Moving is never “fun” but along the way (if you’re lucky) you find little treasures.
During our latest move, I found boxes and cases with interviews.
It got me to thinking – where is that Solomon Burke Interview?
We had talked at the Edmonton Folk Festival several years earlier and in 2010 when he was releasing a new album Nothing’s Impossible.
Produced by Willie Mitchell in Memphis. Same Studio, producer, musicians as Rev Al Green!
We had a great chat and off he went – passing away weeks later as he passed through Amsterdam’s airport.
I simply couldn’t find the heart to go back and listen to the interview. Every time I heard the first words I started to tear up.
So. I walked away from the interview thinking the day will come when I can deal with it.
Well, today’s the day.
Solomon Burke was asked in an interview “are you a gospel/church singer or a blues singer?”..Solomon’s reply was “I’m a soul singer”
He was the first artist to use the phrase.
The man was a preacher, singer, writer, mortician! When it came to the music business he was not to be messed with.
If you get a chance check out his life story. It’s a wild ride.
Solomon Burke by-the-numbers
Performed 55 years. 38 studio albums. 17 record labels. Grammy winner. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 17 million albums sold. In 2008 was #89 of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 greatest singers of all time.
AND Father 21 children and Grandfather of 90 Grandkids.