Mailbag

March 12, 2026: Pictured: Myia B

A Big Thank You from a Fan in Japan!

Dear Daddy B. Nice,

I’m writing to you from Japan to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible work on the Southern Soul RnB website.

In Japan, information about Southern Soul and the Chittlin' Circuit is very limited.
Your reviews and charts are my most trusted compass for discovering the latest and greatest in the scene.

I’ve been a long-time fan of Neo-soul (artists like Musiq Soulchild), but I’ve also always had a deep love for the raw, muddy sounds of the South—even rocking Master P back in high school!

Seeing how the scene has evolved in 2026—with artists like Myia B, Marcellus The Singer, and Mike Clark Jr. "shedding their skin"—has been fascinating, and I couldn't have kept up with these shifts without your deep insights.

Thank you for your dedication and for keeping the spirit of Southern Soul alive for fans all over the world.

Best regards,

[Hosokawa]

Daddy B. Nice replies:

What a lift on a Thursday morning! And a day before a Friday the 13th at that! (Yeah, I'm a little superstitious.) Thank you very much, Hosokawa. I finally retired from my day job last year and I've had a lot more time to write content, but the financial headwinds of sustaining such a big, sprawling website are ferocious. Your words of "gratitude" (and those of others) make it all worthwhile!

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March 6, 2026:

Re: Badd Newz "Bandana Round Her Boots"

Daddy B Nice,

I'm writing regarding "Bandana Around Her Boots" by Badd Newz, Big Mucci & Meechie, #19 in your February Top 40 Singles. Is it just me or does this song remind you of a song from the past? I can't figure it out and it keeps bugging me.

Jason in Georgia

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Good ear, Jason. Yeah, that's the bass line from a Tyrone Davis tune. Hold on and let me pull up some Tyrone. "Turning Point Of My Life". That's it.

Listen to Badd NewZ singing "Bandana Around Her Boots" on YouTube.

Listen to Tyrone Davis singing "Turning Point Of My Life" on YouTube.

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February 20, 2026:

Thank You Letter

Dear Daddy B --

I wept at the end of your review of Al Green's To Love Somebody. The music is so beautiful. Thanks for your words.

-- Danni

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you, Danni.

Read Daddy B. Nice's Album Review.

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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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February 16, 2026:

Letters Policy

Hey Daddy,

Youre doin a fly job. Southern soul is on fire and you shine the light on us my bro. My question is first---If you publish this letter, can you make it from anonymous? and Second, do you have a policy on letters and How you decide to run them.

Anonymous

Daddy B. Nice replies:

That's a great question, -----, and I appreciate you asking it. The first dozen years or so that I ran "The Mailbag" I had a strict policy---"Don't print anything unless you ask permission"---but as time went on and I gained the trust of the southern soul community, I'll admit to getting "looser". Readers trust me to do the right thing. Nine of ten letters I get take place behind the scenes. If it's a more general subject of interest to everyone, I often print it without asking permission. And I haven't had any problems.

I have noticed a drop-off in letters though. Part of that is the changing of the guard, I'd guess, but it could be a hesitation to see their views in public. And I will say this. When I started writing about southern soul, the genre was very small and insular. Most of the older recording artists, including the top stars, who worked in chitlin' circuit obscurity really appreciated the recognition and let me know. The younger generation, not so much. And to a certain extent, even the people from the old days got off on the intimacy and thrill of being insiders, whereas I saw my mission as shining the light, as you say, illuminating the secrets, expanding the horizons.

In any case I'm easy. All readers have to do is what you did, ------, just tell me what to do. If you have something you want to keep between you and me, just say so. I'd much prefer that to not connecting with me at all.

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February 7, 2026:

Looking For A Song Letter: Do You Have This Song?

It's a woman and she sings "I can't make it do right, no, if your up to no good"

I know I heard it on WMGJ in the mid 2000s

Antajuan

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Oh man, can't you make it any harder? No other clues? On the positive side, you made it hard enough A-I couldn't answer it! I'll put this in the "Mailbag," Antajuan, where the people with the real smarts can take a whack at it.

Antajuan replies:

Haha, thanks! let me know if they can figure it out



February 2, 2026

Pictured: FPJ: Best Southern Soul Album 2025

Thank You Letters

RE: Southern Soul Awards/Best of 2026

Read your Winners results. Hard to argue with any of it. You're on the cutting edge of this music/movement.

