Corner - Best of 2017

See Daddy B. Nice's 2017: The Year In Review (click here)

Daddy B. Nice Announces THE WINNERS of the 2017 (11th 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 will be 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

Daddy B. Nice notes:

For instant links to these artists and songs, their chart appearances, CD's/mp3's for sale, YouTube videos, artist guides and other background commentary scattered over hundreds of pages on the website, go to Daddy B. Nice's Comprehensive Index. Find the artist's name and touch/click the desired entry to be whisked away to the exact page and page-location of the appearance.

Best Mid-Tempo Song

Top Contenders:
“I’m Stepping Out” ---- Mr. Campbell
"Kiss It Good-Bye" ---- Lomax
“I Can’t Be Faithful”----Big Pokey Bear & Bishop Bullwinkle
"Textual Harassment" ---- Nellie "Tiger" Travis
“You’re My Gold” ---- Joe “Blues” Butler
“My Country Girl” ---- Jeter Jones
"Shake Something (Remix)" ---- J. Red, Columbus Toy, Ms. Lady Blues
“Don’t Blame It On Jody” ---- Adrian Bagher
“Caller I.D.” ----- El’ Willie
“It’s The Weekend” ----- Magic One
“Stilettos & Jeans” ----- Sharnette Hyter & J.J. Callier
“Bedroom Rodeo (Remix)” ----- Big Yayo, Gentry Jones, Omar Cunningham
“Call Me” ----- Nelson Curry
“Preacher Car In My Yard” ---- Luther Lackey
“All I Need Is You” ----- Pokey Bear & Crystal Thomas
"I Had To Lie" ----- Ms. Jody
"Call My Name" ----- J. Red & Sharnette Hyter
“Neighbor” ----- Solomon Thompson
"Pretty Girl" ----- J-Wonn & Tucka
"I Left My Woman" ----- Stan Butler
"'Til The Sun Comes Up" ---- Tucka

Best Mid-Tempo Song: "I Can't Be Faithful" by Pokey Bear & Bishop Bullwinkle

Listen to Pokey Bear & Bishop Bullwinkle singing "I Can't Be Faithful" on YouTube.

Best Club (Fast) Song

Top Contenders:

“Single Footin’” ---- Jeter Jones & DJ Big Tony
“What’s That Dance” ----- Rhomey
“Mojo Woman” ---- Joe “Blues” Butler
“Whine It Up” ---- Stan Butler
"Trailride Certified" ---- Jeter Jones and Crystal Thomas
“Bobalagaboom” ---- Wendell B., Royal
“Dirty” ----- Adrian Bagher
“Work The Floor” ---- R.J. Scott
“Watch My Boots Pt. 2” ----- Deacon Dukes, Jeter Jones, Big Lee, Pokey Bear
“Cut A Rug” ----- Nikita
"ZBT (Zydeco, Blues & Trailride) Anthem" ----- Pokey Bear, Jeter Jones, Crystal Thomas, Miss Portia, Blu 3 Black, Gangsta

Best Club (Fast) Song: "Single Footin’" by Jeter Jones & DJ Big Tony

Listen to Jeter Jones & DJ Big Tony singing "”Single Footin’" on YouTube.

Best Ballad

Top Contenders:

“She Don’t Want Me No More” ----- Mr. Sam
“Do You Want Somebody?” ----- Alonzo Reid & LaKeisha
“Going Down Slow” ------ Sir Charles Jones & Wendell B.
“Naked” ----- Louisiana Blues Brothers feat. Big Pokey Bear & Tyree Neal
“All The Time Groovin’” ---- Lady Di
“Darkest Hour” ---- Big G
"We Belong Together" ---- Big Pokey Bear & Lacee
“Somewhere” ----- Uncle Wayne
“Three Rounds” ----- Tre’ Williams
“C’Mon, C’Mon” ---- Gentry Jones
“Spacey Love” ----- Nellie “Tiger” Travis
“Please Don’t Leave My Woman Alone” ---- Lomax
"In The Mood" ----- Pokey Bear & Cupid
"I Got Your Back" ----- Sweet Angel
“Sexy Swing” ---- Candice G.
"Sweet Tooth" ---- Tucka
"Groovin' Together" ----- Arthur Roland
"I'll Pay The Shipping Cost" ---- Ronnie Bell
"Walking In The Rain In Memphis" ---- Nellie "Tiger" Travis

Best Ballad: "Do You Want Somebody?" by Alonzo Reid & LaKeisha

Listen to Alonzo Reid & LaKeisha singing "Do You Want Somebody" on YouTube.

Best Song by Longtime Veteran

Top Contenders:

“Honey Hole” ------ Vickie Baker
“Born Under A Bad Sign” ----- William Bell
“Are You Ready To Love?” ----- Lebrado
“Living In A Rooming House” ----- Carl Sims
“Something To Talk About” ----- Simone De
“Lady Luck” ----- Wilson Meadows
“Back To The Hole In The Wall” ----- Little Kim Stewart
“I Drinks My Whiskey” ---- David Brinston
“I’m In Love By Myself” ---- Peggy Scott-Adams
“Feel Real Good (Remix)” ----- El’ Willie
"Sneakin' & Creepin'" ---- Willie Clayton

Best Song By Longtime Veteran: "I Drinks My Whiskey" by David Brinston

Listen to David Brinston singing "I Drinks My Whiskey" on YouTube.

