Mailbag

December 3, 2025:

RE: The Boogie Report Comes Out For A-I!

See Daddy B. Nice's Corner, News & Notes, November 19, 2025.

Daddy B. Nice

Hey, how's it going? First off, I love the site. I didn't even know I was posted, lol. Yes, it's AI-generated—only the vocals. I write everything. I only use AI for vocals (I can't sing), and I tell it the tempo, vibe, and just all-around structure of what I'm looking for.

I don't think AI Southern Soul is ruining it for other blues artists. I've even tried my luck with getting my guy F.P.J on a track. From Mississippi to Alabama… I can't speak for everyone, but I make Southern Soul music because of L.J. Echols, Marvin Sease, King George, Sir Charles Jones, Big Mel, F.P.J, Johnny Taylor, Tyrone Davis, and I could go on and on.

I'm from Mississippi, and I grew up waking up on Saturday mornings to Ma and Pops listening to WGNL 104.3—all-day Saturday blues while cleaning up. Blues has been in my veins, lol. I’ve been country, and I bump my music… But I just asked (Chat GpT) who was Baker Collins the Mac of Southern soul.. that's how I found out I was on ur Top 10 lol #gratitude

Baker Collins

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I'm glad you wrote in, Baker. Thank you. It gives me an opportunity to speak directly to a member of your young A-I generation. So by now you probably know that I charted a song of yours, "Jody Baby," when a colleague alerted me to it being A-I. I rue A-I, I don't want some algorithm telling me what and how to write. And that disdain extends to A-I in music. However, since your song was already posted on my October Top 10 Singles I let it stand with the admonition 'BEWARE! A-I GENERATED'.

On a more positive note, I love the fact you're from Mississippi, and even more love me some Jackson, Mississippi, my "home away from home" for many years. In those years it was radio station WMPR, which like WGNL (for you) schooled me in southern soul, and which, by the way, still airs southern soul not only on Saturdays but weekday afternoons and more.

Here's what concerns me about your approach to the music you say you love. And remember, you're talking with an old veteran who's been watching the scene day by day since the late nineties. I can understand there being some value to using A-I (as the "Boogie Report" article notes) to enhance the production, specifically aspects of the instrumental track. What I can't understand is you using artificial intelligence to substitute for a human-generated vocal.

Like it or not, a performer’s brand is inextricably tied to the person singing the record. Even though the production may be the true factor in a song’s success, it’s the singer the fans recognize as the brand. So in effect you’re committing career suicide by putting some other artificially-generated vocal at the front of your creative efforts. You’ll never be able to tour. You’ll never be able to have a credible career. You’ll never be able to connect with an audience.

With your talents (and lack of singing talent) the only way you’ll achieve recognition in southern soul is as a writer and producer. And what could be better? Artists are STARVED for material. Producers are in short supply. There is money in being a producer, and the money is more consistent than it is for singers. And there is fame in being a producer. “Slack” Jefferson. Beat Flippa. Omar Cunningham. Kang 803. Tony Tatum. To name just a few from recent years. So let me say it again. The #1 reason for career failure in music is the difficulty in finding material and how to package it musically. And it sounds like that is exactly what you’re good at.

If I were you, I’d reassess my priorities. Start collaborating with the singers (like F.P.J.) and stop trying to be something you’re not. You are sitting on a creative pot of gold. Good luck to you and best wishes!


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

November 17, 2025:

Looking For A Song Letter

I can't find a song I heard and I like. Some of the words are "all of the time" "I cheated on her and she cheated on me" but I can't make out the chorus. Smacking somebody else -- something like that. Can you help?

Kevin

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I just realized I'm not getting as many "looking for songs" letters now that A-I has become such a thing. But yes, I do recognize the song you're talking about, thanks to you mentioning "smacking somebody else". It's actually "Smashing Somebody Else" and it's by Jeter Jones.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Smashing Somebody Else" on YouTube.

