Natalie Cole > This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
Composed (& produced) by Chuck Jackson & Marvin Yancy
Soul was on its way out in 1975 when Chuck Jackson & Marvin Yancy produced this last gasp of primo Chicago soul for Los Angeles native Natalie Cole.
Tyrone Davis > Turn Back the Hands of Time
Composed by Jack Daniels & Bonnie Thompson
The Chicago soul machine was two thirds through it’s heyday, but no one thought to mention it to Tyrone, who whipped up his biggest hit ever in 1970.
Jerry Butler > He Will Break Your Heart
Composed by Jerry Butler, Calvin Carter & Curtis Mayfield
Jerry and Curtis joined the Impressions, made a hit, then Jerry quit and Curtis wrote his next #1. Chicago soul swirled around these two for the next 20 years. (And yes, Tony Orlando & Dawn renamed the song and rode it to the top of the pops.)
Fontella Bass > Rescue Me
Composed by Raynard Miner & Carl Smith
Chess Records was the premiere Chicago blues label, but it was also the city’s top R’n’R and soul outfit. And Fontella (once married to avant trumpeter Lester Bowie) was Chess’ American soul diva until Atlantic’s Aretha.
The Impressions > Amen
Composed by Curtis Mayfield
There’s only one way to kick off a week of Chicago soul, a music and place as rich and broad as America. Curtis Mayfield (starting with his adopted group, The Impressions) somehow embodies all those who came before and set the stage for everyone who came after. Somehow or other he melded blues, pop, and gospel together like no one else.
Chicago Soul Week #1
Legends of Soul #15 (The Impressions)
Legends of Soul #16 (Curtis Mayfield)
