Mosley and Johnson
Sam Mosley and Bob Johnson were a renowned R&B, soul, and blues duo from New Albany, Mississippi, celebrated for their songwriting, musicianship, and collaborations with major artists. Their partnership shaped a significant legacy in Southern music over three decades.
Sam Ray Mosley was born on March 30, 1946, in the Beaver Dam community of Union County, Mississippi. Bob (Robert Augusta) Johnson was born on March 4, 1946, in New Albany; both grew up in musical families and knew each other from childhood. Mosley started playing music young, forming bands like Jamie and the Dynamics with his brothers at age 13, while pursuing education before military service in Vietnam.
After their military stints—Mosley from Vietnam and Johnson from service—they teamed up in 1967 as Sam and Bob & the Soulmen, releasing their debut album Mississippi Mud in 1971 on their Sabo label. Both earned associate degrees from Northeast Mississippi Community College and Mosley a business degree from the University of Mississippi, balancing music with day jobs.
Under Mosley & Johnson, they signed with Malaco Records in the 1980s, releasing albums like Mosley & Johnson (1987), Premium (1989), and Juke Joint (2000), touring Europe at venues like Montreux Jazz Festival. They wrote hits for Johnnie Taylor, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Little Milton, and Dorothy Moore, earning two gold records and a 2000 Grammy nomination for Bland's album.
Johnson died suddenly onstage in 1998 at age 52; Mosley continued as Mosley & Johnson with Johnson's brothers Willie and Miles, honoring their pact by sharing royalties. Mosley released solo work like The Whole World Has Still Got the Blues (2010) and passed away on September 20, 2024, at age 78. Their blues trail marker in New Albany recognizes their enduring influence.
Mosley and Johnson
A2 Money's Runnin' Funny 3:15
A3 Runnin' In & Out Of My Life 3:59
A4 Modern Times 3:30
A5 Baby Come Back 3:40
B1 Are You Gonna Throw Down 3:12
B2 Savin' Up 3:50
B3 Show Me 3:44
B4 Music From My Soul 3:51
B5 I Love You (Yes I Do) 3:35
Label: Muscle Shoals Sound Records – MSS 2203
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Funk
The 1987 self-titled album by R&B duo Mosley & Johnson (Sam Mosley and Bob Johnson) is a critically well-regarded record in the soul and blues genres, particularly noted for its strong harmony vocals and classic sound.
The album was released on Muscle Shoals Sound Records (MSS Records) and distributed by Malaco Records, a label known as "The Last Soul Company" for its dedication to Southern soul.
The duo, who previously recorded as Sam and Bob & The Soulmen and Mojoba, were known for a sound compared to a "down home Sam & Dave". The 1987 album featured a mix of mid-tempo soul and R&B tracks, leaning into the traditional blues sound that defined their style.
The album is particularly noted for the strength of Sam Mosley's lead vocals and the impressive harmonies provided by Bob Johnson, which many critics find define their sound.
Reviewers highlight the record's authentic deep soul feel, which captured the essence of the artists' earlier live performances and recordings from the 1970s. The style is characterized as raw, honest, and timeless, avoiding the more polished production trends of the late 1980s.
Standout tracks from the album include "Rock Me," "Money's Runnin' Funny," and "Baby Come Back". "Rock Me" was also released as a 12-inch single that same year.
Overall, the 1987 album is considered a solid and authentic piece of Southern soul, appreciated by fans of the genre for its genuine feel and strong vocal performances.