Those Good Tears ...

Today, I came across one of those XYZ "Reacts to a Song" videos on Youtube while I was ironing. (Yes, I am old school in regard to my wardrobe, too.) There was that young man trying to describe his emotional reaction to Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream." I think his name was Jim ... He kept reiterating the fact that he didn't know anything about Elvis's life story, and that now he's heard this song, he has to find out more about him. He should do it, if only to get a better understanding of what the American Dream is all about. 

So, here goes ol' Raggedy with tears in her eyes because "If I Can Dream" does that to her, and she tries to think of a song or voice that never fails to do the same. And guess who I immediately thought of? It was Levi Stubbs. Yes! The song: "Walk Away Renee."  Of course, I looked for the song, but on my way there, I came across this little gem that also made me cry. I guess, once an emotion has been triggered, it is hard to stop. I consider these tears good ones, though. 

This video apparently shows the last time Levi Stubbs sang for his (and, of course, The Four Tops') fans. Goodness, his voice was still all Levi. Theo Peoples, the ex Temptation, sang lead in this video. As always, Theo is doing a perfect job. And the Tops still had the moves. Simply splendid. 

The description of the video says: "Levi Stubbs briefly sings for his fans .... if you listen carefully you can hear him start singing in 2:13 of the video." It definitely was a great performance anyway, but seeing and hearing Levi again was so touching. 

Here we go

 

 

And here's one of my favorite Four Tops songs

   

WRAG Radio Raggedy “Slow, Soft and Deep”

Here comes a WRAG Mix Cloud post from 9 years ago … I love each and every title from this set. 

It’s just unbelievable that I have been doing this for such a long time. 

Just goes to show ,though, that good music never gets old or sounds less wonderful as it ages. 

Enjoy!

 

The O’Jays — “Stairway To Heaven” (very) live

This is a fantastic video of the O'Jays live on Soul Train. I am watching it over and over and ... again.

I know it's useless to wish and hope that the entertainment industry will bring back artists like these. They had class and style -- and actually knew their "trade", so to speak. Not only could they sing, but they also made a song come alive. 

So, so great and so, so (a)live!

John Edwards -- “Spread The News”

Enjoy another beautiful song by John Edwards!

I am hibernating here; it’s too hot to do much … But this song needs to be shared!

 

 

Candles For William Hart of the Delfonics (January 17, 1945 - July 14, 2022 )

Here comes another heartbreak. William Hart, lead singer and founding member of the Delfonics, has died July 14, 2022. According to his son, he succumbed to complications from surgery at age 77. 

May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

The Chi-Lites -- "Try My Side Of Love"

The Chi-Lites going funky disco sound ... Not bad.

Loleatta Holloway -- This Man's Arms

This title has been released in the UK by Kent in 1995 for an Anniversary Special. It is the B side of John Edwards’ “Aint It Good Enough”.

 

Lee Fields -- "You Made A New Man Out Of Me" and "Meet Me Tonight"

Soultaker's last Mixcloud post reminded me of this great performer. I've blogged about him a few times, though, starting in 2009.

Lee Fields' music is funky through and through and James Brown's influence is quite obvious. That's why Lee's nickname is Little JB. A great example of Fields' funk supreme is You Made A New Man Out Of Me from his 2002 Album Problems. 

Meet Me Tonight, however, leans more in the direction of Deep/Southern Soul, and I l.o.v.e it. 

 

Pool Party 2022

We have record temps here in Texas. I stay holed up in the house all day long, but when that crazy old sun finally gets ready for bed I am outside by the pool. The music is playing and the world is alright again ... It doesn't matter if there's no one else but me around. A pool party doesn't need many people -- me and my music is all it takes. And there goes ol' Raggedy having a party. 

Pool Party 2022

Intro

Temptations — Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

Archie Bell & The Drells — Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love

Eliminators — Loving Explosion

The JB’s — Gimme Some More

Clay Hammond — Dance Little Girl

Jackie Wilson — Higher and Higher

Clarence Murray —Dancing To The Beat

The Spinners — Working My Way Back To You

Val Martinez — Someone’s Gonna Cry

Tyrone Davis —Get On Up

Ohio Players — A Little Soul Party

Exportations — Fell In Love Too Late

Johnny Nash — I’m Leaving

Dave Barker — Do Your Thing

Outro

WRAG-Radio Raggedy: Philly Sound Galore

I was in the mood for a heavy dose of Philly Sound. So I put some songs together I came up with off the top of my head. I do hope you all love them as much as I do!