Kevin replies:

That's it! Thanks


daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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November 1, 2025:

RE: Frank Lucas Passes

hey i seen on your page that in 2021 you said frank lucas “the singing ding a ling” my grandfather died a couple years ago that’s completely wrong he passed away last weekend though.

Latanya

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks for your letter, Latanya, and my condolences. "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" is one of the greatest "one-hit wonders" of 21st Century Southern Soul. I can't remember what happened at the time. I must have been too busy to follow up on the original email exchange (which took place over a period of time) as I should have. I've known all this time that your grandfather, the singer Frank Lucas, was still alive. I did some research in my Mailbag files and discovered the full conversation, the last part of which I neglected to post in Frank Lucas's Artist Guide. Here's the full transcript---the part you read and the part I omitted:

June 1, 2021:

RE: Frank Lucas (Reportedly passed away.)

I just read the question in your mailbag about Frank Lucas. He passed away either last year or the year before. After the year that we just had it is hard to remember and figure out between the two. It was quiet, but I work with someone that married into his family, and he mentioned it to me.

Sandra

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you so much for the information. I'll post your letter and hopefully get some confirmation.

Sandra replies:

I saw that you posted my response to the Frank Lucas mail piece. At work, the family member that i talked about told me that Mr. Lucas is buried in LeGrange, NC. The town is near Kingston, NC. He also shared more things with me. He told me that Mr. Lucas was buried in a Cadillac coffin. If you go to Google and put in the search, Frank Lucas coffin, you will see it, along with Mr. Lucas in it. He went away in style.

Sandra replies a second time:

The Frank Lucas that I am referring to is the American Gangster one. i was just told that the one singing is not the same one. ?????? I'm lost......

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Ahhh, that's why I said, "I'll post and hopefully get some confirmation." I imagine there's nothing worse than being alive and reading that you're dead. Yes, I've long been aware of the other Frank Lucas, famous gangster, but he didn't cross my mind when you first wrote me. I'll post this exchange so that fans of the singer Frank Lucas realize he has not passed away. Thanks!

Daddy B. Nice sums up:

I did post the letters in the Mailbag, but forgot to post the last exchange in the Artist Guide. My bad!

Listen to Frank Lucas singing "The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's Artist Guide to Frank Lucas.

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October 25, 2025:

RE: The Newest Southern Soul Sensation: “Gas Station Love”

Dear Daddy,

Thanks for what you do. Longtime admirer. I remember that “Sunny” episode of “Ray Donovan”! Which by the way is still streaming on Paramount Plus. It was one of my husbands and my favorites. And when you compare E.J. Jones to Marvin you are so right! They are both so fantastically talented! But you don’t mention that Marvin gets killed later in that same episode.

Lateisha

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you so much, Lateisha. Yeah, that episode of “Ray Donovan” is a fictionalization of the Tupac story. And the guy that kills Marvin is based on Suge Knight. As much as I fondly remember the “Sunny” recording session, I didn’t want to put that on the kid (E.J. Jones).

I appreciate you being such a close reader!

Read The Newest Southern Soul Sensation! "Gas Station Love" on Daddy B. Nice's Corner: News & Notes October 19th.

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October 14, 2025:

RE: Grateful by Myia B

Hi Daddy B Nice

Listened to it twice back to back… absolutely beautiful. Her vocals in this one remind me of Anita Baker (in songs like “Angel”). Can feel the gratitude, peace and joy she had when writing this. You can hear the sweetness she has in her life right now, and her thankfulness.

It’s totally refreshing to hear someone thank God for their same-sex partner, and for all the other blessings in her life too. Family, the BBQ, a woman at home that’s missing you, money hitting the account, doing a little dance because she could have been down and out… and then inviting the listener to join in and help her say thank you to the Lord!

Wonderful vibes!

Thanks for hipping me to that one. No way i couldn’t listen to it after reading your write up.

Alecia

See Daddy B. Nice's #1 Single for October 2025: "Grateful" by Myia B.

