When I heard Conley shout out “Do you like good music” I knew this song was for me. Sweet Soul Music makes me mourn where digital recording has gone now. Such an in-your-face narrow tight song with a perfect sound.
Redding discovered Arthur Conley, a singer who sounded remarkably like himself. Redding became Conley’s mentor… the second release on Jotis Records was Conley’s “I’m a Lonely Stranger,” which Redding produced. It was not too successful and soon the record company folded.
Redding believed in Conley’s talent. In January 1967 Redding and his managers, Phil Walden (future ABB manager) and his brother Alan Walden (future Lynyrd Skynyrd manager) brought Conley to producer Rick Hall’s FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Conley recorded two singles at FAME Studios but they were not successful and Hall did not want to work with Conley anymore.
By this time Otis was fed up and took Conley himself to FAME and used his own band. With Jimmy Johnson engineering they recorded Sweet Soul Music. It was a million-selling single. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard 100, #2 in the R&B Charts, and #7 in the UK in 1967.
It was written by Conley and Otis Redding. It was based on “Yeah Man” by Sam Cooke and was a tribute to soul singers. The songs mentioned in this song are “Going To A Go-Go,” “Love’s a Hurtin’ Thing,” “Hold On I’m Coming,” “Mustang Sally” and “Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song).” The artists mentioned are Otis, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, James Brown, and Lou Rawls.
The opening horn intro sounds very similar to Elmer Bernstein’s score for The Magnificent Seven, popularly known as the Marlboro cigarette ad theme.
Conley could not duplicate the success he had with this record. He settled in the Netherlands and in 1980 legally changed his name to Lee Roberts — his middle name and his mother’s maiden name. Conley promoted new bands through his Art-Con Productions company and continued to record and perform, fronting Lee Roberts and the Sweaters.
Sweet Soul Music
Do you like good music
That sweet soul music
Just as long as it’s swingin’
Oh yeah oh yeah
Out here on the floor now
We’re going to a go go
Ah dancin’ to the music
Oh yeah oh yeah
Spotlight on Lou Rawls y’all
Ah don’t he look tall y’all
Singin’ loves a hurtin’ thing now
Oh yeah oh yeah
Spotlight on Sam and Dave now
Ah don’t they look boss y’all
Singin’ hold on I’m comin’
Oh yeah oh yeah
Spot light on Wilson Pickett
That wicked picked Pickett
Singing Mustang Sally
Oh yeah oh yeah
Spotlight on Otis Redding now
Singing fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
Oh yeah oh yeah
Spotlight on James Brown now
He’s the king of them all yeah
He’s the king of them all y’all
Oh yeah oh yeah
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Conley’s career path is intriguing. I bet there’s a compelling story there. This was another timeless song.
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I always loved this song! I didn’t know he changed his name when he moved.
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It’s always been one of my favorites…yea I didn’t know either
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I’m glad Otis stuck with him. Did not know the song by the title but immediately recognized it when it started playing.
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One of the classics of the decade, though I wouldn’t have been able to tell you who did it.
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It’s a fun one…kinda like King Floyd’s Groove Me.
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This may surprise you, given my punk and rock leanings (it sure surprised me!) but I loved this song!
I loved it so much, I was banned by my pals from putting in on the juke box in our local pub, The Burnbrae, any more. Even the barman asked that I stop shoving my 10p or whatever into the machine and playing the track virtually on repeat. 😉
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This is some powerful soul/R&B …it gets you right off the bat.
LOL…you must have really liked it!
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This is a real classic!
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A full-on fanboy song before the term began- and there sure is a Redding influence on this singer and the song. Just infectious, isn’t it?
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Yes it is!
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Great song! This type of soul music is totally up my alley!
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I thought you would like it Christian! We both picked great ones today
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Once upon a time I believed there was something akin to the perfect record. This was one of those perfect records. From the moment it started, nothing else mattered. Sure, I knew who the artist was, and that he was somehow tied to Otis Redding, but it didn’t matter and singing along. I never knew what label it was on, just that I’d have that wonderful “Yeah, yeah” in my head the rest of the day. Not the words, the sound.
Yeah, I grew up listening to Top 40, KHJ Boss Radio.
I still love the record.
I don’t think I could come to terms with the perfect streaming… Just doesn’t sound right. I guess I’m getting old. 🙂
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Yes I feel the same way about this song…another song I love as well like this is by King Floyd called “Groove Me”
I like the sound of vinyl as well…much more than streaming or a CD…I’m 58…and in total agreement with you.
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