Aw hell, not Marva Whitney as well - I blame JB for this thing about great soul singers dying around Christmas, the man did however keep the prime date for himself. Marva isn't an immediately recognised name outside of soul circles but she was a force to be reckoned with and cut some great stuff with the JBs and on her own - not often found on comps but worth digging around for. James Brown dubbed her Soul Sister #1 and that's good enough for me, though it seems James also gave her a pretty hard time (and there's nothing new in hearing that...) and there's still some tracks out there that he never let her put out. Enjoy the track below, with the JBs, oh and those dancers...
Now I've got tickets for Lee Perry next month - not a soul singer I'll grant you, but I'm feeling mighty touchy as to whether he'll make it through January given his age... I'l let you know.
The grim reaper had a busy festive season. Nice tribute Bel Mondo - lovin' those dancers, but isn't that Marsha Hunt in the main photo?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Mr Perry. As you might know, I love almost everything about the man, but, from personal experience, if he chooses to grace you with his version of 'I Wish it Would Rain', treat it as a useful opportunity to visit the bar! I hope you'll share your thoughts on the gig.
You know what - I think that you're right.... as you can now see I've gone for a more reliable pic of Marva... In my defence I can only say that many others out there made the same mistake (well, where else would I pinch the pic from - actually it was the NY Times !) but that really is no excuse so thanks for pointing it out. I'm looking forward to Scratch - a small venue too tho, so wouldn't want him to see me sneaking out for a pint...
DeleteOh dear, this is fast turning into an obituary column... I love that early pic of Marva (and she looks a bit like Marsha Hunt there too). Those dancers... why doesn't anyone look (or dance) quite like that now?
ReplyDeleteJealous about Lee Perry! Fingers firmly crossed that he bucks the trend and makes an appearance on these pages whilst very much alive and well, after the event.
I'm going to hope no-one else pops their sneakers in the next few weeks - hopefully back to the less grim shortly - mmm and yes she did look a bit like Marsha....see above !
DeleteNever ever gets old. Excellent clip.
ReplyDeleteHope he makes it...fingers crossed.
Many thanks - I have high hopes that Scratch, who is probably already about 129, will outlive us all since he certainly seems to have a hotline to those in charge of such things...
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