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Daddy B. Nice Announces THE WINNERS of the 2016 (10th Annual) SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC AWARDS. The winners are posted at the end of each list of finalists. A permanent listing and a link in Daddy B. Nice's Comprehensive Index to Southern Soul Music has been made on behalf of each performer for each nomination and citation listed.
THE CATEGORIES:
Best Mid-Tempo Song
Best Club Song
Best Ballad
Best Song by Longtime Veteran
Best Female Vocalist
Best Male Vocalist
Best Debut
Best Collaboration
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song
Best Cover Song
Best Arranger/Producer
Best Songwriter
Best CD
Hardest-Touring Crowd Pleaser.
--Daddy B. Nice
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Best Mid-Tempo Song:
Top Contenders:
"Slow Rock"-----Tucka
"Single Woman"-----T.K. Soul
"Junk In Yo Trunk"-----LaMorris Williams
"Be My Shawty On The Side"----Vick Allen
"Three"-----Cold Drank
"Daddy's Girl"----J-Wonn
"The Three Of Me"----William Bell
"Stand By Man"-----Mr. Sam
"Don't Make Me Do It"----Mys. Niki
"The Girl With The Coke Bottle Frame"----Nelson Curry
"Sneaky Girl"-----Cool Ricky Blues
"Boo Thang"----X-Man Parker
"Take Me To The Bootlegger"----Stan Butler
"Blow Me A Kiss"----Till 1
"Better Thangs"----Adrena
"Boo Thang"----Chris Ardoin
"Goody Goody Good Stuff"----Sonny Mack
"My Man Is A Full Grown Dog"----Jesi Terrell
"Why Can't I Be Your Lover?"----O.B. Buchana
"Get In There"----Big Pokey Bear
Best Mid-Tempo Song: "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" by O.B. Buchana
Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" on YouTube.
Best Club Song:
Top Contenders:
"Got My Whiskey (Remix)"----Bigg Robb
"Calling All The Riders"----T.K. Soul
"You Bad"----LaMorris Williams
"This Place Is Hot"----Ms. Jody
"I Ain't Getting That S---"----Stevie J
"Tootie Boot"----Stan Butler
"Three"----Cold Drank
"Come Saddle Up"----Big Cynthia
"Third Of The Month"----Stan Butler
"Knock The Fire"----Mr. David
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody
"That Act Right"----Miss Mini
"A.P.B Out On Her"----Hollywood Hayes
"The Thrill Is Gone"----Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
"Get On Up"----Sonny Mack
"Stepping Out"----Big Yayo
"Turkey Leg"----Cool Ricky Blues
"It's Booty Shaking Time"----O.B. Buchana
Best Club Song: "Three" by Cold Drank
Listen to Cold Drank singing "Three (Got A Wife, The Other Woman & A Sidepiece)" on YouTube.
Best Ballad:
Top Contenders:
"Outside Love Affair"----Donnie Ray
"Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush
"All True Man"----Ms. Jody
"Lord, I Need To Talk To You"----J'Wonn
"Preacher Was A Home Wrecker"----Stan Butler
"Do You Think About Me?"----Wendell B. feat. Lacee
"A Lie Don't Care Who Tell It"----Napoleon Demps
"Baby You're Ready"----Ricky White
"Living A Lie"----Katrenia Jefferson
"All The Lovers In The House"----Nellie "Tiger" Travis
"Hey Mister DJ"----Chris Ivy
“I Love You (Baby Please Don’t Go)”-------Bigg Robb
"Naked"----Louisiana Blues Brothas
"Back This Thing Up (What Yo Gonna Do For Me?)"----Nicole Jackson
"I'Mon Put It Down Tonight"----Wendell B.
Best Ballad: "Do You Think About Me?" by Wendell B. feat. Lacee
Listen to Wendell B. and Lacee singing "Do You Think About Me?" on YouTube.
Best Song By Longtime Veteran:
Top Contenders:
"Let's Have A Good Time"----Willie Clayton
"Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush
"The Three Of Me"----William Bell
"I Want Some More"----Carl Marshall
"Come Saddle Up"----Big Cynthia
"Shake A Little Something"----Denise LaSalle w/
Karen Wolfe
"Beans & BBQ"----Denise LaSalle w/
Bigg Robb
"Born Under A Bad Sign"----William Bell
"Let Me See You Rock"----Big Cynthia w/
Cupid
"Old School Jam"----Willie Clayton
"You Knew What You Had"----Rue Davis
"Your Love Has Affected Me"----Robert "The Duke" Tillman
Best Song By Longtime Veteran: "The Three Of Me" by William Bell
Listen to William Bell singing "The Three Of Me" on YouTube.
