Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis
Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis are notable figures in the realm of American R&B music. Bo Kirkland, born Mike James Kirkland in 1949 in Yazoo City, Mississippi, began his musical journey in the mid-1960s. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s, where he pursued a career in music. Ruth Davis also sang independently prior to their collaboration, ultimately leading both artists to sign with Claridge Records in California.
Kirkland and Davis formed a duo that produced several notable tracks. They released their first album, "Bo and Ruth," in 1976 under Claridge Records. Their music was characterized by its soulful melodies, and they enjoyed moderate success within the R&B genre.
Chart Success: The duo gained recognition with their cover of Freddie Hart's "Easy Loving," which reached #38 on the R&B charts in 1976. This song helped solidify their presence in the music industry, although they were not long-performing partners and saw themselves as independent artists with diverse musical pursuits.
Following their initial success, both artists continued to explore their musical careers separately. Bo Kirkland began issuing solo recordings in 1975, establishing himself as a prominent R&B singer in his own right, while Ruth Davis focused on her individual artistry.
Despite their brief collaboration, the impact of Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis on the R&B genre remains noteworthy. They contributed to the rich tapestry of music in the 1970s and left a lasting impression on the industry with their soulful sound and heartfelt performances.
Bo and Ruth
A2 To Make You Love Me (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Charles Gentry 3:40)
A3 Train Of Desire (Bo Kirkland, Charles Gentry, Hense Powell 3:24)
A4 You're Gonna Get Next To Me (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Hense Powell, Ruth Davis 7:10)
B1 We Got The Recipe (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Hense Powell, Ruth Davis 2:56)
B2 Easy Loving (Freddie Hart 3:24)
B3 Sure Got A Thing For You (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Hense Powell 3:23)
B4 Can You Feel It (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Charles Gentry, Hense Powell 3:42)
B5 Grandfather Clock (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Frank Slay 3:33)
B6 Stay Out Of My Kitchen (If You Can't Stand The Heat) (Bo Kirkland, R.L. Kirkland, Hense Powell 2:55)
Label: Claridge Records – CL-1002
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The album Bo & Ruth by Bo Kirkland and Ruth Davis is a classic soul and funk record, widely regarded as an overlooked gem of the era. It features a smooth, mellow sound, blending southern soul influences with a modern, R&B/disco vibe.
The album is notable for its excellent use of the duet format, where Bo Kirkland (also known as Mike James Kirkland) provides lead vocals in a warm style, complemented by Ruth Davis's strong support vocals. Bo Kirkland was the primary creative force behind the set, which was arranged by Hense Powell.
Released on the Claridge Records label (and EMI International in the UK), the album includes several US R&B chart singles and was a significant UK club hit, particularly the track "You're Gonna Get Next to Me". The music is characterized by its soulful and funky grooves, appealing to fans of 1970s R&B.
The album has been reissued in various formats, notably as part of the compilation CD You're Gonna Get Next to Me: The Complete Claridge Recordings, which includes additional singles and solo tracks.