Millie Jackson
American R&B and soul singer-songwriter Millie Jackson (born Mildred Virginia Jackson on July 15, 1944), is renowned for her powerful voice and pioneering "raps"—long, often raunchy spoken-word monologues about relationships, infidelity, and se.x Over a career spanning six decades, she has released 28 albums and sold over 40 million copies, earning the title "Godmother of Rap" for her influence on modern hip-hop and R&B. Born in Thomson, Georgia, she moved to Newark, New Jersey, at age 15 after her mother's death. She later moved to Brooklyn to live with an aunt. Before singing, she worked as a model for magazines like JIVE and Sepia. Her music career reportedly began on a dare in 1964 when she performed at a talent contest at Smalls Paradise in Harlem and won.
She initially recorded for MGM Records in 1970 before signing a long-term deal with Spring Records. Her first charting single was "A Child of God (It's Hard to Believe)" in 1971. Her breakthrough came with songs like "Ask Me What You Want" and "My Man, a Sweet Man" (1972). In 1973, "It Hurts So Good" reached #3 on the R&B charts and was featured in the film Cleopatra Jones.
Jackson became famous for her 1974 concept album Caught Up, which explored a love triangle from both the wife's and mistress's perspectives. The album's hit "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right" earned her a Grammy nomination. Because of her explicit language and adult themes, many radio stations refused to play her music, yet she maintained a loyal "cult" following that led to multiple RIAA-certified gold albums, including Caught Up and Feelin' Bitchy.
In 1991, she wrote and starred in the successful touring play Young Man, Older Woman, based on her album of the same name. She also hosted a radio show on KKDA 730 AM in Dallas for 13 years, ending in 2012.
Jackson was inducted into the Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2015. She is the mother of R&B singer Keisha Jackson and son Jerroll Levert. She is not related to Michael Jackson or the Jackson 5.
Free And In Love
Written-By – C. Hampton, H. Banks 4:02
A2 I'm Free
Written-By – Levi Monroe, Millie Jackson 3:00
A3 Tonight I'll Shoot The Moon
Written-By – L. Struzick, S. Storm 3:08
A4 There You Are
Written-By – K. Sterling, Millie Jackson 4:02
A5 Do What Makes The World Go Round
Written-By – Clarence Reid 4:05
B1 Bad Risk
Written-By – B. Clements, P. Mitchell 4:26
B2 Feel Like Making Love
Written-By – N. Ralphs, P. Rogers 4:57
B3 Solitary Love Affair
Written-By – B. Kennedy, G. McKinney 3:48
B4 I'm In Love Again
Written-By – K. Sterling, Millie Jackson 7:21
Label: Spring Records – SP-1-6709
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Funk
Millie Jackson's 1976 album Free And In Love received a mixed but generally positive reception, with critics and fans praising her vocal performance and some individual tracks, though many felt it did not reach the classic status of her preceding concept albums, Caught Up and Still Caught Up. The album is noted for its exploration of a woman's journey to find love after freeing herself from a complicated affair, a thematic continuation of her previous works.
The album follows the narrative arc established in Caught Up and Still Caught Up. While the previous albums focused on the "other woman" dynamic and its emotional turmoil, Free And In Love shifts the focus to a newly liberated woman re-entering the dating world and seeking a meaningful relationship, a concept appreciated by some reviewers.
Recorded at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, the album features a blend of deep soul, R&B, and some disco elements, backed by the distinctive Muscle Shoals band. Some critics found the musical direction "directionless" at times, mixing strong soul ballads with what they considered mediocre disco tracks. The album incorporates heavy, "whammy" guitar sounds which were relatively new to soul records at the time.
Key Tracks:
"There You Are": Widely considered one of the standout tracks, praised as a sexy soul song that features a classic Millie Jackson monologue, where she spots a potential man of her dreams at a party.
"Feel Like Makin' Love": A cover of the Bad Company rock song, which was a surprising and "heavy" choice for a soul album. This track received mixed opinions; some praised her gutsy interpretation, while others felt it was a low point.
"A House for Sale": A uptempo tune that was a draw for some buyers, showcasing her versatility.
"I'm In Love Again": Noted for being a "talking blues" track that features her signature narrative style and vocal power.
While individual tracks are highly regarded and showcase Jackson's powerful voice and songwriting skills, the album as a whole is often viewed as less cohesive and impactful than her landmark Caught Up. Fan reviews on platforms like Amazon are largely positive, with many calling it an "excellent soul album" and a great addition to a collection.
