowledged "Queen of Disco" — ...

Marvin Gaye: Let's Get It On (Tamla Motown STMA 8013 £2.38)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 October 1973

IN A MINIMUM of words, this is THE album of the year! After the gem album, What's Going On, everyone has been wondering if marvellous ...

Rufus Thomas: The Dog... The Funky Chicken... now for The Push & Pull

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 December 1970

DURING RUFUS Thomas' 20 years recording career, he has directly started two dance crazes in the States. In the early '60s he was responsible for ...

Parliament: Funkentelechy Vs. The Placebo Syndrome (Casablanca CALH2021)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 March 1978

I DON'T REALLY believe that there is a funkier band in the whole world than the Parliament brigade and this latest offering is all the ...

The Commodores: In Total Command

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 September 1975

CERTAINLY ONE of the most successful teams to grace the Motown stable in recent times has been the Commodores, a group who must take the ...

Rick James: Too much to do to get messed up now...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1982

STREET SONGS sold excess of a million and was easily the biggest R&B-based album of 1981 and is, in fact, still on the charts after ...

The Crusaders: Crusaders have their fingers on the pulse of crossover potential

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 April 1976

Since dropping the "Jazz" tag from their name, the group have made their mark in many musical areas. David Nathan talks to drummer Stix Hooper... ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: Black & Blue (Philadelphia International 65859 £2.17) ****

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 December 1973

HAROLD MELVIN & the Blue Notes are the masters of the long tracks — as they proved on their hugely successful first album, from whence ...

Change, Luther Vandross: Luther Vandross: The man most likely...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 November 1981

With a wealth of musical experience behind him, via a string of hits with Change, background sessions for a host of Soul's top names and ...

Blue Magic, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the Pips: Aretha Franklin, Blue Magic: Radio City Music Hall; Gladys Knight & the Pips: Empire Room, Waldorf Astoria, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1974

The first ladies of Soul: Aretha and Gladys ...

The Gap Band: Rap with the Gap

Profile and Interview by Lloyd Bradley, Blues & Soul, 8 April 1980

What we got here, folks, is speech from the breach, as Lloyd Bradley traces the rise and rise of the Gap Band from the main ...

Vernon Burch, Betty Wright: Betty Wright, Vernon Burch: Bottom Line, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 13 September 1977

Betty Wright: super soul! ...

Latimore: Time to Straighten It Out

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 3 December 1974

WHENEVER YOU look at the higher echelons of the American singles chart, you'll always find at least one good, straight and clean Blues record. Right ...

Lamont Dozier, Future Flight, Zingara: Lamont Dozier: Me an' my piano...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1981

Despite a proven track record, the multi-talented writer, producer and artist, continues to strive for success, and STILL spends 4-5 hours every day sitting at ...

George Benson: Breezin' (Warner Bros. K56199)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 15 June 1976

ALTHOUGH GUITAR star George has been around for some years and is acknowledged by most jazz musicians to be the number one guitarist of them ...

Thom Bell, The Delfonics, Ronnie Dyson, Johnny Mathis, New York City, The Spinners, The Stylistics: Thom Bell: Creator of Classical Soul

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 November 1973

IF YOU study Thom Bell's creative work, there is an undeniable classical influence in everything he does. The easy explanation to this is that the ...

Alexander O'Neal: Alexander The Great conquers Britain!

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 25 March 1986

In a year when a little chap with a royal handle put Minneapolis on the musical map, it was an ex-football star, originally from Mississippi, ...

Michael Jackson: Off The Wall (Epic 83468)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 September 1979

THE FIRST solo album from Michael Jackson in many years and he has enlisted the productions support of Quincy Jones to produce a first class ...

The Sylvers: Boogie fever turns Sylver to gold...

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 April 1976

FEVER IS never a very appetising thought but the way that the Sylvers family enthuse over the 'Boogie Fever', it sounds like it might be ...

Hank Ballard and the Midnighters: Hank Ballard: The Original Twister

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 20 January 1987

B&S TALKS TO ONE OF THE TRUE UNSUNG HEROES ...

Prince airs his Dirty Mind

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 February 1981

His album, titled Dirty Mind, has been banned by radio stations across America because of its lyric content but Prince aims to promote it on ...

Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones, Lou Rawls: Quincy Jones, Brothers Johnson, Wattsline Singers, Lou Rawls: Felt Forum, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1976

Mr. Q hits the spot! ...

The Emotions

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1971

CONSISTENCY IS what has kept two sisters and their cousin, the Emotions, to the fore of the numerous female groups who come and go. Since ...

Patti Austin, Change, Cherrelle, Flyte Tyme, Thelma Houston, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Howard Johnson, Klymaxx, Cheryl Lynn, Prince, The SOS Band, The Time: Minneapolis Magic: The Jam and Lewis Story

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 July 1986

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are currently the hottest producers in soul and here B&S goes back in time with the two men to discover ...

Al Green: Al Green Is Love (London SHU 8488)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 October 1975

IF YOU'RE an Al Green fan already, this album will certainly ensure that you stay that way because this talented creator has one of the ...

