Major Lance
Major Lance was an influential American R&B and soul singer known for his 1960s hits and enduring popularity in the UK's Northern Soul scene. Born on April 4, 1939 (or 1941 per some sources), in Winterville, Mississippi, he moved to Chicago as a child and began his career dancing on a local TV show before pursuing music.
Major Lance grew up in Chicago, where he attended Wells High School and met future collaborators like Curtis Mayfield. He sang with groups like the Five Gospel Harmonaires and the Floats alongside Otis Leavill in the mid-1950s. His debut single, "I Got a Girl" (written by Mayfield), was released on Mercury Records in 1959 but failed commercially.
Lance signed with Okeh Records in 1963, launching hits like "The Monkey Time" (No. 2 R&B, No. 8 Pop), "Hey Little Girl," and "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" (top 10 R&B). His smooth voice drove sales rivaling the Impressions, produced by Carl Davis and Mayfield. He scored further successes with "The Matador" and "Delicious" before leaving Okeh in 1968.
In the 1970s, Lance gained cult status among British Northern Soul fans and tried comebacks via his Osiris label (1975) and Playboy Records. A 1978 cocaine conviction led to prison time, followed by gigs in Carolina beach clubs post-release. A 1987 heart attack stalled further plans; he performed until his death from heart disease on September 3, 1994, in Decatur, Georgia.
Lance's daughter, Keisha Lance Bottoms, served as Atlanta's 60th mayor. His energetic dance tracks remain Northern Soul staples.
Now Arriving
A2 Wild & Free (Curtis Mayfield 3:42)
A3 Chicago Disco (Barbara Acklin, Marvin Smith, Sylvia Lance, Wales Wallace 3:04)
A4 Do The Mess Around (Raymond Smith, Sylvia Lance 3:02)
A5 How My Love Goes (Bruce Davis, Cameron Davis, Doug Davis, Glen Davis 3:44)
B1 Think About The Love We Had (Jamal Trice, William Bickelhaupt 3:35)
B2 Troubles (Harry Belafonte 3:53)
B3 Love Pains (Jesse Boyce, Sanchez Harley 3:44)
B4 It's All Over
Label: Soul – S7-751R1
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Major Lance's Now Arriving, released in 1978 on Soul Records, is a solid late-era soul/funk effort showcasing his enduring voice with a mix of slow jams, uptempo funk ("Chicago Disco," "Do The Mess Around"), and heartfelt ballads, a continuation of his classic Chicago Soul sound but with a late '70s polish, highly valued by collectors for its authentic sound and classic grooves, even if not as iconic as his '60s hits.
The albun blends classic soul feeling with late 70s production, featuring smooth grooves and danceable tracks alongside emotional ballads.
It is praised for its warm vinyl sound and authenticity, it's a cherished piece for fans of classic soul and Northern Soul.
While not his most famous work (often overshadowed by his earlier hits like "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um"), Now Arriving serves as a strong testament to Major Lance's consistent talent, offering a timeless musical journey into funk and soul for longtime fans and new listeners alike, capturing the essence of his style.