Daddy B. Nice's SouthernSoulRnB.com - Guide to Today's Top Chitlin' Circuit Rhythm and Blues Artists


 

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2009 DADDIES: 3rd Annual Southern Soul Music Awards.
Winners are posted at the end of each list of finalists.

Scroll down for 2009 YEAR IN REVIEW, OBITS, & annual listing of the YEAR'S SINGLES.

The DADDIES: Best Of 2009 Southern Soul Music Awards

Below is a list of finalists--the best in their categories for 2009--for the 3rd Annual Daddy B. Nice Southern Soul Music Awards.

The numbers below do NOT denote rankings.

Music published before 2009 was eligible if the bulk of its chitlin' circuit airplay came in 2009.

Due to its length and complexity, the Finalists'
List is one of the rare features for which your Daddy B. Nice does NOT provide links.

Links to the artists' mp3 sales, CD sales and song samples are available, however, by seeking the artist's name in either the CD Store or the Comprehensive Index.

A permanent listing and link in Daddy B. Nice's Comprehensive Index will shortly be made on behalf of each performer for each nomination listed.

(March 13, 2009 NOTE: All Comp Index listings and links are now posted. If you are an artist whose link has been missed, contact DBN.

Corrections are welcome at:

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

--Daddy B. Nice

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Best Male Vocalists:


1. Tell It---Nathaniel Kimble
2. Everything's Going Up---Mel Waiters
2. Hard Times---(Mr.) Zay
4. Look Good For You---Carl Marshall
5. I'm Your Sucker---Donnie Ray
6. Rehab--- T. K. Soul
7. I Can Do It---Big G.
8. Gone On---Marvin Sease
9. Impala (We Can Do it)---LaMorris Williams
10. I Want You To Rock Me--- Chuck Roberson
11. I'm Gone Party---L. J. Echols
12. It's My Time---O. B. Buchana
13. Lockdown---Stan Mosley
14. One Night Stand--- Andre' Lee
15. I'm In The Mood---El' Willie
16. Dance The Night Away---Willie Clayton
17. The Beauty Shop---Omar Cunningham



Top Contenders: L. J. Echols, T. K. Soul, Carl Marshall, LaMorris Williams, O. B. Buchana

Best Male Vocal: L. J. Echols

"I'm Gone Party"--- L. J. Echols

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Female Vocalists


1. The Better The Goods, The Higher The Price---Ms. Jody
2. I Ran A Good Man Away---Lacee
3. It Ain't That Kind Of Party---Karen Wolfe
4. Good Girls Do Bad Things---Sweet Angel
5. Upside Down---Shirley Brown
6. You Made My Day---Betty Padgett
7. Saving My Love---Bobbye Johnson
8. Get Rid Of That Loser---Pat Brown
9. Boy Toy---Pat Cooley
10. Blue Collar Man---Barbara Carr
11. Jimmy---The Real Brown Sugar
12. In Love With Another Man---Jasmine Sullivan



Top Contenders: Lacee, Shirley Brown, Karen Wolfe, Sweet Angel

Best Female Vocal: Shirley Brown

"Upside Down"---Shirley Brown

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Debuts :


1. Rock The Boat---Bobbye Johnson
2. Should Have Called---Lee Roy
3. I Need A Bailout---Larry Shannon Hargrove
4. Candy Man---Michaelangelo
5. I Ran A Good Man Away---Lacee
6. Hoodooed---Cherone Brown
7. We Can Do It (Impala)---LaMorris Williams
8. I'm All Good (In The Neighborhood)---James Morgan
9. Second Shift---Charlie Brown
10. Don't Leave Me---Avail Hollywood
11. I Love You And Always Will---Will Easley
12. Holding On---Katrina Jefferson
13. Family Man---Stephanie Pickett
14. I Had Enough---Cherri Amour



Top Contenders: Lacee, LaMorris Williams, James Morgan, Lee Roy

Best Debut: LaMorris Williams

"We Can Do It (Impala)"---LaMorris Williams



SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Mid-Tempo Songs:


1. That's My Story---General Johnson & The Chairman Of The Board
2. One Night Stand---Andre' Lee
3. Why Did You Walk On My Love?---The Real Brown Sugar
4. Taking Candy From A Baby---L. J. Echols
5. Cheatin' On Cheatin'---Lenny Williams
6. Love Under Arrest---Lil' Fallay
7. It Ain't That Kind Of Party---Karen Wolfe
8. Good Girls Do Bad Things---Sweet Angel
9. Mr. Booty Do Right---Jody Sticker
10. Meow (Pussy Cat Remix)---J. Blackfoot
11. You're So Sexy---Lebrado
12. Daddy Sweet Back---James Smith
13. Lacee's Groove---Lacee
14. I Am All Good (In The Neighborhood)---James Morgan



Top Contenders: Karen Wolfe, Sweet Angel, Lil' Fallay, General Johnson & The Chairman Of The Board


Best Mid-Tempo Song: Karen Wolfe

"It Ain't That Kind Of Party"---Karen Wolfe

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Ballads:


1. (Hard Times---(Mr.) Zay
2. Cheat On You---Bobbye Johnson
3. Baby I Love You---T. K. Soul
4. Holding On---Katrina Jefferson
5. Lying On Me---David G.
6. We Can Do It---LaMorris Williams
7. A Woman Needs A Strong Man---Karen Wolfe
8. Rehab---T. K. Soul
9. It's My Time---O. B. Buchana
10. Queen of The Blues (Tribute to Koko Taylor)---Nellie "Tiger" Travis
11. I Thought The Baby Was Mine---Luther Lackey
12. Knock Down Love---James Smith
13. Two Women In Love With Your Husband---Terry Wright



Top Contenders: LaMorris Williams, Karen Wolfe, O. B. Buchana, (Mr. Zay, T. K. Soul

Best Ballad: T. K. Soul

"Rehab"---T. K. Soul

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide


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Best Songs by Longtime Veterans:


1. Blue Collar Man---Barbara Carr
2. Get Rid Of That Loser---Pat Brown
3. Gone On---Marvin Sease
4. Your Cat Is Killing My Dog---Chick Willis
5. Big Women Make The Best Lovers---Chuck Strong
6. Upside Down---Shirley Brown
7. Strong Love---Willie Clayton
8. Lockdown---Stan Mosley
9. Meow---J. Blackfoot
10. Around The World---Latimore
11. You Got That Sex Appeal---Charles Wilson
12. When I Think Of You---King Curtis
13. Don't Tease Me With It---David Brinston



Top Contenders: Shirley Brown, Marvin Sease, Latimore, King Curtis

Best Song by Longtime Veteran: Marvin Sease

"Gone On"---Marvin Sease

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Club Songs:


1. (Steppin' On The) Soul Ship---T. K. Soul
2. Running To The Dance Floor---Simeo
3. Ms. Jody's Thang (Remix)---Ms. Jody
4. Old Man, Young Man---Betty Padgett
5. On The Back Road---Terry Wright
6. Show Me Baby---Rude
7. It's BYOB--- Donnie Ray
8. Fire---Lebrado
9. Loop The Loop---Will Easley
10. Throw That Thang---Steve Perry



Top Contenders: T. K. Soul, Will Easley, Betty Padgett, Donnie Ray

Best Club Song: T. K. Soul

"Soul Ship"---T. K. Soul

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Collaborations:


1. Dirty Woman---J. Blackfoot & David Brinston
2. Lose Sleep---Chandra Calloway & Mel Waiters
3. Play Something Pretty---Uvee Hayes and Otis Clay
4. You're Just Playing With It---Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana
5. Lockdown--- Stan Mosley & Mr. X
6. Roll That Thang---Jody Sticker & Sir Charles Jones
7. Like Me---Simeo & Pat Cooley
8. Did You Put Your Foot In It?---Mr. Sam & O. B. Buchana
9. Party Starter---Jody Sticker & Keva Dixon
10. Something I Want---David Brinston & Ms. Jody



Top Contenders: Stan Mosley & Mr. X., Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana, Uvee Hayes & Otis Clay

Best Collaboration: Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana

"You're Just Playing With It"---Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana



SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Songs:


1. Don't Take My Blues---Unckle Eddie
2. I'm Gone Tell Momma---Unckle Eddie
3. You're Just Playing With It---Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana
4. It Ain't A Party Until You Play The Blues---Bigg Robb w/ Mississippi Red
5. Watch What You Tell Your Friends--- Shirley Brown
6. Did You Put Your Foot In It?---Mr. Sam & O. B. Buchana
7. 1-2-3-4-5 Shots Of Whiskey---Chick Willis
8. If I Get Drunk---Bigg Robb
9. Blues Line Dance---Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings
10. Family Man---Stephanie Pickett



Top Contenders: Unckle Eddie w/ Crystal Dylite, Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana, Shirley Brown, Mr. Sam & O. B. Buchana

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: Unckle Eddie w/ Crystal Dylite

"I'm Gone Tell Momma"---Unckle Eddie w/ Crystal Dylite

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Cover Songs:


1. So In Love---Stan Mosley
2. Good Loving Made Me Cry---Michelle Miller
3. This Time The Dog Got Caught By The Cat---Donnie Ray
4. Sho' Wasn't Me---Black Zack w/ Fred Bolton
5. Made My Move Too Late---Lee Roy
6. You Ain't Gonna Get No More Of My Love (Call Your Outside Woman)---Shirley Brown
7. Cheat Receipt---Denise LaSalle
8. Ain't No Sunshine---Sir Charles Jones
9. Harry Hippie---Calvin Richardson
10. Play Something Pretty---Uvee Hayes & Otis Clay



Top Contenders: Sir Charles Jones, Calvin Richardson, Black Zack w/ the late Fred Bolton

Best Cover Song: Black Zack (w/ the late Fred Bolton)

"Sho' Wasn't Me"---Black Zack w/ the late Fred Bolton



SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Hardest-Touring Crowd Pleasers:


1. L. J. Echols
2. T. K. Soul
3. Willie Clayton
4. Sir Charles Jones
5. Mel Waiters
6. O. B. Buchana
7. Ms. Jody
8. Lil' Fallay
9. Bobby Rush
10. B. B. King



Top Contenders: Willie Clayton, T. K. Soul, B. B. King, L. J. Echols

Hardest-Touring Crowd-Pleaser:
L. J. Echols



SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Out-Of-Left-Field Songs:


1. This Old Bull---Unckle Eddie
2. The Pants Song---Jesse James
3. The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling---Frank Lucas
4. Butch Didn't Attack---Unckle Eddie
5. Mississippi Hustling Mother---Dark Side
6. Whatcha Want With Me---Silky Sol
7. Love---L. J. Echols
8. Hoodooed---Cherone Brown
9. I Need A Bailout--- Larry Shannon Hargrove



Top Contenders: Unckle Eddie, Larry Shannon Hargrove, Frank Lucas, Dark Side

Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song: Frank Lucas

"The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling"---Frank Lucas

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Arranger/Producers:


1. T. K. Soul---Rehab, Baby I Love You, Steppin' On The Soul Ship

2. Sir Charles Jones---Ain't No Sunshine, L. J. Echols' I'm Gone Party, Jody Sticker's Mr. Booty Do Right & Roll That Thang (w/ Gerry Roberts)

3. John Ward---Sweet Angel's Good Girls Do Bad Things, Ann Hines' & O. B. Buchana's You're Just Playing With It, O. B. Buchana's It's My Time, Donnie Ray's It's BYOB & I'm Your Sucker,

4. James Jackson---Karen Wolfe's It Ain't That Kind Of Party & A Woman Needs A Strong Man, James Smith's Just Ain't Good & Daddy Sweet Back

5. Omar Cunningham---The Beauty Shop & My Life, Karen Wolfe's Man Enough,

6. L. J. Echols---From The Back, Taking Candy From A Baby, Love

7. Bruce Billups---Lacee's I Ran A Good Man Away & Lacee's Groove, Lebrado's You're So Sexy & Fire, Black Zack's (w/ the late Fred Bolton) "Sho' Wasn't Me"

8. Carl Marshall--- Stan Mosley's Change (Family Reunion) & Lockdown, Charles Wilson's You've Got That Sex Appeal, Michelle Miller's Good Loving Made Me Cry, Nellie "Tiger" Travis' Queen Of The Blues



Top Contenders: T. K. Soul, Bruce Billups, Carl Marshall, Sir Charles Jones, John Ward

Best Arranger/Producer: Tie: Bruce Billups / Sir Charles Jones


SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best Songwriters:


1. Eddie Wilson (Unckle Eddie)---This Old Bull, I'm Gone Tell Momma, That's My Blues, Butch Didn't Attack

2. L. J. Echols---From The Back, Taking Candy From A Baby, I'm Gone Party, Love

3. Terry Kimble (T. K. Soul)---Rehab, Baby I Love You, Steppin' On The Soul Ship

4. Omar Cunningham---The Beauty Shop & My Life, Karen Wolfe's Man Enough

5. Karen Wolfe---It Ain't That Kind Of Party, A Woman Needs A Strong Man, Broken Hearts Don't Last, One Good Man

6. James Smith---Just Ain't Good, Daddy Sweet Back, Knock Down Love

7. Gerry Roberts (Jody Sticker)---Mr. Booty Do Right, Roll That Thang, Party Starter

8. (Zavier Ayers, Sr.(Mr. Zay)---Hard Times, Get The Hell On, 2 Sides Of Love, Thing Played With

9. Vick Allen---I'm Hooked, Forbidden Love Affair

10. Andrew Caples (Andre' Lee)---One Night Stand, I Don't Believe A Damn Word, Love Will Never Change, I Found What I Been Looking For



Top Contenders: Karen Wolfe, Zavier Ayers Sr. (Mr. Zay), Andrew Caples (Andre' Lee), L. J. Echols, Eddie Wilson (Unckle Eddie)

Best Songwriter: Andrew Caples (Andre' Lee)


SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Best CD's


1. L. J. Echols---Another Level
2. T. K. Soul---The Evolution Of Soul
3. Shirley Brown---Unleashed
4. Karen Wolfe---A Woman Needs A Strong Man
5. O. B. Buchana---It's My Time
6. Unckle Eddie---Shake The Dust Off



Top Contenders: Shirley Brown, Karen Wolfe, T. K. Soul, L. J. Echols

Best CD: Karen Wolfe: Every Woman Needs A Strong Man (B & J Records, Exec. Producer---Anna Coday)

Every Woman Needs A Strong Man CD, MP3's

SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide


Congratulations!!