Art Ensemble of Chicago, Fontella Bass: Fontella Bass: Holding on this time

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 March 1972

FONTELLA BASS has had just one hit record in this country and that was with 'Rescue Me' back in 1965. However, ever since, every record ...

Rick James, The Mary Jane Girls, Process & the Doo Rags, Teena Marie, Val Young: The Rick James Interview: The Buffalo Man Takes Aim...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 July 1985

David Nathan conducts a very sober and enlightening interview with the former Wild Man of Funk whose drug and alcohol abuse took him to the ...

Bobby Womack: BW Goes C&W (United Artists UAS 29979) ***

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1976

SO, BOBBY'S Country-Western album finally hits the streets after several delays and not bearing the original tag, which was "Move Over Charlie Pride And Give ...

Bill Withers One of Today's Most Talented Singer-Songwriters

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 October 1973

IN CASE you are wondering — as was I — just what has been happening to Bill Withers since he was in Britain over a ...

Babyface, The Deele, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Pebbles, The Whispers: L.A. and Babyface: In Search of the Twenty Five Hour Day

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1988

When the likes of Gladys Knight, Whitney Houston, the Jacksons and Kool and the Gang amongst numerous others come knocking on your door, who do ...

Mtume: Juicy Fruit (Epic EPC25399)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 July 1983

THE NAME of Mtume (pronounced Em-too-may) should be familiar to you because prior to 'Juicy Fruit'-ing his way to the top in his own right, ...

The Fatback Band: Fat 'N' Funky... with a touch of sophistication!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 February 1976

You wan' 'em, you got 'em... the Fatback Band are back again, to acknowledge the support of their British followers. Boogie on... ...

Esther Phillips: Ronnie Scott's Club, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1973

NO MATTER which aspect of the music appeals to you everyone has one or two artists who they hold up with great reverence against the ...

Hot House: South (RCA PL 718855)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1988

THIS IS AN album that really portrays Hot House's talent for songwriting. Their country/soul style is performed with an endearing and emotive sympathy for quality ...

Jennifer Holliday: Holliday Plans

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 November 1983

Jennifer Holliday has her aims firmly set: to become one of the best recording artists; to return to Broadway; and then to settle down to ...

Evelyn "Champagne" King: Broady's, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

Evelyn "Champagne" King: promising start... ...

Graham Central Station, Larry Graham: Graham Central Station: Platform Two

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1975

THE WARNER Brothers Music Show concert package that is currently touring Europe marks the arrival of the six-piece Californian band, Graham Central Station's at platform ...

Dionne Warwick: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 31 May 1983

PLAYING THE second of three concerts at the Odeon at the start of her three-week long British tour, Dionne Warwick proved why she has stood ...

Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers, Robert Owens: Larry Heard: Heard Instinct

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 February 1992

A MAINSTAY ON THE CHICAGO HOUSE SCENE SINCE ITS BOOM IN THE MID EIGHTIES, LARRY HEARD HAS ALWAYS STUCK TRUE TO HIS MUSICAL CONSCIENCE. HIS ...

Queen Latifah: All Hail The Queen (Gee St/Tommy Boy Gee 45)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 26 December 1989

ANOTHER PUPIL of the Jungles/De La Soul/ Afrocentrism, psychedelic, daisy age school emerges (try saying that after... well just try saying that, anyway!) ...

Sam Cooke, The Valentinos, Womack and Womack: Womack & Womack: Womack Inc. (U.K. Branch)

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 18 November 1986

Womack & Womack tell B&S about their future plans In America and Britain as residents ...

Betty Wright: Danger High Voltage (RCA SF 8408)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 March 1975

'Everybody Was Rocking'; 'Love Don't Grow On A Love Tree'; 'Show Your Girl'; 'Come On Up'; 'Shoorah Shoorah'; 'Where Is The Love', 'That's When I'll ...

MFSB: A Family Affair

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 March 1974

SO, THE time has arrived when we can have anonymous soul artists topping the charts. Already this year, the Love Unlimited Orchestra has topped both ...

Kym Mazelle: La Belle Mazelle

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 3 October 1989

Talented and resourceful Kym Mazelle discusses artists restraints and restraining the artist! ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth Wind & Fire: Spirit (CBS 81451)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 December 1976

IT HAS taken a mighty, mighty album to knock Stevie Wonder off the top spot in the States — albeit for one week because Stevie ...

Cymande Music

Profile by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1973

FACTUALLY, CYMANDE is one of the hottest acts in the States right now with a Top 10 single in 'The Message' and an album tucked ...

Bobby Brown: Late Edition!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1988

  THE FORMER New Edition lead vocalist Bobby Brown began his solo career last year in fine style with a No. 1 black music hit, 'Girl ...

Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One: Boogie Down Productions: Ghetto Music – The Blueprint Of Hip Hop (Jive Hip 80)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 August 1989

AS IF you didn't know, KRS One takes himself very seriously, and that's no bad thing. However, if he really is the peace maker that ...

Howlin' Wolf: A Tribute

Obituary by Dave Godin, Blues & Soul, 27 January 1976

"I have had my fun, even if I never get well no more. Oh my health is failing, oh yes, I'm going down slow..." ...

