Lou Johnson
Lou Johnson was born on February 11, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. He hailed from a musical family, which influenced his early interest in music; as a teenager, he began singing in gospel choirs, showcasing his vocal talent from a young age. Johnson furthered his musical education by studying at Brooklyn College, where he honed his skills as a musician and developed his unique sound.
Johnson's professional music career took off in the mid-1950s when he began performing with the doo-wop group called the Serenaders. This experience set the stage for his transition into the soul music genre, where he would eventually make a significant impact.
Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Lou Johnson emerged as a prominent figure in the Southern Soul scene. He became well-known for his emotive singing style and his ability to convey deep feelings through music.
Johnson was notably one of the first vocalists to popularize the songs written by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, alongside other talents such as Dionne Warwick. His recordings during this period included a blend of R&B, soul, and pop/rock, contributing to the vibrant music landscape of that era.
Johnson's music is characterized by its soulful sound, deeply rooted in the Southern Soul tradition. He was not only an accomplished singer but also a skilled pianist and percussionist, which enhanced his performances and recordings. His style encompassed elements of R&B, Southern Soul, and early pop/rock, appealing to a diverse audience.
Lou Johnson continued to perform and create music throughout his life, maintaining a loyal fan base. He passed away on May 1, 2019, in San Bernardino, California, leaving behind a rich legacy as a talented soul singer and musician. His contributions to the genre remain influential, and he is remembered for his unique voice and heartfelt performances.
In summary, Lou Johnson's biography encapsulates his journey from a young gospel singer in Brooklyn to a recognized soul music artist, illustrating his impact on the music scene during a pivotal time in American musical history.
Sweet Southern Soul
Written-By – B.B. King, Joe Josea
2:13
A2 It's In The Wind
Written-By – Don Covay
2:24
A3 This Magic Moment
Written-By – Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman
2:06
A4 She Thinks I Still Care
Written-By – Dickey Lee, Steve Duffy
3:11
A5 Move And Groove Together
Written-By – Margaret Nash
2:41
A6 Please Stay
Written-By – Bob Hilliard, Burt Bacharach
2:45
B1 I Can't Change
Written-By – Don Covay
2:46
B2 Tears Tears Tears
Written-By – Fred Parris
2:35
B3 People In Love
Written-By – Eddie Hinton, Grady Smith
2:37
B4 Don't Play That Song (You Lied)
Written-By – Ahmet Ertegun, Betty Nelson
2:30
B5 Gypsy Woman
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield
2:58
Label: Cotillion – SD 9008
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Lou Johnson's Sweet Southern Soul (1969) is widely hailed as a lost Southern Soul masterpiece, a textbook late-60s soul album produced by Jerry Wexler & Tom Dowd with Muscle Shoals backing, featuring heart-wrenching vocals, fantastic grooves, and songwriting from Curtis Mayfield & Don Covay, making it a must-have for soul fans, especially praised in its deluxe vinyl reissue by Run Out Groove.
Recorded at FAME Studios with the legendary Muscle Shoals rhythm section, it captures the raw, powerful essence of the era, comparable to Otis Redding or James Carr.
Jerry Wexler & Tom Dowd delivered timeless production, while Arif Mardin arranged, perfectly blending soulful vocals with tight instrumentation.
Johnson's warm, expressive, and deeply soulful voice shines on tracks like the poignant "Wrong Number" and passionate numbers, making each song his own.
The album features contributions from soul legends like Curtis Mayfield, Don Covay, and classic covers given the Muscle Shoals treatment.
It's Considered one of the finest, most underrated albums in the genre, making it a highly sought-after record for collectors.
Reviewers and fans call it a "masterpiece" and "soul with a heart," a textbook example of late '60s Southern Soul, delivering deep emotion and incredible grooves, with recent reissues praised for pristine sound quality. It's a treasure for any deep soul music enthusiast.