Darrell Banks
Darrell Banks (born Darrell Eubanks; July 25, 1937 – February 24, 1970) was an influential American soul singer known for his powerful, gospel-inflected baritone. Though his career lasted only four years before his tragic death, he remains a legendary figure in the Northern Soul scene.
Born in Mansfield, Ohio, Banks was raised by his grandparents in Buffalo, New York. He began his musical journey singing gospel in local churches before transitioning to secular music in the Buffalo club scene. In Buffalo, he befriended singer-songwriter Donnie Elbert, who became his mentor. This relationship later became complicated when Banks recorded Elbert's song "Baby Walk Right In" under the title "Open the Door to Your Heart".
In 1966, Banks signed with Detroit's Revilot Records and released "Open the Door to Your Heart". It became a major hit, peaking at No. 2 on the R&B charts and No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A legal battle ensued over the songwriting credits for the hit, which were originally attributed solely to Banks. The courts eventually ruled in favor of Donnie Elbert. His follow-up single, "Somebody (Somewhere) Needs You," also charted, reaching No. 34 on the R&B charts.
In 1967 Banks moved to the Atco label, where he released the album Darrell Banks Is Here! (1967). In 1969 he joined the Volt subsidiary of Stax Records, releasing his second and final album, Here to Stay (1969).
On February 24, 1970, Banks was shot and killed by off-duty Detroit police officer Aaron Bullock during a dispute involving Banks's girlfriend, Marjorie Bozeman. He was 32 years old.
Despite his short life, his recordings are highly prized by collectors. In 2014, a rare copy of his London Records single sold for over £14,000 at auction.
In 2004, international fans funded a memorial bench and headstone for his previously unmarked grave in Detroit Memorial Park.
Darrell Banks Is Here!
Written-By – G.Sims 2:55
A2 I've Got That Feelin'
Written-By – Gene Redd, Jimmy Crosby, Rosemarie McCoy 2:12
A3 I'm Gonna Hang My Head And Cry
Written-By – Cleveland Horn, Donald Bell, Gene Redd, Rosemarie McCoy 2:45
A4 Look Into The Eyes Of A Fool
Written By – Gene Redd, Cleveland Horn, Donald Bell 2:23
A5 Our Love (Is In The Pocket)
Written-By – G.Clinton, Rosemarie McCoy 2:37
B1 Open The Door To Your Heart
Written-By – Darrell Banks 2:35
B2 Angel Baby (Don't You Ever Leave Me)
Written By – Sylvia Moy, Henry Cosby 2:54
B3 Somebody (Somewhere Needs You)
Written-By – Frank Wilson, Marc Gordon 2:30
B4 Baby What'cha Got (For Me)
Written-By – C. Hatcher, J. Barnes 2:41
B5 You Better Go
Written By – Teddy Randazzo, Lou Stallman, Bob Weinstein 2:52
Label: Atco Records – 33-216
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
The album Darrell Banks Is Here! is a highly regarded classic soul album, praised by both critics and users for its strong vocal performances, deep soul ballads, and energetic dance tracks. It is often considered essential for soul enthusiasts.
Music experts consider the album an "essential listen for soul aficionados" and equal in quality to the work of contemporaries like Wilson Pickett and Johnnie Taylor.
The album is noted for successfully blending two types of soul music: "deep soul tearjerkers and cracking dance tunes".
Reviewers consistently praise Banks's dramatic, gospel-tinged vocals and strong vocal performances throughout the record.
The album is characterized by a distinctive 1967 Atlantic Records "soul-groove-thing" vibe, featuring a dynamite bass line and incisive horn arrangements.
User Reviews:
"Fantastic" and "Great": User reviews frequently describe the album as "fantastic" and a "great soul album from start to finish".
Northern Soul Favorite: The album, especially the hit single "Open the Door to Your Heart", is highly regarded within the Northern Soul community and often considered one of the best records in the genre.
Emotional Depth: Reviewers mention the album's emotional range, offering both upbeat "floorfillers" and "lovelorn deep soul" tracks that can be very moving.
A Lost Talent: Many reviewers express sorrow that Banks was shot and killed before he could reach his peak, feeling he deserved to be a superstar.
Overall, the album is a celebrated piece of late 1960s R&B/Soul music that showcases a truly great, yet tragically short-lived, singer.