Curtis Mayfield: Back To The World (Buddah Super 2318.085 £2.15)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 August 1973

THE INSTANTLY recognisable voice and music of Curtis Mayfield has successfully carried him once more to the top of the American charts with this somewhat ...

Martha Reeves & the Vandellas: Martha's 10 years at Motown...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, August 1970

THIS YEAR is the tenth anniversary of Motown Records and to celebrate it in London, Martha Reeves and her Vandellas spent one week meeting the ...

Kenny G: A breathless encounter with Kenny G

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 11 May 1993

It's questions and answers time for the chart-topping saxman as David Nathan catches up with him prior to his UK concert dates supporting Michael Bolton. ...

Fat Larry's Band: Off The Wall (Stax STX 3004)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 February 1978

WHATEVER RECOGNITION Fat Larry James' Band has gained came via the disco world's unanimous support of their only previous album and, more especially, the 'Center ...

Tower of Power: Power From The Tower

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 February 1975

THAT OLD adage that you have to be Black to be a soul band has been firmly buried over the past couple of years. You ...

Angela Bofill, O'Jays: The O'Jays, Angela Bofill: Beverly Theatre, Los Angeles CA

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 May 1985

OCCASIONALLY, it's possible to witness a show in which the opening act is more impressive than the headliner. It doesn't happen too often — and ...

Dr. Dre, Warren G: Warren G: Nuthin' but a G thang

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 June 1994

Dre's l'il bro is carving his own particularly effective niche right now. Jeff Lorez gets some long distance information with Warren G. ...

The Stylistics: Rockin' Roll Stylistics

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 February 1974

IT WAS indeed a pleasure to greet Stylistic Airrion Love with the news that the groups current single, 'Rockin' Roll Baby', had just attained No. ...

Eddie Kendricks: All By Myself (Tamla)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 May 1971

WHEN WE first reported the fact that Eddie Kendricks had recorded a solo album, we never imagined that the album would in fact be the ...

OutKast: ATLiens (LaFace 73008- 26029-2)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 17 September 1996

THIS IS certainly something of a change from their debut platinum selling set, but it makes for interesting listening never the less. OutKast's producers, Organized ...

EPMD, Roger Troutman: Roger Troutman: Building Bridges

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 24 December 1991

Roger Troutman gets to grips with the young hip hop hopefuls who have long acknowledged the master's touch ...

Mtume: Lady Killer

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 14 June 1983

  ALTHOUGH JUICY Fruit may represent James Mtume's first taste of success as an artist, his whole career has been filled with his records because his ...

Donny Hathaway: Live! (Atlantic K40369 £2.09)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 April 1972

DONNY HATHAWAY has quietly established himself as one of the most successful of the newer acts. His great strength seems to lie in his knowledge ...

Luther Vandross: The Heat Is On!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1988

Now considered THE pre-eminent soul singer of the '80s, Luther talks to David Nathan about living with success, his new material and The Heat tour ...

Graham Central Station, Sly & the Family Stone: Introducing Graham Central Station

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1974

Leader Larry Graham, bass player with Sly's original Family Stone, outlines the formation and progress of this happening group. ...

Alexander O'Neal: Off the record

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 20 January 1987

One of the music's great recent discoveries takes five with Roger St. Pierre to talk about his career and his private life. ...

Earl Klugh: mellow music from a mellow man...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

"It's nice to see the good guys makin' it", says our N.Y. scribe, David Nathan. In this instance he's referring to the up-and-coming Earl Klugh. ...

Kool and the Gang: Kool & the Gang: Wild And Peaceful (Polydor 2310.299)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 June 1974

THE MASTERS of funk, Kool and the Gang, offer what has to be one of the funkiest albums of all time. Kool fans will already ...

Tony! Toni! Toné!: Exclamations From Tony! Toni! Toné!'s

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1990

IF YOU'RE a young group and you hit first time out with your debut album achieving gold status, the big question is bound to be: ...

Biz Markie: The Biz Never Sleeps (Cold Chillin' 1-26003)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 31 October 1989

RAP CLOWN Biz takes us on a lackadaisical cartoon journey through an array of fairly standard outings, both utilising Biz's comical vocal affectations as well ...

Luther Vandross: Never Too Much (Epic EPC 85275)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 December 1981

ALTHOUGH 'NEVER Too Much' may be the first time that Luther Vandross has had his name high on the charts, it's far from the first ...

Bootsy Collins, Funkadelic, Parliament: Countdown on Parliament, from launchpad to mothership connection... We have lift-off!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 29 June 1976

An intergalactic communication from Space Commander George Clinton aboard the starship Parliafunkadelicment... ...

Meli'sa Morgan, Najee, Lesette Wilson: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1988

BEING A support act with much of your material unknown in the country which you are touring for the first time is hardly the most ...

Dorothy Moore: More gold from Ms.Moore

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1977

David Nathan catches up with chart-topper, Dorothy Moore, a very happy lady ...

The Meters: Rejuvenation (Reprise K54027)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 December 1974

NEW ORLEANS' most celebrated musicians progress here to the point where they seem to be on the verge of really breaking through. The album is ...

