Solomon Burke: The King of Rock 'n' Soul

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8 Mar 2024

Birth and Upbringing: Born James Solomon McDonald on March 21, 1936, in West Philadelphia, Solomon Burke was deeply influenced by his grandmother, Eleanor Moore, and his early exposure to a blend of gospel, jazz, country, and blues.
Boy Wonder Preacher: Solomon, consecrated as a bishop at birth, began preaching at the age of seven at Solomon's Temple, showcasing a charismatic preaching style.

Work Ethic: Despite his young age, Solomon took on various odd jobs to support his family, displaying an entrepreneurial spirit with ventures like a car wash and a hot dog stand.
Early Exposure to Music: Solomon's grandmother encouraged his musical interests, leading him to absorb influences from various genres. By age 12, he led a gospel quartet and hosted a gospel radio show.

Gospel Cavaliers: Solomon formed the quartet the Gospel Cavaliers in his teenage years, performing in churches and winning a gospel talent contest.
Solo Career: After signing with Apollo Records in the late 1950s, Solomon Burke's early releases, including "Christmas Presents" and "You Can Run (But You Can't Hide)," faced challenges in achieving commercial success.

Challenges at Apollo Records: Burke's time at Apollo Records was marred by a violent dispute with his manager, Kae Williams, leading to his departure from the label.
Triumph Records: Burke faced setbacks, including homelessness and marital struggles, but continued to pursue his passion. He signed with Triumph Records, facing contractual hurdles.

Management Contract with Babe Chivian: Philadelphia businessman Babe Chivian offered Burke a management contract, leading to a deal with Singular Records. Despite releases like "Doodle Dee Doo" and "This Little Ring," chart success remained elusive.
Resilience and Adaptability: Solomon Burke's determination and adaptability during these early challenges laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to prominence in the world of soul music.

Founding Father of Soul: Solomon Burke is celebrated as one of the founding fathers of soul music, contributing to its evolution and shaping its distinctive sound.
Influence and Titles: Despite not achieving the same level of chart success as some contemporaries, Burke's influence and talent earned him titles like "King Solomon," the "King of Rock 'n' Soul," and the "Bishop of Soul."
Chart-Topping Hits: Burke's string of hits, including "Cry to Me," "If You Need Me," "Got to Get You Off My Mind," "Down in the Valley," and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," showcased his soulful voice and powerful articulation.
Awards and Recognition: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, Burke's album "Don't Give Up on Me" earned a Grammy Award in 2003 for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Enduring Legacy: Rolling Stone recognized Solomon Burke as one of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" in 2008, and his music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

References;

Jonathan Valania (July 17, 2002). "Solomon Burke brings it home". Philadelphia Weekly. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2009.
"Soul Story |TimeLife.com | Soul Music | R&B Music". www.timelife.com. Archived from the original on July 27, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
Leigh, Spencer (October 11, 2010). "Solomon Burke: The 1960s 'King of Rock and Soul' who enjoyed a modern". The Independent. Retrieved February 20, 2018. Everything about the soul singer Solomon Burke was larger than life: his gargantuan frame, his dynamic vocals, his prodigious recording output and his huge family.
Chalmers, Robert (June 29, 2008). "Solomon Burke: last of the great soul men". The Independent. London.
David Cantwell, "Editorial Review"
Wexler 1993, p. 49.
Greg Kot, "Solomon Burke Dead at 70; 'The King of Rock and Soul'", Chicago Tribune (October 10, 2010).