Junior Parker
Junior Parker, born Herman Parker Jr. on March 27, 1932, near Bobo, Mississippi, was a renowned American blues singer and harmonica player known for his smooth, velvety voice. He grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas, and honed his skills alongside figures like Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin' Wolf before launching his career.
Parker formed the Blue Flames band in 1951 with guitarist Pat Hare and debuted in 1952 on Modern Records via Ike Turner, releasing "You're My Angel." He signed with Sun Records in 1953, scoring hits like "Feelin' Good" (No. 5 on Billboard R&B), "Love My Baby," and "Mystery Train," later covered by Elvis Presley.
Joining Duke Records in 1955, Parker toured with Bobby Bland in the Blues Consolidated Revue and notched R&B hits including "Next Time You See Me" (1957), "Driving Wheel" (1961), and "Sweet Home Chicago." His versatile style blended down-home blues with uptown R&B, backed by brass sections.
After leaving Duke in 1966, he recorded for Mercury, Capitol, and others, with his last hit "Drowning on Dry Land" in 1971. Parker died on November 18, 1971, in Chicago from a brain tumor at age 39 and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001.
Love Ain’t Nothin’ But A Business Goin’ On
Written-By – Bobby Adams 3:20
A2 The Outside Man
Written-By – Van Leer, Moore, Parker 3:12
A3 Darling Depend On Me
Written-By – D Robey, F Washington 3:43
A4 Taxman
Written-By – George Harrison 3:42
A5 Rivers Invitation
Written-By – Percy Mayfield 2:45
B1 I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone
Written-By – Buddy Johnson 3:38
B2 Just To Hold My Hand
Written-By – Don Robey 3:51
B3 You Know I Love You
Written-By – R King, J Taub 3:33
B4 Lady Madonna
Written-By – J Lennon-P McCartney 2:12
B5 Tomorrow Never Knows
Written-By – J Lennon-P McCartney 3:25
Label: People – PLEO 18
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul, Blues
Style: Soul-Blues
Junior Parker's fLove Ain't Nothin' But A Business Goin' On (originally The Outside Man) is a highly-regarded, funky 1970s soul-blues album, celebrated for Parker's smooth vocals, tight rhythms by Horace Ott, heavy basslines, and its surprisingly fresh sound, especially notable for its inventive Beatles covers like a funk "Taxman" and psychedelic "Tomorrow Never Knows," making it a staple for sample-heavy hip-hop and a timeless crossover gem.
Blends deep blues roots with emerging funk and soulful arrangements, avoiding '70s R&B clichés.
It features iconic tracks like "Outside Man" and Beatles covers ("Taxman," "Lady Madonna," "Tomorrow Never Knows") that became legendary samples for artists like Cypress Hill and DJ Shadow.
The album showcases Parker's signature "buttery vocals" and heartfelt delivery, adding depth to both blues standards and unexpected covers with tight rhythms, heavy bass, and sublime arrangements (often by Horace Ott) keep it hip and groovy.
Critical Reception Highlights:
"Timeless Gem": Praised for its enduring quality and influence.
"Seriously Smooth": A superb example of early '70s soul/funk fusion.
"Funky & Hip": A great set proving Parker had more to offer than just traditional blues.
"Must-Hear" Covers: The Beatles covers, especially "Taxman" and "Tomorrow Never Knows," are often highlighted as standout, reimagined tracks.
Overall, it's considered a classic, influential album that successfully modernized Parker's sound for the 70s, appealing to both blues fans and new generations discovering its deep funk and soul grooves.