Best Female Vocalist:
Top Contenders:
"Better Thangs"----Adrena
"Rules To The Game"----Nikita
"I Love You"----Falisa JaNaye
"I Got The Feeling"----Ms. Jody
"Tighten Up"----Lady Soul
"That Act Right"----Miss Mini
"If You Lay, You Gone Pay"----Stephanie McDee
"You Can Get It"----Toia Jones
"All The Lovers In The House"----Nellie "Tiger" Travis
"Man's World (But Women Run It)"----Shay Denise
"Living A Lie"----Katrenia Jefferson

"Steps To Love"----Sweet Angel
"Don't Make Me Do It"----Mys. Niki (Nikita)
"My Man Is A Full Grown Dog"----Jesi Terrell
"All True Man"----Ms. Jody
Best Female Vocalist: "All True Man" by Ms. Jody
Listen to Ms. Jody singing ”All True Man” on YouTube.
Best Male Vocalist:
Top Contenders:
"I Don't Want To Be Alone"----Luther Lackey
"Nobody"----El' Willie
"Do You Think About Me?"----Wendell B.
"Single Woman"----T.K. Soul
"When She Said Good-Bye"----Tucka
"Take Me To The Bootlegger"----Stan Butler
"Sneaky Girl"----Cool Ricky Blues
"Porcupine Meat"----Bobby Rush
"The Three Of Me"----William Bell
"Boo Thang"----X-Man Parker
"They Want Me To"----Black Diamond (Clarence & Ricky Fuller)
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"Why Can't I Be Your Lover?"----O.B. Buchana
"Lord, I Need To Talk To You"----J'Wonn
"Three"----Cold Drank
"Get On Up"----Sonny Mack
"I'm Concerned"----LaMorris Williams
"Boo Thang"----Chris Ardoin
"Just Say The Word (Remix)"----Big G
"Enjoy Yourself"----J. Red
"Hush Money"----Alonzo Reid
"Stand By Man"----Mr. Sam
Best Male Vocalist: "I'm Concerned" by LaMorris Williams
Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "I'm Concerned" on YouTube.
Best Debut:
Top Contenders:
"Make Her Feel It," "Love After Hours"----
Tony Tatum
"A.P.B. Out On Her"----
Hollywood Hayes
"Shake It"----
Ra'Shad The Blues Kid
"Don't Make Me Do It," "Rules To The Game"----
Mys. Niki (Nikita)
"No Late Night Booty Call"----
Rena Ree
"Them Country Girls," "Country Girl"----
Crystal Thomas
"Tootie Boot," "Bootlegger," "Third Of The Month," "Preacher Was A Home Wrecker," "Took My Grandma To The Club"----Stan Butler
"The Thrill Is Gone"----Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
"Stepping Out"----
Donna Renae
"You Can Get It," "Shothouse Blues"----
Toia Jones
"The Best You Ever Had," "Cowgirl (Remix)," "Role Play," "Pour It Up"----
Rosalyn Candy
"If You Need Some," "That Act Right"----
Miss Mini
"Catch A Groove (Dancing Shoes)"-----
Christopher La'Mont
"I'd Better Leave You Alone"----
Summer Wolfe
"Don't Wonna Lose My Baby"----
Coupe Deville
"Classy"----
Sharnette Hyter
Best Debut: Stan Butler
Listen to Stan Butler singing "Take Me To The Bootlegger" on YouTube.
Best Collaboration:
Top Contenders:
"I Tiptoed In It"----
Mr. Sam w/
O.B. Buchana
"Shake What Your Mama Gave You"----
J. Red w/
Willie Hill
"Charlie Horse"----
Cupid w/ Dana Jackson
"Sneaky Girl"----
Cool Ricky Blues w/
L.J. Echols
"You Think I'm Wrong (I Think I'm Right)"----
Karen Wolfe w/
Sir Charles Jones
"Shake A Little Something"----
Karen Wolfe w/
Denise LaSalle
"Let Me See You Rock"----
Big Cynthia w/
Cupid
"Drop That Thang"-----
J. Red,
David Aaron &
Joe Nice
"Shothouse"----
Toia Jones w/
Bigg Robb
"Blues & BBQ"----
Denise LaSalle w/
Bigg Robb
"ZBT (Zydeco, Blues & Trail Rides) Anthem"----RMG (Ross Music Group feat.
Pokey Bear,
Crystal Thomas,
Jeter Jones,
Miss Portia,
Blu3Black,
Gangsta)
"BYOB Party"---
-Tre' Williams w/
Jerry Flood
"Them Country Girls"----
Jeter Jones w/
Crystal Thomas
"Shake That Money Maker"----
Pokey Bear w/
Mystikal
"Sufferin' (Remix)"----
Omar Cunningham w/
Bigg Robb,
R. Kelly
"Do You Think About Me?"----
Wendell B. w/
Lacee
"One Night Stand"----
Pokey Bear w/
Cold Drank
Best Collaboration: Cool Ricky Blues w/ L.J. Echols
Listen to Cool Ricky Blues and L.J. Echols singing "She's A Sneaky Girl" on YouTube.