--Daddy B. Nice


HAVEN'T HEARD THESE RECORDS? Daddy B. Nice is always a little ahead of the curve. Call your favorite Southern Soul deejay, or, if you don't have one in your area, go to Daddy B. Nice's LINKS page and surf any of the fine Southern Soul internet stations, all of which take requests.

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide
Feedback, comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?

Write to daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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Daddy B. Nice's

2009: The Year In Southern Soul

It was the year an African-American intellectual (by way of Hawaii!) assumed the Presidency of the United States, and Southern Soul stars from the young (Larry Shannon Hargrove) to the old (Chuck Roberson in luminous green) had their cover photos taken in front of the familiar black grillwork behind the White House.

It was the year of MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. It was the year of streaming video. Not only could people make friends online, they could see their most cherished acts onstage performing their favorite songs.

Once again, the mainstream media's obsession with domestic scandals, in this case the numerous comedy routines and musical "slow jams" to the accompaniment of the notorious Tiger Woods' voice mail, made the same media's knock against Southern Soul's emphasis on "cheating" sound like the pot calling the kettle black.

If 2009 proved anything, it was that Southern Soul music was America's new rock and roll, embracing variety, exuberance and irreverance, and nowhere was the resemblance more evident than in the cover mania that swept Southern Soul by year's end.

Sir Charles Jones did a vintage-soul tribute album covering the songs of Sam Cooke and others, Calvin Richardson recorded a tribute album devoted to Bobby Womack, and Uvee Hayes and Otis Clay reprised Johnnie Taylor's "Play Something Pretty."

Shirley Brown covered Luther Lackey's "Call Your Outside Woman" (under the title "You Ain't Gonna Get No More Of My Love"), Denise LaSalle covered Toni ("Southern Soul Music") Green's "Cheat Receipt," and Johnnie Taylor's "Soul Heaven" one better with his seductive memorial to passed stars, "Gone On."

Ann Hines covered O. B. Buchana's "You're Just Playing With It," her rousing rendition with Buchana on co-vocals underlining the song's legitimacy as a Southern Soul standard in just the way early rock and roll and R&B cannibalized and piggy-backed on one another's hits. It was a nightmare for songwriter credits but a sign of the genre's wild-west vitality.

It was a year of great comedy records, from Unckle Eddie's "I'm Gone Tell Momma" with schoolgirl-sounding Crystal Dylite to Frank Lucas's ode to Don Juans (or Tiger Woods?) everywhere, "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling," not to mention Mel Waiter's wry assessment of 2009's economy, "Everything's Going Up."

An Atlanta-based act named Black Zack concocted a dazzling and charming cover of Ronnie Lovejoy's classic, "Sho' Wasn't Me," but due to the dysfunctional state of the Big A's Southern Soul scene (dutifully recorded by irate fans in Daddy B. Nice's Mailbag throughout the year), no one ever heard it.

After the brilliant peak represented by his Full Circle and Gifted albums, Willie Clayton took a breather and retrenched, exploring his roots in Soul Blues and having some light-hearted fun in Love, Romance & Respect.

Bigg Robb appeared to take a step back from Southern Soul, back to his Ohio/Zap/funk/hiphop roots. And somewhat surprisingly, Nellie "Tiger" Travis shunned the wild success of her Southern Soul I'm A Woman CD for the more straight-traditionalist-blues sounds of her hometown Chicago.

On the other hand, Wendell B. returned to the fold with not one but two CD's guaranteed to ingratiate himself again with Southern Soul fans.

The best lines of the year came from Lacee' Reed's "I Ran A Good Man Away"--also one of the best titles of the year.

"You see, I came with
A lot of baggage from my past.

I had been with a few other guys
Who mistreated me so bad."

And the enthusiastic, year-long response to Omar Cunningham's "The Beauty Shop" and Vick Allen's "Forbidden Love Affair" proved once again that the Southern Soul audience likes its music with a story line.

Daddy B. Nice's emerging stars of 2008 came through big-time. Karen Wolfe (Best song, "Man Enough") dominated air play all through 2009. LaMorris Williams became the new "heartbreak kid" of Southern Soul's capital city, Jackson, Mississippi with his "Impala (We Can Do It)." And L. J. Echols made love to his fans "From The Back" all through 2009, along the way becoming the hardest-touring act since T. K. Soul.

The musical product of the year had a fascinating symmetry: on the one hand, the polished and class-act offerings of longtime veterans like Latimore ("Around The World") and Shirley Brown ("Upside Down"); and on the other, the immediacy of experience powering the work of the genre's amazing young stars (Karen, Lacee, L.J. and LaMorris).

Meanwhile, T. K. Soul ("Rehab") and Jeff Floyd ("Lock My Door") just kept doing what they do best: satisfying their fans.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert brought black and white together once again--and tears to the eyes of old-timers like your Daddy B. Nice--none more so than Smokey Robinson singing "The Tracks Of My Tears" as if it had just been composed yesterday.

Daddy B. Nice's special stocking stuffers (a bag of truffles) go out to Dylann DeAnna, whose ambitious efforts at CDS Records, albeit with vastly different material, helped fill the void left by the passing of Senator Jones and Hep'Me Records.

Also, a big bonbon and Mars bar to Ecko Records' John Ward, whose "Soul Blues Report" became an indispensable daily headline service for the Southern Soul Internet community.

Finally, a bear hug for Jerry "Boogie" Mason of the "Boogie Report," the hardest-working guy besides your Daddy in the business.

Boogie recently relocated from Alabama or Georgia (I forget which) to Jackson, Mississippi, and even more recently from the northern suburbs to the central hood. The upshot was that in 2009 your Daddy B. Nice was able to call WMPR and say, "What's up, Boog'?"

Yup, he was sitting in the number-one deejay seat in all of Southern Soul--the seat warmed by Ragman and Handyman and Outlaw and all of the storied masters of our genre (such as Uncle Bobo) who romp in the Elysian fields of disc jockey heaven.

And when I asked him, "Is this your biggest dream come true or what?", Boogie said, "Daddy, being a deejay here is like "cuttin' heads."

That, my friends, would be "cuttin' chicken heads" or in the English vernacular, competing with the best deejays in the business.

WMPR has no format, no prescribed playlist: the scourge of 21st century radio. Every deejay comes in to do his thing. To put it in Boogie's words, "It's like a painting. Every show should be a masterpiece."

And that, Southern Soul fans, is the way music should be played. It's the closest thing to heaven on earth I have ever imagined. "Grown folks" music it may be, but it's grown-folks music for people who refuse to grow old. The skin may sag, but the spirit soars.

--Daddy B. Nice


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E-Mail Daddy B. Nice to register your information, question or opinion: daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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2009: In Memoriam



2009: In Memoriam (Compiled by Red Kelly)>


EARL GAINES
LUTHER DIXON
ELLIE GREENWICH
EDDIE BO
SNOOKS EAGLIN
ANTOINETTE K-DOE
MICHAEL JACKSON
JIM DICKINSON
SHELBY S. SINGLETON, JR
SAM TAYLOR
KOKO TAYLOR
MEL BROWN
BARRY BECKETT
BILLY LEE RILEY
JOHNNY CARTER
LES PAUL
SAM CARR
TED JARRETT
URIEL JONES
VIOLA WILLS
FAYETTE PINKNEY
RANDY CAIN
DAVID 'FATHEAD' NEWMAN
HANK CRAWFORD
LEROY 'HOG' COOPER
DUANE YATES
WILLY DEVILLE
JOE CUBA
FREDDY ROBINSON
CLAUDE JETER
TOMMY ELLISON
JOHNNY FIELDS
WILLA MAE DORSEY
SISTER JOSEPHINE JAMES
REVEREND TIMOTHY WHITE



Go to Red Kelly's B-Side Blog and click links for backgrounds on all listed artists.

