Etta James, 1938-2012
- To download this playlist, Roger’s indispensable soul, right click and ‘save link as‘.
The musicians featured in this mix, Roger’s indispensable soul, hardly need any introduction. I will say, though, that William Bell is perhaps the most overlooked individual featured in this hour-long foray. Many of the songs he originally recorded are known mostly as performed by other musicians, most notably Aretha Franklin‘s version of “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” and Otis Redding‘s take on the classic “You Don’t Miss Your Water”. William Bell’s performance of “I Forgot To Be Your Lover”, heard here, is expressive in innumerable ways.
The passing of Etta James and Don Cornelius (the host of Soul Train) in the beginning of 2012 were truly sad affairs. Don Cornelius’ impact on the condition and success of soul music in the 1970′s is rarely forgotten, and the outpouring of heartache that emerged in the wake of the two deaths is a testament to the endurance of music that really, truly feels.
Right click the following link and select “save link as” to download Roger’s Indispensable Soul. It is a little over an hour of unadulterated expression, and while some may regret that it is not divided into individual, bite-sized tracks, this was a decision I made consciously, and one I hope will encourage listeners to absorb it all in one sitting, at one cocktail party, on one commute.
Track Listing:
1. Etta James- I’d rather go blind
2. William Bell- I forgot to be your lover
3. Aretha Franklin- Ain’t no way
3. The Emotions- So I can love you
4. Marvin Gaye- Loving you is sweeter than ever
5. Marie Lyons- See and don’t see
6. Curtis Mayfield- So in love
7. The Temptations- Just my imagination
8. Sam Cooke- Bring it on home to me
9. Nina Simone- I shall be released
10. Al Green- My girl
11. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings (Featuring Lee Fields)- Stranded in your love
12. Mayer Hawthorne- Finally falling
13. Erykah Badu- Bag lady
14. Stevie Wonder- He’s misstra know it all
15. Ray Charles and the Count Basie Orchestra- The long and winding road
No Otis? Seems like a pretty serious oversight there.
Otis is awesome, but i think it’s great to hear some other names, I second the choice of Bell. Ohio PLayers, Meters etc on the next edition?
You know, Sascha, I don’t really know shit about the Ohio Players- all I know is that you’re the second homie to tell me I got to up my OP knowledge. Guess that means I gotta pull my head out of my ass and get it together. Expect some Ohio Players on the next soul/funk-infused playlist