Blues Critic

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks for the compliment on “Best Of”. What a lot of work I put into that!

GREAT JOB!

I launched a streaming radio station last year and decided to add a few Southern Soul cuts hourly. I couldn't find a consistent source with their finger on the pulse of what's happening in Southern Soul. I stumbled across your site and I've been locked in ever since.

Keep up the great work!

Tommy B

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks, Tommy. Really appreciate it!

Read Winners Announced! Daddy B. Nice's 19th Annual Southern Soul Awards.

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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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January 19, 2026: Pictured: E.J. Jones

Questions about Spring Fling

Daddy B Nice,

I'm thinking about taking my girlfriend to Spring Fling in Mobile. Neither of us have been there before but we've heard stories some positive some negative. I'm excited about seeing so many acts but I also want to make sure my girlfriend has a good experience.

Chauncey

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Spring Fling is the "Woodstock" of southern soul, and I don't throw the word "Woodstock" around without knowing what I'm talking about. I attended Woodstock (one of the happier accidents of my younger life) and in fact published a 20,000 word article on the experience. You know the one thing I didn't report in my piece? That I peed in an empty discarded milk carton, surrounded by the throngs, rather than make another arduous trek through hundreds of thousands of fans to the San-O-Lets. (Something I don't recommend you do, mind you.) If your gal is okay with crowds, you'll be good. And why not? All those famous artists on one bill, rolling out one after another, from the early morning to the late at night? But you'll be at the mercy of the crowds and all that entails: trash, parking hassles, drunks, stoners, gate-crashing, exhaustion and all the minor indignities and injustices associated with 40-60 thousand people packed into a few acres---maybe even rain and mud. If you can be patient with all that, you'll be rewarded with an experience you'll remember for the rest of your lives. People just like you. People who love southern soul music, joyful at hearing their favorite artists live onstage and mingling with them in a communal high without parallel. There's nothing like it! I recommend it! But use common sense and preparedness, and that begins with being upfront with your mate, which it sounds like you're doing.

Chauncey replies:

Thanks so much Daddy B Nice for the quick reply. You've given us a great rundown. We really appreciate it!

P.S. I believe we'll go.

See Daddy B. Nice's Concert Calendar for Spring Fling in Mobile, Alabama, April 11, 2026.

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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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January 15, 2026:

RE: Fel Davis

Hey Daddy b nice,

As always thanks for what you do----- especially this time of year. I noticed the name Fel Davis in some promotional email recently. Wasn't he a southern soul guy many years ago? Not a big name, but a player?

Robert

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Yes he was. A good vocalist. With an unusual name. "Fel," short for Felton I suppose. He charted here in August 2011 with a song called "All Woman". I compared him to R. Kelly. How times have changed since then. Here's the list of Top 10 Singles artists from that month: Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings, Uvee Hayes & Otis Clay, Roni, Hog Pin, Doctor Dee, Fel Davis, Bobby Jones, Simeo & Carl Marshall, James Morgan & The Funk Bros., Sergio Davis. Not a single one recording southern soul any more.

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daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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December 15, 2025:

Looking For A Song Letter

Hi. I need your help. I heard this southern soul song with the first lyrics being "Come out here on the floor" and it's not "Baby Workout." I know it came out in 2007 by an older performer. I know that's not a lot but I figured I'd give it a try.

Thanks.
Ken

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Funny. I found your question amusing on two counts. One, I was just wondering in the "Mailbag" about "looking for a song" being outdated by the emergence of A-I. Two, the lyric "Come out here on the floor" made me immediately think of the first line of Simply Wayne's current hit single, "Juke Joint Love". It's #14 in "Daddy B. Nice's Top 25 Southern Soul Songs of 2025," currently posted on Daddy B. Nice's Corner. Otherwise, not enough clues for me!

If you're positive about it coming out in 2007, I'd recommend going to the navigation bar and clicking "Best of 2007," which will instantly bring up all the top ten singles from that year. (Troll the right-hand column under Top 10 Singles.) It was the first year I began compiling top ten charts so it's a little "dowdy," but it might be in there. In the meantime I'll post your question in The Mailbag and see if any of those far more savvy deejays than I can come up with an answer.

Ken replies:

Thanks for getting back to me. I appreciate your help.

Ken replies again:

You were right. It's Juke Joint Love. Thanks so much for your help.

