O.T. Sykes
O.T. Sykes, known as the "singing dentist," was a soul, R&B, and blues artist born in Cross County, Arkansas. He gained recognition for his 1981 album First Love, which became popular in the tri-state area and featured tracks like "My First Love," "Stone Crush On You," "Come Be My Lady," and "Licensed To Love."
Sykes balanced dentistry with music, earning praise as one of the finest soul singers among enthusiasts, with his work produced by Jeffrey Singleton. His songs have appeared in modern soul playlists and radio shows like NTS's Altered Soul Experiment. The album was reissued by Everland Music, cementing his cult status in soul circles.
Limited biographical details exist beyond his Arkansas roots and dual professions, as he remains an obscure figure with no widely documented death date, though recent social media posts reflect ongoing fan appreciation.
First Love
Written-By – Jeffery Singleton, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 4:03
A2 Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
Written-By – Derek Gasque, Teddy Rouche, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 3:42
A3 Come Be My Lady
Written-By – Jeffery Singleton, O. T. Sykes, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 4:35
A4 Licensed To Love
Written-By – Wayne Douglas, Jr. 4:03
B1 My First Love
Written-By – Leon Watson, O. T. Sykes, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 4:16
B2 Stone Crush On You
Written-By – Leon Watson, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 5:10
B3 You Bring Out The Best In Me
Written-By – Leon Watson, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 4:02
B4 Something's Burning
Written-By – Avelio King, Jeffery Singleton, Robert Singleton, Tim Hinson, Wayne Douglas, Jr. 3:57
Label: Fun City Records – FC 441
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Disco Funk, Boogie
The First Love album by O.T. Sykes is a highly regarded 1981 soul and R&B record, celebrated by connoisseurs for its smooth, heartfelt vocals and polished production.
O.T. Sykes, an American soul and R&B singer who was famously nicknamed "The Singing Dentist" because he maintained his dental practice throughout his music career.
A blend of smooth R&B, funk, and soul, the album is classified as a classic of crossover soul and funk, with influences of disco and jazz. It is noted for its "warm and vibrant" music, perfect production, and precise performances.
It was written, played, and produced by Sykes and Jeffrey Singleton, utilizing the talent of the rich music scene in Memphis, TN.
Reviewers and listeners consider it a "very soulful LP" that stands the test of time. Sykes is respected for making high-quality music without selling out to the mainstream pop market. The vocals and lyrics are often described as "amazing".
The album was written, played, and produced by Sykes himself alongside Jeffrey Singleton and other top musicians from the rich Memphis, Tennessee music scene.
The album is praised for its authentic, "true soul music" sound, steering clear of the overcrowded pop market of the time. It features a range of tracks, from upbeat, infectious tunes to soul-stirring ballads, all showcasing Sykes' emotive style and smooth vocal delivery. The lyrics explore the highs and lows of love with warmth and sincerity.
Original copies of the vinyl LP are difficult to find and command high prices among collectors (often hundreds of dollars), leading to several welcome reissues by labels like Everland.