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song:
Top Contenders:
"Lord, I Need To Talk To You"----
J-Wonn
"The Thrill Is Gone"----
Gene "Poo Poo Man" Anderson
"Took My Grandma To The Club"----
Stan Butler
"Catch A Groove (Dancing Shoes)"-----
Christopher La'Mont
"Trail Ride"----Jaye Hammer
"Wrong Draws (He Caught Me With The Wrong Drawers On)"-----
The Mystery Lady
"Boo Thang"----Chris Ardoin

"Be My Shawty On The Side"----
Vick Allen
"A.P.B" Out On Her"----
Hollywood Hayes
"Little Bit"----
Rob Hewz
"Shake That Money Maker"----
Pokey Bear w/
Mystikal
Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song: TIE between "Boo Thang" by Chris Ardoin and "Trail Ride" by Jaye Hammer
Listen to Chris Ardoin singing "Boo Thang" on YouTube.
Listen to Jaye Hammer singing "Trail Ride" on YouTube.
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song:
Top Contenders:
"We Gone Party"----
J-Wonn
"Trail Ride"----
Jaye Hammer
"I Got The Feeling"----
Ms. Jody
"Move Something"----
Grady Champion
"Get On The Good Foot"----
Big Pokey Bear
"Cowgirl (Remix)"----
Big Yayo,
Rosalyn Candy, J-Wonn
"Come Saddle Up"----
Big Cynthia
"Three"----
Cold Drank
"Shake A Little Something"----
Karen Wolfe w/
Denise LaSalle
"Watch It Shake"----
Lomax
"Don't Back Up Off It"----
Ms. Jody
"Got My Whiskey (Remix)----
Big Robb
"Shothouse/Clean Up Woman"----
Bigg Robb w/
Toia Jones
"Junk In Yo Trunk"----
LaMorris Williams
"Come And Get It"----
Big Yayo w/
J-Wonn
Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: "I Got The Feeling" by Ms. Jody
Listen to Ms. Jody singing "I Got The Feeling" on YouTube
Best Cover Song:
Top Contenders:
"It Be's That Way Sometimes"----Duchess Jureesa McBride
"Knock The Fire"----
Mr. David
"Been Dreamin' About Ya"----
Herman Hitson
"Got My Whiskey (Remix)"----
Bigg Robb
"Cowgirl (Remix)"----
Big Yayo,
J-Wonn,
Rosalyn Candy
"Born Under A Bad Sign"----
William Bell
"Sufferin' (Remix)"----Omar Cunningham, Bigg Robb, R. Kelly
"Tasty Girl (Remix)"----O.B. Buchana
"I Tiptoed In It"----Mr. Sam w/ O.B. Buchana
Best Cover Song: "It Be's That Way Sometimes" by Duchess Jureesa McBride
Listen to Duchess Jureesa McBride singing "It Be's That Way Sometimes" on YouTube.
Best Arranger/Producer:
Top Contenders:
Mike Darden: Miss Mini's "That Act Right," Adrena's "Better Thangs"
T.K. Soul
(Terence Kimble): Lady Soul's "Lady Soul Slide," T.K. Soul's "Single Woman" & "Calling All The Riders," Nikita's "Rules To The Game," Mr. Juicy's "That's My Boo," Rhomey's "What's That Dance?" and "Lonely Man"
Bigg Robb
(Robert Smith): Bigg Robb's "I Love You" & "Got My Whiskey (Remix)," Toia Jones' "You Can Get It" & "Shothouse," Bigg Robb's & Denise LaSalle's "Blues & BBQ"
John Ward: O.B. Buchana's "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?" and "Swing On," Jaye Hammer's "Trail Ride," Ms. Jody's "All True Man," "I Got The Feeling" and "This Place Is Hot," Sonny Mack's "Get On Up" and "Goody Good Good Stuff"
Heavy (aka Highway Heavy)
(Charles Lewis): Cold Drank's "Three," Adrian Bagher's "Dirty"
Tucka
(Norris Boutte): Tucka's "Slow Rock" & "When She Said Good-Bye"
LaMorris Williams: LaMorris William's "Let Me Know," "You Bad," "The Guitar Song," "Junk In Yo Trunk" & "I'm Concerned"
Beat Flippa
(Daniel Ross): Lady Soul's "Tighten Up," Big Cynthia's "Come Saddle Up," Jeter Jones & Crystal Thomas' "Them Country Girls," Louisiana Blues Brothas' "Naked"
J-Wonn
(Jawonn Smith): J-Wonn's "Daddy's Girl," "I Need A Grown Woman," "To My Grave," "24/7" & "We Gone Party"
John Leventhal: William Bell's "The Three Of Me," "This Is Where I Live," "Born Under A Bad Sign"
Best Arranger/Producer: John Ward
Best Songwriter:
Top Contenders:
LaMorris Williams: "I'm Concerned," "The Guitar Song," "Let Me Know"
