Lou Rawls
Lou Rawls was an acclaimed American singer known for his smooth baritone voice spanning jazz, soul, gospel, and R&B genres. Born Louis Allen Rawls on December 1, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, he rose to fame with over 60 albums and more than 40 million records sold.
Rawls grew up on Chicago's South Side, raised by his grandmother after his father left the family. He began singing at age seven in a Baptist church choir and drew inspiration from performances at the Regal Theater by artists like Billy Eckstine.
In his teens, Rawls sang gospel with Sam Cooke in the Teenage Kings of Harmony, later joining groups like the Highway Q.C.'s and Pilgrim Travelers. He went solo in 1962 after a near-fatal 1958 car crash that left him in a coma for days.
Rawls earned three Grammy Awards: for "Dead End Street" (1967), "A Natural Man" (1971), and the album Unmistakably Lou (1977). His biggest hit, "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" (1976), topped R&B charts and peaked at number two on pop charts.
Rawls acted in films like Blues Brothers 2000, voiced cartoons, and hosted the United Negro College Fund telethon, raising over $200 million. He died on January 6, 2006, in Los Angeles at age 72 from lung cancer.
All Things In Time
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
5:20
A2 You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
4:28
A3 Time
Producer, Written-By, Arranged By – J. Faith
Written-By – A. Felder
2:55
A4 Groovy People
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
3:20
A5 Need You Forever
Producer, Written-By – B. Sigler
4:38
B1 From Now On
Producer, Written-By – B. Sigler
4:57
B2 Pure Imagination
Written-By – A. Newley, L. Bricusse
3:43
B3 This Song Will Last Forever
Written-By – C. Gilbert
5:08
B4 Let's Fall In Love All Over Again
Written-By – R.L. Martin
4:02
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PZ 33957
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly, Disco
At Last
Arranged By [Brass] – Bobby Watson
Arranged By [Strings] – Bobby Scott
Lead Vocals – Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine
Written-By – H. Warren, M. Gordon
3:37
A2 Two Years Of Torture
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – David "Fathead" Newman
Written-By – C. Morris, Percy Mayfield
2:47
A3 Fine Brown Frame
Lead Vocals – Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls
Written-By – Guadalume Cartierro, J. Mayo Williams
3:02
A4 Good Intentions
Soloist, Soprano Saxophone – David "Fathead" Newman
Written-By – Lyle Lovett
3:08
A5 That's Where It's At
Lead Vocals – Lou Rawls, Ray Charles
Soloist, Alto Saxophone – David "Fathead" Newman
Written-By – J. W. Alexander, Sam Cooke
3:12
A6 If I Were A Magician
Arranged By [Strings] – Bobby Scott
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
Written-By – Billy Vera, L. Russell Brown
3:01
B1 You Can't Go Home
Arranged By [Strings] – Billy Vera, Darrell Leonard
Soloist, Guitar – George Benson
Voice – George Benson
Written-By – Billy Vera
5:32
B2 Room With A View
Soloist, Guitar – Cornell Dupree
Written-By – Billy Vera, Lowell Fulson
3:56
B3 After The Lights Go Down Low
Arranged By [Horns] – Bobby Watson
Soloist, Alto Saxophone – Bobby Watson
Written-By – Alan White, Leroy Lovett
2:33
B4 She's No Lady
Soloist, Vibraphone – Bobby Hutcherson
Written-By – Lyle Lovett
2:58
B5 Oh, What A Nite
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – David "Fathead" Newman
Written-By – Billy Vera
3:32
Label: Blue Note – B1-91937
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz
Family Reunion
5:26
A2 I Wish You Belonged To Me
4:51
A3 Two Happy Hearts
5:02
A4 Jealous Lover
4:16
A5 Today's The Day
4:28
B1 It's A Tough Job (But Somebody's Got To Do It)
3:58
B2 When Love Walked In The Door (Hurt Walked Out The Other)
3:46
B3 Who Loves You Baby
4:05
B4 Fine With Me
5:19
B5 Unchained Melondy
5:48
Label: Gamble And Huff Records – GHR 100
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Jazz, Rock, Soul, Pop
Style: Easy Listening, Soul
Shades of Blue
Written-By – D. Moore
3:30
A2 Cottage For Sale
Written-By – L. Conley, W. Robinson
4:00
A3 Be Anything (But Be Mine)
Written-By – I. Gordon
3:45
A4 You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Written-By – B. Mann, C. Weil, P. Spector
5:19
B1 I Go Crazy
Written-By – P. Davis
3:45
B2 Think
Written-By – A. Franklin, T. White
3:30
B3 Hoochie Coochie Man
Written-By – W. Dixon
7:50
B4 Baby What You Want Me To Do
Written-By – J. Reed
3:34
Label: Philadelphia International Records – JZ 36774
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul
Lou Rawls’s Shades of Blue (1980) is often celebrated as a smooth, sophisticated fusion of classic soul, jazz-inflected phrasing, and breezy R&B. Released during his tenure with Philadelphia International Records, the album captures Rawls in a mature, elegant state, utilizing his signature baritone to navigate both laid-back grooves and lush orchestrations.