Enjoy!

Intro

TSOP - MFSB

Dirty Old Man — Three Degrees

Bad Luck — Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

For The Love Of Money — The O’Jays

I Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love) — Stylistics

Don’t Give Up On Me Baby — Billy Paul

Me And Mrs. Jones — The Dramatics

It May Be Winter Outside — SAL SOUL Orchestra

Everything’s Coming Up Love — David Ruffin

Love Epidemic — Trammps

Here Comes The Hurt Again — The Manhattans

The Hustle — Van McCoy

Outro

    

Philly Sound Galore

Billy Young -- 'Have Pity On Me" and "Nothing's Too Much"

Oh my! I am doing the Deep Soul thing again. Can't help it. 

Billy Young was born in Daingerfield, TX in 1941, and he died in TX on August 19, 1999. 

For more info about this artist, please go to Sir Shambling's website for an interesting read -- and more music by Billy Young.

And yes! There is a heavy dose of Otis Redding's signature style in these songs. 

David Ruffin -- "A Little More Trust"

This track is from his 1973 album David Ruffin. 

Here are the tracks from the album:

		The Rovin' Kind	3:10
		Common Man	2:59
		I'm Just A Mortal Man	2:47
		(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right	4:14
		There Will Always Be Another Song To Sing	2:47
		I Miss You (Part 1)	3:40
		Blood Doners Needed (Give All You Can)	6:15
		A Little More Trust	2:57
		Go On With Your Bad Self	2:30
		Day In The Life, Of A Working Man

The background vocals on the album are by the Andantes. 

 

 

Spencer Wiggins -- "I'd Rather Go Blind"

 

There are songs that have been covered by a lot of artists, and each and every cover of it, seems to be fantastic. Spencer Wiggins' take on "I'd Rather Go Blind" is one I do love. It's powerful and as soulful as Deep Soul can be.

Spencer Wiggins was born January 8, 1942 in Memphis, TN. In the mid 60's, he started recording for Goldwax and Fame. 

For a wonderful and detailed bio of this artist, please visit Derek's Music Blog.

Rockie Robbins -- ""After Loving You" and "For The Sake Of A Memory" (Repost)

Two of the most beautiful love songs ever.

Rockie Robbins is yet another outstanding vocalist who never got the recognition he deserved. 

Todays tracks are from his second album "You And Me" which was released in spring 1980. The title song reached # 9 on the R&B charts.

If these love ballads sound a bit like Jeffrey Osborne songs, it is because Rockie Robbins worked with Osborne's producer.

Rockie Robbins ist eine meiner Neuentdeckungen. Die Titel, die ich hier vorstelle sind von seinem zweiten Album "You And Me", das im Fruehjahr 1980 erschien. Der Titelsong erreichte # 9 in den R&B charts.
Wenn seine Balladen sich etwas nach Jeffrey Osborne anhoeren, so liegt das daran, dass Rockie mit dem gleichen Produzenten arbeitete.

   

Tavares -- "Never Had A Love Like This Before"

 

Don’t you love this intro?     

The Four Tops -- "Left With A Broken Heart"

The year was 1964 ... 

This track from The Four Tops album was written by Marv Johnson who was one of Motown's pioneers and helped create the typical Motown sound. He decided, however, to continue his career in the UK and Australia where his music was in high demand. 

He died in Columbia, SC on May16, 1993. 

There are acoustically better versions of the song on Youtube. I decided to post this one because of the great picture. This is Motown pure. 

"Left With A Broken Heart," however, never enjoyed the appreciation it deserved. 

 

You all have a wonderful weekend!     

The Temptations -- "Bluebird"

David Ruffin, better known as My David, was an amazing vocalist. We all agree, I am sure. But his German pronunciation in this song is quite amazing, too. I wonder who taught him the German words to this song. It's not necessarily a masterpiece, but quite pleasant to listen to. It's also interesting to hear David's young voice. The grit is missing, but his unmatched soft high notes are as beautiful as they would be for the rest of his life. 

He was the greatest.

 

WRAG-Radio Raggedy: So What? It’s Monday (Repost)

Every day is just what you make of it -- even Monday!

 

It's Monday. So What? by Radio Raggedy on Mixcloud

Ray Charles -- "A Song For You" live

I’ve heard so many different versions of this jewel of a song, but Ray’s is the unique one. 

Johnny Taylor -- "As Long As I Don't See You"

Happy weekend everyone! 

"Little" J.T. Recorded this funky track in 1972.