A pioneer of classic soul as well as its countrified subgenre, with an outsized personality and a wonderful, sonorous voice.
While Solomon Burke never made a major impact upon the pop audience -- he never, in fact, had a Top 20 hit -- he was an important early soul pioneer. On his '60s singles for Atlantic, he brought a country influence into R&B, with emotional phrasing and intricately constructed, melodic ballads and midtempo songs. At the same time, he was surrounded with sophisticated "uptown" arrangements and was provided with much of his material by his producers, particularly Bert Berns. (AllMusic ) Outstanding. File under: Soul Men
Discography: Chart Singles 1961-66 1967-2002
Studio albums 1962-79 1981-Present Compilations Contributions
In the music library: Don't Give Up On Me Home in Your Heart: The Best of Solomon Burke
Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 Volume 4 (1958-1962): Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)
Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 Volume 5 (1962-1966): If You Need Me;
City Of Dreams: Funky New Orleans: Here We Go Again
The Leiber & Stoller Story: Shake 'Em Up & Let 'Em Roll 1962-1969: You Can't Love Them All
Till The Night Is Gone: A Tribute To Doc Pomus: Still In Love
Links: Wikipedia AllMusic Discogs Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Rolling Stone 100 Greatest Singers
Obituary: The Guardian Solomon Burke: last of the great soul men