John Cummings &
John Ward: O.B. Buchana's "Why Can't I Be Your Lover?", Ms. Jody's "All True Man" (w/ Leo Johnson), Jaye Hammer's "Trail Ride"
Heavy
(Charles Lewis): Cold Drank's "Three"
Stan Butler: "Take Me To The Bootlegger," "Third Of The Month," "Tootie Boot"
Mike Darden: Adrena's "Better Thangs" Miss Mini's "That Act Right,"
J-Wonn
(Jawonn Smith): "Lord, I Need To Talk To You," "Daddy's Girl," "I Need A Grown Woman"
Best Songwriter: John Cummings & John Ward (w/ Leo Johnson)
Best CD:
Top Contenders:
Tucka Long Live The King
Big Yayo Southern Classic
Beat Flippa I Got The Blues Vol. 2
J-Wonn The Legacy Begins
Napoleon Demps Presents
J. Red Soul Certified
Jeter Jones Da GQ Country Boy
LaMorris Williams Mississippi Motown
Ms. Jody I Got The Feeling
Pokey Bear Mr. It Ain't Fair
O.B. Buchana Mississippi Folks
Ricky White Love Zone
Rosalyn Candy Timeless Soul Music Never Dies
Big G Satisfaction Guaranteed
Sonny Mack Get On Up
Adrena Better Days
Wendell B The Next 1
Stevie J Back 2 Blues
Best CD: Mississippi Motown by LaMorris Williams
Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "The Guitar Song" on YouTube.
Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "Let Me Know" on YouTube
Hardest Touring Crowd Pleaser:
Top Contenders:
Sir Charles Jones
T.K. Soul
Big Yayo
J-Wonn
Nellie "Tiger" Travis
Big Pokey Bear
Hardest Touring Crowd Pleaser: J-Wonn
Listen to J-Wonn singing "Daddy's Girl" live in concert.
Thanks and congratulations to ALL of you--to everyone!
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Product, comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?
Write to
daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com
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Monthly Singles Charts, Continued From Right-Hand Column
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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .
-------JUNE 2016---------
1. "A.P.B. Out On Her"-----Hollywood Hayes
The legendary Ronnie Lovejoy sang about his woman having an "A.P.B. Out On Me." Hollywood Hayes works a similar, steamy groove in "A.P.B. Out On Her." I've never been contacted by him, but he's got a hit as rough and erotic as Big Ro Williams' "Good Love Muscle."
Listen to Hollywood Hayes singing "A.P.B. Out On Her" on YouTube.
Buy Hollywood Hayes' "APB Out On Her" mp3 at CD Baby.
2. "Tootie Boot"------Stan Butler
Here's another choice cut from an unknown artist who's never contacted your Daddy B. Nice. Also check out his first official video: "I Took My Grandma To The Club."
Listen to Stan Butler singing "Tootie Boot" on YouTube.
3. "Rules To The Game"--------Nikita
A T.K. Soul production. The vocal is catchy, almost hypnotic, and very seasoned for a debut. But what a name. Doesn't anyone remember Kruschev? Or am I just showing my age?
Listen to Nikita singing "Rules To The Game" on YouTube.
Buy Nikita's "Rules To The Game" mp3 at Amazon.
JUST IN:
"Nikita" is the artist formerly known as "Mys Niki." See Daddy B. Nice's Mailbag for background story.
4. "No Late Night Booty Call"-----Rena Ree
Another sinuous hit (see last month's #1, Jesi Terrell's "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg") from Sound Mindz' Tony Gideon, courtesy of writer/producer Mark Safford (aka Mr. X), who penned so many great songs for The Love Doctor.
Listen to Rena Ree singing "No Late Night Booty Call" on YouTube.
Buy Rena Ree's "No Late Night Booty Call" at iTunes.
5. "Goody Goody Good Stuff"-----Sonny Mack
Sonny Mack? The face of Ecko Records? He's making a serious bid. Another gem from Mack's GET ON UP CD.
Listen to Sonny Mack singing "Goody Good Good Stuff" on YouTube
Buy Sonny Mack's "Goody Good Good Stuff" at iTunes.
Read Daddy B. Nice's four-star CD review.