--Daddy B. Nice

And to this list we add:

FRED BOLTON (SOUTHERN SOUL)
MARY TRAVERS (PETER PAUL & MARY)
JAMES GURLEY (BIG BROTHER & THE HOLDING COMPANY W/ JANIS JOPLIN)



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E-Mail Daddy B. Nice to register your information, correction, question or opinion:

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com


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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

DECEMBER 2009

1. "Ain't No Sunshine"-----------------Sir Charles Jones
Bargain-Priced Tribute To The Legends CD, MP3's

2. "Knockdown Love"----------------------James Smith

3. "Cheat Receipt"----------------------Denise LaSalle

4. "Two Women In Love With Your Husband"-------------------Terry Wright
Bargain-Priced How Sweet Is Your Candy CD, MP3's

5. "One Good Man" ----------------------------Karen Wolfe
Bargain-Priced A Woman Needs A Strong Man CD, MP3's

6. "Love"----------L. J. Echols
Bargain-Priced Another Level CD, MP3's

7. "Don't Tease Me With It"-------------------David Brinston
Bargain-Priced Dirty Woman CD

8. "I Dance Better"---------------------Charles Wilson

9. "Some Kind Of Wonderful"---------------------Willie Clayton
Bargain-Priced Love, Romance & Respect CD, MP3's


10. "Pretty Lady" (former #9 single, November 09)-------------------LaMorris Williams

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

NOVEMBER 2009

1. "BYOB"---------Donnie Ray
Bargain-Priced It's BYOB CD

2. "Shake Your Money Maker"----------------------Willie Clayton
Bargain-Priced Love, Romance & Respect CD

3. "It's My Time"-------------------O. B. Buchana
Bargain-Priced It's My Time CD

4. "Just Ain't Good"-------------------James Smith w/ Karen Wolfe

5. "Lebrado Like It Like That"----------------------Lebrado
Bargain-Priced Fire CD

6. "Look What You Did To Me"----------------O. B. Buchana
Bargain-Priced It's My Time CD

7. "A Change Is Gonna Come"--------Chuck Roberson
Bargain-Priced For Real This Time CD

8. "Hypnotized"-------Pat Cooley

9. "Pretty Lady"---------------------LaMorris Williams

10. TIE:

"I Don't Wanna Leave"-----------------Shirley Brown
Bargain-Priced Unleashed CD

"Maintenance Man"---------Uvee Hayes

Still can't get enough of. . .

"I Had Enough"-------------Cherri Amour

"Second Shift" ------------------Charlie Brown
Bargain-Priced The Strongest Man CD

"Don't Leave Me"---------------------Avail Hollywood

"At The Hideaway"------------------------Chuck Roberson
Comparison-Priced For Real This Time CD

"Dance The Night Away"----------------------Willie Clayton
Bargain-Priced Love, Romance & Respect CD

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

OCTOBER 2009

1. "Meow (Pussy Cat Remix)"----------------------J. Blackfoot
Bargain-Priced Woof Woof Meow CD

2. "Around The World"-----------------------Latimore

3."Did You Put Yo Foot In It"----------------O. B. Buchana & Mr. Sam
Bargain-Priced It's My Time CD

4. "Party Starter" ------------------Jody Sticker & Keva Dixon
Bargain-Priced Mr. Booty Do Right CD

5. "Something I Want"----------------------David Brinston & Ms. Jody
Bargain-Priced Dirty Woman CD

6. "You're So Sexy"-----------------Lebrado
Bargain-Priced Fire CD

7. "Zydeco Bounce" -----------------------T. K. Soul
Bargain Priced The Evolution Of Soul CD

8. "Change It Up"-----------------------Walter Waiters

9. "Float On"----------------Bigg Robb
Bargain-Priced Jerri Curl Muzic CD

10. "Party Goin' On (Remix)"---------The Ghetto Cowboy

Still can't get enough of. . .

"Show Me Baby"-------------Rude

"(If There's Anybody Here Who Don't Know Jesus) Ask Me"------------------Billy "Soul" Bonds & Reverend Joe Washington

"I Am All Good (In The Neighborhood) With My Baby"---------------------James Morgan

"Little House, Big Party""----------------------J. Blackfoot & The Soul Children
Bargain-Priced Woof Woof Meow CD

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

SEPTEMBER 2009

1. "Roll That Thang" ------------------Jody Sticker w/ Sir Charles Jones
Bargain-Priced Mr. Booty Do Right CD

2. "Mr. Booty Do Right"---------------------Jody Sticker
Bargain-Priced Mr. Booty Do Right CD

3. "I Love You And Always Will"--------Will Easley
Bargain-Priced Sweet Sexy Soul CD, MP3's
Comparison-Priced Sweet Sexy Soul CD

4. "Love Boat" ------L. J. Echols
Bargain-Priced Another Level CD, MP3's

5. "I Got A Woman Who Love Me Right"-----El' Willie

6. "You Ain't Gonna Get No More Of My Love" -----------------Shirley Brown
Bargain-Priced Unleashed CD

7. "Watch What You Tell Your Friends" -----------------Shirley Brown
Bargain-Priced Unleashed CD

8. "Like Me"------------------Simeo w/ Pat Cooley

9. "Blue Collar Man" ---------------------Barbara Carr
Bargain-Priced Savvy Woman CD

10. "I Want You To Rock Me"--------------------Chuck Roberson
Bargain-Priced For Real This Time CD

Still can't get enough of. . .

"I'm Gonna Party" (Former DBN #1 Single, December 08)-----------------L. J. Echols
Bargain-Priced Another Level CD, MP3's

"We Can Do It" (Former DBN #1 Single, July 09-------------------------LaMorris Williams

"It Ain't That Kind Of Party" (Former DBN #1 Single, June 09)----------------------------Karen Wolfe
Bargain-Priced A Woman Needs A Strong Man CD, MP3's

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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NetSleuth.com-234x60 banner

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

AUGUST 2009

1. "I Need A Bailout -------------Larry Shannon Hargrove
Bargain-Priced I Need A Bailout CD, MP3's

2. "The Heart You Break"-------------------Barbara Carr
Comparison-Priced Savvy Woman CD

3. "This Old Bull" -------------------Unckle Eddie
Bargain-Priced Shake The Dust Off CD, MP3's

4. "So In Love"----------------------Stan Mosley
Bargain-Priced I'm Coming Back CD

5. "The Original Good Thing Man"-------------Frank Lucas Bargain-Priced Dirty Ol' Man CD, MP3's

6. "Get Rid Of That Loser"-----------------Pat Brown

7. "Dirty Woman"----------------------David Brinston w/ J. Blackfoot
Bargain-Priced Dirty Woman CD

8. "Lose Sleep"------------------Chandra Calloway w/ Mel Waiters

9. "Should Have Called" ---------------LeeRoy
Bargain-Priced Should Have Called CD, MP3's

10. "Don't Take My Blues" -------------------Unckle Eddie
Bargain-Priced Shake The Dust Off CD, MP3's


Still can't get enough of. . .

