Raw Spitt (aka Charlie Whitehead)
Raw Spitt is the pseudonym of soul singer Charlie Whitehead, known for his gritty early-1970s R&B/soul work produced by Swamp Dogg.
Charlie Whitehead was born in September 1942 in Newsoms (or Franklin/Smithfield area), Virginia. At age 26, he moved to New York, signing with Dynamo Records (a Musicor subsidiary) where he met Swamp Dogg (Jerry Williams Jr.). He released one single there, "How Can I Forget," and collaborated on songs for artists like Dee Dee Warwick and Gary U.S. Bonds.
In 1970, Whitehead adopted the Raw Spitt name for his Canyon Records album Raw Spitt, produced by Swamp Dogg, who wrote or co-wrote most tracks. The LP blended soul, funk, and rock with themes of African-American identity, social injustice, sex, and humor; standout songs include "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," "Raw Spitt," "Excuses," and "Sweet Bird of Success." A 1971 non-LP single, "Songs to Sing"/"That Ain't My Wife That I See," followed.
Whitehead recorded under his own name into the 1970s, switching labels like Sweetheart, Island, Vee Jay, Takoma, Musicor, and Atomic Art/Wizard, releasing two more albums including Whitehead At Yellowstone (1976). Despite talent, commercial success eluded him; Canyon folded post-Raw Spitt. Compilations like Songs to Sing: The Charlie Whitehead Anthology 1970-76 (2006) revived his work. He died June 26, 2015.
Raw Spitt
Written-By – Jackie DeShannon, Jimmy Holiday, Randy Myers 2:58
A2 Raw Spitt
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:37
A3 Call Me Nigger
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr. 2:41
A4 The Freedom Under Certain Konditions Marching Band
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:54
A5 Midnight Rider
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:33
B1 Who Do They Think They Are
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:43
B2 I Dig Black Girls
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:37
B3 This Old Town
Written-By – Don Corey, William Stevenson, Wilson Pickett 3:00
B4 Sweet Bird Of Success
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:31
B5 Excuses
Written-By – Jerry Williams Jr., Troy Davis 2:40
Label: Canyon Records – LP-7710
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Funk
The 1970 album Raw Spitt by Raw Spitt (the alias of Charlie Whitehead) is a highly regarded, sought-after, and influential Southern Soul and funk record, considered a "lost classic" by many fans and critics. It is praised for its powerful vocals, tight musicianship, and socially conscious lyrics produced by the eccentric genius Swamp Dogg.
Reviewers widely praise the album for its unique blend of Southern soul, funk, and biting social commentary.
The album is described by Amazon.de as highly sought after due to its "unconventional southern soul" sound. It delivers "swampy soul funk" with a distinct edge.
According to Penny Black Music, Whitehead delivers the lyrics with "feeling and power", showcasing just how "hugely talented a vocalist he is". PopMatters notes that while Whitehead's voice is a "strong voice", it is a little more conventional than Swamp Dogg's, which can make the political songs more accessible to a larger crowd.
The lyrics, largely penned by producer Swamp Dogg, tackle themes of racial injustice and societal ills of the time, such as in tracks like "Who Do They Think They Are" and "Call Me N****r". PopMatters describes the lyrics as both amusing and sobering, with an ironic approach to societal rules.
Recorded at Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia in 1970, the album features a "potent combination" of Whitehead's vocals and Swamp Dogg's arrangements, including a tight rhythm section and braying horns. Reviewers note that the remastered versions stand the test of time, transporting listeners back to the classic soul era of the early 70s.
The album is considered an important release because Whitehead never achieved the mainstream success his talent deserved, making the record a "hidden gem" of Southern soul music.
Overall, the album is a critical success among soul music connoisseurs, with high ratings on platforms like Discogs (an average of 4.6/5 stars). Reviewers universally recommend it to any fan of 70s soul music who is looking to discover a "lost" classic.