6. "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw (Remix) On Da Bicycle"-----Bishop Bullwinkle
The Bishop's new instrumental track for "Hell Naw". Read Daddy B. Nice's story...."The Latest On Bishop Bullwinkle".
Listen to Bishop Bullwinkle singing his "Hell Naw To The Naw Naw On The Bicycle (Remix) on YouTube.
7. "This Is Where I Live"------William Bell
William Bell's autobiographical journey, the title tune of his new CD on the rejuvenated Stax.
Listen to William Bell singing "This Is Where I Live" on YouTube.
Buy William Bell's "This Is Where I Live" at iTunes.
See Daddy B. Nice's latest on William Bell.
8. "Old School Jam"----Willie Clayton
Listen to Willie Clayton singing "Old School Jam" on YouTube.
Buy Willie Clayton's "Old School Jam" at iTunes.
9. "Shake A Little Something"-----Denise LaSalle & Karen Wolfe
The "queen" and the "princess" team up on a straight-ahead, acoustic blues. No YouTube or retail yet.
10. "Facebook Love Affair"-------Luther Lackey
No YouTube or retail yet.
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .
-------MAY 2016---------
1. "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg"------Jesi Terrell
Best thing to come out of indie label Sound Mindz Records in years, or at least since Jesi's own Love Mechanic in 2012. But that was a cover (Willie Clayton). This is an original, with a superb melody/groove and consummate lyrics.
Listen to Jesi Terrell singing "My Man Is A Full Grown Dawg" on YouTube.
Buy Jesi Terrell's "My Man Is A Full Grown Dog" mp3 at CD Baby.
2. TIE: "You Bad" / "Let Me Know"-------LaMorris Williams
"You Bad" is LaMorris at his classic simplicity-rocking-best. "Let Me Know" is the eye-opening new style from LaMorris that will have you ballroom-disco-dancing.
Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "You Bad" on YouTube.
Listen to LaMorris Williams singing "Let Me Know" on YouTube.
Read Daddy B. Nice's five-star "southern soul heaven" CD Review.
3. TIE: "Work That Thang" / "Just Say The Word (Remix)"--------Big G
Big G's back with his best collection in years, featuring the rocking single "Work That Thang" and the nine-minute classic ballad, "Just Say The Word," as deep and satisfying as Carl Sims' "I'm Trapped."
Listen to Big G singing "Work That Thang" on YouTube.
Listen to Big G singing "Just Say The Word (Remix)" on YouTube
4. "You Knew What You Had"--------Rue Davis
Who knew Rue Davis would "blossom" in the autumn of his career? This is the second superb single, following the "Twerkin'"-like "Big Hip Woman"--Daddy B. Nice's #7 Southern Soul Single December 2015--from his new CD. See New Album Alerts.
Listen to Rue Davis singing "You Knew What You Had" on YouTube.
5. "Let Me See You Rock"------Big Cynthia featuring Cupid
One of Cupid's best duets in awhile--and Cupid DOES duets.
Listen to Big Cynthia & Cupid singing "Let Me See You Rock" on RockMusicHub.
6. "Come On Home"-----Keith Frank & La. 26
It's not only southern soul artists doing zydeco; it's zydeco artists doing southern soul.
Listen to Keith Frank and La. 26 singing"Come On Home" on YouTube.
7. "Let Me Be Your Pokey Bear"-----Big Pokey
The sample is Tyrone Davis's "Let Me Be Your Pacifier," but a couple of listens to Pokey's version truly obliterates memories of the original.
Listen to Pokey singing "Let Me Be Your Pokey Bear" on YouTube.
8. "Until The Morning"-----Avail Hollywood
Bass-heavy, rattlesnake-hissing, with a vocal as original as the arrangement.
Listen to Avail Hollywood singing "Until The Morning" on YouTube.
9. "Hit It Again"-----Stevie J
Listen to Stevie J singing "Hit It Again" on YouTube.
10. "Watch It Shake"------Lomax
Listen to Lomax singing "Watch It Shake" on YouTube.
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .
-------APRIL 2016---------
1. "The Three Of Me"-------William Bell
So glad William Bell is recording, both for the pleasure of listening to his pure southern soul voice and accomplished sound but also for the example he sets the new generation of southern soul artists who will steer better for his shining beacon.
Listen to William Bell singing "The Three Of Me" on NPR. Also scroll down to read the NPR interview of William.
Sample/Buy William Bell's "The Three Of Me" at iTunes.
2. "Lord, I Need To Talk To You"---------------J'Wonn
Maybe it's your Daddy B. Nice's weird pick of the month, or maybe it's an example of that "outside-the-box" creativity I've been talking about, or maybe my religious childhood is knocking on the back-door of my conscience because I used a four-letter word in my latest column. All I know is that I sit up and listen to this straightforward gospel in the same way I sat up and listened to "I Got This Record." I hear J'Wonn's innermost soul.
