WRAG Radio Raggedy

Monday, August 4, 2014

Anna King -- "If Somebody Told You"


Anna King is one of the women James Brown considered worthy to tour with his group during the 60's. In 1964, he produced her only album, Back To Soul.  She joined James Brown's show, replacing Tammi Terrell in 1963.
Today's song is one of the titles James Brown wrote as well as produced for Anna.

Given Brown's involvement, King's releases for the Smash label often resembled his own early-'60s singles in their tough brand of early soul, though Anna had a respectably strong, earthy voice of her own. King left Brown's show in early 1965, and strangely considering the modest commercial success she enjoyed, she released just one more single, which came out in 1965 on the End label. She did later sing with Duke Ellington's band for about a year and a half (though she didn't record with them), but left popular music for gospel, performing and recording as part of the Brockington Choral Ensemble.  (allmusic.com)




2 comments:

Soultaker said...

I was just listening to this song this past weekend. Great early JB production. A great unknown JB soul sista.

Raggedy said...

I agree. Anna King should have become one of the great names in soul music.