Best Female Vocalist

Top Contenders:

"All I Want Is You" ---- Crystal Thomas (w/ Pokey Bear)
“I Wanna Ride It” ----- Sweet Angel
“It’s Gon’ Cost You” ---- Miss Portia
“I’m In Love By Myself” ---- Peggy Scott-Adams
“Spacey Love” ----- Nellie “Tiger” Travis
“Trying To Love Two” ----- Lady Audrey
“I Had To Lie” ---- Ms. Jody
“Stilettos & Jeans” ----- Sharnette Hyter
“Honey Hole”-----Vickie Baker
“Sexy Swing” ---- Candice G.
"We Belong Together" ---- Lacee (w/ Pokey Bear)
"Do You Want Somebody?" ---- LaKeisha (w/ Alonzo Reid)
"He's Got That Body" ---- Katrenia Jefferson
"I'm Ready" ----- Big Cynthia (w/ Sharnette Hyter)

Best Female Vocalist: Crystal Thomas for "All I Want Is You" (w/ Pokey Bear)

Listen to Crystal Thomas singing "All I Want Is You" (w/ Pokey Bear) on YouTube.

Best Male Vocalist (Co-Winners!)

Top Contenders:

“Pretty Girl” ----- J-Wonn (w/ Tucka)
“I Drinks My Whiskey” ---- David Brinston
“Do You Want Somebody?” ----- Alonzo Reid (w/ Lakeisha)
"It Ain't Go Work" ---- Pokey Bear (w/ Miss Portia)
“I Could Sure Use A Drink Right Now” ---- Avail Hollywood
“My Country Girl” ----- Jeter Jones
“She Don’t Want Me No More” ---- Mr. Sam
“Darkest Hour” ---- Big G
“I’ll Take Your Word For It” ----- Vick Allen
“'Til The Sun Comes Up” ----- Tucka
“I’m Stepping Out” ---- Mr. Campbell
“Don’t Blame It On Jody” ----- Adrian Bagher
“Caller I.D.” ---- El’ Willie
“Mississippi Style” ---- Jaye Hammer
"Shake Something (Remix)" ---- J. Red (w/ Ms. Lady Soul, Columbus Toy)
“Preacher Car In My Yard” ---- Luther Lackey
“Please Don't Leave My Wife Alone” ---- Lomax
“All I Need Is You” ----- Pokey Bear (w/ Crystal Thomas)
"Bedroom Rodeo (Remix)" ---- Big Yayo (w/ Omar Cunningham, Gentry Jones)
"Mojo Woman" ---- Joe "Blues" Butler

Best Male Vocalist (Co-Winners): J-Wonn & Tucka for "Pretty Girls"

Listen to J-Wonn & Tucka singing "Pretty Girls" on YouTube.

Best Debut

Top Contenders

“If You Come Back” ---- Sebastian
“Super Model” ---- D-Whit
"I Came To Dance" ---- Rosalyn Candy
“Room 102” ---- Emerson Hill
“Why Jody Be For Me” ----- T. Warner
“I’m Stepping Out” ---- Mr. Campbell
“Sexy Swing” ---- Candice G.
“Stilettos & Jeans” ----- Sharnette Hyter (w/ J.J. Callier)
“Sugar Daddy” ----- Nadia Green (w/ Pokey Bear)
“A Lie Don’t Care Who Tell It” ------ Melody Gold
“Boom Boom Room” ---- P2K
“I Stop Loving You” ---- Claytie Bonds
“Can You Roll It?” ---- Suade
“Thump Mr. DJ” ----- Carolyn Staten
“Stroke It” ---- Aaron Cook (w/ Miss Lady Blues)
“Prove My Love” ---- Deacon Dukes
“Groovin’ Together” ---- Arthur Roland
“Rock With Me” ----- Raven Salve (w/ Pokey Bear)
"You're All That I Need" ----- Miss Portia (w/ Ra'Shad The Blues Kid")
“Shake It” ----- Kilamity Jane
“You Can’t Miss What You Can’t Measure” ---- Mz. Connie
"Beautiful" ---- Mo' B
"Don't Wanna Lose My Baby" ---- Coupe DeVille

Best Debut: Sharnette Hyter (w/ J.J. Callier) for "Stilettos and Jeans"

Listen to Sharnette Hyter singing "Stilettos & Jeans" (w/ J.J. Callier) on YouTube.

Best Collaboration

Top Contenders

“Need A Mr. Do Right” ----- Sharnette Hyter & Big Cynthia
“Shake Something (Remix)” ----- J. Red, Columbus Toy & Ms. Lady Blues
“Do You Want Somebody?” ----- Alonzo Reid & LaKeisha Burks
“I Can’t Be Faithful” ----Big Pokey Bear & Bishop Bullwinkle
“Old Man’s Sweetheart” ----- Coco & Big Yayo
"In The Mood" ----- Pokey Bear & Cupid
“You’re The One, Baby” ----- O.B. Buchana & Lomax
“If You Need Some” ----- J. Red & Ms. Mini
“Lit” ---- Big Pokey Bear & Cupid
“Going Down Slow” ------ Sir Charles Jones & Wendell B.
“Hold On” ------ Sharnette Hyter & Joe Tex II
“Turn It Out” ----- J. Red & Sir Charles Jones
“Super Woman” ---- David J. & Geno Wesley
“Put It On Paper” ---- Sharnette Hyter & Patrick Henry
“Bedroom Rodeo (Remix)” ----- Big Yayo, Gentry Jones, Omar Cunningham
“Pretty Girl” ----- J-Wonn & Tucka
“Go On And Get It” ----- Ra’Shad The Blues Kid (w/ L.J. Echols)
“Watch My Boots Pt. 2” ----- Deacon Dukes, Jeter Jones, Big Lee, Pokey Bear
“All I Want Is You” ----- Pokey Bear & Crystal Thomas
"Call My Name" ----- Sharnette Hyter & J. Red