Watch and listen to the official video of J'Wonn singing "Lord, I Need To Talk To You" on YouTube.
3. "Get On Up"-----Sonny Mack
You've got to give credit to Ecko Records' John Ward (co-writer and producer of Mack's rambunctious "Get On Up") for assessing the changes in southern soul and moving toward more dance-oriented material with O.B. Buchana, Jaye Hammer and now Sonny Mack. Great vocal integration with the rhythm track.
Listen to Sonny Mack singing "Get On Up" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Sonny Mack's "Get On Up" at iTunes.
4. "Enjoy Yourself"-------J. Red (The Nephew)
This young man is becoming a consummate southern soul singer/songwriter/producer in a very short time. For those wondering about the "nephew," J. Red broke into the southern soul market as Theodis ("Stand Up In It") Ealey's "nephew."
Listen to J. Red singing "Enjoy Yourself" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy J. Red's "Enjoy Yourself" at iTunes.
5. "Hush Money"--------Alonzo Reid
Alonzo doesn't have Marvin's caramel-thick tenor, but longtime Marvin Sease sideman Alonzo Reid has remnants of his musical legacy, his band, and.....pinch your Daddy B. Nice if that's not the one and only LaKeisha Burks singing background and voice-over, just as sassy and 20-something as she ever was on Marvin's records.
Listen to Alonzo Reid singing "Hush Money" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Alonzo Reid's "Hush Money" at CD Baby.
6. "Make Her Feel It"------Tony Tatum
This is the southern soul debut artist who Daddy B. Nice scolded for the amateurish horn programming on his first single. He bounced right up with something even better. "Make Her Feel It" is very "hook-ey" and well-sung, not to mention refreshingly short, and the reference to "Theodis" will seal the deal with the fans.
Listen to Tony Tatum singing "Make Her Feel It" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Tony Tatum's "Make Her Feel It" at iTunes.
7. "Stand By Man"------Mr. Sam
A very welcome, mid-tempo offering from Mr. Sam on the Ecko label. It will remind his fans of the lush, lyrical quality of his early work.
8. "Junk In Yo Trunk"------LaMorris Williams
LaMorris' new single is just one of the delights from his new MISSISSIPPI MOTOWN CD. He's one of the best self-producers in the business.
Watch and listen to the official LaMorris Williams video of "Junk In Yo Trunk."
Sample/Buy LaMorris Williams' "Junk In Yo Trunk" at CD Baby.
9. "Move Something"-----Grady Champion
Grady's shooting for a more southern-soul sound (like "Make That Monkey Jump") on this new record debuted on WAGR (Holmes County, Mississippi)--probably the rawest, funkiest southern station going--the other night. He may cite Sonny Boy Williamson as an influence, but Grady's vocals sound like Darius Rucker from Hootie & The Blowfish (more white and rock than black and blues).
10. TIE between two brazenly-sampled records:
"Been Dreamin' About Ya" by Herman Hitson takes Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember" and speeds it up without losing the Redding-style horns. Sample/Buy Herman Hitson's "Been Dreamin' About Ya" at CD Baby.
And Pokey's "I've Got A Root Coming On" samples Curtis Mayfield's "Pusher Man."
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .
-------MARCH 2016---------
1. “Trail Ride”-------------Jaye Hammer
This out-of-the-gate anthem represents the perfect marriage of southern soul power and zydeco enthusiasm your Daddy B. Nice has been talking about. Be happy. Be dancing. Get delirious.
Listen to Jaye Hammer singing "Trail Ride" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Jaye Hammer’s “Trail Ride” at Amazon.
2. “Don’t Make Me Do It"-------Mys. Niki
Artists looking for that “sweet spot” of southern soul should track down the guitarist (and composer) who laid down this five-star guitar lick.
Listen to Mys. Niki singing “Don’t Make Me Do It” on Spreaker.
Buy Ms. Niki’s “Don’t Make Me Do It” mp3 at CD Baby.
3. “Don’t Back Up Off It”--------Ms. Jody
Exploring a musical phrase that’s been done thousands of times, most of them forgettable, Ms. Jody’s James Brownian jam grooves along for five astonishing minutes, walking a razor’s edge of southern soul euphoria while teetering above the twin chasms of monotony and cliché.
Listen to Ms. Jody singing "Don't Back Up Off It" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Ms. Jody’s “Don’t Back Up Off It.”
4. ”The Girl With The Coke Bottle Frame”----------Nelson Curry
The honey-smoked vocalist's first, post-Klass Band Brotherhood single, with obvious roots in “Sugaa Shack.”
