R. I. P.: Solomon Burke
This sturdy Philly soul singer who enjoyed a career renaissance in the last decade, largely thanks to producer Joe Henry, has passed away.
While his instrument may not have been as instantly identifiable as Otis’, Jackie Wilson’s, or Al Green’s, he was one of the finest soul singers of our time, well over 40 years in the biz. A very brief musical tribute:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEu8DrO9PbY&feature=related[/youtube]
‘Cry to Me‘
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNicOAn0EwI[/youtube]
‘Don’t Give Up On Me’
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hv6sQXI1WY&feature=related[/youtube]
‘None Of Us Are Free’ (w/the Blind Boys of Alabama)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BcrbEexjYw[/youtube]
‘Fast Train’ (closing sequence of Season 3 of The Wire):
“You had to go on the lam you stepped into no-man’s land
Ain’t nobody here on your waveband
Ain’t nobody gonna give you a helping hand
And you start breaking down
And just go into the sound
When you hear that fast train.”
RIP, Solomon.
Tags: Solomon Burke
Thank you for doing this, Bulo! I really love listening to Burke’s music — like you said he does not have an instantly recognizable voice, but love the blues and gospel in his voice and material…
American Routes had an interview with Burke almost a year ago for an All Saints show…..Very good!
Peace on your journey home, Solomon Burke….
A sad day for American music. I’d never heard of Solomon Burke until about five years ago. Of course, I’d heard of many of the popular songs he’d written and performed with and for other artists, but never his solo work. I discovered him because one of my favorite alt-rockers — Joe Henry — produced his 2002 comeback of sorts, “Don’t Give Up On Me,” which won big at the Grammies that year. What a talent. He will be missed.
Saw him at the Club Harlem in Atlantic City in the late 80s; he gave my wife a rose.
Check out “The Price” if you think talking and singing are easily distinguishable:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiTelo0EOpo
R.I.P.
Damn, that’s good. Anyone listening to “The Price” would in no way be shocked to find out that Burke was also a preacher in his early days. He was TESTIFYING on that song!
He & Joe Tex could have a ‘Testify’ challenge any day of the week, especially Sunday.
“How many children?”
“Twenty-one.”
“By how many women?”
“I don’t discuss that.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/solomon-burke-last-of-the-great-soul-men-855147.html
A loss. Another loss of the talented musicians and song writers.