Pantheress & Them Got Blues (Green Onions) -----------------April
Bargain-Priced Bringing It Back CD, MP3's

"That's My Story" (Extended Version)"-----------------General Johnson & Chairman Of The Board

"(A) Good Woman (Is Hard To Find)" -----------------Bill Avery
Bargain-Priced Southern Fried Soul CD

"Good Lovin'"------------------Nicole Jackson
Bargain-Priced Nickee's Got It Going On CD, MP3's


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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

JULY 2009

1. "We Can Do It"-------------LaMorris Williams

2. "Good Girls Do Bad Things" ----------------Sweet Angel
Bargain-Priced Bold Bitch CD

3. "Lockdown"----------------------Stan Mosley
Bargain-Priced I'm Coming Back CD

4. "A Woman Needs A Strong Man"-------------Karen Wolfe
Bargain-Priced A Woman Needs A Strong Man CD

5. "Made My Move Too Late" ---------------LeeRoy
Bargain-Priced Should Have Called CD

6. "You Made My Day"------------------Betty Padgett
Bargain-Priced Real Deal CD

7. "It Ain't A Party Until You Play Some Blues"----------------Bigg Robb & Problem Solvas w/ Mississippi Red
Bargain-Priced Jerri Curl Muzic

8. "I Don't Believe A Damn Word" -------------Andre' Lee
Bargain-Priced Straight From The Heart CD

9. "Any Way You Want It"-------------------Grandmaster Slice

10. "Slap Yo' Weave Off (Simeo Remix)"--------------------Nellie "Tiger" Travis

Still can't get enough of. . .

"Rehab" (former #3 Single, May 2009)------------------T. K. Soul
Bargain Priced The Evolution Of Soul CD

"The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" (former #1 Single, May 2009)-------------Frank Lucas Bargain-Priced Dirty Ol' Man CD

"It Sho' Wasn't Me" (former #1 Single, April 2009)-------------Black Zack


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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For

JUNE 2009

1. "It Ain't That Kind Of Party" -------------Karen Wolfe
Bargain-Priced A Woman Needs A Strong Man CD

2. "I'm Gone Tell Momma"/"Butch Didn't Attack" ----------------Unckle Eddie w/ Crystal Dylite
Bargain-Priced Shake The Dust Off CD

3. "Chicken Head"----------------------Cherone Brown

4. "You're Just Playing With It (Remix)"---------------------Ann Hines and O. B. Buchana

5. "I Can Do It" --------------Big G Bargain-Priced Coming At You CD

6. "Cheatin' On Cheatin'"----------------------------Lenny Williams

7. "Dirty Heffa"----------------Luther Lackey
Bargain-Priced Jody's Got My Problems CD

8. "Do That Hoochie-Coo"------------------------Mack Davis

9. "Lying On Me"-----------------------David G.

10. "Soul Party (Instrumental Mix)"--------------------Bobby Bowens

Still can't get enough of. . .

"Gone On"------------------------Marvin Sease
Bargain-Priced Who's Got The Power CD

"I'm Missing You"-----------------------------------Wilson Meadows
Bargain-Priced Transformation CD


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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

MAY 2009

1. "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" -------------Frank Lucas
Bargain-Priced Dirty Ol' Man CD

2. "Love Under Arrest"-----------------------Lil' Fallay

3. "Rehab"
------------------------T. K. Soul
Bargain Priced The Evolution Of Soul CD

4. "Strong Love"------------------Willie Clayton
Bargain-Priced Soul And Blues CD

5. "Why Did You Walk On My Love?" --------------The Real Brown Sugar
Bargain-Priced Why Did You Walk On My Love? CD

6. "Baby I Love You"
----------------------------T. K. Soul
Bargain Priced The Evolution Of Soul CD

7. "I Ran A Good Man Away"-------------------Lacee'
Bargain-Priced Lacee's Groove CD

8. "I Thought The Baby Was Mine"----------------Luther Lackey
Bargain-Priced Jody's Got My Problems CD

9. "Play N Roll" ---------------Simeo

10. "On The Back Road"-------------Terry Wright

--continued from right-hand colum--

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 Souther Soul Singles

Daddy B. Nice's

TOP 25 SOUTHERN SOUL SONGS OF 2009 (Scroll down for the Year's Singles)


1. "Rehab"--------T. K. Soul

Every musical phrase is a pleasant surprise. You can listen to it again and again, marveling at this or that melodic element. One rarely finds such awesome technique in the company of such convincing emotion. From a purely musical standpoint, "Rehab" may very well be the best song T. K. Soul has ever recorded.

Bargain-Priced The Evolution Of Soul CD, MP3's

2. "Impala (We Can Do It)"------------------LaMorris Williams

A Southern Soul legend--the youngest of the gospel-singing Williams family--is born. In 2008 he teased us with "Ring On Your Finger"; in 2009 he wowed us with "Impala (We Can Do It)." The long-anticipated album will be available soon. These words from "Impala"--

"You can make me holler
In the back of my Impala."

--will become Southern Soul currency for years to come.

Sexy Soul Songs CD, MP3's)

3. "It Ain't That Kind Of Party" ----------------Karen Wolfe

Remember the bandana, tied in an Aunt Jemima knot in the center of his forehead, that Morris Day wears before he gets all "prettified" to go out and do battle with his rival Prince in the movie "Purple Rain"?

I can imagine Karen Wolfe singing "It Ain't That Kind Of Party" in such a do-rag. Hell, I'll confess. I can even imagine her singing it barefooted. Karen Wolfe's vocal exudes that down-home, funky, no-frills quality that most perfectly epitomizes the Southern Soul style.

The song isn't perfect--its bare arrangement may deter some--but neither was "Man Enough," last year's career-defining hit. "It Ain't That Kind Of Party" is much better technically than "Man Enough" and it rocks just as much.

What both songs have in spades is that rare and vital element: locomotion. Listen to it twice, and you'll be teetering on the edge of liking it. Listen to it a full third time, and you'll be playing it for months--and glad you did.

Bargain-Priced Every Woman Needs A Strong Man CD, MP3's

4. "I'm Gone Party" ------------------------------L. J. Echols

You may recall the inspired grafting of Sir Charles Jones' "Is Anybody Lonely?" to J. Blackfoot's "I'm Just A Fool For You" (See Daddy B. Nice's #2 Southern Soul Single of 2007) to come up with "I'm Just A Fool Part 2."

In producing rising Southern Soul star L. J. Echols' "I'm Gone Party" Sir Charles returned to "Is Anybody Lonely?", this time for the marvelous hook-and-horn charts.

The result was L.J. at his most authentically James Tayloresque (his admiration for the singer-songwriter was expressed to your Daddy B. Nice by L. J. himself) and Sir Charles at his most Brian Eno-ish, a new-age-ethereal hybrid unlike anything you have ever heard.

The immediacy of experience conveyed in this vocal is nothing short of amazing. Like Karen Wolfe, L. J. Echol's vocals have an indescribable homespun quality.

When I first heard him, two or three years ago, I thought he was "good." but with the new album, Another Level, L. J.'s on the cusp of becoming a major force to be reckoned with--and an influence on all of Southern Soul.