Best Collaboration: Big Yayo, Gentry-Jones & Omar Cunningham for "Bedroom Rodeo"

Listen to Big Yayo, Gentry Jones & Omar Cunningham singing "Bedroom" on YouTube.

Best Out-Of-Left-Field Song

Top Contenders:

“I Left My Woman” ----- Stan Butler
“You Do Too” ---- Bishop Bullwinkle
“Bobalagaboom” ---- Wendell B. w/ Royal
“Clap Your Hands (Club Mix)" ----- Kings of Soul (Jarvis Greene, Big Ro Williams, & Arthur Roland)
“Party Line” ---- Alan “Ace” Curry
"Boom Boom Room" ----- P2K
"Single Footin'" ----- Jeter Jones (w/ DJ Big Tony)
"Work The Floor" ----- R.J. Scott
"Broke Ass Man" ----- Mr. Sam
"You're My Gold" ---- Joe "Blues" Butler
“C’Mon, C’Mon” ---- Gentry Jones

“I Left My Woman” by Stan Butler

Listen to Stan Butler singing "I Left My Woman" on YouTube.

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song

"Sidepiece Motel" ---- David Brinston
“Nighttime Gardener” ---- Bobby Rush feat. Keb’ Mo’
“Busted” ------ Donnell Sullivan
“Looking For My Woman” ----- Joe “Blues” Butler
"I Can't Be Faithful" ---- Big Pokey Bear & Bishop Bullwinkle
“I Drinks My Whiskey” ----- David Brinston
“Laundromat Blues” ----- Pat Cooley
“Don’t Blame It On Jody” ----- Adrian Bagher
“Walking In The Rain In Memphis” ---- Nellie “Tiger” Travis
"Born To Do This” ----- Bigg Robb
"I Got A Mule To Ride" ----- Joe "Blues" Butler
"Cheap Ass Man ---- T.K. Soul
"Broke Ass Man ---- Mr. Sam
"I'm Ready" ---- Sharnette Hyter & Big Cynthia
"Honey Hole" ---- Vickie Baker
"Please Don't Leave My Wife Alone" ---- Lomax

Best Chitlin' Circuit Blues Song: “Walking In The Rain In Memphis” by Nellie "Tiger" Travis

Listen to Nellie "Tiger" Travis singing "Walking In The Rain In Memphis" on YouTube.

Best Cover Song

Top Contenders:

"Cowgirl (Remix)" ----- Big Yayo, Rosalyn Candy, J-Wonn
“Born Under A Bad Sign” ----- William Bell
“If Loving You Is Wrong” ----- Bigg Robb
“Shake Something (Remix)” ---- J. Red, Columbus Toy, Miss Lady Blues
“Amazing Back It Up” ----- Amazing Prince of Blues
“Put It On Paper” ---- Sharnette Hyter & Patrick Henry
“Can I Change My Mind?” ---- Andrew Edwards
“Shake It (Remix)” ----- Ra’Shad & J-Wonn
“Knock The Fire (Remix)” ----- Mr. David & Joe Nice

“Shake Something (Remix)” by J. Red, Columbus Toy & Miss Lady Blues

Listen to J. Red, Columbus Toy & Miss Lady Blues singing "Shake Something (Remix)" on YouTube.

Best Arranger/Producer (Co-Winners!)

Top Contenders:

John Ward: Ms. Jody --- "I Had To Lie"; David Brinston -- "I Drinks My Whiskey"; Mr. Sam -- "She Don't Want Me No More"; Joe "Blues" Butler -- "I've Got A Mule To Ride"

Jeter Jones: Jeter Jones -- "Single Footin'," "My Country Girl"

Christopher Mabry: Big Yayo w/ Omar Cunningham & Gentry Jones -- "Bedroom Rodeo"

Beat Flippa: Pokey Bear & Crystal Thomas -- "All I Want Is You"; Sharnette Hyter & Big Cynthia -- "I'm Ready"; Pokey Bear & Bishop Bullwinkle -- "I Can't Be Faithful"; Miss Portia -- "It's Go Cost You"

Mike Lockett: Sharnette Hyter -- "Stilettos & Jeans"

Floyd Hamberlin: Nellie "Tiger" Travis -- "Textual Harassment," "Spacey Love"

El' Willie: El' Willie -- "Feel Real Good (Remix)," "Caller I.D."

