David Simmons
David Simmons is a Philadelphia-bred soul and disco singer recognized for a baritone voice frequently compared to Teddy Pendergrass. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he attended high school with fellow soul artist Bunny Sigler.
He began his recording career with high school friends in a group called The Exzels, recording the single "Hit Talk" with producer Bobby Martin. In 1975, he formed the group Neo Experience with Vera Brown (later of The Richie Family), releasing the singles "Human" and "Eternal Sunshine".
He signed as a solo artist to the WMOT/Fantasy label in 1978, and released two critically acclaimed albums: Hear Me Out (1978) and The World Belongs To Me (1979).
While he did not achieve major mainstream pop success, he is well-regarded in the soul and "rare groove" scenes. His most notable chart appearances and popular tracks include:-
"Holdin' Back" (1979): His most significant chart success, reaching the US R&B charts after being featured on his second album, The World Belongs To Me.
"All the Man I Need": Simmons originally recorded this as a duet with Kathy Sledge in 1982. While their version did not reach the high chart positions of Whitney Houston's later cover, it is considered one of his most significant works.
"Love Tonight" (1984): Initially released on the Pearl Harbor label in Philadelphia, it was later picked up for major distribution by Atlantic Records and remains a favorite among soul collectors.
"Will They Miss Me When I'm Gone" (1978): A popular track from his debut solo album Hear Me Out.
"All I Wanna Do (Is Make A Little Love To You)" (1979): This song gained significant airplay on soul radio stations, particularly in London.
Hear Me Out
Written-By – Simmons, D. James, L. James 3:32
A2 Once In A While
Written-By – Butch Ingram 4:11
A3 Yesterday's Song
Written By – Barry, Williams 4:30
A4 Success
Written-By – D. James, L. James 6:33
B1 Taxi - Greyhound Station
Written-By – Burton, Terry 3:50
B2 I'll Be What You Want
Written-By – Butch Ingram 4:00
B3 Hard And Heavy
Written-By – Barrow, McLean 4:03
B4 Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Written-By – John Loudermilk 3:50
B5 It's A Shame
Written-By – Butch Ingram 3:39
Label: Fantasy WMOT Records – F-9561
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
David Simmons' debut album, Hear Me Out, was released in April 1978. A Philadelphia-based soul, disco, and funk artist, Simmons delivered a project that collectors and critics often categorize as a "hidden jewel" of the era.
Modern retrospective reviews praise the album's flawless mix and production, noting that it captures a perfect 1978 rock-soul sound. The record is characterized by a mix of uptempo funky soul and Ray Charles-style soul ballads.
Simmons is noted for having a familiar yet distinctive soul voice. His performance on the album is often described as smooth and professional, fitting the high standards of late-70s R&B production.
The album maintains high standing among collectors on platforms like Discogs, where it holds an average rating of 4.29 out of 5 stars based on community feedback.
Listeners frequently praise Simmons as a "huge talent" and "as good as it gets" for soul vocalists. His voice is often compared to Teddy Pendergrass, though fans appreciate that he maintained his own identity rather than becoming a mere sound-alike.
Specific tracks cited for their impact include "Will They Miss Me" and "Love Tonight," both of which gained significant traction among soul fans in the UK.
The album is noted for its high-quality production typical of the WMOT label, featuring "melodic riffage," "solid drums and bass," and "clever techniques" with synths.
On collector platforms like Discogs, the album maintains a strong reputation: One version holds an average rating of 4.29/5 based on user ratings. Other listings show ratings as high as 5/5, reflecting deep appreciation from the niche soul community.
Collector Status: Reviews from buyers on eBay and Amazon often describe it as a "classic" and a must-have for fans of Philadelphia soul.
While he remains relatively "unknown" to mainstream audiences, he is highly regarded by soul enthusiasts who consider his work some of the "hidden jewels of soul and disco"