Shirley Murdock, Roger Troutman: Shirley Murdock: Sheer Murdock

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1988

Sheer ability, sheer quality and sheer hard work has seen Shirley Murdock move up from the ranks of backing singer to the edge of major ...

Raydio: Tune in to Raydio

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

One of the biggest records of 1978 belongs to a new group known simply as Raydio. With 'Jack & Jill' topping charts across both sides ...

Boogie Down Productions: Edutainment (Jive Hip 100)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1990

KRS-ONE, AS we all know, doesn't make music to dance to... although it's danceable. He doesn't make music that's going to attain daytime radio play... ...

Kool and the Gang: Kool & The Gang: Bringing Funk To The Folks

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

IT WAS sad to stand there at the Rainbow Theatre in London's Finsbury Park area (five minutes from the Arsenal football ground for geography lovers!) ...

Ike & Tina Turner: The Ike and Tina Turner Revue, Fanny: Empire Pool, Wembley, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

SEXY OR SEXLESS? ...

Morris Day, The Time: Off The Record With Morris Day

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1988

The Clown Prince of Cool onstage, B&S catches Morris Day in both reflective and prophetic moods... ...

Shirley Brown: Woman To Woman (Stax STX 1031)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 May 1975

AS WELL as being one of the most soulful sounds of '74, Shirley Brown's 'Woman To Woman' was also one of the year's best-selling singles. ...

The Jones Girls: Get As Much Love As You Can (Philadelphia Int. PIR 85347)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 March 1982

BRENDA, VALONE and Shirley Jones actually sing as good as they look and that's why they are one of the world's top vocal groups today! ...

Adeva: Warning Shots

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 September 1989

  ADEVA IS a challenge. Everything about her and her career challenges safe stereotypes normally associated with career-building black female artists, ministers' daughters and male-female relationships. ...

Quincy Jones: Mellow Genius

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 September 1975

AFTER TWENTY years of giving others success, Quincy Jones is only now finally getting his just deserts — borne out by the rapid rise up ...

Deee-Lite: Deee-Day

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 14 August 1990

If your state of mind is really at Woodstock and your spirit is on the dancefloor, than wacky dance-a-delic trio Deee-Lite may be just what ...

The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, The Jacksons, Quincy Jones: B&S World Exclusive with Pollwinner Michael Jackson! Michael's building his destiny on strong foundations...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 6 May 1980

TO GET some measure of Michael Jackson's success during 1979, you only have to look at the B&S Poll results because Michael walked off with ...

O'Jays: The O'Jays: Ship Ahoy (Philadelphia International PIR 65860 £2.17)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 December 1973

THE O'JAYS have emerged as the most serious competition that the Temptations have had during their four year reign as undisputed top soul group. And ...

Isley Jasper Isley: The Message in the Music

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 December 1985

  MAKE NO mistake about it, by the time you read this in print, 'Caravan Of Love' will have given (Marvin) Isley, (Chris) Jasper and (Ernie) ...

Candi Staton: Young Hearts Run Free (Warner Bros. K56259)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 July 1976

WELL, IF ever an artist(e) was deserving of success, then that role belongs to the ever-lovely Ms. Candi Staton. Over the past half decade, she ...

Peech Boys: N.Y.C. Peech Boys: Life Is Something Special (Island)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 November 1983

THE FIVE New York City Peech Boys have already made their mark around the discos of the world and this new album is destined to ...

Siedah Garrett: S★I★E★D★A★H

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 5 July 1988

  SINGER-SONGWRITER Siedah Garrett hasn't exactly had herself a bad year by anyone's reckoning. Aside from duetting with Michael Jackson on 'I Just Can't Stop Loving ...

Ashford & Simpson, New York Mary: Bottom Line, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 April 1977

So, so satisfyin' ...

The Delfonics: Very much alive and kicking

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 June 1974

WITH ALL of the current interest in the Philly Sound, now is a very apt moment to consider the group that started it all, the ...

Anita Baker, Perri: Anita Baker: Wembley Arena, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1988

THE DIFFICULTIES in playing Wembley Arena have been well documented. Firstly, the imposing venue has never been conducive to allowing a warm, intimate atmosphere between ...

Willie Hutch: Rabbiting with Mister Hutch

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 March 1977

David Nathan talks to an all-round talent with that special human touch ...

Bobby Womack: My Prescription (Minit LP 24027 U.S. only; No British release scheduled)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 August 1970

THE ALBUM opens with one of Bobby's own compositions, 'How I Miss You Baby', a mid-tempo song with a sad sounding chorus. The heavy guitaring, ...

Paula Abdul: Fresh: Paula Abdul

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1988

AS HER Virgin Records' biography so accurately states, Paula Abdul has the distinction of having won music awards before her first single ('Knocked Out') was ...

George Duke, Shotgun, Stuff: Stuff: Bottom Line; George Duke: Bottom Line; Shotgun: Barney Google's, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

NO, THE three above-named acts did not appear together in any kind of mammoth concert but we lumped them together because our reviews on each ...

Johnny Bristol, Jerry Butler, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Tammi Terrell, Junior Walker & the All Stars: Rappin' With Johnny Bristol

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 8 October 1974

THOUGH JOHNNY Bristol has been involved with recording success for years now, his past track record stems from his career as a record producer. But ...