Heavy (Highway Heavy) aka Charles Lewis: Adrian Bagher -- "Don't Blame It On Jody," "Dirty"; Sharnette Hyter -- "You Ain't Getting It Here"

Best Arranger/Producer (Co-Winners for work done independently of one another): John Ward / Beat Flippa

Listen to the John Ward production of Joe Blues Butler singing "I Got A Mule To Ride" on YouTube.

Listen to the Beat Flippa production of Miss Portia singing "It's Go' Cost You" on YouTube.

Best Songwriter

Top Contenders:

Mr. Campbell: Mr. Campbell -- "I'm Stepping Out," "Don't You Wanna Dance"

Deacon Dukes: Deacon Dukes -- "Watch My Boots Part 2," "Prove My Love"

El' Willie: El' Willie -- "Feel Real Good (Remix)," "Caller I.D."

Lomax Spaulding: Lomax -- "Kiss It Goodbye," "Please Don't Leave My Wife Alone"

Alonzo Reid: Alonzo Reid -- "Do You Want Somebody," "Hush Money"

Jeter Jones: Jeter Jones -- "My Country Girl," "Single Footin'"

Floyd Hamberlin: Nellie "Tiger" Travis --"Textual Harassment," "Walking In The Rain In Memphis," "Spacey Love," "All The Lovers"

Sam Fallie: Mr. Sam -- "She Don't Want Me No More"

Sweet Angel: Sweet Angel -- "I Got Your Back," "I Wanna Ride It"

John Cummings: David Brinston -- "Sidepiece Motel"; Joe "Blues" Butler -- "Mojo Woman," "You're My Gold," "Looking For My Woman"

Stan Butler: Stan Butler -- "I Left My Woman"

Vertie Joanna Delapaz -- Ms. Jody -- "I Had To Lie," "Where I Come From"

Best Songwriter: Floyd Hamberlin

Listen to the Floyd Hamberlin-written "All The Lovers In The House" sung by Nellie "Tiger" Travis on YouTube.

Best CD

Top Contenders:

O.B. Buchana --- Swing On With O.B.
Pokey Bear --- Bear Season
Miss Portia --- All In My Feelings
Uncle Wayne --- The Birth Of Hithm And Bluez
Ms. Jody --- Thunder Under Yonder
Jeter Jones --- Trailride Certified
Sharnette Hyter --- Grown Folks Talkin'
Lady Di --- Three Way Love Affair
Angel Faye Russell --- A Taste Of Angel
Mo B --- Toast It Up
Joe "Blues" Butler --- Full Figured Woman
David Brinston --- Sidepiece Motel
Mr. Sam --- Make Time (For Her)
Stevie J. Blues --- Back 2 Blues
Big G --- Darkest Hour
Sweet Angel --- Can't Walk Away
El' Willie --- The Game Changer
Rashad --- Country Soul
Stan Butler --- The Blues In Me
Nellie "Tiger" Travis --- Mr. Sexy Man: The Album
Jaye Hammer --- Last Man Standing
Bigg Robb --- Born 2 Do This
Latimore --- A Taste Of Me: Great American Songs
Tre' Williams --- Chocolate Soul
Lacee --- Mind Gone
Lomax --- Is This What You Want
Tyree Neal --- Still Called The Blues
Simone De --- Unbelievable
J. Red --- J. Red The Nephew And Friends
Beat Flippa --- Trailride Music Vol. 1

Best CD: Bear Season by Pokey Bear

Listen to Pokey Bear & Crystal Thomas singing "All I Want Is You" on YouTube.

Congratulations to winners and nominees alike!

Product, comments, information or questions for Daddy B. Nice?

Write to

daddybnice@southernsoulrnb.com

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Singles Charts, continued from right-hand column...

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------JUNE 2017-------

1. "Don't Blame It On Jody"-----Adrian Bagher

Like "Stand Up In It" or "My Sidepiece," "Don't Blame It On Jody" proves that lyrics still rule the collective southern soul imagination. And here's the "nitty-grittiest":

"The whole damn time,
It wasn't a man.
It was ol' Sophia,
Down there licking that thing."

The song has captured 150,000 YouTube views in just two months, and the young artist's not being opportunistically sensational, either. From his very first single, "Around The Corner (99 Problems I Can Help You Solve)," Adrian Bagher's been drawn to domestic melodrama like a bumblebee to flowering clover. He's the forgotten Louisiana Blues Brotha (with Pokey Bear and Tyree Neal), and his "Dirty" was Daddy B. Nice's #1 in January (scroll down), making two number-one's in six months.

Listen to the official video of Adrian Bagher singing "Don't Blame It On Jody" on YouTube.

2. "I'm Steppin' Out"----Mr. Campbell

It's a catchy song, and Mr. Campbell's vocal is impressively self-possessed. There's a modest but effective rhythm track to power the seductive groove, and behind that throbs another layer of Chaka Khan "Ain't Nobody"-like rhythm guitar, culminating in a final, celebratory verse with a soaring synth solo.

Listen to Mr. Campbell singing "I'm Steppin' Out" on YouTube.

3. "Bobalagaboom"----Wendell B

I never dreamed I would encounter a totally fresh and dance-inducing take on James Brown at this late date in my life, and to experience it within a southern soul context--sung by a true-blue southern soul singer--is such an unexpected joy! Wendell's vocal is superb, at times almost invisible (“godlike” in the Joycean sense) within the ferociously percussive arrangement. The “bobba-laga-boom” chorus?...Priceless!