Bargain-Priced Another Level CD, MP3's

5. "I'm Gone Tell Momma" --------------------Unckle Eddie w/ Crystal Dylite

The tale of a would-be player brought down by his precocious school-aged daughter (enacted by Crystal Dylite), who is bound and determined to "tell Momma" every last little transgression committed by Daddy in the course of the day's errands. Every venial sin of the chitlin' circuit is catalogued, although it's the relatively tame lines that are most hilarious:

"I told him, 'Momma's gonna get you
For changing it from the gospel station,'
And he told me he ain't worried about you."

Unckle Eddie makes a huge grab at Poonanny's comedy throne.

Bargain-Priced Shake The Dust Off CD, MP3's

6. "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" --------------Frank Lucas

"I'm looking for a cherry, baby,
On my banana split. . . " says it all, but Frank Lucas just ain't gonna let that go.

The song alternates between the romantic (we're talking "romantic" from a masculine perspective here, ladies) and the funny. Romantic when it best approximates the feverish buzz of a man about to do the deed. Funny when it goes over the top and you can imagine the woman bursting into laughter.

The people in the "business" who are turning up their noses at the silliness and/or the "X-rated-ness" of the lyrics are the same people who were turning up their noses when Marvin Sease's "Candy Licker" and "Hoochie Momma" first came out--and they refused to play him, too.

The great melody and atmosphere are derived from The Rascals' "Groovin'" and even more recently from Betty Wright's "Tonight Is The Night."

>Bargain-Priced Dirty Ol' Man CD

7. "Good Girls Do Bad Things" -----------------Sweet Angel

An early song of Sweet Angel's, "Mike's Place," which I admired for its straightforward pop-by-way-of-blues structure, was a forerunner of the much more distinguished "Good Girls Do Bad Things," in which Sweet Angel radiates so much sweet sexual heat you have to open a window.

Speaking of sexual heat, all you skinny folks in the Northeast and West who smile dismissively and roll your eyes whenever you hear that big women can be sexy, too, need to catch Sweet Angel singing "Good Girls Do Bad Things" in concert or via video stream. You will be disabused of your prejudice.

John Ward, Morris Williams et. al. have had a lot of fine moments, but this may be the closest the Ecko Records studio group has come to nirvana. Everything's perfect: the rhythm section, the piping sound of the synth hook and the background chorus, which took your Daddy B. Nice all the way back to fifties' songs like Jim Lowe's "Green Door."

Bargain-Priced Bold Bitch CD, MP3's

8. "Gone On" ------Marvin Sease

Speaking of great studio groups, Marvin Sease scored the studio band from heaven (or was it Malaco Records?) on "Gone On." The band, the arrangement and the mix are absolutely magical, and the recitation of passed artists--including "sweet Jackie Neal"--superb. Only Marvin could do it like this.

Bargain-Priced Who's Got The Power CD, MP3's

9. "I Ran A Good Man Away" --------------------Lacee'

"I ran a good man away.
I know I made a mistake."

This is a young lady with a lot of brass reminding all the singing ladies of all ages out there how to get down. And this is what musicians are talking about when they say there is only "good music" and "bad music". You could transfer this song, as midnight-black and soulful as it sounds, intact to contemporary country and you'd still probably have a hit--maybe even bigger.

Bargain-Priced Lacee's Groove CD, MP3's

10. "Meow (Pussy Cat Remix)" ---J. Blackfoot

"I'm a dog. I'm genuine. I'm canine. I'm pedigree."

Not at all derivative (as you might think), "Meow" is a masterful tune reminiscent of Carl Sims' best dance jams, with a great mid-tempo groove and a kick-ass arrangement right down to the unfriendly barking dog.

But the "Pussy Cat Remix" is even better, transporting the song back to the days when Top 40 AM radio ruled and the great songs of the day came over the air waves riddled to a greater or lesser extent with static. There was no talk radio. The deejays talked to their listeners while queuing up the songs, and the conversations were often disjointed and unbelievable.

That's a little of what J. Blackfoot captures.

For being a seemingly old-fashioned kind of singer ("Taxi," the Soul Children, the duets with Ann Hines, etc.), Blackfoot is a remarkably cutting-edge figure who is still on top of his game.

Bargain-Priced Wolf Wolf Meow CD, MP3's

11. "You're Just Playing With It" ------Ann Hines & O. B. Buchana

Sometimes a song comes out and although it seems a little light and generic, it strikes a chord with the audience. You can put "Maybelline" by Chuck Berry and "Good Golly Miss Molly" by Little Richard in that category. Now, with the radio single cover by J. Blackfoot's old singing partner, Ann Hines, we add O. B. Buchana's "You're Just Playing With It."

The rousing cover, with lyrics even more ribald and pointed than the original, brings home the Southern Soul essence of the tune. Note the links go to the original version on Buchana's second-last CD, but you can call and request the Hines/Buchana version from just about any self-respecting Southern Soul deejay.

Bargain-Priced Southern Soul Country Boy CD, MP3's

12. "Hard Times" -------------------------(Mr.) Zay

"They say my life ain't worth living,
And time is slowly ticking away."

Listeners familiar with the beautiful hiphop-oriented ballad by K-jon, "On The Ocean," may find it hard to believe that Mr. Zay's "Hard Times" (which preceded it) could possibly be better. But the song is more fully fleshed-out, more sophisticated in arrangement, lushly romantic and orchestral, with even a rap verse to add just the right contrast.

If you loved K-jon's ballad or Jaheim's "Put That Woman First" (based on William Bell's "I Forgot To Be Your Lover"), you'll love Mr. Zay's beautifully-sung and awe-inspiring masterpiece.

Bargain-Priced Zay's Way CD, MP3's

13. "Why Did You Walk On My Love?" ------------The Real Brown Sugar

Singing from a pair of lungs as deep as a 55-gallon drum, The Real Brown Sugar is oh so believable and blessed with enough talent to immediately join the ranks of Southern Soul songstresses.

Although there's no overt reference to body type, "Why Did You Walk On My Love" is in the great tradition of Kelly Price's "Friend Of Mine" and so many other "broken-hearted big-woman" songs by Southern Soul singers.

Bargain-Priced Why Did You Walk On My Love? EP, MP3'S

14. "You're So Sexy" -----------Lebrado

The title cut from Lebrado's new album Fire received the bulk of the air play--no doubt about that--but I just couldn't make the jump from the mid-tempo serenity of "I'm Missin' You Babe," Lebrado's signature tune, to the freneticism and in-your-face insistence of "Fire." "You're So Sexy" is the way I like my Lebrado. Groovy. Sinuous. Flowing.

Bargain-Priced Fire CD, MP3's

15. "Everything's Going Up"-------------- Mel Waiters

In an average year this hooky novelty song by the Southern Soul master would have charted even higher. One wonders what the old song-slinger himself anticipated. It's a good little melody with recession-apropos lyrics executed with taste and wit. When Mel plays with the "Every-every-every-every"--almost as if the needle was stuck--mid-way through the song, his trademark baritone sails out of the park like a home run ball.

16. "Upside Down" ----------------Shirley Brown

"How can a love so good
Be. . . so. . . bad?"

She knows when to sing notes, she knows when to yell them, and she can sing and yell. She can be as raw as a fifteen-year-old or as seen-it-all as a streetwise senior.

She's Shirley Brown, and it's hard to believe it's been five years since Woman Enough, the album with "Sleep With One Eye Open" and "Poon Tang Man" and "Too Much Candy," recreated Shirley as a contemporary Southern Soul star. That it seems like only yesterday is a testament to the power of those songs.