Funkadelic, Mother's Finest, Parliament: Parliament/Funkadelic, Mother's Finest: Capitol Center, Landover MD

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

Parliament tear the roof off Washington ...

Tony! Toni! Toné!: T! T! T! Who?

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 June 1988

  LET'S START with a little quiz: what's the name of an old gospel song that became a mid-Sixties hit for a major instrumentalist and has ...

Chic: C'est Chic (Atlantic K50565)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 30 January 1979

THE FIVE piece Chic outfit have become one of disco's hottest properties and their 'Le Freak' hit is just about the most played record around ...

The Floaters: Floaters serve up a little piece of Magic

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 23 May 1978

With their all-important second album, the guys are intent on proving they are far more than just one-hit wonders... ...

Love Unlimited: Love Unlimited (Uni UNLS 24 £2.00)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1972

THREE YOUNG Californian ladies who have enjoyed an international hit first time out with 'Walkin' In The Rain', here in its entirety of four minutes ...

De La Soul: High Risers

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 21 March 1989

  EVERY NOW and again a certain buzz explodes onto the streets, evoking an excited aura that ignites and spreads from the specialist shops to the ...

Peabo Bryson: the sky's the limit...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

With Reaching For The Sky as his newest album on Capitol, it's obvious that Mr. Peabo Bryson has lofty ideas! Fortunately, everyone seems certain that ...

Bill Withers: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 9 November 1973

POSSIBLY BECAUSE most major soul people only make one trip over here every year or every other year, it's true to say that most of ...

The Jungle Brothers: Nature Study

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 28 November 1989

  WITH THE 1990's fast upon us, mass culture — both in fashion and music — seems desperate to see out the last decade of this ...

Yvonne Fair: Foxy, Funky and Funny

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 July 1975

IN RECENT times, Motown's roster of artists has undergone several changes — with the departure of some of the performers who had been previously closely ...

Bootsy Collins: Bootsy's Rubber Band: Ahh... The Name Is Bootsy, Baby (Warner Bros. K 56302) *****

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

AS WELL as offering a very visual show, Bootsy and the rest of the Rubber Band also turn in a rather strange musical potpourri, too! ...

Mel Carter, Sam Cooke, The Pilgrim Travelers, Billy Preston, Lou Rawls, The Sims Twins, The Soul Stirrers, Johnnie Taylor, The Valentinos, Clara Ward, Bobby Womack: Behind The Scenes With J.W. Alexander

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 December 1973

J.W. is the man who took Sam Cooke from his gospel background and helped mould him into the very first Soul superstar. He performed a ...

Patrice Rushen: Rushen Invasion!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 March 1980

BY THE TIME she was twelve, Patrice Rushen was a highly accomplished keyboard player and she developed into one of the highest regarded instrumentalists long ...

George Benson: In Flight (Warner Bros. K56327)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 1 March 1977

GEORGE IS joined by Phil Upchurch (rhythm guitar), Ronnie Foster (keyboards), Ralph McDonald (percussion), Harvey Mason (drums), Stanley Banks (bass) and Jorge Dalto (piano and ...

Gwen Guthrie: A Portrait of Gwen Guthrie

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 26 July 1983

IF YOU stop to think about it, the perfect credentials for a potential superstar must be having served an 'apprenticeship' as a background singer. The ...

Rufus: The Rufus Story: The Two Faces of Chaka Khan

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 March 1975

IN A WORLD of mass-production, it is comforting to occasionally come across something that is truly original. Something that has not been begged, borrowed or ...

George Clinton, Human Body, New Horizons, Dick Smith, Roger Troutman, Zapp: Roger... The Keeper Of The P-Funk!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 19 October 1982

From out of the P-Funk cauldron, the Troutman brothers have emerged supreme. In this exclusive and revealing interview, Roger Troutman explains the thinking behind the ...

Cymande, Kool and the Gang, Oscar Toney Jr: Kool & The Gang, Oscar Toney Jr., Cymande: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

THEY USED to say that the day that funky music would grab any kind of attention on this side of the Atlantic would be as ...

Johnny Gill: Johnny Gill (Motown ZL 72698)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 22 May 1990

THIS ALBUM'S been flying out of specialist shops at rate of knots on import, and rightly so. With Jimbo and Tel up against LA & ...

Bert Berns, Aretha Franklin, Erma Franklin, Jerry Ragovoy: Erma Franklin: If It Wasn't For Bad Luck...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 12 October 1973

SOME GUYS (so the latest Persuaders' single on Atlantic would have you believe) have all the luck and that goes for the gals too. In ...

Etta James

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 July 1974

THE WELCOME revival in the musical fate of Etta James is highlighted by the release of a fine new album, produced by Gabriel Mekler and ...

Hot House: South (RCA PL 718855)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1988

THIS IS an album that really portrays Hot House's talent for songwriting. Their country/soul style is performed with an endearing and emotive sympathy for quality ...

O'Jays: The O'Jays: Back Stabbers (CBS 65257 £2.29)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

THE O'JAYS' success with 'Back Slabbers' has been one of the high spots for Soul of 1972. Hot on the heels of the hit single ...