Reviewers describe the album as "effortlessly elegant" and compare its vibe to a "velvet conversation" at a smoky supper club. It leans more toward blues and jazz-influenced arrangements than his standard high-energy Philly Soul tracks.
A young Whitney Houston (then 16 or 17) provides background vocals on the record, with her mother, Cissy Houston, receiving special thanks in the album credits.
The album maintains a solid reputation among collectors, typically holding an average rating of 4.0/5 to 4.6/5 across major music databases like Discogs.
While some fans of pure Philadelphia Soul might find it less "poppy" than hits like "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine," others praise it as one of the best examples of Atlantic-style jazz/soul/blues fusion.
For those looking to explore this era of his career, Shades of Blue is frequently paired with the album Family Reunion in modern CD reissues. You can find various editions and vinyl copies through Amazon or Discogs.
She's Gone
Arranged By – Alexander Hamilton
Written-By – William Bell 3:50
A2 She's Gone
Arranged By – Tom Sellers
Written-By – D. Hall-J. Oates 3:27
A3 Feel Like Makin' Love
Arranged By – Carmen Caramonica
Written-By – E. McDaniels 3:44
A4 Now You're Coming Back Michelle
Arranged By – Ian Freebairn-Smith
Written-By – B. Raleigh, H. David 3:04
A5 A Smile Can't Hide A Broken Heart
Arranged By – Alexander Hamilton
Written-By – Booker T. Jones, William Bell 2:02
A6 Hourglass
Arranged By – Ian Freebairn-Smith
Written-By – Pamela Phillips 2:25
B1 Let It Be Now
Arranged By – Tom Sellers
Written-By – David Pomeranz 3:45
B2 Got It Here To Give
Arranged By – Alexander Hamilton
Written-By – B. Olive, K. Nolan 2:52
B3 Baby You Don't Know How Good You Are
Arranged By – Ian Freebairn-Smith
Written-By – G. Williams, J. Barry 2:55
B4 Keep The Faith
Arranged By [Horns] – Ian Freebairn-Smith
Arranged By [Tracks] – Tom Sellers
Written-By – Mark James 3:17
B5 You're A Lady
Arranged By – Ian Freebairn-Smith
Written-By – Peter Skellern 4:35
Label: Bell Records – BELL 1318
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Lou Rawls' album She's Gone is an R&B and soul record that features his cover version of the Hall & Oates hit, as well as a blend of gospel soul, smooth tracks, and spoken-word segments.
The album captures Rawls during a transitional period in his career between his time with Capitol and his hugely successful tenure with Philadelphia International Records, which began two years later with All Things in Time. Reviewers have described the album as an "absolutely fantastic" listen, highlighting its diverse tracklist.
The record blends classic 1970s R&B sounds with Rawls' signature smooth baritone voice. Notable aspects of the album include:
Gospel Influence: The first track has been described as "gospel soul," connecting to Rawls' early roots in Chicago gospel groups.
Smooth Soul: Several tracks, such as "Makin' Love," offer a very smooth and mellow sound.
Spoken Word: The album also features spoken-word segments, a style Rawls was known for incorporating into his music.
The album features notable session musicians including Joe Sample, Larry Carlton, Ray Parker Jr., and David T. Walker. It was praised for the quality and variety of its material and vocal performances upon release.
In essence, She's Gone offers a nostalgic, classy listening experience, capturing Rawls' smooth elegance with an updated 70s soul sound that remains highly regarded by fans.
Sit Down And Talk To Me
Producer – McFadden & Whitehead
Written-By – G. McFadden, J. Whitehead
4:41
A2 Heartaches (Just When You Think You're Loved)
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Thom Bell
Written-By – A. Bell, Leroy M. Bell
4:44
A3 Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)
Producer – Gamble & Huff
Written-By – D. Malone
4:38
A4 When You Get Home
Producer, Arranged By – Thom Bell
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – B. Sigler
Written-By – R. Tyson
4:52
B1 Sit Down And Talk To Me
Arranged By – John R. Faith
Producer, Written-By – Gamble & Huff
4:59
B2 You're My Blessing
Producer, Written-By – Gamble & Huff
4:22
B3 Old Times
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – D. Wansel
Written-By – C. Biggs
4:27
B4 You Are
Written-By – C. James, J. Robinson, L. Bell, Thom Bell
4:51
Label: Philadelphia International Records – JZ 36304
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Soulin'
Written-By – J. W. Alexander, Lowell Jordan 2:37
A2 Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
Written-By – Bob Raleigh, Dave Linden 2:15
A3 So Hard To Laugh, So Easy To Cry
Written-By – Cecil Carter, Rich Askam 3:16
A4 You're The One
Written-By – Adolph Smith 2:35
A5 Don't Explain
Written-By – Arthur Herzog, Jr., Billie Holiday 3:01
A6 What Now My Love
Written-By – Carl Sigman, Becaud, Delanoe 3:56
B1 Memory Lane
Written-By – J.W. Alexander, Sam Cooke 2:16
B2 Old Man's Memories (Monologue) 2:18
B3 It Was A Very Good Year
Written-By – Ervin Drake 2:51
B4 Growing Old Gracefully (Monologue) 0:18
B5 Old Folks
Written-By – Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robison 2:16
B6 Autumn Leaves
Written-By – Prevert, Mercer, Kosma 2:37
B7 On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)
Written-By – Alan Jay Lerner, Burton Lane 2:36
B8 Breaking My Back (Instead Of Using My Mind)
Written-By – John Anderson, Lou Rawls Jr. 2:23
Label:
Capitol Records – T 2566, Capitol Records – T-2566
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono, Scranton Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1966
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Lou Rawls' 1966 album Soulin' is considered a classic and essential work in his discography, highly praised by critics and fans for its blend of soul, jazz, and R&B, featuring his powerful, unique baritone voice and storytelling style.