4. "Somewhere"-------Uncle Wayne

You can tell Uncle Wayne listens to more urban r&b than southern soul, and even the dazzling final verse is more Boyz 2 Men than Marvin Sease, but the sheer beauty of the melody and the skill of the vocal is hard to resist. Not on Wayne's recently-released The Birth of Hithm & Bluez, "Somewhere" is nevertheless his best yet. By the way, Uncle Wayne's "Red House" was a Best Southern Soul Club Jam nominee way back in 2007.

5. "The Thrill Is Real"-----Sweet Angel

"The Thrill Is Real" reminds me of "The Thrill Is Gone Again," Denise LaSalle's evocative reworking of the B.B. King classic in 2005. These ladies know how to sing the Boss. Sweet Angel's abrupt transition to a reggae interlude, complete with a staccato-flourished saxophone solo, also works to perfection.

Listen to Sweet Angel singing "The Thrill Is Real" on YouTube

Listen to Sweet Angel (poorly miked) singing "The Thrill Is Real" live onstage on YouTube.

6. "She's Knocking At My Door, Ringing My Bell"------Tyree Neal

Can't get enough of the shimmering background instrumentation, at times sounding like steel guitar, at others like reverb'ed acoustic guitar, at others like wind-chimes blowing in a bayou breeze. One of Tyree's best vocals ever.

Listen to Tyree Neal singing "Knocking At My Door, Ringing My Bell" on YouTube

7. "Sidepiece Motel"-------David Brinston

How happy and fulfilled David Brinston sounds on this song and the album of the same name in its entirety--like Rip Van Winkle waking from a refreshing slumber, or like a "Game Of Thrones" king re-occupying his throne.

Listen to David Brinston singing "Sidepiece Motel" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's 4-star review.

8. "I'll Be Your Freak"-----King Fred Hicks

The latest and finest from a unique vocalist who's been on your Daddy B. Nice's radar ever since the intimate "When I Think Of You," first recorded in 2008.

Listen to King Fred Hicks singing "I'll Be Your Freak" on YouTube.

9. "It's Gone Cost You (To Ride This Pony)"-----Miss Portia

A strong and appealing, flamenco-like, acoustic guitar riff, perhaps wielded by Tyree Neal, kicks off this repetitive, in-your-face dance chant by a young lady whose sheer "want-to" grows and transforms in power before your very eyes.

Listen to Miss Portia singing "It's Gone Cost You" on YouTube.

10. "Haters Gone Hate"----Jeter Jones

Charming melody, with sober if not sad, confessional, seemingly-autobiographical lyrics. I'm sure the growing number of Jeter Jones fans will find the official video as fascinating as I did for its boondocks starkness and spookiness. There are literally NO people out anywhere in the extensive outdoors scenes, which is often the case when anomalies (like video shoots) occur in such small, rural enclaves. It's tempting to say the "haters" are hiding in their houses, but that wouldn't be fair.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Haters Gone Hate" on YouTube.



Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------MAY 2017-------

1. "Mojo Woman" / "You're My Gold"------Joe "Blues" Butler

"Mojo Woman" is a funky blues-slash-southern soul groove. // "You're My Gold" is a melodic anthem to timeless love. Both songs are performed with consummate grit by the 72-year-old Butler fronting a rousing live rhythm section and lead guitar. Leroy Hodges ties weight to those bass notes like he's fishing for catfish with a long leader and sinker.

Listen to Joe "Blues" Butler singing "Mojo Woman" on YouTube.

Listen to Joe "Blues" Butler singing "You're My Gold" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's 4-star CD Review.

2. "All The Time Grooving" / "Love On The Dance Floor"----Lady Di

Now this is a strain of southern soul (Bobbye Johnson, Gina Brown, Renea Mitchell, Lina) we must not lose. Romantic melodies, pop-friendly arrangements, caressing female vocals. It's so hard to get it just right as "southern soul," but Lady Di does here. From her creatively-produced new album, THREE WAY LOVE AFFAIR.

Listen to Lady Di singing "All The Time Grooving" on YouTube.

Listen to Lady Di singing "Love On The Dance Floor" on YouTube.

Read Daddy B. Nice's 4-star CD Review.

3. "I Drinks My Whiskey"-----David Brinston.

Ohhh, David. My-oh-myyy. You haven't sounded this "wasted" in years, and it is a beautiful thing to hear. And just so readers don't get the wrong impression...It takes supreme alertness and the technique of a star to pull off this kind of authentic "oneness" with a song. From Brinston's new album, SIDEPIECE MOTEL.

Listen to David Brinston singing "I Drinks My Whiskey" on YouTube.

4. Trail Ride Certified"----Jeter Jones featuring Crystal Thomas

The infectious title tune of Jeter Jones' exciting new album, TRAILRIDE CERTIFIED.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "Trailride Certified" on YouTube.

5. "I Wanna Ride It" / "Actions Speak Louder Than Words"-----Sweet Angel

CAN'T WALK AWAY is Sweet Angel's first album in five years--since her deep and mysterious "Mr. Wrong's Gonna Get This Love Tonight."

(Click links in titles to listen.)