Listen to Nelson Curry singing “The Girl With The Coke Bottle Frame” on Spreaker.
5. “They Want Me To (Don't Let It Ruin Us)”--------Black Diamond
One of the lead singers (North Carolina brothers Clarence and Ricky Fuller share duties) sounds like The Eagles’ Don Henley—charismatic and memorable within a monochromatic vocal register. The harmonies (including Karen Jackson and LaShunda Tyson) are great.
Listen to Black Diamond singing “They Want Me Too (Don’t Let It Ruin Us, Baby)”
6. “So Glad”----------King Fred Hicks
In which a young artist wandering in the desert, beset by mirages, rediscovers his personal musical oasis. This guy has a unique style in the vein of, say, an L.J. Echols.
Listen to King Fred (Frederick Hicks) singing "When I Think Of You" on YouTube.
...until "So Glad" comes out.
7. "Shake That Money Maker"-----Pokey Bear featuring Mystikal
In the 80's, when your Daddy B. Nice was in New York, dancing to Talking Heads off-shoot Tom Tom Club's "Genius Of Love," an ode to Smokey Robinson, Sly & Robbie, Bob Marley and other great artists of color, who would have thought I'd be listening to another generation of black artists sampling the "Genius Of Love," in a genre called southern soul 25 years later?
Listen to Pokey Bear & Mystikal singing "Shake That Money Maker" on YouTube.
Buy Pokey Bear's MR. IT AIN'T FAIR CD at Amazon.
8. "Single Woman"------T.K. Soul
A companion "book-end" to Sir Charles Jones' "Independent Ladies. And why do our soul stars sing this praise? Because single mothers form the bulk of the audience attending the concerts.
Listen to a sample of T.K. Soul singing "Single Woman" on Rhapsody.
Buy T.K. Soul's "Single Woman" mp3 at CD Baby.
9. "Pop That Monkey (Extra Bass Mix)"-----Bigg Robb featuring R-3
How about the quarter-century journey from Afrika Bambaataa and Soul Sonic Force's "Planet Rock" to 2016's "Pop That Monkey," by the de facto custodian of contemporary southern soul culture himself, Bigggggggg Robb?
Listen to Bigg Robb singing "Pop That Monkey" on YouTube.
Buy Bigg Robb's "Pop That Monkey" mp3.
10. "It Be's That Way Sometimes"------The Duchess Jureesa McBride
With two lengthy chitlin' circuit-style voice-overs that apply just the right amount of contrast at the most opportune junctures, The Duchess simply "crushes" Joe Simon's R&B classic "It Be's That Way Sometimes."
Listen to Jureesa McBride singing "It Be's That Way Sometimes" on YouTube.
Read Daddy B. Nice's CD Review.
Buy Jureesa McBride's 8-minute rendering of "It Be's That Way Sometime."
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .
-------FEBRUARY 2016---------
1. "When She Said Good-Bye"--------Tucka
With echoes of Roy C's "Morning Train," "When She Said Good-Bye" marks a new direction for the brilliant Tucka. The arrangement and instrumentation is as confident as it is original.
Listen to Tucka singing "When She Said Good-Bye" on YouTube.
2. "I Want Me A Country Girl"------Terry Wright
Another great track from Terry Wright's new CD. Haven't heard a bad track yet. No YouTube.
Sample/Buy Terry Wright's YOU'RE JUST STANDING IN A GOOD MAN'S WAY CD at Soul Blues Music.
3. "2 Step Slide"-----Mr. David
Brand new jam from a southern soul singer with a style all his own. No YouTube or Retail yet.
4. "Drop That Thang"-----J. Red, David Aaron & Joe Nice
J. Red and Joe Nice are crazy-busy all over the place, and now they're doing it together.
Listen to J. Red, David Aaron & Joe Nice singing "Drop That Thang" on SoundCloud.
5. "Living A Lie"-----Katrenia Jefferson
This ballad, working Katrenia's unique niche between southern soul and urban r&b, has been the #1 single in Mobile, Alabama for four weeks running.
Listen to Katrenia Jefferson singing "Living A Lie" on YouTube.
6. "I Just Wanna Love You"----Patrick Green
An old-school, Valentine's ballad from an old-school southern soul singer. No YouTube.
7. "Steps To Love"----Sweet Angel
Sweet Angel has kept a low profile the last couple of years, but she can still sing southern soul with the best of them.
Listen to Sweet Angel singing “Steps To Love” on YouTube.
Buy Sweet Angel's "Steps To Love" mp3 at CD Baby.
8. “I Love You (Baby Please Don’t Go)”-------Bigg Robb
Robb brings the full production to this Valentine's ballad, with a hint of Problem Solvas'-style background vocals that sounds real good after all this time.
