J. Blackfoot
J. Blackfoot, born John Colbert on November 20, 1946, in Greenville, Mississippi, was a prominent American soul singer renowned for his contributions to the genre. He began his music career in the 1960s as a member of the vocal quartet The Soul Children, a group that gained recognition for their poignant ballads and emotional performances. The Soul Children, active from 1968 to 1978, produced several hits, including "I'll Be The Other Woman," "Hearsay," and "Don't Take My Kindness For Weakness," which showcased Blackfoot's powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
After his tenure with The Soul Children, J. Blackfoot embarked on a successful solo career, with one of his most notable singles being "Taxi," which further solidified his standing in the southern soul music scene. He became an iconic figure in southern rhythm and blues, recognized for his heartfelt singing and contributions to the genre over two generations. His remarkable influence in music earned him a ranking as the 32nd artist on Daddy B. Nice's Top 100 Southern Soul Artists list.
Throughout his career, J. Blackfoot was known for his engaging performances and had the opportunity to perform at various events, including the Porretta Soul Festival in Italy, where he appeared multiple times, showcasing his enduring appeal.
Tragically, J. Blackfoot's life came to an end when he passed away on November 30, 2011, at the age of 65, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He is remembered as a significant figure in soul music, whose work continues to resonate with fans and artists alike.
City Slicker
A2 Taxi 4:57
A3 Street Girl 3:08
A4 One Of Those Parties 3:22
B1 Where Is Love 3:41
B2 I Stood On The Sidewalk 6:20
B3 City Slicker 3:39
B4 All Because Of What You Did To Me 3:30
B5 Can You Hang 3:28
Written-By – Betty Crutcher (tracks: B4), C. Brooks (tracks: A1 to B3, B5), H. Banks (tracks: A1 to B3, B5)
Label: Soundtown Records – ST-0002
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
J. Blackfoot's 1983 debut solo album, City Slicker, is generally well-regarded by fans of R&B and soul music, particularly for its standout hit "Taxi," though some find other tracks a little dated. The album is a concept record exploring a country boy's experiences in the city.
Reviewers on Amazon and other platforms frequently mention "Taxi" as an exceptional "hidden gem" or a "great hit" that evokes strong nostalgia. According to a reviewer on Amazon UK, it was a popular "smooch and 'send 'em home'" track at clubs in the 70s and is still considered viable today.
The album is praised for J. Blackfoot's "forceful soul belter" voice and his adherence to the classic soul sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Many user reviews describe the entire CD as "good listening" and "great songs".
William Ruhlmann of AllMusic notes that Blackfoot is a forceful soul singer but "not exactly original," borrowing heavily from songs like Stevie Wonder's "Livin' for the City" on the opening track, "The Way of the City". However, in 1983, it was a pleasant change of pace to hear someone sticking so closely to vintage soul sounds.
The album has an average rating of over 4 stars on Discogs and Amazon, indicating high customer satisfaction among those who appreciate his particular style of soul music.