Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown
Chuck Jackson, born Charles Benjamin Jackson on July 22, 1937, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was a distinguished American R&B singer, recognized for his soulful voice and significant contributions to the genre. Raised by his grandmother after never knowing his father, Chuck began his musical career in the late 1950s. He was a member of The Del-Vikings, where he sang lead on several tracks between 1957 and 1959.
Throughout his career, Jackson was known for his emotive singing style, which resonated particularly well with audiences in the 1960s. He released a total of 24 albums, many of which included collaborations with other artists, most notably duet albums with fellow singer Maxine Brown. Jackson's style often incorporated elements of soul and R&B, allowing him to stand out during a vibrant period for African American music. His recordings, particularly of songs written by Burt Bacharach, showcased his vocal prowess and helped to establish him as an important figure in the music industry. He passed away on February 16, 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of R&B music.
Maxine Brown, born on August 18, 1939, is a notable American soul and R&B singer who emerged as a significant figure in the 1960s music scene. With a smooth, powerful voice, she became known for her ability to convey deep emotion in her performances. Brown often collaborated with other artists, including the iconic R&B singer Chuck Jackson, with whom she recorded several duet albums.
Her career in music has been marked by the release of numerous hits that have solidified her status as a respected artist. Brown's contributions to the soul and R&B genres have made her a cherished figure among fans and fellow musicians alike. She is often celebrated for the quality and distinction of her work during the 1960s, a time when she helped to shape the sound of soul music.
Overall, both Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing future generations of artists and continuing to be remembered for their exceptional talents and contributions to R&B and soul music.
Saying Something
Written-By – C. Kenner
A2 I Need You So
Written-By – Ivory Joe Hunter
A3 Please Don't Hurt Me
Written-By – Bob Tubert, Demetriss Task
A4 Cause We're In Love
Written-By – Joe Smith
A5 Don't Go
Written-By – V. Simpson, N. Ashford, J. Armstead
B1 Can't Let You Out Of My Sight
Written-By – Helen Miller, Roger Atkins
B2 I'm Satisfied
Written-By – V. Simpson, N, Ashford, J. Armstead
B3 Baby Take Me
Written-By – V. Simpson, N. Ashford, J. Armstead
B4 Never Had It So Good
Written-By – V. Simpson, N. Ashford, J. Armstead
B5 We Find Him Guilty
Written-By – V. Simpson, N. Ashford, J. Armstead
B6 The Real Thing
Written-By – V. Simpson, N. Ashford, J. Armstead
Label: Wand – WDS-669
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Released in 1965 on Wand Records, "Saying Something" is a highly-regarded soul duet album featuring Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown. Critics and collectors frequently cite it as a classic of the mid-60s "uptown" soul production style, offering a more sophisticated alternative to contemporaneous "kiddie" male/female duets.
The album is noted for its "uptown" production, which provides a polished, professional edge that highlights the strengths of Wand's two premier vocalists.
Jackson and Brown are considered synonymous with quality in 60s soul music; their collaborations on Wand are particularly treasured by collectors of "real soul" and Northern Soul.
The album maintains strong user ratings across music databases, with an average rating of 4.33 to 5 stars on Discogs.
In essence, Saying Something is a cherished soul gem, a testament to the incredible vocal talent of Chuck Jackson and Maxine Brown, perfect for fans of classic 60s R&B.
For modern listeners, the original tracks are available through high-quality reissues:
CD Reissues: Kent Records released a comprehensive CD titled Saying Something / Hold On, We're Coming, which combines this album with their subsequent duet LP and includes rare solo bonus tracks.
Streaming/Digital: Tracks from the album are frequently featured on "Best Of" compilations available on Amazon and other digital platforms.