Sample/Buy Bigg Robb’s “I Love You” at CD Baby.
9. “Little Bit” --------Rob Hewz
The singer who has been confused with Bigg Robb (under the name Big Rob) in the past has fashioned a solid mid-tempo jam.
Listen to Rob Hewz singing “Little Bit” on YouTube.
10. "The Lucas Funky Swing"----Frank Lucas
If you think about it, Frank Lucas ("The Man With The Singing Ding-A-Ling") was Bishop Bullwinkle before there was a Bishop Bullwinkle.
Listen to Frank Lucas singing "The Lucas Funky Swing" on YouTube.
Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Review For. . .
-------JANUARY 2016---------
1. "Forever And Ever"--------J. Red
I've been beating the bushes for the best song to kick off 2016 and this is it. For older-generation soul and R&B artists/fans who took the off-ramp when Sir Charles Jones emerged with the new southern soul, listen closely: this is the vintage sound in the new sound.
Listen to J. Red singing "Forever And Ever" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy J. Red's SOUL CERTIFIED CD at Amazon.
Read Daddy B. Nice's new 5-star CD Review.
2. "Dump Truck"-----Luster Baker
Yes, close readers, this tune did sneak into December's Top Ten Singles at #9, but "Dump Truck" is too important--too iconic--not to showcase in a top chart position. Luster Baker--"My Boo," "Main Thang" (w/ T.K. Soul), "Big Leg Woman" (w/ L.J. Echols)--is the real deal.
Listen to Luster Baker singing "Dump Truck" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Luster Baker's new THEY CALL ME MR. JUICY CD at CD Baby.
3. "(It's A) Man's World (But Women Run It)"------Shay Denise
Shay Denise debuts with a really good, groovin', confidently-sung, women's anthem brought to you by J. Red and S. Redmond.
Listen to Shay Denise singing "Man's World" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Shay Denise's "Man's World" mp3 at Amazon.
4. "Stepping Out"-------Big Yayo
Big Yayo brings out your Daddy B. Nice's one-liners, like "southern soul electronica" for "Cowgirl." This one I call "Sha-Na-Na" soul. There's such an early rock and roll sound to it. At first I couldn't stop laughing. Now I can't stop smiling.
Listen to Big Yayo singing "Stepping Out" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Big Yayo's new SOUTHERN CLASSIC CD at iTunes.
5. "Tasty Girl (Remix)"----O.B. Buchana
O.B.'s new work is like listening to southern soul for the first time: you don't quite believe what you're hearing--it's hard to define. You almost have to forget the "OB" you think you know and just get caught up in the hauntingly suggestive vibrations of the song.
Listen to O.B. Buchana singing "Tasty Girl (Remix) on YouTube.
Sample/Buy O.B. Buchana's new MISSISSIPPI FOLKS CD at Soul Blues Music.
Read Daddy B. Nice's review of the album in NEW CD REVIEWS.
6. "(You Can) Get It"-----Toia Jones
Produced by Bigg Robb and effectively performed by newcomer Toia Jones--if this song was any sexier, it'd be a lap-dance. Recommended for horny men of all ages.
Listen to Toia Jones singing "You Can Get it" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Toia Jones' "Get It" mp3 at CD Baby.
7. "I Need A Woman"-----Tony Tatum
Poor programming mars this otherwise admirable song by a new artist. Avoid programmed horns. Use guitars, organ/keyboards or whatever. But brass doesn't translate well through synthesizing. It screams, "Fraud!" and distracts the listener in a way drums, bass, guitar and keyboards don't. More's the shame here, because the introduction hints at a scintillating production.
Listen to Tony Tatum singing "I Need A Woman" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Tony Tatum's "I Need A Woman" mp3 at iTunes.
8. "Be My Shawty On The Side"-------Vick Allen
Welcome back, Vick! This one's typically finesse on technique but lean on musical substance, even allowing for its light-hearted theme.
Listen to Vick Allen singing "Be My Shawty On The Side" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy Vick Allen's "Be My Shawty On The Side" at iTunes.
9. "I'm Just A Ghetto Man"-------Tre' Williams
Still a powerful voice, especially on a good song like this. But by cutting ties with The Revelations, did Tre' cut off his pipeline to material? Even the greats like Bobby "Blue" Bland needed effective songs to prosper.
Listen to Tre' Williams singing "Ghetto Man" on YouTube.
10. TIE between.... "Let's Get It Started"-----Lady Audrey & The Superior Band
Sample/Buy Lady Audrey's "Let's Get It Started" at iTunes.
and... "Gold Digga"-----The Winstons
Listen to The Winstons singing "Gold Digga" on YouTube.
Sample/Buy The Winstons "Gold Digga" mp3 at Amazon.
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