6. "If Loving You Is Wrong"----Bigg Robb

Millie Jackson's classic "If Loving You Is Wrong" occasions one of Bigg Robb's most soulful vocals--never mind the vocal enhancer. And when Robb sings the famous couplet "Am I wrong for trying to hold on / To the best sex I ever had?", it's like hearing it for the first time.

Listen to Bigg Robb singing "If Loving You Is Wrong" on YouTube.

7. "I Let A Woman Take My Woman From Me" / "Whine It Up"----Stan Butler

2016's newcomer of the year has recorded three new songs, arguably the best two being a lesbian twist on Peggy Scott-Adam's "Bill"--"I Let A Woman..."--and a shuffling line dance--"Whine It Up"--not to be confused with Carl Marshall's "Wind It Up." (Click links in titles to listen.)

8. "You Do Too"-----Bishop Bullwinkle

One of those sneaky, good-time grooves that just gets better every darned time you listen to it.

Listen to Bishop Bullwinkle singing"You Do Too" on YouTube.

9. "Operator"-----C-Wright featuring Tucka

The simplest and most melodically effective tune from C-Wright's new album, I BLUEZ MYSELF, "Operator" would be the signature song from the set even without guest star Tucka.

Listen to C-Wright singing "Operator" on YouTube.

10. TIE:

"Darkest Hour"----Big G

Listen to Big G singing "Darkest Hour" on YouTube.

"Laundromat Blues"----Pat Cooley

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------APRIL 2017-------

1. ”Do You Want Somebody?”-----Alonzo Reid feat. LaKeisha Burks

I think of this as Alonzo’s “Struggling Lady” song. The guitar riff, the cradle-rocking tempo, the lead and back-up vocals are all perfect and could have been recorded around the turn of the century, when your Daddy B. Nice was blinded by the light of southern soul music. Alonzo was playing guitar for Marvin Sease at the time and LaKeisha was one of Marvin’s background singers. LaKeisha--who went on to sing with fellow Montgomery, Alabaman and most famous Sease alumnus Sir Charles Jones--had a vocal style as distinctive and important to southern soul’s legacy as Jackie Neal’s, and her superb, double-tracked singing here sounds just like she did then, the perfect foil for Alonzo’s similarly sophisticated country pleading. (Apologies to Alonzo for using LaKeisha’s drawing, one of my old favorites. DBN)

Listen to Alonzo Reid singing "Do You Want Somebody?" on YouTube.

2. ”Single Footin’”------Jeter Jones featuring DJ Big Tony

This Jeter Jones jam will sweep you away faster than Dorothy to Oz. Stan Butler, “Take Your Grandma To The Club” again and tell the deejay to play “Single Footin’”. Full of techno excitement, zydeco swagger and surround-sound percussion, one thing is guaranteed. You will not stop moving. See more on "Single Footin’" in Daddy B. Nice's five-star CD review.

Listen to Jeter Jones and Big Tony singing "Single Footin’" on YouTube.

3. "I Could Use A Drink"----Avail Hollywood

One of the puzzles of the southern soul universe is how, with his unique, almost freakish pipes (no bass, lots of falsetto-tinged treble), Avail Hollywood has fashioned hit after hit. "I Could Use A Drink"--with a typically tremendous, symphonic arrangement--is one of the best.

Sample Avail Hollywood's "I Could Use A Drink" at Napster.

4. "Super Woman"-----David J feat. Geno Wesley

Two young Gulf Coast singers collaborate on what may be the best recording of either's career to date. Crisp, guitar-dominated arrangement, fine intertwining vocals.

Listen to David J and Geno Wesley singing "Super Woman" on YouTube.

5. "My Country Girl"-----Jeter Jones

Combines the comfy melodic charm of Chris Ardoin's "Boo Thang" with the "grown-folks" heart of Little Milton's "What Do You Do When You Love Somebody?" Another soon-to-be, southern soul classic from Jeter Jones' rich and textured new CD, TRAILRIDE CERTIFIED.

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "My Country Girl" on YouTube.

(See Daddy B. Nice's five-star CD review.)

6. "I'm Living In A Rooming House (In My Own Home)"----Carl Sims

Two things you can count on. Carl Sims is still one of the great contemporary southern soul singers, and he still knows how to choose powerful material.

Sample Carl Sims singing "Living In A Rooming House" at Napster.

7. "Something To Talk About"-----Simone De

Simone De's niche is melodic ballads steeped in old-school nostalgia, and "Something To Talk About" is an outstanding example.

Listen to Simone De singing "Something To Talk About" on YouTube.

8. "Lady Luck"-----Wilson Meadows

What I said about Carl Sims? Ditto for Wilson Meadows.

Listen to Wilson Meadows singing "Lady Luck" on YouTube.

9. "Back To The Hole In The Wall"-----Little Kim Stewart

The return of another circa-early 2000's Southern Soul diva. Remember "No Bootleg, Baby"?

Listen to Little Kim Stewart singing "Back To The Hole In The Wall" on YouTube.

10. TIE:
"Sneakin' & Creepin'"----Willie Clayton (No YouTube or Download)
"Taking Me For Granted"----Willie White

Listen to Willie White singing "Taking Me For Granted" on YouTube.



Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------MARCH 2017-------

1. ”She Don’t Want Me No More”----------Mr. Sam

This is a song of majesty, not the usual chant. And if these are programmed drums, they sound as good as the real thing, as does the refreshing piano and deep-soul organ. Sam’s vocal is on fire emotionally and perfectly calibrated technically. The subtle, raised-a-chord “move on” at the end of each chorus soars into “southern soul heaven”.

Listen to Mr. Sam singing ”She Don’t Want Me No More” on YouTube.

2. ”Looking For My Woman”----Joe “Blues” Butler

Fresh, rowdy take on the blues. The production is thin and his singing is undisciplined, but Butler’s lighthearted charisma carries the song. The humor is even more apparent in “Looking For My Woman” than in his also-charting “Full-Figured Woman,” the title cut of Butler’s fifth CD on Memphis’ Nikkie Records, and first to be distributed by Memphis’ “major” indie label, Ecko Records, marking his national-distribution debut.

Listen to Joe “Blues” Butler singing “Looking For My Woman” on YouTube.

3. “Going Down Slow”----Sir Charles Jones w/ Wendell B.

Sir Charles is in fine form on this one, although he does make the uncharacteristic mistake of asking the fans for “four and a half minutes of your time,” an eternity to today’s texting generation. One peculiarity. Although Charles shouts out himself at the beginning and ending of the song, he doesn’t mention Wendell B, who background-sings throughout (although never takes a verse). Another peculiarity: it’s a Wendell B. song. Guess they worked something out.

4. “Lit (Ain’t Nobody In This Club More Lit Than Me)”
-----Cupid featuring Pokey Bear

For those Grammy judges who were good enough to award two southern soul masters-Bobby Rush and William Bell-in this year’s Grammies, “Lit” is the living blues straight from the new generation. Pokey is powerful and tireless, Cupid has seldom been better, and the live video (below) matches the song’s intensity.

Watch the official live-in-the-club video of Cupid & Pokey singing “Lit” on YouTube.

5. ”Don’t You Wanna Dance”-----Mr. Campbell

Great dance floor anthem. Simple, engaging, and well-sung.

Listen to Mr. Campbell singing “Don’t You Wanna Dance on YouTube.

6. "Nightime Gardener"------Bobby Rush featuring Keb' Mo'

Bobby's put down his "night-fishing" rod and he's "night-gardening"--with a lawn mower and all--accompanied by the exhilarating guitar of Keb' Mo'. From Bobby's Grammy award-winning blues album, Porcupine Meat.

Listen to Bobby Rush singing "Nighttime Gardener" on YouTube.

7. "Let's Get This Party Started"-----Lomax

Lomax Spaulding uses an old disco chord progression that I can't retrieve from my dusty memory bins. (Help, readers!) But hold on, I'm not criticizing. Just the opposite. Instead of over-reaching or trying to impress, which so often taints Lomax's singles, this one is as comfortable as an old pair of your favorite shoes. Swing it, Lomax!

Listen to Lomax singing "Let's Get This Party Started" on SoundCloud.

8. "Are You Ready To Love Again?"------Lebrado

Listen to Lebrado singing "Are You Ready To Love" on YouTube.

9. "She's Ratchet"-----Jeter Jones w/ Big Pokey Bear

Listen to Jeter Jones singing "She's Ratchet" on YouTube.

10. "Slippin'"----Summer Wolfe

Listen to Summer Wolfe singing "Slippin'" on YouTube.



Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------FEBRUARY 2017-------

1. “I Can’t Be Faithful”----Big Pokey Bear featuring Bishop Bullwinkle

The two biggest new stars in southern soul music team up for the first time on a Beat Flippa-produced track that continues Pokey’s theme of being “addicted to the women.” Hewing to his theme of preaching about worldly evils, in this case Pokey’s, Bishop Bullwinkle stuns with his crystal-clear clarity and tone, proving he’s not just a novelty act but a unique vocalist.

2. “Honey Hole”-----Vickie Baker

Whoever wrote the lyrics covered every salacious double entendre possible--“This hole is deep, / This hole is wet”—along with “long poles,” “wide poles,” and so on. Vickie’s investment in getting the male hormones flowing should shower her with new fans and righteous praise.

Listen to Vickie Baker sampling “Honey Hole” on Facebook.

3. ”I’ll Take Your Word For It”-----Vick Allen

Vick augments the light-hearted attitude of “Shawty On The Side” with another witty social commentary, this one about a man turning down a woman's high-powered advances. The rhythm track and strong keyboard line, along with a snap-to-it horn solo, contribute mightily.

Listen to Vick Allen singing “I’ll Take Your Word For It” on YouTube.

4. ”A Lie Don’t Care Who Tell It”------Melody Gold

From her debut CD, Zero To A Hundred, Melody Gold’s new single pairs a first-rate vocal with a sumptuous melody line and one of producer Avail Hollywood's finest arrangements ever.

Listen to Melody Gold singing “A Lie Don’t Care Who Tell It” on YouTube.

5. ”Til The Sun Comes Up”-----Tucka

Still dealing with messy copyright litigation with a former manager, Tucka doesn’t miss a beat creatively, churning out new southern soul hits as lightly as he’d launch a Frisbee across a beach. From his latest set, Long Live The King.

Listen to Tucka singing ”Til The Sun Comes Up” on YouTube.