Millie Jackson
Written-By – Raeford Gerald 3:37
A2 I Ain't Giving Up
Written-By – Dock Price, Jr., Joe Simon, Raeford Gerald 2:34
A3 I Miss You Baby
Written-By – Raeford Gerald 2:54
A4 A Child Of God (It's Hard To Believe)
Written-By – Don French, Millie Jackson 3:37
A5 Ask Me What You Want
Written-By – Billy Nichols, Millie Jackson 2:49
B1 My Man, A Sweet Man
Written-By – Raeford Gerald 2:30
B2 You're The Joy Of My Life
Written-By – Raeford Gerald, Reginald Spruill 3:08
B3 I Gotta Get Away (From My Own Self)
Written-By – Dock Price, Jr., Raeford Gerald 2:42
B4 I Just Can't Stand It
Written-By – Billy Nichols, Millie Jackson 3:01
B5 Strange Things
Written-By – Raeford Gerald 2:25
Label: Spring Records – SPR 5703
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Millie Jackson's 1972 self-titled debut album is hailed as a brilliant, foundational soul record, showcasing her unique blend of raw emotion, sass, and social commentary, featuring hits like "A Child of God" and "My Man, A Sweet Man," establishing her distinctive voice with spoken-word intros and powerful ballads and uptempo tracks, making it a stellar start to a legendary career despite limited initial chart success. Critics praise its confidence, "hurting so good" soul, and foreshadowing of her later spoken-word style, with modern reissues adding valuable bonus tracks.
Even on her first album, Jackson sounds fully formed, delivering "sass into soul" and "feist into funk," often rapping or speaking over music, long before rap was mainstream.
The album is a mix of Southern Soul ballads ("If This Is Love") and funkier mid-tempo grooves ("Strange Things").Standout Tracks:
"A Child of God (It's Hard to Believe)": Her first big hit, a powerful social commentary with signature spoken intro.
"My Man, A Sweet Man": A popular uptempo dancer in the UK, reminiscent of Motown.
"Ask Me What You Want": Another popular single.
"I Ain't Giving Up": A groovy track with a great arrangement and congo solo.
It's a remarkably confident and strong debut that perfectly sets the stage for Jackson's legendary career, offering pure, gritty soul music that was both sweet and spicy, making it a must-listen for soul fans.
Expanded CD versions from labels like Ace/Southbound are highly recommended, adding unissued tracks, alternate takes, and early session material, making them essential for fans.
The Moods Of Millie Jackson (Her Best Ballads)
2 A Love Of Your Own 4:30
3 I Can't Say Goodbye 4:45
4 From Her Arms To Mine 3:28
5 If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right 3:49
6 Solitary Love Affair 3:48
7 Special Occasion 4:01
8 It Hurts So Good 3:11
9 Good To The Very Last Drop 3:46
10 I'll Be Rolling (With The Punches) 3:05
11 I'm Tired Of Hiding 3:43
12 I'm Through Trying To Prove My Love To You 5:22
13 How Do You Feel The Morning After 2:59
14 Angel In Your Arms 4:04
15 I Just Can't Stand It 3:03
16 It's Gonna Take Some Time This Time 3:59
17 Loving Arms 3:43
18 Making The Best Of A Bad Situation 2:59
19 I Still Love You (You Still Love Me) 3:28
20 A Child Of God (It's Hard To Believe) 3:40
Label: Kent Soul – CDKEND 391
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2013
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Downtempo Soul, Ballad
The Moods Of Millie Jackson (Her Best Ballads) is a highly praised compilation that serves as a fantastic introduction or deep dive for fans of Millie Jackson's powerful, emotional soul ballads, showcasing her storytelling prowess with hits like "It Hurts So Good" and "If Loving You Is Wrong," along with deep cuts, all programmed to flow like a concept album, capturing her legendary raw delivery of relationship narratives. Reviewers highlight its excellent curation, featuring tracks from writers like Sam Dees and Phillip Mitchell, strong vocal performances, and a smooth sequencing that emphasizes her passionate, often explicit, storytelling.
It collects some of her finest down-tempo moments, ideal for those who prefer ballads over her raps or want a streamlined way to enjoy her slower material.
The album features iconic tracks like "It Hurts So Good," "If Loving You Is Wrong," "Special Occasion," and "Angel In Your Arms," alongside gems like "I Can't Say Goodbye". Compiled by Sean Hampsey, the tracks blend seamlessly, mimicking the feel of a conceptual album and enhancing the emotional journey.
It showcases Jackson's ability to deliver heartbreak and raw emotion through passionate singing and spoken intros, a hallmark of her "raunchy blues" style. It includes songs from renowned writers and highlights Millie's own co-writing contributions, making for a rich listening experience.
Recommended as the ideal entry point for new fans or a superb collection for existing ones. Described as perfect for a relaxed listening session, contrasting with more upbeat compilations. A powerful reminder of Millie Jackson's status as a supreme soul singer, able to convey profound feeling.