D.J. Rogers: Love, Music & Life (RCA PL12218)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1977

THERE CAN be no disputing the fact that D.J. Rogers is one of the few relatively new names to actually come through with a distinctive ...

Bobby "Blue" Bland: Bobby Bland: Moving Ahead

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 September 1975

IN RETROSPECT, when the historians or whoever decide to document the music of the fifties, sixties and seventies, the omission of the name Bobby Bland ...

La Toya Jackson: Will the next Jackson kindly step forward...

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 11 October 1988

Just as Michael completes his British dates, in flies La Toya to promote her new You're Gonna Get Rocked album. ...

Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Melle Mel: Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5: Flashin' the Message

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 November 1982

ALTHOUGH 'THE Message' has been one of the dancefloor world's biggest smashes of 1982, that success does not minimise the actual lyrical content of what ...

Manu Dibango: The Originator Of 'Soul Makossa'

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 August 1973

THERE IS absolutely a no contest when it comes to the most recorded song of the year in soul circles. It is simply 'Soul Makossa' ...

Monie Love: For The Love Of Monie

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 17 January 1989

  NOT TOO many British 18 year olds have major record company recording contracts. Not too many British 18 year olds write their own lyrics, have ...

Rick James: Bustin' Out Of L Seven (Motown STML 12104)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 March 1979

WITHOUT A shadow of doubt, Canadian Rick James was one of the most significant discoveries of 1978. His 'You And I' and 'Mary Jane' singles ...

The Valentine Brothers: Valentines' day is nigh

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 7 September 1982

  IF EVER a record summed up the situation, then the Valentine Brothers' recent 'Money's Too Tight' smash in a pretty fair assessment of the predicament ...

She Rockers: Rockers On A Roll

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 7 March 1989

British rap is gaining momentum at a rate of knots and the She Rockers aim to keep it that way ...

Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross: Aretha Franklin: Jump To It (Arista 204 742)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 24 August 1982

WELL, THE teaming of Aretha Franklin and Luther Vandross as her producer is magical and this is perhaps one of the really great Aretha albums ...

Loleatta Holloway, Bunny Sigler: Loleatta Holloway: Queen Of The Night (Salsoul SSLP 1509)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 10 October 1978

THE LONG awaited second Gold Mind album from Loleatta and this time the lady is caught up with a myriad of production units. The whole ...

Al Green: Crosstalk With Al Green

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 9 May 1978

HE'S NOW acquired the tag "Minister of Soul" and "Love And Happiness" continues to be his message. He's racked up several millions in sales world-wide ...

Eric B. & Rakim: Follow The Leader (MCA MCG 6031)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 30 August 1988

WITH RAP being caught in an apparent rut with many acts seemingly utilising too many of the same beats, riffs and grooves upon which to ...

Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The Stylistics: The Stylistics, Jimmy James & the Vagabonds: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 May 1974

AS PART of their first major tour of the UK. Avco's Stylistics performed at the Odeon, Hammersmith on Saturday May 4th to a pretty full ...

Cameo: Ugly Ego (Casablanca CAL 2040)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 January 1979

NINE PIECE, self-contained group have established themselves a little bit more with every release since their arrival on the scene more than two years ago. ...

Loose Ends: On the loose

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1988

Loose Ends' Steve takes 5 to bring us up to date with group activities and U.S. and U.K. emphasis. JeffLorez reports ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Soul & Inspiration

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 August 1976

Earth, Wind & Fire is all about inspiration, says bass player Verdine White... about saying something relevant to the people. And, despite their huge success, ...

Shirley Murdock, Zapp: Shirley Murdock: A Woman's Point Of View (Elektra 960 791-1)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 19 July 1988

SO FAR, Shirley's career has been enjoying an assured, steady upward movement. Firstly, she landed the position as Zapp's featured female vocalist, then left for ...

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Edwin Starr, Junior Walker & the All Stars, War: Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes: Hammersmith Odeon; War: Rainbow Theatre; Jr Walker, Edwin Starr: Rainbow Theatre, all London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 7 May 1974

The thrill is gone ...

Grover Washington Jr.: "Funk-Jazz" Personified!

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 16 March 1976

Grover Washington Jr. is top of the tree of the new wave musicians who have merged Jazz and Soul. But he aims to branch out ...

Adeva: Adeva! (Cooltempo CTLP 13)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 September 1989

AS THE New Jersey dance scene exploded onto UK dancefloors a few months back, there was always going to be a leader who helped its ...

Sweet Honey In The Rock: B&S talks to Bernice Reagon — a lady with a mission...

Interview by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 22 April 1986

Her mission is to get black music the recognition it is due from the world at large and, equally important, to persuade America's black population ...

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Alexander O'Neal, Prince: Alexander O'Neal: Alexander the Great!

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 28 May 1985

One of the most stylish albums so far released this year is the self-titled set from Alexander O'Neal. B&S checks out the singer's roots and ...

Earth, Wind & Fire: Earth Wind & Fire: Omni Coliseum, Atlanta GA

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1981

THIS WAS the first time that Atlanta had seen Earth Wind & Fire in over a year and there was much speculation about their widely-publicised ...

