Arthur Conley
Arthur Conley (1946-2003) was an American soul singer, mentored by Otis Redding, famous for his 1967 signature hit, "Sweet Soul Music," a celebration of soul artists, and for hits like "Funky Street". Starting in gospel and R&B groups, he was discovered by Redding, signed to his Jotis label, and achieved peak fame with Atlantic Records before moving to Europe in the 1970s, where he lived under the name Lee Roberts and continued performing until his death from intestinal cancer in the Netherlands.
Born Arthur Lee Conley in McIntosh, Georgia, in 1946, he grew up in Atlanta. At 12, he joined gospel group The Evening Smiles. By 1963, he fronted the R&B group Arthur & the Corvets, releasing singles like "Poor Girl". In 1964, his solo single "I'm a Lonely Stranger" caught the attention of Otis Redding. Redding produced Conley's re-recording at Stax Studios for his Jotis label, leading to greater exposure.
In 1967, Conley released "Sweet Soul Music," co-written with Redding, a major hit in the U.S. and abroad, selling over a million copies. He had other hits like "Shake, Rattle and Roll" and "Funky Street". Redding's tragic death deeply affected Conley, inspiring his tribute "Otis Sleep On".
Facing industry changes, Conley moved to Europe in the mid-1970s, eventually settling in the Netherlands. He legally changed his name to Lee Roberts in 1980 and performed under that name, recording albums like Soulin'. He ran Art-Con Productions and promoted local acts before passing away in Ruurlo, Netherlands, in 2003.
Conley is remembered as a gifted soul singer whose unique voice captured the era's spirit, particularly in "Sweet Soul Music," a classic homage to soul music's greats.
Shake, Rattle and Roll
Written-By – Jesse Stone 2:17
A2 I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
Written-By – Jerry Butler, Otis Redding 3:17
A3 Love Got Me
Written-By – Arthur Conley 2:20
A4 A Change Is Gonna Come
Written-By – Sam Cooke 3:14
A5 Hand And Glove
Written-By – Arthur Conley 2:30
B1 Ha! Ha! Ha!
Written-By – Otis Redding 2:20
B2 You Don't Have To See Me
Written-By – Chris Harris, Ronnie Grier 2:54
B3 Baby What You Want Me To Do
Written-By – Jimmy Reed 3:00
B4 I'll Take The Blame
Written-By – Arthur Conley, Otis Redding 2:50
B5 Keep On Talking
Written-By – Dan Penn, Lindon Oldham 2:38
Label: ATCO Records – SD 33-220
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Southern Soul
Arthur Conley's
Shake, Rattle & Roll album is a solid, but less iconic, follow-up to his debut Sweet Soul Music, showcasing his deep Southern soul and R&B talent with Otis Redding's production, featuring his own hit "Shake, Rattle & Roll" and other strong tracks, solidifying his place as a prime soul artist, though it didn't replicate the massive success of his first LP, remaining a cherished slice of classic soul for fans.
The album delivers that authentic, raw Southern soul sound, perfect for dancing and capturing the era's energy. Produced by Otis Redding, it carries that signature Stax/Muscle Shoals sound, full of grit and soul.
The cover of "Shake, Rattle & Roll" (originally Big Joe Turner's) was a moderate hit, bringing a rock & roll edge to his soulful style. While full of quality tracks and deep soul, it didn't reach the commercial heights of Sweet Soul Music, but it's highly regarded by soul enthusiasts.
Shake, Rattle & Roll is a must-have for fans of 1960s Southern soul, offering energetic, authentic performances that prove Arthur Conley was a major talent alongside his famous contemporaries, even if it's often overshadowed by his debut.
Reviewers and fans praise the album for its energetic feel, Conley's powerful vocals, and the excellent instrumentation characteristic of the Muscle Shoals sound, with some considering it on par with works by Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett.