Denise LaSalle
Denise LaSalle, born Ora Denise Allen on July 16, 1934, in Leflore County, Mississippi, was a celebrated American blues, R&B, and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. She emerged from a deeply rooted musical heritage, growing up on a plantation where she was influenced by the cultural richness of African American music.
Denise began her musical journey in church, where she developed a passion for singing. Her early exposure to gospel music paved the way for her later genres. After moving to Chicago in the 1950s, she quickly became involved in the local music scene, which was thriving with blues and soul influences. LaSalle's career took off with the release of her first single “A Love Reputation” in 1970, which showcased her powerful voice and songwriting abilities.
Throughout her career, LaSalle became known for hits like "Trapped by a Thing Called Love," which reached the charts and established her as a prominent figure in the soul blues genre. She received critical acclaim for her ability to blend R&B with blues, creating a sound that resonated with audiences. Denise LaSalle’s music often reflected themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment, making her a relatable figure to many listeners.
She was married multiple times, including to James E. Wolfe Jr., Bill Jones, and Artic Craig. Her personal experiences often influenced her music, adding depth to her lyrics and performances.
LaSalle’s contributions to music have made her a significant figure in American cultural history, particularly within the African American community post-slavery. She was admired not only for her musical talent but also as a trailblazer for female artists in a predominantly male industry. Denise LaSalle passed away on January 8, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of rich musical history and an inspiring life story that continues to influence upcoming artists in the blues and soul genres.
A Lady In The Street
Written-By – Denise Lasalle 3:44
A2 This Bell Was Made For Ringing
Written-By – Frederick Knight 4:30
A3 Don't Mess With My Man
Written-By – Denise Lasalle 4:44
A4 Lay Me Down
Written-By – Frank Johnson, Shirley Johnson 4:25
B1 Down Home Blues (X Rated)
Written-By – George Jackson 6:16
B2 I Was Not The Best Woman
Written-By – Denise Lasalle 3:55
B3 Come To Bed
Written-By – Phillip Mitchell 4:05
B4 I Was Tellin' Him About You
Written-By – Denise Lasalle 3:46
Label: Malaco Records – MAL 7412
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Blues
Denise LaSalle's A Lady in the Street is a quintessential Southern Soul/Blues album showcasing her raw, narrative songwriting, sensual voice, and deep emotional connection to relatable, often gritty, relationship themes, offering professional pleasures and capturing life's complexities with authentic feeling, even if early critics noted her focus on songwriting over vocal acrobatics.
Fans praise it as a blues classic for its honesty, emotional depth, and timeless appeal, making it a go-to for blues lovers seeking genuine feeling.
LaSalle shines as a gifted storyteller, weaving tales of love, heartache, and everyday struggles with vivid detail.
Her voice is described as sensual, warm, and wise, perfectly suited for the deep, Memphis-style funk and soul sound of Malaco Records.
The album delves into the emotional realities of life, exploring inner feelings and relatable situations, making her subjects' experiences feel authentic.
Expect classic Southern Soul and Blues, characterized by soulful grooves, bluesy instrumentation, and LaSalle's distinctive vocal delivery.
Listeners connect with the raw, honest portrayal of life and love, finding solace and recognition in her lyrics. Considered an "Oldie But Goodie," it remains a favorite for fans of classic blues and soul music. The music effectively captures the blues spirit, providing comfort and connection for those feeling down.
In essence, A Lady in the Street is a strong, emotionally resonant blues-soul record that solidified Denise LaSalle's reputation for powerful songwriting and heartfelt delivery.