"Upside Down" and the new album Unleashed are on the same level. Hummable, danceable, and meditative by turns, song after song "unleashes" an avalanche of Southern Soul.

Shirley Brown's coralling today's Southern Soul standards and delivering them with a "wow" factor, just as you would imagine the Queen of Divas doing. A strong candidate for best ballad and best album of the year.

Bargain-Priced Unleashed CD

17. "I Need a Bailout" --------------Larry Shannon Hargrove

Texas tenor Larry Shannon Hargrove delivered his best song since "Leave Bill Clinton Alone" with 2009's accomplished complaint of the common man: "I Need A Bailout."

"You bailed out Bear Stearns,
Bailed out AIG.
I just wanna know,
Can you do the same for me?"

He didn't get a lot of air play from Southern Soul deejays, which might be because he was the new kid on the block, from a new neighborhood (Austin), or it might be because he didn't distribute his record to enough of the key deejays in the circuit. In any case, here's hoping he doesn't give up, because the man arrives at the Southern Soul junction with all of the tools.

Bargain-Priced I Need A Bailout CD, MP3's

18. "It's BYOB"---- Donnie Ray

Mellifluous-voiced Donnie Ray Aldredge had a banner year: two CD's, a chitlin' circuit favorite in "This Time The Dog Got Caught By The Cat" (an update of Ms. Jody's "Your Dog Is Killing My Cat"), a cutting-edge rocker in "I'm Your Sucker," and--just as the year was ending--this fine-as-spun-Egyptian-cotton dance jam done in Donnie Ray's most melodious style.

"It's BYOB" boasted a quirkiness and originality that surprised even longtime Donnie Ray fans. The fart-sounding horn part--like the cornet player's playing with a mute and tipsy-drunk and in the act of falling backwards off his chair--was a lovely touch, lending the song the personality required of a future standard.

Bargain-Priced It's BYOB CD, MP3's

19. "Look Good For You" ------------------ Carl Marshall

This catchy anthem from Southern Soul's deep-thinker, secular-preacher and philosopher-king entered your Daddy B. Nice's life as few others did in 2009.

As Carl explains in the song:

"When you look good for you,
It sends out a signal to the other person.
'I love you with all my heart.' . . .

That makes the romance stay alive."

So whenever I found myself dropping Rogaine on the balding top of my head (which you're supposed to do twice a day if you want to keep your hair), smearing that thin hair in the goo and making myself look terrible even though I was around the house with my wife, I'd think of Carl's admonition and bite my lip.

And whenever my better half and I had a conversation about what I should wear (something I never consulted a woman about when I was younger), and she said:

"It doesn't bother me if it doesn't bother you,"

I'd reply, "I just have to look good for you," and smile and think of Carl's song.

Bargain-Priced Look Good For You CD, MP3's


20. "It Sho' Wasn't Me"-----------------Black Zack

Two hiphoppers cracked the Southern Soul market in 2009, but just barely. Rude transformed Smokey Robinson's "Share This Life With Me" into a song called "Show Me Baby," exciting the lucky few who got to hear it.

And Black Zack did a monster of an original cover of the Ronnie Lovejoy classic, "Sho' Wasn't Me," which went sadly unnoticed. What made the song unique was that it was really the first instance of a rap act embracing Southern Soul, and even more, understanding it, after having thoroughly absorbed it, and breathing it out of every pore.

Black Zack's "Sho' Wasn't Me" combined a straightforward vocal treatment of the finest song in contemporary Southern Soul with an amazingly charming rap track. Here's hoping the modest but constant publicity we've given it here on SouthernSoulRnB will save the song from undeserved oblivion. There isn't another cover--even by heavyweights such as Tyrone Davis--that's finer.

Black Zack Postscript:

Shortly after this appeared, I received an e-mail of thanks from the heretofore obscure Black Zack, who says the single was produced by (surprise) Southern Soul's own Bruce Billups (Theodis Ealey's, etc. producer)

Not only that. The performer singing the traditional melody of "Sho' Wasn't Me" over the rap is Southern Soul's own Fred Bolton, a young singer/songwriter with one creditable CD published. A sad note: Fred Bolton passed away in 2009, not long after recording this.

Nevertheless, this rappers' version of "Sho' Wasn't Me" is a supremely happy record.

21. "The Beauty Shop" ----------------Omar Cunningham

What a year for Omar Cunningham, with a great CD, Time Served, a masterful autobiographical cut, "My Life," and the songwriting credits for Karen Wolfe's smash hit, "Man Enough."

But it was the sleeper hit "The Beauty Shop" that resonated most. The story of "the beauty shop putting our business out in the street" struck a deep and definite chord with the audience, and the amazing vocal and swinging arrangement put it over the top. With its barberhop-style chorus quickly becoming a Cunningham trademark, the song propelled Omar's stock to record heights.

Bargain-Priced Time Served CD, MP3's

22. Mr. Booty Do Right ---------------Jody Sticker

As much as I like it, I've never been able to figure out the song--the structure of the thing--the thing that makes it work. It reminds me of turn-of-century Mardi Gras and Hep'Me Records--vintage nostalgia--and that's Sir Charles on background vocals.

It also has Sir Charles in the studio, his wizardry with the strings and special synthesizer effects recalling early Hep'Me. As with Sir Charles' work with L. J. Echols (see #4 above), the contrast of the arrangement with the vocal by Jody Sticker is dizzyingly contrapuntal.

Speaking of the vocal. . . In a CD review of the album earlier this year, I called Jody Sticker "one of the sorriest soul singers ever," which may have ruffled a few feathers. But that was in the context of calling Bob Dylan--one of my very favorite artists--one of the worst singers ever. I was trying to make the point that you do not go to these artists for their vocals.

Now if you're talking about a specific album, like the super-soulful Blonde On Blonde, I'd have to say Dylan (a Jimmy Reed disciple) was absolutely great, even with his limited--or shall we say, odd--vocal equipment. The same goes for Jody Sticker on "Mr. Booty Do Right." He's absolutely right-on and terrific: the track could not be sung any better.

In summation, this is one of the oddest songs by one of the oddest singers in Southern Soul music, but I have a sneaky feeling its shape may become more discernible as time goes on and that the future may consider "Mr. Booty Do Right" one of the very best songs of 2009.

Bargain-Priced Mr. Booty Do Right CD, MP3's

23. "Around The World" -----------------Latimore

This flawless piece of R&B by the artist who arguably started it all for Southern Soul reminds me of Clarence Carter's overlooked masterpiece of a few years ago: "What Was I Supposed To Do?", a dreamy, plaintive, surprisingly-symphonic tune.

When I say "the artist who started it all," I'm referring, of course, to Latimore's seventies-era monologue-driven superhit, "Let's Straighten It Out," which has became one of the most common templates for contemporary, Southern-style, Southern-oriented rhythm and blues writers and performers.

One thinks of Latimore, Carter, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Peggy Scott-Adams as greying monoliths who are no longer into recording, but with Latt's recent Back 'Atcha and now All About The Rhythm And The Blues, he's defying those assumptions.

And it's hard to argue that one of the greatest soul singers of this or any era is done when he concocts product this good.