The album is noted for Lou Rawls' shift into soul material, where his gospel background shines through, moving beyond earlier jazz or blues progressions. The arrangements by David Axelrod are described as "super-tight" and jazzy, creating a sophisticated yet soulful sound.
Reviewers consistently highlight Rawls' exceptional vocal talent, describing his voice as "velvety," "captivating," and full of power and range. His ability to smoothly transition from gritty soul to silky jazz tones is a major strength of the album.
The album is famous for "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing," Rawls' first major R&B hit single that helped put him on the mainstream map. Another standout feature is his use of spoken monologues, particularly "Memory Lane," which sets up his version of "It Was a Very Good Year," a trademark of his live performances that connects deeply with the listener.
Soulin' established Lou Rawls as a major soul artist, paving the way for future Grammy wins and platinum albums by fully embracing soul music and showcasing his unique blend of vocal talent and captivating stage presence.
The Legendary Lou Rawls
Written-By – Eddie Miller
5:02
2 World Of Trouble
Written-By – Oscar Brown Jr.
3:25
3 Tobacco Road
Written-By – John D. Loudermilk
5:55
4 Willow Weep For Me
Written-By – Ann Ronnell
5:50
5 (They Call It) Stormy Monday
Written-By – Aaron T-Bone Walker
3:40
6 God Bless The Child
Written-By – A. Herzog Jr., B. Holliday
4:25
7 For You My Love
Written-By – Paul Gayten
3:14
8 Dead End Street
Written-By – B. Raleigh, D. Axelrod
3:59
9 Your Good Thing (Is About To End)
Written-By – I. Hayes - D. Porter
2:51
10 Love Is A Hurtin' Thing
Written-By – D. Raleigh, D. Linden
2:15
11 You Can't Go Home No More
Voice, Guitar [Solo] – George Benson
Written-By – Billy Vera
5:32
12 At Last
Vocals – Dianne Reeves
Written-By – Warren, Gordon
3:37
13 Fine Brown Frame
Vocals – Dianne Reeves
Written-By – G. Cartiero, J. Mayo Williams
3:02
14 Room With A View
Written-By – B. Vera, L. Fulsom
3:56
15 Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Written-By – Benjamin, Caldwell, Marcus
3:39
16 All Around The World
Written-By – Titus Turner
3:18
17 Good Morning Blues
Written-By – Billy Vera
3:30
Label: Capitol Jazz – CDP 79 8306 2
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: Europe
Released: 1991
Genre: R&B Soul, Jazz, Funk
Style: Sixties Soul, Soul-Jazz
When You Hear Lou, You've Heard It All
Co-producer – Vonghn Gray
Producer, Arranged By – Jack Faith
Written-By – Sherman Marshall, Von Gray
4:02
A2 I Wish It Were Yesterday
Producer, Arranged By – Robert L. Martin
Written-By – Robert L. Martin, Lee Phillips
3:28
A3 One Life To Live
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff
Written-By – Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff
3:55
A4 Dollar Green
Producer, Arranged By, Written-By – Robert L. Martin
3:11
A5 Trade Winds
Producer, Arranged By – Robert L. Martin
Written-By – Ralph MacDonald, William Salter
3:48
B1 There Will Be Love
Arranged By – Robert L. Martin
Producer – Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff
Written-By – Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff
4:52
B2 Unforgettable
Producer, Arranged By – Jack Faith
Written-By – Irving Gordon
3:25
B3 That Would Do It For Me
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff
Written-By – Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff
4:36
B4 If I Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff
4:30
B5 Not The Staying Kind
Arranged By – Jack Faith
Producer – Phil Terry
Written-By – Michael Burton
3:56
Label: Philadelphia International Records – PZ 35036
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly, Disco