Joe Simon
Joe Simon was an influential American soul and R&B singer known for his smooth baritone voice and string of chart-topping hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Born on September 7, 1936, in Simmesport, Louisiana, he rose from gospel roots to become a secular music star before transitioning to ministry later in life.
Simon grew up singing in his father's Baptist church choir alongside siblings, fostering his gospel foundation. In the late 1950s, his family relocated to the Bay Area in California, where he joined the Golden West Singers (later secularized as the Golden Tones), drawing inspiration from Sam Cooke.
He launched his solo career in the early 1960s with singles like "My Adorable One" on Vee-Jay Records, collaborating with emerging talents like Sly Stone. Signing with Sound Stage 7, Simon achieved breakthrough success with "The Chokin' Kind" (1969), a Grammy-winning No. 1 R&B hit, followed by "Power of Love" (1972) and "Get Down, Get Down" (1975), both R&B chart-toppers.
Simon notched 51 U.S. Pop and R&B chart entries from 1964 to 1981, including eight Top 40 Pop hits and collaborations with producers like Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff on classics such as "Drowning in the Sea of Love."
In the late 1970s, Simon left secular music for evangelism, becoming an ordained minister in Illinois and producing gospel work. He passed away on December 13, 2021, at age 85, leaving a lasting impact as a nominee for the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
Mood, Heart And Soul
Written-By – Jim Weatherly 6:00
A2 I Would Still Be There
Written-By – Billy Clements, Phillip Mitchell 3:13
A3 Good Time Charley's Got The Blues
Written-By – Jerry Chestnut 3:23
A4 Covering The Same Old Ground
Written-By – George Jackson (3), James Dotson, Ray Moore 3:25
A5 Walking Down Lonely Street
Written-By – Aseneth Peek, Joe Simon, K. Sterling 4:30
B1 The Best Time Of My Life
Written-By – Aseneth Peek, Joe Simon, K. Sterling 2:48
B2 What We Gonna Do Now
Written-By – Phillip Mitchell 3:05
B3 I'm In The Mood For You
Written-By – Richard Parker 2:51
B4 Carry Me
Written-By – E. Shelby, Phillip Mitchell 3:40
B5 Come Back Home
Written-By – Aseneth Peek, Joe Simon, K. Sterling 3:15
Label: Spring Records – SPR 6702
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Joe Simon's Mood, Heart and Soul is a lauded 1974 Southern soul album celebrated for its rich, atmospheric sound, featuring Muscle Shoals magic with incredible musicianship (Hawkins, Becket, Carr), poignant vocals, and killer tracks like "I'm In The Mood For You" and "Walking Down Lonely Street," showcasing mature soul and country-soul fusion that remains essential listening for R&B fans.
Recorded at legendary studios (Muscle Shoals, Chess, Criteria), the album boasts phenomenal backing from the Muscle Shoals rhythm section, with subtle organ, licks, and horns perfectly supporting Simon's expressive voice.
Simon delivers convincing, emotive vocals, stretching phrases and delivering intimate, introspective performances that highlight his dynamic range.
The album features strong material, especially from Phillip Mitchell, with standout tracks including the heartbreaking "I'm In The Mood For You," the soulful "Walking Down Lonely Street," and the gospel-tinged "Something You Can Do Today".
While rooted in southern soul, it bridges R&B with country-soul, a hallmark of Simon's style, making it a consistent, high-quality LP.
Considered a classic in the Southern soul genre, with some critics calling it one of Simon's best performances, blending Southern soul with Norman Whitfield-style elements.
Reissues often bundle it with the Today album, offering immense musical value for collectors.
In summary, Mood, Heart and Soul is a mature, must-have soul record known for its incredible musicianship, heartfelt vocals, and timeless tracks, solidifying Joe Simon's status as a soul icon.
Simon Sings
Written-By – Reed
A2 Misty Blue
Written-By – Montgomery
A3 It's Too Late, Baby (Too Late)
Written By – Brown, Johnson
A4 Standing In The Safety Zone
Written-By – Robinson
A5 In Reach Of Your Arms
Written-By – Chapel
A6 Lonely Man
Written-By – Donnell
B1 I'm Going Home
Written-By – Morrison
B2 Twinkle
Written-By – Lee
B3 Dreamin'
Written-By – DeVorzon, Ellis
B4 Looking Back
Written-By – Hendricks, Benton, Otis
B5 Funny How Time Slips Away
Written-By – Nelson
B6 She Went A Little Bit Farther
Written-By – Vickery, Kilgore
Label: Monument – SMO 5026
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Simon Sings is a soul and R&B album by American singer Joe Simon, released in 1969. The album, like others Simon recorded for the Nashville-based Sound Stage 7 label, was produced by John Richbourg for J.R. Enterprises Inc. and features a mix of deep, Southern-style ballads and uptempo tracks.
The album primarily features a blend of soul, R&B, and funk music. Simon's style is characterized by a "deep soul" sound with a "languid, velvet-smooth" baritone voice that effectively conveys a range of emotions, from introspective ballads to more uptempo dance numbers.
The recordings were made in Nashville and often feature arrangements by Bergen White and the session musicians known as The Music City Four/Five. This Nashville production often incorporated country influences into the soul sound, which was a signature of the Sound Stage 7 label under Richbourg.
Simon Sings was Joe Simon's third album for the Sound Stage 7 label, following Pure Soul (1967) and No Sad Songs (1968). Simon had a string of chart hits with the label during this period, including the Grammy-winning "The Chokin' Kind".
It captures Joe Simon at his soulful peak on Sound Stage 7, offering a definitive look at his versatile talent in the heart of Southern Soul music.