Bargain-Priced All About The Rhythm And The Blues CD, MP3's

24. "Forbidden Love Affair" ------------Vick Allen

Like a Joey Ramone of Southern Soul, Vick Allen pumps out short, catchy, hard-hitting pop tunes, one after another, generous and bounteous to a fault. The fair sex in particular loved this story of a blameless girl in seemingly innocent circumstances--church!--falling into temptation anyway. If you can't find shelter from the storm in worship, where can you be safe?

But. . .

"I made love to the preacher,
And he's got kids and a wife.
My friends all say I must be crazy.
I'm beginning to think they're right."

The fact that just about every Southern Soul performer started singing as a child on Sunday lent this parable a special resonance.

By the end of the tune, Vick has completely turned the tables on the gospel and rhythm & blues dichotomy. He's preaching to the preacher:

"Don't bother mine,
And I won't bother yours.
Just stick to the good book.
That's what we come here for."

Comparison-Priced Truth Be Told CD

25. "Love Under Arrest" --------------Lil' Fallay

Lil' Fallay has created a sizeable body of work--almost all of it obscure and/or overlooked--but "Love Under Arrest" catapults Lil' Fallay to a whole new level. The song is light-years above anything I've previouisly heard from the Louisiana legend, and it's worthy of being considered one of the finest songs of this or any year.

The arrangement is full-blown, articulate and--above all--musically terrific. Fans who loved Larry Milton's "Back In Love Again" or (more well-known) Jeff Floyd's classics "I Found Love (On A Lonely Highway)" or "Lock My Door" should fall helplessly in love with this unexpected treat.

Bargain-Priced Strong Enough (A True Story) CD

Daddy B. Nice adds:

Is that 25 already? I haven't even gotten to Willie Clayton's "Dance The Night Away," not to mention Lenny Williams' "Cheatin' On Cheatin," or Chuck Roberson's "I Want You To Rock Me". . .

But the more songs I list, the more worthy songs I'm guilty of omitting. Look to Daddy B. Nice's "Finalists for Daddy Awards" for an even more comprehensive look at all of 2009's musical offerings.

--Daddy B. Nice


HAVEN'T HEARD THESE RECORDS? Daddy B. Nice is always a little ahead of the curve. Call your favorite Southern Soul deejay, or, if you don't have one in your area, go to Daddy B. Nice's LINKS page and surf any of the fine Southern Soul internet stations, all of which take requests.


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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

Send product to:
SouthernSoulRnB.com
P.O. Box 19574
Boulder, Colorado 80308

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Feedback, comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?

Write to daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com


SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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THE YEAR'S SINGLES:

CONTINUED FROM BOTTOM OF MIDDLE COLUMN. . .


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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

APRIL 2009 1. "It Sho' Wasn't Me"-------------Black Zack

2. "Look Good For You"----------------Carl Marshall
Bargain-Priced Look Good For You CD

3. "I'm In The Mood"-----------------El' Willie

4. "I'm Your Sucker" ---------------Donnie Ray
Bargain-Priced Caught By The Cat CD

5. "The Better The Goods, The Higher The Price" --------------Ms. Jody
Bargain-Priced It's A Ms. Jody's Thang CD

6. "Upside Down" ---------------Shirley Brown
Bargain-Priced Unleashed CD

7. "Play Something Pretty"--------------------Uvee Hayes w/ Otis Clay
Bargain-Priced Play Something Pretty CD

8. "Old Man Young Man"----------------Betty Padgett
Bargain-Priced Real Deal CD

9. "Ladies (If He Can't Hold His Pants Up)"---------------Jesse James

10. "Miss High And Mighty" ----------------Lou Wilson & Today's People
Bargain-Priced Money Talks CD

Still can't get enough of. . .

"Candy Man"------------------Michaelangelo

"6 In The Morning"-----------------K-Soul

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Big & Tall T-Shirts on Sale Now Buy 1 get the 2nd for $15!

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

MARCH 2009

1. "Tell It"-------------Nathaniel Kimble

2. "That's My Story"------------------General Johnson & The Chairmen Of The Board

3. "Ms. Jody's Thang (Remix)"--------------Ms. Jody
Bargain-Priced It's A Ms. Jody's Thang CD

4. "So In Love"------------------Maurice Davis

5. "Everything's Going Up"---------------Mel Waiters

6. "This Time The Dog Got Caught By The Cat"---------------Donnie Ray
Bargain-Priced Caught By The Cat CD

7. "Crazy 'Bout You"-------------------James Payne
Bargain-Priced Crazy Bout You CD

8. "Bedtime Story"----------------Marlena

9. "The Rabbit Got Da' Gun (Remix)"-----------------Walt Love
Bargain-Priced Mr. Love CD

10. "Pay Myself First"-----------------Charles Wilson
Bargain-Priced Pay Myself First CD

Still Can't Enough Of. . .

"Hard Times" (former #1, Jan 09)-----------------Zay
Bargain-Priced Zay's Way CD

"Number Two"-----------------Luther Lackey (former #5 October '08)
Bargain-Priced I Should Have Stayed Scared CD

"After Your Man Is Gone"----------------Carl Marshall
Bargain-Priced Look Good For You CD

Another Man's Gain-------------Willie Clayton
Bargain-Priced Soul And Blues CD

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

FEBRUARY 2009

1. "When I Think Of You"-------------King Curtis

2. "Mississippi Hustling Mother"--------------Dark Side

3. "I'm Evening Up The Score"------------------Ms. Jody

4. "Steppin' On The Soul Ship"----------------T. K. Soul
Bargain Priced The Evolution Of Soul CD

5. "Startin' 2 Stop"------------------Stan Mosley

6. "If He's Cheating On His Wife"----------------Bobbye

7. "Like Taking Candy From A Baby"-----------------L. J. Echols

8. "Good Loving Made Me Cry"-----------------Michelle Miller

9. "Yo' Cat Is Killing My Dog"-------------------Chick Willis

10. "Big Women Make The Best Lovers"-------------Chuck Strong

Still Can't Enough Of. . .

"Running To The Dance Floor"-----------------Simeo

"You Don't Call Me No More"----------------Liqueur

"Swingers Only"------------------------L. J. Echols

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "Breaking" Southern Soul Singles For. . .

JANUARY 2009

1. "Hard Times"-------------Zay
Bargain-Priced Zay's Way CD

2. "Roll Out"------------Patti LaBelle w/ Wyclef Jean
Bargain-Priced Back To Now CD

3. "Love Will Never Change" --------Andre' Lee
Bargain-Priced Straight From The Heart CD

4. "Jimmy" -------------The Real Brown Sugar
Bargain-Priced Why Did You Walk On My Love? CD

5. "Gone On"---------------Marvin Sease
Bargain-Priced Who's Got The Power CD

6. "Wash Your Hands"---------------Lola
Bargain-Priced Give Her What She Wants CD

7. "Obama"(Remix)-------------Chick Willis

8. "Let Me Be The Shoulder" ------------Brenda Williams
Bargain-Priced Let Me Rock You One More Time

9. "Southern Soul Roll"--------------Mr. David
Bargain-Priced Me Loving You CD

10. "I'll Be There" (Woman To Woman Dub)-------------100% Cotton

Still Can't Enough Of. . .

"Blues Line Dance" -------------Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings
Bargain-Priced Blues Evolution CD

"Rock With You"--------------Soul Blaque

"Can We Talk About It" ---------------Charli
Bargain-Priced Can I Dance 2Nite? CD

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SouthernSoulRnB.com - Chitlin' Circuit Southern Soul Music Guide

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