Making A Good Thing Better
2 Heartbreaker Of The Year
3 Trapped By A Thing Called Love
4 Keep It Coming
5 Now Run And Tell That
6 The Deeper I Go (The Better It Gets)
7 Man Sized Job
8 I’m Over You
9 Making A Good Thing Better
10 What It Takes To Get A Good Woman (That’s What It’s Gonna Take To Keep Her)
11 Do Me Right
12 Your Man And Your Best Friend
13 What Am I Doing Wrong
14 Don’t Nobody Live Here (By The Name Of Fool)
15 Good Goody Getter
16 Get Up Off My Mind
17 The Best Thing I Ever Had
18 Trying To Forget
19 We’ve Got Love (The Good Part About It)
20 My Brand On You
21 Any Time Is The Right Time
22 Here I Am Again
23 Married, But Not To Each Other
24 Who’s The Fool
25 Radio Ad For “Trapped By A Thing Called Love” Album
26 Radio Ad For “On The Loose” Album
Label: Westbound Records – CDSEWD152
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: UK
Released: 2013
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Southern Soul
Making A Good Thing Better - The Complete Westbound Singles 1970-76 is a comprehensive compilation album that showcases the deep Southern soul and R&B recordings of Denise LaSalle during her peak years with the Westbound label. The collection compiles all of her single A and B-sides released on the label between 1970 and 1976.
The album is a definitive look at LaSalle's significant contribution to Southern soul, a genre often overlooked in the broader scope of soul music. The tracks highlight her powerful, bluesy voice and her talent as a songwriter, as she wrote most of her own material.
Genre: Primarily Southern Soul and R&B, with some later tracks incorporating a "soulful disco" vibe.
Key Tracks: The album features major R&B hits, including the #1 R&B hit (and #13 Pop hit) "Trapped By a Thing Called Love", "Now Run And Tell That", "Man Sized Job", and the classic "cheatin' song" "Married, But Not to Each Other".
Production: The majority of the tracks were recorded in Memphis at Hi Studios under the supervision of renowned producer Willie Mitchell, with later sessions taking place in Muscle Shoals and Detroit.
Content: The compilation includes 24 tracks, featuring all 12 of her US Westbound singles, plus the bonus UK-only single "Do Me Right". It also features a 12-page booklet with an essay about her career by Tony Rounce and reproductions of the original single labels.
Reviewers praise the collection for bringing LaSalle's under-appreciated Westbound work to the forefront. Experts at Dusty Groove note how these sides were "crucial in helping push southern soul forward in the 70s," blending her bluesy inflections with a modern sound. The album is considered an "essential purchase" for fans of 70s R&B and Southern soul, providing a strong showcase of an artist at her peak.
On The Loose
A2 What It Takes To Get A Good Woman... (That's What It's Gonna Take To Keep Her) (O.B. McClinton 2:59)
A3 Harper Valley P.T.A. (Tom T. Hall 3:36)
A4 What Am I Doing Wrong (John Footman 3:14)
A5 Breaking Up Somebody's Home (Denise La Salle 3:31)
B1 There Ain't Enough Hate Around (To Make Me Turn Around) (Lewis, Haywood 3:40)
B2 Your Man And Your Best Friend (Denise La Salle 3:01)
B3 Lean On Me (Bill Withers 4:07)
Label: Westbound Records – WB 2016
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Southern Soul
On The Loose is the second album by American soul and blues singer Denise LaSalle, released in 1973 on the Westbound Records label. It is known for its raw Southern soul and Memphis soul sound, featuring a mix of LaSalle's originals and covers, and solidifying her reputation as a powerful force in the genre.
The album is a solid follow-up to her breakthrough debut, Trapped By a Thing Called Love, continuing with a strong collection of southern-fried blues and soul tracks. It was recorded in Memphis, utilizing the noted session musicians from Hi Records, the label famous for artists like Al Green. The arrangements were handled by Gene "Bowlegs" Miller and Willie Mitchell, contributing to the album's authentic, groove-centric Stax-y sound.
LaSalle's performances on the album are described as gospel-infused and blues-gritty, focusing heavily on "cheating songs" and tales of love on the rocks, a style that evoked comparisons to contemporaries like Millie Jackson and Betty Wright.
On The Loose is considered a classic of the soul-blues genre and is available on various formats, including vinyl and a popular CD compilation with her debut album. You can find more details on music databases like Discogs or find physical copies via sites like Dusty Groove
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