The Bishop, the King of Rock and Soul, Brother Solomon: it takes three titles to encompass the talent and greatness of one of soul music's founders. Solomon Burke is literally and musically a heavy weight who can claim that he was there, at soul's creation in the early sixties. Take away this grandfather's (he has more then 20 children and grandchildren by the bushel) ermine coat, his crown and his throne, he'll still be an impressive star who can get bluesy when the Holy Spirit is with him. Blue Papa danced often on his music in the sixties. That can not be done anymore (I mean dancing), but I can stil listen and would be prepared to buy a earing aid if necessary. Well, those who don't know him can google: enough info available on the web about this guy. Who knows, maybe there are still Stones fans who'll find out this way that "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love" was not written by Jagger/Richards or Nanker Phelge. Those who discovered the Blues after seeing the Blues Brothers movie will get wiser also.

A short statement: the recommended records in this department can be completed with more recent material, that's up to you guys. Blue Papa only looks back to older stuff and puts it again in the spotlights. About Solomon: "Home In Your Heart" is a two-disc survey of Burke's six-year span with Atlantic. Buy it immediately when you find it. In the period that others messed with disco and other noises, Solomon kicked back with "Soul Alive!", the registration of a 1981 concert that showed he could still show the world what soul is all about. If it were up to me, I'd consider Solomon even somewhat above James Brown or Otis Redding. But he still does it! See ya'll!

Video: Solomon Burke - Down In The Valley

Home In Your Heart - Rhino/Atlantic 1992
Soul Alive! - Rounder 1988

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