RIP Jerry Butler

[JSngry]

https://apnews.com/article/jerry-butler-soul-singer-dead-85-1148f5bc574c4e8b82d8f0e550921980

 

 

[felser]

Great singer, fascinating life.  RIP.

[John L]

Damn!  He was a favorite of mine.  RIP

 

So who is the greatest living classic soul singer now?   Maybe Gladys Knight, William Bell, Ronnie Isley, Stevie Wonder. Ann Peebles, Aaron Neville or Mavis Staples?   There are not too many left.  

Edited February 22, 2025 by John L

[felser]

1 hour ago, John L said:

So who is the greatest living classic soul singer now?   Maybe Gladys Knight, William Bell, Ronnie Isley, Stevie Wonder. Ann Peebles, Aaron Neville or Mavis Staples?   There are not too many left.  

Great question.  I would subjevtively add Brenda Holloway to the list, "Every Little Bit Hurts" still sends shivers through me when I hear it.  Also Martha Reeves maybe. YMMV.

[JSngry]

Al Green, Laura Lee, and Millie Jackson are still alive.

[John L]

5 hours ago, JSngry said:

Al Green, Laura Lee, and Millie Jackson are still alive.

Very true!  I guess that Smokey Robinson also deserves a nod.  And there is Bettye Lavette!   Add Latimore and Wee Willie Walker.    Still, there aren't many. 

[mjazzg]

This thread is making me think where is @soulpope. He hasn't posted for a while now and he'd surely have commented here.

I hope he's ok

[John L]

Speaking of classic soul singers, I just heard that Gwen McCrae left the building.