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October 7, 2025:

RE: AI-Generated Southern Soul

Daddy B Nice

I, too, am mortified by the advent of AI "artists" competing in the marketplace. I didn't expect it to infect Southern Soul so soon. AI "artists" becoming accepted competition with real human artists incentivizes record labels to cut all those pesky costs associated with music being created by humans. Think of the money they can save? Or artists with no or negligible talent can cheat their way to success. Because it IS cheating. Unless AI music comes with the the "AI-generated" tag it is dishonest and deceptive.

Unfortunately the technology has been rapidly improving to the point average listeners can easily be fooled. The early attempts were pretty bad and it was easy to tell it was fake. I clicked on the YouTube links you provided and the tracks sound pretty damn great. I of course won't support it in any form. I find it depressing to be honest. On one of those YouTube links the description lists a human as providing "vocals" on the track and this person has several other videos with completely different voices on his channel but he still lists himself as "lead vocalist". Bullshit!! This "artist" should be condemned by anyone that loves Southern Soul and Blues.

Obviously, AI music devalues the heart, soul, angst and originality that human artists put into their work. Yes, AI can be used in creative ways, but when it starts replacing or displacing real artists instead of supporting them, it is clearly an immoral thing.

Spotify has rightfully faced criticism for not labeling certain artists on their platform as "AI". I seriously believe there should be a law let alone an industry standard that requires an "AI-generated" label on any commercial release of this "music".

Bottom line though is the Pandora's Box has been opened. It's not hard to see AI technology erasing the need for humans altogether. We've seen this movie many times. We knew it was coming and now it's infiltrated Southern Soul and Blues.

Blues Critic

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Great! Depressing, but great opinion.

Blues Critic replies:

Thank you sir. Hopefully, you will become the voice of reason on AI ("fake") Southern Soul and use your great platform to shame anyone cheating like this.

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October 3, 2025:

RE: Top 10 Singles & Baker Collins
(And Having To Deal With Good Music That's Not Even Human)

Daddy B Nice,

I saw your #10 entry for September “Baker Collins - Jody Baby”……

I am pretty sure this is an AI Generated vocal track as well as the instrumentation. Unless you are on to something I don’t know!! Haha Yes, it’s a damn good song, but I feel that it is AI generated. With that said, a few months ago I found a Youtube Page for “DJ Jim Byte” which I am 100% positive it is also, all AI Generated, but these tracks are really really good!

Just thought I would mention that to see what you thought.

As always, thanks for what you do!!!

Here is the link to one that I like from DJ Jim Byte (there are some hits and misses, but for the most part, this AI music is crazy good) on Youtube:

Listen to DJ Jim Byte's "Sunday Dinner Lies" on YouTube.

Also, I appreciate the tip on Author Bryant in Louisiana, nice song and I have reached out to him to network!! Thank you!!

DJ Haynes

Daddy B. Nice replies:

DJ Haynes, thank you, but I think you've made me physically sick. Yes, I'm one of those creative writing guys who takes advantage of a little AI search engine help now and then but can't stand it when two or three words pop up in front of what I'm writing, suggesting what to write next. I hate that! How dare AI make tell me what to do? I hate that shit!

No, I had no idea that Baker Collins tune was AI-generated, although now that I think about it, I'm sure you're right. The "AI Soul Sessions" should have tipped me off, although I don't see a lot of that small print anymore. I had another song in my monthly playlist (from which I award the Top 10 and Top 40 singles every month). "One Hellva Blues Party" by RBE JG feat. Jimmy Graham on vocals. It's one of those songs giving tribute to all the southern soul stars we love (and 2,500 views) but the tropes were a little off. They didn't match up with the artists. Like "Karen Wolfe in a red dress"? What's that all about? I took it to mean the artist was a little "green" and didn't completely know what he was talking about. I consigned it to amateurism, but now I'm thinking it may be AI.