6. “Old Man’s Sweetheart”----Coco featuring Big Yayo

“Used to be a young man’s fool, / Now I’m an old man’s sweetheart.” Someone remind your Daddy B. Nice. Who did this song? Not Candi Staton (Candi Staton’s ’69 hit of the same name), which is the only thing I can find on Google. It’s cute and knowing, even cuter with Coco (Big Yayo producing).

7. “You’re The One, Baby”----Lomax featuring O.B. Buchana

Solid if predictable ballad, well executed by both singers.

8. ”Busted”-----Donnell Sullivan

If Donnell Sullivan keeps beating down the musical door like he does here, he’s going to go through the vaunted “green door” to southern soul’s V.I.P. His most mature vocal yet.

Listen to Donnell Sullivan singing “Busted” on YouTube.

9. ”Knock The Fire (Remix)”----Mr. David featuring Joe Nice

It’s so much fun--a southern soul fan’s vision of heaven--to hear the opening words of Mr. David’s southern soul version of this old Springsteen riff and its iconic bass line: “I was driving in my Chevy (?)-o, / JACKIE NEAL ON THE RADIO.” Hiphop/techno producer Joe Nice streamlines the remix.

Listen to Mr. David singing ”Knock The Fire (Remix)” on YouTube.

10. “Shake It”-----Kilamity Jane

Catchy, upbeat jam with quirky, merry-go-round-like instrumentation. Equally fascinating is the singing of Kilamity Jane, whose sharp, syncopated vocal took me all the way back to Dinah Washington singing “What A Difference A Day Makes,” one of the first glimmers of southern soul when I was a kid.

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Daddy B. Nice's Top 10 "BREAKING" Southern Soul Singles Preview For. . .

-------JANUARY 2017-------

1. "Dirty"------Adrian Bagher

Great dance jam. In just the first few bars, with its hiphop sheen and rhythm-track "fullness," you know it's either Beat Flippa or--as it turns out--Heavy (aka Highway Heavy), Charles Lewis of "Sidepiece" and "Three" fame on the production. And doing the singing is the kid your Daddy B. Nice has been waiting to break out--a guy who's intent on expressing emotions most people won't touch--the deserving Adrian Bagher.

Listen to Adrian Bagher singing "Dirty" on YouTube.

2. "Born Under A Bad Sign"------William Bell

Where there is sun, there is shade. Maintaining the intimate acoustic sound of "The Three Of Me" and "This Is Where I Live," William Bell explores the dark classic by Albert King. Bell wrote it, by the way, during the Summer of Love, 1967.

Listen to Big Yayo, Gentry Jones & Omar Cunningham singing "Bedroom Rodeo" on YouTube.

3. "If You Need Some Tender Loving"----Ms. Mini & J. Red

In tandem with the richly-piped J. Red, who assuredly produced, Ms. Mini actually outdoes her exemplary vocal on Mike Darden's "That Act Right" with this sumptuous and melodic hymn to the joys of infidelity.

Listen to Ms. Mini & J. Red singing "If You Need Some Tender Loving" on YouTube.

4. "Room 102"-----Emerson Hill

He popped up on the concert circuit, and upon checking him out, Emerson Hill possesses a uniquely nasal vocal tone, like listening to the stereo with treble up, bass down. He's technically polished and well worth giving a listen.

Listen to Emerson Hill singing "Room 102" on YouTube

5. "Naked"------Louisiana Blues Brothas

It was the first single from last year's Beat Flippa Vol. 2, but Tyree Neal's song structure sounded as limp as a yoga-instructor. Months later, something has broken my resistance, like water running over stones, maybe Beat Flippa's tremolo organ or the street-corner-style Pokey/Tyree vocals.

Listen to The Louisiana Blues Brothas singing "Naked" on YouTube.

6. "Hold On (To What You Got)"-----Sharnette Hyter & Joe Tex II

An uplifting duet (and well-done video). As we're immersed in "sidepiece" and "other woman" tunes, Hyter and Tex II remind us of the common sense in remaining monogamous, recycling Tex's famous father's soulful ballad with an uptempo twist.

Listen to Sharnette Hyter & Joe Tex II singing "Hold On To What You Got" on YouTube.

7. "Make Time (For Her)"------Mr. Sam

An unabashed throwback to old-school romance by the melodic troubadour, Mr. Sam.

Listen to Mr. Sam singing "Make Time For Her" on YouTube.

8. "What's That Dance?"-----Rhomey

A new dance track from T.K. Soul's label, Soulful Records. Nice mix of gravel-rough rapping and melody-line vocal. No YouTube as of this posting.

9. "Why Jody Be For Me"-----T. Warner

This new artist has a fresh sound. Atmospheric arranging and street-wise voice-overs usher the melody home.

Listen to T. Warner singing "Why Jody B 4 Me" on YouTube.

10. "Turn It Out"----J. Red and Sir Charles Jones

Yet another project from the workaholic and lusty-voiced J. Red The Nephew. The Sir Charles vocal is a little washed-out, as it has been in a couple of other duets over the last year. Not sure if it's the key he's singing in, the vagaries of the mix, or if he's lost some of the projection he brought to early classics like "Better Call Jody."

Listen to J. Red and Sir Charles Jones singing "Turn It Out" on YouTube.

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Read Daddy B. Nice's

"SOUTHERN SOUL 2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW"

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