Don Covay and the Jefferson Lemon Blues Band
Don Covay, born Donald Randolph on March 24, 1936, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was an influential American R&B, rock and roll, and soul singer-songwriter. Covay grew up in a musical environment, being the son of a Baptist preacher who died when he was eight years old. His early exposure to music significantly shaped his career path.
Covay's musical journey began in the early 1950s, where he gained recognition as a talented songwriter. His work has been recorded by numerous prominent artists, including Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, and Lena Horne, showcasing his versatility and impact on the music industry. He was known for his dynamic stage presence and compelling vocal style, which earned him a loyal fan base throughout his career.
He released several notable albums, with one of his more adventurous works titled "The House of Blue Lights," released in 1969. This album was aimed at reaching a broader underground audience and highlighted his eclectic musical influences. Covay's songwriting contributions and performances solidified his reputation as a key figure in the genres of soul and R&B until his passing on January 31, 2015.
At the end of the 1960s, Don Covay formed the Jefferson Lemon Blues Band, a project that allowed him to explore more diverse musical styles. Despite the name, the band was characterized by a fine-tuned funk sound, showcasing Covay's ability to adapt and innovate within the changing musical landscape.
The band aimed to expand on Covay's already established presence in the music scene, blending elements of blues, funk, and rock, thus continuing to evolve his artistic expression. The Jefferson Lemon Blues Band contributed to Covay's legacy as an artist who continually sought to push creative boundaries throughout his career.
Covay formed the Jefferson Lemon Blues Band (JLBB) around 1969 with members like John Hammond Jr. and Joe Richardson, releasing albums like The House of Blue Lights and Different Strokes for Different Folks, blending blues with funk and soul, before Covay found major solo success with tracks like "Superdude" and "Rumble in the Jungle". The band showcased Covay's gritty vocals and songwriting, featuring blues and funk grooves, and served as a bridge in his career between his Soul Clan project and his major solo hits in the 1970s, establishing a distinctive sound before disbanding.
Different Strokes For Different Folks
A2 Daddy Please Don't Go Out Tonight (Eva Darby 4:30)
A3 Why Did You Put Shoes Under My Head (Don Covay 3:42)
A4 Stop By (Don Covay, Jimmy Norman 3:20)
A5 Bad Luck (Don Covay 4:15)
A6 Hitching A Ride (Peter Callander, Mitch Murray 3:50)
B1 Standing In The Grits Line (Don Covay 4:15)
B2 In The Sweet Bye & Bye (Don Covay 7:15)
B3 Ain't Nothing A Young Girl Can Do (Don Covay 3:05)
B4 If There's A Will There's A Way (Don Covay, Donny Hathaway 3:33)
B5 What's In The Headlines (Don Covay 4:45)
Label: Janus Records – JLS-3038
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The album Different Strokes for Different Folks by Don Covay and The Jefferson Lemon Blues Band is a 1972 release that presents an eclectic blend of funk, soul, gospel, rock, and blues, known for its raw, gritty, and hardened edge. It is considered a hidden gem that bridged the gap between different musical styles of the era.
Following his departure from Atlantic Records, Don Covay, an immensely influential songwriter known for hits like Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools," released this album as his second collaboration with the Jefferson Lemon Blues Band on the Janus label. The album was largely recorded at the prestigious Muscle Shoals Studios in Alabama, utilizing the renowned studio musicians known as the Swampers.
The record stands out for its versatile sound, blending Southern R&B with a distinct, raw vibe that defies easy categorization. Covay's vocals range from a gritty, powerful tone in hard funk tracks like "Hitching a Ride" to a warm, gentle touch in ballads such as "Stop By". The songwriting is also notable for its depth, as seen in "Daddy, Please Don't Go Out Tonight," which tells the poignant story of a veteran adjusting to civilian life, and the socially conscious "What's In The Headlines".