Aired on Treasure Island Oldies – May 2018
Over the years there have been a number of recordings that pay tribute to past records, artists or the times.
Some good examples are Chris Montez’s 1962 hit “Let’s Dance” which features the popular dances of the times – the Twist, the Popeye, and the Mash Potato. Then there’s Tommy Dee’s 1959 tear jerker, “The Three stars.” which pays homage to the late Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and the Big Bopper. And, of course, we can’t forget Danny & The Juniors’ proclamation that “Rock And Roll Is Here To Stay.”
In 1967, a young black singer showed his respect for soul music in a release that he co-wrote.
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Three years earlier, in 1964, our feature artist from Atlanta, Georgia moved to a Baltimore-based label. In 1967, through his recordings, he met Otis Redding. Together they sat down and re-worked the Sam Cooke song, “Yeah Man.”
The eventual recording was made at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It became a massive hit, going to the #2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 and Top 10 across much of Europe. It sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.
In this tribute to soul music and current performers of the 60s, our feature artist spotlights Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, James Brown and Otis Redding (even though he helped write it!).
The song is very smooth and soulful and like the late Arthur Conley sings, it’s all about “Sweet Soul Music,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
YouTube listing of the song:
This “Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