Yours,
Ken

Listen to Simply Wayne singing "Juke Joint Love" on YouTube.


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

December 3, 2025:

RE: The Boogie Report Comes Out For A-I!

See Daddy B. Nice's Corner, News & Notes, November 19, 2025.

Daddy B. Nice

Hey, how's it going? First off, I love the site. I didn't even know I was posted, lol. Yes, it's AI-generated—only the vocals. I write everything. I only use AI for vocals (I can't sing), and I tell it the tempo, vibe, and just all-around structure of what I'm looking for.

I don't think AI Southern Soul is ruining it for other blues artists. I've even tried my luck with getting my guy F.P.J on a track. From Mississippi to Alabama… I can't speak for everyone, but I make Southern Soul music because of L.J. Echols, Marvin Sease, King George, Sir Charles Jones, Big Mel, F.P.J, Johnny Taylor, Tyrone Davis, and I could go on and on.

I'm from Mississippi, and I grew up waking up on Saturday mornings to Ma and Pops listening to WGNL 104.3—all-day Saturday blues while cleaning up. Blues has been in my veins, lol. I’ve been country, and I bump my music… But I just asked (Chat GpT) who was Baker Collins the Mac of Southern soul.. that's how I found out I was on ur Top 10 lol #gratitude

Baker Collins

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I'm glad you wrote in, Baker. Thank you. It gives me an opportunity to speak directly to a member of your young A-I generation. So by now you probably know that I charted a song of yours, "Jody Baby," when a colleague alerted me to it being A-I. I rue A-I, I don't want some algorithm telling me what and how to write. And that disdain extends to A-I in music. However, since your song was already posted on my October Top 10 Singles I let it stand with the admonition 'BEWARE! A-I GENERATED'.

On a more positive note, I love the fact you're from Mississippi, and even more love me some Jackson, Mississippi, my "home away from home" for many years. In those years it was radio station WMPR, which like WGNL (for you) schooled me in southern soul, and which, by the way, still airs southern soul not only on Saturdays but weekday afternoons and more.

Here's what concerns me about your approach to the music you say you love. And remember, you're talking with an old veteran who's been watching the scene day by day since the late nineties. I can understand there being some value to using A-I (as the "Boogie Report" article notes) to enhance the production, specifically aspects of the instrumental track. What I can't understand is you using artificial intelligence to substitute for a human-generated vocal.

Like it or not, a performer’s brand is inextricably tied to the person singing the record. Even though the production may be the true factor in a song’s success, it’s the singer the fans recognize as the brand. So in effect you’re committing career suicide by putting some other artificially-generated vocal at the front of your creative efforts. You’ll never be able to tour. You’ll never be able to have a credible career. You’ll never be able to connect with an audience.

With your talents (and lack of singing talent) the only way you’ll achieve recognition in southern soul is as a writer and producer. And what could be better? Artists are STARVED for material. Producers are in short supply. There is money in being a producer, and the money is more consistent than it is for singers. And there is fame in being a producer. “Slack” Jefferson. Beat Flippa. Omar Cunningham. Kang 803. Tony Tatum. To name just a few from recent years. So let me say it again. The #1 reason for career failure in music is the difficulty in finding material and how to package it musically. And it sounds like that is exactly what you’re good at.

If I were you, I’d reassess my priorities. Start collaborating with the singers (like F.P.J.) and stop trying to be something you’re not. You are sitting on a creative pot of gold. Good luck to you and best wishes!


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

November 17, 2025:

Looking For A Song Letter

I can't find a song I heard and I like. Some of the words are "all of the time" "I cheated on her and she cheated on me" but I can't make out the chorus. Smacking somebody else -- something like that. Can you help?

Kevin

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I just realized I'm not getting as many "looking for songs" letters now that A-I has become such a thing. But yes, I do recognize the song you're talking about, thanks to you mentioning "smacking somebody else". It's actually "Smashing Somebody Else" and it's by Jeter Jones.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Smashing Somebody Else" on YouTube.

Kevin replies:

That's it! Thanks


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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November 1, 2025:

RE: Frank Lucas Passes

hey i seen on your page that in 2021 you said frank lucas “the singing ding a ling” my grandfather died a couple years ago that’s completely wrong he passed away last weekend though.

