Etta James – Call My Name 1966

 

Etta James – Call My Name LP (Cadet Records): Soul Classic Vinyl Review

Cadet Records 1966 ‎– LP 4055

notes:

Released in 1967, Call My Name captures Etta James at 

a turning point in her career, blending deep soul, gospel 

influences, and emotional storytelling. This album stands 

as a powerful example of late-60s rhythm and blues evolution.

Released January 27, 1967

Recorded December 1966

Studio Ter Mar Studios, Chicago

credits:

Producer Monk Higgins & Ralph Bass

Engineer – Doug Brand

While exact session credits for every track may vary or 

be partially undocumented, recordings from this period 

at Cadet/Chess studios commonly featured:

 Piano and Hammond organ players from Chicago’s soul scene

 Electric guitar session musicians specializing in blues-R&B fusion

 String orchestras arranged for emotional depth

Horn sections (trumpet, saxophone, trombone)

 Professional rhythm section drummers and bassists from studio pools

These musicians were not always credited individually, 

but they were essential to shaping the rich soul sound of the album.

tracklist:

A1 Happiness 2:48

written by Smith, Dollison

A2 That's All I Want From You 2:45

written by Rotha

A3 Have A Little Faith In Me 2:40

written by Higgins, Wrencher

A4 I'm So Glad (I Found Love In You) 3:12

written by Smith, Dollison

A5 You Are My Sunshine 2:37

written by Davis, Mitchell

A6 It Must Be Your Love 2:52

written by Bernard, Higgins, Dollison, Foster

B1 842-3089 (Call My Name) 2:57

written by Higgins, Dollison, Foster

B2 Don't Pick Me For Your Fool 2:31

written by Higgins, Dollison, Foster

B3 I Prefer You 2:50

written by Higgins, Dollison

B4 Nobody Loves Me 2:45

written by Higgins, Wrencher

B5 It's All Right 2:37

written by C. Mayfield

B6 Nobody Likes You 2:53

written by Higgins, Dollison

link

Etta James – At Last! 1960

 

Etta James – At Last! Album Review, Songs, Meaning & Legacy

Argo Records ‎1961 – LPS 4003

notes:

At Last! is the debut studio album by American blues 

and soul artist Etta James. Released on Argo Records

 in November 1960, the album was

 produced by Phil and Leonard Chess

Released in 1960, At Last! is one of the most 

influential soul and blues albums ever recorded. Performed 

by legendary artist Etta James, the album blends R&B, jazz, 

blues, and soul into a timeless masterpiece.

The album is best known for its iconic title track “At Last”, 

which has become a cultural symbol of romance and emotional depth.

credits:

    Etta James – vocals

    Harvey Fuqua – vocals

    Riley Hampton – arranger, conductor

    Arranged By, Conductor – Riley Hampton

    Orchestra – Riley Hampton Orchestra

    Producer – Leonard Chess, Phil Chess

All tracks recorded in Chicago. Recording dates:

1960 - January, Chicago: A5. B3, B5.

May, Chicago: A2, B1.

September, Chicago: A1.

October, Chicago: A3, A4, B2, B4.

tracklist:

A1 Anything To Say You're Mine

Written-By – S. Thompson*

A2 My Dearest Darling

Written-By – E. Bocage*, P. Gayten*

A3 Trust In Me

Written-By – Schwartz*, Ager*, Wever*

A4 Sunday Kind Of Love

Written-By – Leonard*, Belle*, Prima*, Rhodes*

A5 Tough Mary

Written-By – C. Uto

B1 I Just Want To Make Love To You

Written-By – W. Dixon*

B2 At Last

Written-By – Warren*, Gordon*

B3 All I Could Do Was Cry

Written-By – B. Davis*

B4 Stormy Weather

Written-By – Arlen*, Koehler*

B5 Girl Of My Dreams (Rendered As Boy Of My Dreams)

Written-By – Charles Clapp

link

Etta & Harvey – Spoonful / It’s a Crying Shame 1960

 

Etta & Harvey – Spoonful / It’s a Crying Shame 1960s Soul Classic Review & History

Chess ‎Records 1960 – single 1771

notes:

“Spoonful” by Etta James and Harvey Fuqua stands as a 

powerful fusion of blues and soul, showcasing the raw 

vocal chemistry between two legendary performers. 

