Marva Whitney
Marva Whitney, whose full name was Marva Ann Manning, was born on May 1, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas, and she passed away on December 22, 2012, in the same city at the age of 68. Known affectionately as "Soul Sister #1," she was an influential American funk singer celebrated for her powerful voice and dynamic performances.
Whitney's musical journey began at an early age, as she performed with her family's gospel group, the Manning Gospel Singers, starting at just three years old. While she may not be a household name, she is cherished among funk enthusiasts for her vibrant style and raw energy in music. Her discography includes notable albums like "It's My Thing," which showcases her contributions to the funk and soul genres.
One of her standout performances was during a concert with James Brown at the Boston Garden on April 5, 1968, where she performed the song "Chain of Fools" . This event significantly marked her career, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and highlighting her talent.
Marva Whitney remains a respected figure in the funk music scene, remembered for her contributions that continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
It’s My Thing
Written-By – Isley Bros. 2:50
A2 It's My Thing (Part 2)
Written-By – Isley Bros. 2:02
A3 Things Got To Get Better (Get Together)
Written-By – J. Brown, A. Ellis 2:55
A4 What Kind Of Man
Written-By – B. Hobgood, F. Setser, J. Brown 2:10
A5 If You Love Me
Written-By – B. Hobgood, J. Brown, J. Campbell 2:40
A6 In The Middle
Written-By – B. Hobgood, A. Ellis 2:45
B1 Unwind Yourself
Written-By – C. Spurling, H. Ballard 2:45
B2 You Got To Have A Job
Written-By – J. Brown, W. Reed 4:15
B3 I'll Work It Out
Written-By – B. Hobgood, J. Brown, J. Crawford 2:58
B4 Get Out Of My Life
Written-By – A. Ellis, W. Lynn 2:55
B5 I'm Tired, I'm Tired, I'm Tired
Written-By – James Brown 2:30
B6 Shades Of Brown
Written-By – B. Hobgood 2:30
Label:
King Records – KSD 1062
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Funk, Soul
Marva Whitney’s It's My Thing, released in 1969 under King Records, is widely regarded as a pinnacle of deep funk and a showcase of James Brown’s production at its peak. The album serves as a collection of singles recorded over 20 months with the legendary J.B.'s backing band.
Critics frequently describe Whitney as the "female James Brown" due to her aggressive, "spunky" vocals and high-energy delivery. While most praise her "charisma to burn," some dissenters find her vocal style "loud and plärrig" (blaring), lacking the subtle phrasing of her contemporaries.
roduced by James Brown, the album features his "tightest" band, including legends like Maceo Parker and Clyde Stubblefield. Reviewers often note that the album feels like a "lost James Brown record" because of his heavy influence on the songwriting and arrangements.
Primarily Deep Funk and Soul, the album balances blistering funk tracks with occasional soulful ballads.
Track Highlights:
"It's My Thing" (Parts 1 & 2): A high-octane response to The Isley Brothers’ "It’s Your Thing".
"Unwind Yourself": Noted for its "blistering funk" and fervent delivery; it is one of the most recognizable tracks on the album due to its extensive use in hip-hop sampling.
"Things Got To Get Better (Get Together)": Described as "tight, punchy, and greasy R&B".
"Sunny": A duet with James Brown that showcases Whitney’s ability to handle jazz-inflected material.
"I'm Tired, I'm Tired, I'm Tired": A moving soul track and condemnation of racism.
The album is a "must-own" for DJs and hip-hop producers. Tracks from this record have been sampled by iconic artists including Public Enemy, N.W.A, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
Although it saw limited mainstream success upon its initial release on the King Records label, the album is now highly revered by collectors, DJs, and "crate diggers" for its uncompromising sound. It has been frequently reissued on 180g vinyl and expanded CD editions. Original pressings are highly sought after by collectors and often fetch high prices.