Latanya

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks for your letter, Latanya, and my condolences. "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" is one of the greatest "one-hit wonders" of 21st Century Southern Soul. I can't remember what happened at the time. I must have been too busy to follow up on the original email exchange (which took place over a period of time) as I should have. I've known all this time that your grandfather, the singer Frank Lucas, was still alive. I did some research in my Mailbag files and discovered the full conversation, the last part of which I neglected to post in Frank Lucas's Artist Guide. Here's the full transcript---the part you read and the part I omitted:

June 1, 2021:

RE: Frank Lucas (Reportedly passed away.)

I just read the question in your mailbag about Frank Lucas. He passed away either last year or the year before. After the year that we just had it is hard to remember and figure out between the two. It was quiet, but I work with someone that married into his family, and he mentioned it to me.

Sandra

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you so much for the information. I'll post your letter and hopefully get some confirmation.

Sandra replies:

I saw that you posted my response to the Frank Lucas mail piece. At work, the family member that i talked about told me that Mr. Lucas is buried in LeGrange, NC. The town is near Kingston, NC. He also shared more things with me. He told me that Mr. Lucas was buried in a Cadillac coffin. If you go to Google and put in the search, Frank Lucas coffin, you will see it, along with Mr. Lucas in it. He went away in style.

Sandra replies a second time:

The Frank Lucas that I am referring to is the American Gangster one. i was just told that the one singing is not the same one. ?????? I'm lost......

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Ahhh, that's why I said, "I'll post and hopefully get some confirmation." I imagine there's nothing worse than being alive and reading that you're dead. Yes, I've long been aware of the other Frank Lucas, famous gangster, but he didn't cross my mind when you first wrote me. I'll post this exchange so that fans of the singer Frank Lucas realize he has not passed away. Thanks!

Daddy B. Nice sums up:

I did post the letters in the Mailbag, but forgot to post the last exchange in the Artist Guide. My bad!

Listen to Frank Lucas singing "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's Artist Guide to Frank Lucas.

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October 25, 2025:

RE: The Newest Southern Soul Sensation: “Gas Station Love”

Dear Daddy,

Thanks for what you do. Longtime admirer. I remember that “Sunny” episode of “Ray Donovan”! Which by the way is still streaming on Paramount Plus. It was one of my husbands and my favorites. And when you compare E.J. Jones to Marvin you are so right! They are both so fantastically talented! But you don’t mention that Marvin gets killed later in that same episode.

Lateisha

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you so much, Lateisha. Yeah, that episode of “Ray Donovan” is a fictionalization of the Tupac story. And the guy that kills Marvin is based on Suge Knight. As much as I fondly remember the “Sunny” recording session, I didn’t want to put that on the kid (E.J. Jones).

I appreciate you being such a close reader!

Read The Newest Southern Soul Sensation! "Gas Station Love" on Daddy B. Nice's Corner: News & Notes October 19th.

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October 14, 2025:

RE: Grateful by Myia B

Hi Daddy B Nice

Listened to it twice back to back… absolutely beautiful. Her vocals in this one remind me of Anita Baker (in songs like “Angel”). Can feel the gratitude, peace and joy she had when writing this. You can hear the sweetness she has in her life right now, and her thankfulness.

It’s totally refreshing to hear someone thank God for their same-sex partner, and for all the other blessings in her life too. Family, the BBQ, a woman at home that’s missing you, money hitting the account, doing a little dance because she could have been down and out… and then inviting the listener to join in and help her say thank you to the Lord!

Wonderful vibes!

Thanks for hipping me to that one. No way i couldn’t listen to it after reading your write up.

Alecia

See Daddy B. Nice's #1 Single for October 2025: "Grateful" by Myia B.

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October 7, 2025:

RE: AI-Generated Southern Soul

Daddy B Nice

I, too, am mortified by the advent of AI "artists" competing in the marketplace. I didn't expect it to infect Southern Soul so soon. AI "artists" becoming accepted competition with real human artists incentivizes record labels to cut all those pesky costs associated with music being created by humans. Think of the money they can save? Or artists with no or negligible talent can cheat their way to success. Because it IS cheating. Unless AI music comes with the the "AI-generated" tag it is dishonest and deceptive.