Originally rooted in blues traditions popularized by 

Willie Dixon, this version transforms the track into a 

deeply emotional duet. On the flip side, “It’s a Crying Shame” 

delivers a heartfelt performance that highlights 

the expressive depth of classic 1960s R&B.

credits:

Etta James, duet with Harvey Fuqua.

Arranged By, Conductor – Riley Hampton

Session Musicians (Probable Lineup)

Phil Upchurch – guitar

Louis Satterfield – bass

Morris Jennings – drums

Isaac 'Redd' Holt – drums (alternate sessions)

Sonny Thompson – piano / musical direction

Recorded in Chicago around September 1960, “Spoonful” 

and its B-side “It’s a Crying Shame” were issued on 

Chess Records (catalog number 1771).

Chess Studios, Chicago

tracklist:

A Spoonful

Written-By – W. Dixon*

B It's A Crying Shame

Written-By – James*, Fuqua*

link

Etta James , Songs & Legacy

Etta James Biography, Songs & Legacy (At Last Singer Guide)

Argo Records ‎1960/62 – LPS-4013

notes:

Etta James is the self-titled third studio album by American blues artist, 

Etta James. The album was released on Argo Records in 1962

 and was produced by Ralph Bass. 

The legendary Etta James remains one of the most powerful voices 

in blues, soul, and R&B history. Among her early releases, 

Argo Records ‎– LPS-4013 stands out as a highly collectible vinyl 

that captures her raw, emotional depth.

Released under Argo Records, this album showcases the signature 

blend of gospel, blues, and jazz that defined her early career.

This pressing reflects the golden era of analog recording, 

where Etta’s vocals were front and center—unfiltered and deeply 

expressive. Collectors and audiophiles value this record for both 

its sound quality and historical significance.

credits:

    Etta James - lead vocals

    The Riley Hampton Orchestra

    Riley Hampton - arranger, conductor

    Harvey Fuqua - duet vocals on "If I Can't Have You" and "Spoonful"

Phil Upchurch – guitar 

   Louis Satterfield – bass 

   Gene Barge – saxophone and arrangements

Released May 5, 1962

Recorded 1960-62

Studio Chess Studios, Chicago, Illinois

Ron Malo - engineer

Producer

Leonard Chess

Phil Chess

tracklist:

A1 Waiting For Charlie To Come Home

Written-By – Hilliard*, Bacharach*

A2 Guess Again

Written-By – Schroeder*, Glazer*, Gold*

A3 A Lover's Mourn

Written By – Reese

A4 You Can Count On Me

Written By – Singleton

A5 If I Can't Have You

Written-By – James*, Fuqua*

B1 Something's Got A Hold On Me

Written-By – James*, Kirkland*, Woods*

B2 My Dear

Written By – Reese

B3 Nobody But You

Written-By – W. Dixon*

B4 Let Me Know

Written-By – Gordy*, Davis*

B5 Spoonful

Written-By – W. Dixon*

link

 

 

Johnny Guitar Watson – Baby Don't Leave Ain't Gonna Move 1966

Johnny Guitar Watson – Baby Don’t Leave / Ain’t Gonna Move (Blues Classic Review & Audio)

Jowat Records 1966 ‎– 118

notes:

“Baby Don't Leave” by Johnny Guitar Watson is a standout 

track that blends blues, soul, and early funk. Known for his

 smooth guitar style and expressive vocals, Watson delivers

 a timeless performance that still resonates today.

If you’re a fan of raw blues energy mixed with early 

rhythm and blues, this track from Johnny Guitar 

Watson is essential listening.

“Baby Don’t Leave” backed with “Ain’t Gonna Move” 

captures Watson’s signature guitar style—sharp, expressive, 

and ahead of its time. Long before funk and soul fully emerged,

 Watson was already shaping the sound.