Rick James, The Mary Jane Girls: The Mary Jane Girls: Rick's Chicks

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 May 1983

Any Rick James backing group is sure to be talented, suggestive and female! However, there's more to the Mary Jane Girls than at first meets ...

The Chi-Lites: The Brightest Lites

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

EUGENE RECORD, Marshall Thompson and Robert Lester, known affectionately the world over as Squirrel. They are the Chi-Lites, currently midway through a tour of Britain ...

Apollonia, Prince: Apollonia: Out Of The Crimson Court

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 25 October 1988

AFTER HER co-starring role in Prince's Oscar winning Purple Rain and the disbanding of Apollonia 6, a three-piece lingerie-clad all-girl group, chances are that, like ...

Gladys Knight and the Pips: Gladys in bloom. The Pips in harmony

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 May 1976

The lovely Ms. Knight is presently infanticipating, but she and the boys will not be idle over the next few months. There are several exciting ...

Will Downing, Mica Paris: Mica Paris: Dominion Theatre, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 22 November 1988

DESPITE THE cancellation of her other U.K. dates, the Dominion houses a capacity audience to witness Brit soul star, Mica take on the acid (in ...

George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Roger & The Human Body, Zapp: Zapp: More Sound To The Pound...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 13 January 1981

Roger, Larry, Lester and Terry "Zapp" Troutman have "bounced" their way to the winners circle with their hit single and debut album. With an overload ...

Gary Bartz, Miles Davis, Phyllis Hyman, Reggie Lucas, Stephanie Mills, Mtume: Mtume and Lucas on song...

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 1 July 1980

Having first met as members of the Miles Davis Band, Mtume & Lucas immediately sparked a mutual creative change which has resulted in a plethora ...

Al Green, Margie Joseph, Oscar Toney jr.: Rainbow Theatre, London

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 8 June 1973

Al Green is a Killer! ...

Bobby Brown, Yvette "Corvette" Marine: Bobby Brown: Bobby doesn't even like the sound of his own voice!

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 3 January 1989

Despite leading the new-wave of young black U.S. superstars, Bobby Brown still feels there's plenty of room for improvement ...

Anita Baker: Giving You The Best That I Got (Elektra EKT 49 960 827-1)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 8 November 1988

LYRICALLY, THE strength of Anita's songs lies in their honesty. Reflecting on all aspects of love and the relationship, such is the purity, emotion and ...

The Ohio Players: Ohio Players: Funk & Fire

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

AS ANYONE who witnessed the one and only Ohio Players concert in London will gladly testify, they rank as one of the most colourful and ...

Johnnie Taylor: The Original Johnnie Taylor!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 30 November 1976

Originality is the thing that succeeds above all else according to Mr T. He's currently working on a number of diverse projects which will spotlight ...

Jocelyn Brown: Jocelyn For Position

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 4 August 1987

  ALTHOUGH JOCELYN Brown has had her fair share of hits — particularly in the UK — since she was catapulted to fame (not necessarily fortune, ...

Dexter Wansel: Wansel's Dexterity!

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 May 1977

OVER A relatively short period of time — "a year", the gentleman actually suggests, Mr. Dexter Wansel's name has appeared on the credits of several ...

Womack and Womack: Womack & Womack: Wembley Arena, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 16 May 1989

A COMFORTABLE musical gelling on vinyl is one thing, but a reproduction on the live stage is quite another. ...

The 5th Dimension, Blue Magic: Blue Magic, Fifth Dimension: Westbury Music Fair, Westbury NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 18 January 1977

OPENING MID-week at a sparsely-filled Westbury Music Fair, Blue Magic gave a good if somewhat average show as opening act for The Fifth Dimension. ...

The Delfonics, The Four Tops, The Tymes: Four Tops, Delfonics, Tymes: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 December 1974

THIS WAS probably the soul event of a fairly inconspicuous year for our music as far as concerts in the capital are concerned Without thinking ...

B.T. Express: Introducing The B.T. Express

Profile and Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 November 1974

CURRENTLY SCORING with their very first nationwide release is the Brooklyn based band, the B.T. Express. The group's first Scepter release, 'Do It ('Til You're ...

Vanity 6: Vanity 6 (Warner Bros. 23716)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 5 October 1982

WELL, IF you thought Prince was raunchy, try these three ladies because if there is such a thing as musical porno, here it is! With ...

Keni Burke, The Five Stairsteps: Keni Burke, One Step Ahead

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 July 1981

As a member of the Five Stairsteps in the mid-sixties, Keni worked on a number of Soul gems. Now, with his second solo album, he's ...

Les McCann: Musical philosophy and stimulation for the walking dead...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 15 March 1977

Les McCann feels strongly about the apathy and inadequacy that engulfs people today. His River High, River Low album pinpoints a lot of human problems, ...

Gladys Knight and the Pips: Gladys Knight & The Pips: Visions (CBS)

Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 31 May 1983

WHEN IT comes to sheer consistency and reliability, Gladys Knight & the Pips take some beating! They have that uncanny knack of teaming up with ...

