Freddie Waters
Freddie Waters was an American soul singer known for his regional hits in the Southern music scene during the 1960s and 1970s. Born Fred Waters Jr. on December 18, 1942, he rose from Nashville's vibrant R&B circuit before passing away on August 23, 2000.?
Waters launched his music journey in mid-1960s Nashville as lead vocalist for the Hytones, a vocal group that gained exposure on the TV show "The Night Train." Producer Robert Holmes spotted them, recording obscure 45s on an Excello subsidiary before transitioning to Ted Jarrett's Ref-O-Ree label, where Waters paired with Hytones member Eddie Frierson for Sam & Dave-style duets.
Waters went solo on Ref-O-Ree, scoring regional successes like "Singing A New Song," which Curtis Mayfield reissued on Curtom, boosting its Southern reach and drawing Stax Records interest. Later, with Jarrett and Holmes at Nashville's Audio Media studio, he signed to October Records, releasing the regional hit "I'm Afraid To Let You Into My Life" and the album Just Enough To Get Me Cool.
In the 1980s, Waters focused on live performances, teaming with Jimmy Church for Mid-South revue shows featuring his classic tracks. Posthumous releases highlighted covers like "Groovin' on My Baby's Love" on Stax compilations, preserving his funky soul legacy tied to Memphis and Nashville scenes.
Just Enough To Get Me Cool
A2 Being For Real Is Where It Is 3:25
A3 One Way Ticket To Love 3:23
A4 I'm Gonna Walk Right Out Of Your Life 3:40
A5 Your Love Is The Kind I've Been Waiting For 3:53
B1 Fighting A Losing Battle 3:20
B2 I'm Afraid To Let You Into My Life 3:44
B3 What Is Love Without An Understanding 3:20
B4 The Sun Is Always Shining 3:30
B5 Shake Down 2:27
Label: October Records Inc. – ORI-3001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Freddie Waters's 1977 album Just Enough To Get Me Cool is a cult classic among Southern Soul and Northern Soul enthusiasts, particularly noted for its rare groove and deep soul tracks.
The album is a highly sought-after collector's item, especially on vinyl, and is not widely known among the general public.
The limited number of user ratings on sites like Discogs and Rate Your Music indicate a strong appreciation among a niche audience, often giving it high marks (an average of 4.57/5 stars from 7 ratings on Discogs).
Key Tracks and Highlights
"I'm Afraid To Let You Into My Life": This track is often highlighted as a wonderful vocal performance that is "soul-soothing". It was a regional hit for Waters when released as a single on the October label.
"Just Enough To Get Me Cool" (title track): Described by some as a "proper funky little number" that blends funk and disco elements. It features a "super cool drum groove," a catchy bass line, and an excellent brass section, making it an engaging and danceable tune.
"Bigger And Better": The flipside to his second single on the Abet label, this mid-tempo soulful dancer gained significant popularity in the UK Northern Soul scene in the 1980s.
Just Enough To Get Me Cool is considered a hidden gem that showcases Waters' rich, soulful voice and the quality production of the Nashville R&B scene of the late 1960s and 1970s. While Freddie Waters never achieved household name status, some critics suggest that with a few good breaks, he could have been a major force in the soul world. The album is cherished for its authentic, heartfelt soul music that has stood the test of time for dedicated fans.