Jowat is 1960s soul label from Los Angeles, California, 

owned by Johnny Guitar Watson.

tracklist:

A Baby Don't Leave 2:35

Watson, Walker

B Ain't Gonna Move 2:15

Johnny Watson

link

Soul Runners – Grits N Cornbread 1966

 

Soul Runners – Grits N Cornbread (1966 MoSoul Records) | Rare Funk 45 Review

MoSoul records 1966 ‎– MS-101

notes:

Released in 1966 on the MoSoul label, Grits N Cornbread

 by the Soul Runners is a rare instrumental funk gem from 

the golden era of 60s soul. Deeply rooted in the Los Angeles scene, 

this track captures the raw groove and evolving sound that

 would later influence the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

The Soul Runners were an instrumental group from Watts, 

Los Angeles, closely linked to what would later become 

the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band .

Originally part of a rotating collective of musicians, the group

 contributed to the early development of West Coast funk, 

blending soul, jazz, and rhythm & blues.

The single Grits N Cornbread was released as a 45 RPM on 

MoSoul Records and even reached the Billboard R&B charts 

during its time, making it a cult favorite among collectors

credits:

Bernard Blackman (guitar)

Raymond Jackson (trombone)

John Rayford ( tenor saxophone)

Melvin Dunlap (bass)

Al McKay (guitar)

James Gadson (drums)

Charles Wright is a singer, pianist, guitarist, and leader of the eight-member band.

Organ (uncredited): likely session player (possibly rotating studio musician)

tracklist:

A Grits 'N Cornbread 2:15

B Spreadin' Honey 2:10

Written-By – F. Smith, N. Nathan

link

 

Society’s Bag – “Let It Crawl”

 

Society’s Bag – “Let It Crawl” (Warner Bros. Records WB 7622) | Rare Vinyl Single Info & Collector Guide

Warner Bros. Records 1972 ‎– WB 7622

notes:

Society’s Bag’s single “Let It Crawl”, released under 

Warner Bros. Records (WB 7622), remains a lesser-known

 but interesting piece for vinyl collectors and music historians.

 This release represents the experimental side of the 

label’s catalogue during its active singles era.

Credits

    Producer – Fred Smith 

A Let It Crawl

    Written-By – Robert Relf*, Earl Nelson, Fred Smith , Gene Page

2:39

B Patchwork

    Written-By – Fred Smith

2:03

link

Jimmy McGriff – One of Mine (1963)

Jimmy McGriff – One of Mine (1963) | Soul Jazz Hammond B3 Classic Album Review

Sue Records Inc. 1963 ‎– SUE LP 1013

notes:

Jimmy McGriff remains one of the defining figures of soul jazz, 

and One of Mine (1963) stands as an early example 

of his signature Hammond B-3 sound.

Released on the Sue label in 1963, this album captures McGriff’s 

blend of gospel roots, blues feeling, and groove-driven jazz. 

One of Mine features ten energetic tracks that 

highlight his expressive organ style and tight trio interplay.

credits:

    Jimmy McGriff – organ

    Morris Dow – guitar, harmonica

    Larry Frazier – rhythm guitar

    Willie "Saint" Jenkins – drums

Producer: Juggy Murray

Producer – Joe Lederman

Recorded June 4, 1963

Studio New York City, NY

Written-By – Jimmy McGriff (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B2, B3)

tracklist:

A1 Gospel Time 5:30

A2 Gospel Time Encore 3:07

A3 Spindeltop 4:07

A4 Teach Me TonightWritten-By – G. DePaul*, S. Cahn*5:53

A5 The Last Minute 4:18

B1 Moonlight In VermontWritten-By – J. Blackburn*, K. Suessdofe*3:47

B2 Blip Time 3:20

B3 One Of Mine 4:36

B4 Drown In My Own TearsWritten-By – Henry Glover3:55

B5 BroadwayWritten-By – B. Bird*, H. Woode*, T. McRae*5:42

link