Unfortunately the technology has been rapidly improving to the point average listeners can easily be fooled. The early attempts were pretty bad and it was easy to tell it was fake. I clicked on the YouTube links you provided and the tracks sound pretty damn great. I of course won't support it in any form. I find it depressing to be honest. On one of those YouTube links the description lists a human as providing "vocals" on the track and this person has several other videos with completely different voices on his channel but he still lists himself as "lead vocalist". Bullshit!! This "artist" should be condemned by anyone that loves Southern Soul and Blues.

Obviously, AI music devalues the heart, soul, angst and originality that human artists put into their work. Yes, AI can be used in creative ways, but when it starts replacing or displacing real artists instead of supporting them, it is clearly an immoral thing.

Spotify has rightfully faced criticism for not labeling certain artists on their platform as "AI". I seriously believe there should be a law let alone an industry standard that requires an "AI-generated" label on any commercial release of this "music".

Bottom line though is the Pandora's Box has been opened. It's not hard to see AI technology erasing the need for humans altogether. We've seen this movie many times. We knew it was coming and now it's infiltrated Southern Soul and Blues.

Blues Critic

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Great! Depressing, but great opinion.

Blues Critic replies:

Thank you sir. Hopefully, you will become the voice of reason on AI ("fake") Southern Soul and use your great platform to shame anyone cheating like this.

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October 3, 2025:

RE: Top 10 Singles & Baker Collins
(And Having To Deal With Good Music That's Not Even Human)

Daddy B Nice,

I saw your #10 entry for September “Baker Collins - Jody Baby”……

I am pretty sure this is an AI Generated vocal track as well as the instrumentation. Unless you are on to something I don’t know!! Haha Yes, it’s a damn good song, but I feel that it is AI generated. With that said, a few months ago I found a Youtube Page for “DJ Jim Byte” which I am 100% positive it is also, all AI Generated, but these tracks are really really good!

Just thought I would mention that to see what you thought.

As always, thanks for what you do!!!

Here is the link to one that I like from DJ Jim Byte (there are some hits and misses, but for the most part, this AI music is crazy good) on Youtube:

Listen to DJ Jim Byte's "Sunday Dinner Lies" on YouTube.

Also, I appreciate the tip on Author Bryant in Louisiana, nice song and I have reached out to him to network!! Thank you!!

DJ Haynes

Daddy B. Nice replies:

DJ Haynes, thank you, but I think you've made me physically sick. Yes, I'm one of those creative writing guys who takes advantage of a little AI search engine help now and then but can't stand it when two or three words pop up in front of what I'm writing, suggesting what to write next. I hate that! How dare AI make tell me what to do? I hate that shit!

No, I had no idea that Baker Collins tune was AI-generated, although now that I think about it, I'm sure you're right. The "AI Soul Sessions" should have tipped me off, although I don't see a lot of that small print anymore. I had another song in my monthly playlist (from which I award the Top 10 and Top 40 singles every month). "One Hellva Blues Party" by RBE JG feat. Jimmy Graham on vocals. It's one of those songs giving tribute to all the southern soul stars we love (and 2,500 views) but the tropes were a little off. They didn't match up with the artists. Like "Karen Wolfe in a red dress"? What's that all about? I took it to mean the artist was a little "green" and didn't completely know what he was talking about. I consigned it to amateurism, but now I'm thinking it may be AI.

Then I started exploring some of that AI-generated DJ Jim Byte music you talk about and the frown lines on my face drew deeper. (My barber tells me I need to smile more.) First, I recognized the cover art, now YouTube video art---a kind of sepia-toned, Norman Rockwell look. That seems to be a clue or giveaway to many (if not all) of these AI-generated tracks.

I haven't listened to the amount of music generated by AI that you have, so I can't argue with you about the quality. I certainly thought Baker Collins had serious potential. But now that that rug has been pulled out from under me, I'm appalled by the notion of AI-generated southern soul music, as I would think every practicing recording artist would be. In a word, very far from your casual and to an extent enthusiastic take. What's the future for the real musicians, the real deejays, the real writers?

DJ Haynes replies:

Thanks for the response!! My comment regarding how “crazy good” some of these AI tunes are was only referring to the vocal and track quality being really good! I also feel the same as you, in that it should be concerning to the music business, producers, musicians, artists, and DJ’s that this technology is here and not going anywhere!! I do hope that it will motivate some of these average, or non singing artists throwing music out here - to up their game, get better at their craft!

Thanks for all you do for the southern soul business!!

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!


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cicero blake by heikki suosalo at soul express
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