Singer. The son of a preacher, his family relocated to Memphis when he was still a small child. His interest in music began in the church listening to, and singing gospel music. He eventually joined several gospel groups including "The Soul Stirrers" and "The Redemption Harmonizers". In 1963 he was signed to a recording contract by the newly formed Goldwax label and he had a string of minor hits from 1966 to 1968. Often compared to Otis Redding, his style was unique in the Memphis music scene because most of his songs were ballads sung with what was described as "elegant despair". His first recording to reach National prominence was "You've Got My Mind Messed Up" which reached the top 10 on the R&B charts. Other popular R&B songs included "Love Attack", "Pouring Water On A Drowning Man" and "A Man Needs A Woman". But it was his soulful rendition of what would become his signature song, "The Dark End of the Sreet" which solidified his legacy as one of the greatest R&B singers of alltime. Although the song was not a big commercial success when it was released in 1967, it has been covered by many artists including Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge and by Andrew Strong on the motion picture soundtrack of "The Commitments". However, it is the James Carr version which remains the definitive recording and today it is considered one of the greatest soul songs ever recorded.
Singer. The son of a preacher, his family relocated to Memphis when he was still a small child. His interest in music began in the church listening to, and singing gospel music. He eventually joined several gospel groups including "The Soul Stirrers" and "The Redemption Harmonizers". In 1963 he was signed to a recording contract by the newly formed Goldwax label and he had a string of minor hits from 1966 to 1968. Often compared to Otis Redding, his style was unique in the Memphis music scene because most of his songs were ballads sung with what was described as "elegant despair". His first recording to reach National prominence was "You've Got My Mind Messed Up" which reached the top 10 on the R&B charts. Other popular R&B songs included "Love Attack", "Pouring Water On A Drowning Man" and "A Man Needs A Woman". But it was his soulful rendition of what would become his signature song, "The Dark End of the Sreet" which solidified his legacy as one of the greatest R&B singers of alltime. Although the song was not a big commercial success when it was released in 1967, it has been covered by many artists including Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge and by Andrew Strong on the motion picture soundtrack of "The Commitments". However, it is the James Carr version which remains the definitive recording and today it is considered one of the greatest soul songs ever recorded.
Bio by: Decal
Advertisement