Esther Phillips, Part Two

Profile by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 28 July 1972

IN LATE 1965, came the American release of her second Atlantic album, simply called Esther, with arrangements by veterans Oliver Nelson and Ray Ellis as ...

Rick James, Teena Marie: Teena Marie: Groovin' With Confidence

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 27 December 1983

Teena Marie's debut set for Epic is a concept album. She tells B&S how Rick James built her confidence to try something new... ...

The Dells, The Main Ingredient: The Dells, Main Ingredient: The Latin Casino, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 19 November 1974

THE LATIN Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is a fairly plush affair — in some ways like a larger version of London's Talk Of ...

Patrice Rushen: Hit The Road Pat...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 May 1982

Touring is Patrice Rushen's main aim for the next couple of years."I intend to make myself more visible, even if that means spending less time ...

The Ohio Players: Ohio Players: Hammersmith Odeon, London

Live Review by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 18 February 1975

THE AIR of expectancy that preceded the Ohio Players was thick with excitement as the capacity-filled theatre buzzed with atmosphere. Suddenly, the rhythm started and ...

Miki Howard: Howard's Way

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 February 1987

MIKI HOWARD — FROM DANCER, BACKGROUND SINGER AND SIDE EFFECT TO SOLO STAR ...

Lakeside's talent survives the knocks...

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 24 April 1979

HAVING THE strength and belief to stay together as a unit in the face of adversity is surely one of the tests that determines exactly ...

Marvin Gaye, the Sylvers: Westchester Premier Theatre, Tarrytown NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 22 June 1976

Marvin in top form... ...

Cherrelle: The Start Of The Affair

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 20 December 1988

"A LOT OF artists just lie, as if they don't go through the same problems everyone else has. That's ridiculous: my album is about life, ...

The Brecker Brothers, The Crusaders, Les McCann: Crusaders, Brecker Brothers, Les McCann: Palladium, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 16 August 1977

Jazz Reigns ...

Cherrelle: Affair (Tabu 4607341)

Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1988

VOCALLY CHERRELLE doesn't possess the most powerful of voices and thus her success relies strongly on the quality of tunes she is given to sing ...

Mother's Finest: one group under two grooves

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 2 January 1979

I DON'T know about you, but the image that I had always had of Mother's Finest was that they were a sort of Osmonds-type pop ...

Ruby Turner: Risky business

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 27 September 1988

UNDOUBTEDLY THE most fitting tribute anyone can pay to a once successful record company after its halcyon days are seemingly over, is to allow the ...

The Jimmy Castor Bunch: Jimmy Castor: Portrait of an Angry Young Man

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 February 1976

Jimmy Castor's out to revolutionise the business... ...

A Tribe Called Quest: Quest For Innovation...

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 5 September 1989

Hot new rappers A Tribe Called Quest have set out on a musical and mental journey. Group leader Q-Tip explains. ...

Sheryl Crow, Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson: Wembley Stadium, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 2 August 1988

WEMBLEY STADIUM was isolated from the outside world in a vacuum of excitement and anticipation. 75,000 people were massed uncomfortably together on the promise of ...

Phyllis Hyman: Phyllis Puts A Tiger In Her Tank...

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 12 July 1983

Right now, Phyllis Hyman's career and her music is her whole life. "I live, breathe, think and eat music" she says. And with her Goddess ...

Earth, Wind & Fire, the Emotions: Madison Square Garden, New York NY

Live Review by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 14 December 1976

EW&F: simply magnifico! ...

Tavares: Soulful Brothers

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 10 June 1975

INCREDIBLE AS it may seem, Tavares are only just achieving total record acceptance with their current super-hot smash, 'Remember What I Told You To Forget' ...

The Neville Brothers: Shaw Theatre, London

Live Review by Roger St. Pierre, Blues & Soul, 26 November 1985

CLOSE YOUR eyes and you could well imagine yourself in a packed Hammersmith Odeon, along with the young funkateer crowd, catching the latest hot new ...

Chic, Sister Sledge: Sister Sledge: Sisters In Soul

Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 25 March 1980

Just a year or so back, the sisters Sledge were considering going their separate ways. Happily, 1979 was a fantastic year for the girls and ...

Bobby Brown, Cookie Crew: Wembley Arena, London

Live Review by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 11 July 1989

A PRETENDER to the thrones of Prince & Michael Jackson or merely the product of excessive hype, catchy beat-of-the-week tunes and some clever marketing? ...

Labelle: Tomorrow's Brightest Stars ★ ★ ★ ★

Profile and Interview by David Nathan, Blues & Soul, 21 January 1975

ONCE UPON a time, just about fourteen years ago, four foxy young ladies met up and decided to embark on the path that proverbially leads ...

Keith Sweat: The Sweat Smell of Success

Interview by Jeff Lorez, Blues & Soul, 6 December 1988

EIGHTEEN MONTHS ago, had anyone mentioned the name Keith Sweat, chances are they would have received some sharp witticisms concerning something to do with deodorant. ...

The Independents, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes: The Independents, Harold Melvin: Whither soul?

Interview by John Abbey, Blues & Soul, 17 November 1972

THE INDEPENDENTS and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes are two of a handful of talented groups who have managed to break through in this ...

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