Then I started exploring some of that AI-generated DJ Jim Byte music you talk about and the frown lines on my face drew deeper. (My barber tells me I need to smile more.) First, I recognized the cover art, now YouTube video art---a kind of sepia-toned, Norman Rockwell look. That seems to be a clue or giveaway to many (if not all) of these AI-generated tracks.

I haven't listened to the amount of music generated by AI that you have, so I can't argue with you about the quality. I certainly thought Baker Collins had serious potential. But now that that rug has been pulled out from under me, I'm appalled by the notion of AI-generated southern soul music, as I would think every practicing recording artist would be. In a word, very far from your casual and to an extent enthusiastic take. What's the future for the real musicians, the real deejays, the real writers?

DJ Haynes replies:

Thanks for the response!! My comment regarding how “crazy good” some of these AI tunes are was only referring to the vocal and track quality being really good! I also feel the same as you, in that it should be concerning to the music business, producers, musicians, artists, and DJ’s that this technology is here and not going anywhere!! I do hope that it will motivate some of these average, or non singing artists throwing music out here - to up their game, get better at their craft!

Thanks for all you do for the southern soul business!!

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September 16, 2025:

RE: Are Southern Soul Stars Charging Too Much?

Daddy,

I just saw your Concert Calendar announcement the Blues Is Alright Tour date in Philadelphia was cancelled. Does it change your thinking on whether artists are charging too much?

Tony

Daddy B. Nice replies:

I thought, "Poor Philly, keep watching those oldies bands". But no, otherwise no. What's to change? Leave the economics to the market, and in this case the market said no. I believe I'm correct in saying it's the first Blues Is Alright arena-sized concert cancelled this year.

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September 3, 2025: $$$

Are Southern Soul Stars Charging Too Much?

Pictured: Johnnie Taylor and Bobby "Blue" Bland

Hello Daddy B Nice,

I really appreciate your takes. Been a fan for years. Whether I agree or disagree I enjoy the humor and candidness. You keep the stars honest and lift the unknowns!

Lately I've been reading some social media posts that the southern soul stars are charging too much for their appearances. The promoters have to cancel concerts, the artists are too greedy, and so forth. Any thoughts?

And thanks in advance!

Helena

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Well, first of all Helena, there have never been as many southern soul concerts as there are today, not just the ones promoted on this website but the many concerts featuring artists who haven't achieved the recognition to be featured on this website. I spend on average an hour a day just posting gigs. I can remember years when I used smoke and mirrors---grabbing artists like The Isleys or Keb Mo or R.L. Burnside or R. Kelly or vintage groups like The Whispers or The Drifters---from other genres just to make the southern soul tour circuit (and my Concert Calendar) look bigger and more attractive than it really was.

Are there unfortunate cancellations in today's scene? Sure. Are there promoters who get in over their heads? Are there artists who occasionally do the dirty? Sure, there's always going to be some glitches. But that doesn't mean we have a problem. Just the opposite.

As to the "greed" aspect, isn't this America? Isn't this a capitalist society where talent and hard work and persistence give every individual the ability to achieve economic success? Even Johnnie Taylor had haters. So you're going to criticize King George now? We're not talking black and white here. We're talking blacks. And you want to throw shade on black artists who have achieved success? Come on now. I was a civil rights and anti-war journalist/editor in the sixties. I wasn't writing about music, I was writing about social injustice. Let's not confuse economics and inequity with music and entertainment.

Last thought. I remember many years ago, roughly the period after Johnnie Taylor and Bobby "Blue" Bland and the greats from that generation passed away and people were saying southern soul and the blues was dead or dying. Then a few stars from the younger generation (Sir Charles, T.K. Soul and others) created a new scene, the foundation of today's southern soul, but for quite a few years it was anything but robust. It was an insular, insider-ish, everybody's-okay culture with, frankly, a dearth of competition and a low ceiling compared to today's spectacular, hierarchical chaos. Everyone who is accusing today's southern soul artists of greed needs to ask themselves: Would they prefer it if everyone was the same? Would they want to buy tickets to see Mr. or Ms. Same?

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