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 of 21 children and Grandfather of 90 Grandkids.