The Young-Holt Unlimited – Soulful Strut (1968 Brunswick LP)

    Brunswick records 1968 BL 754144

 How Young-Holt Unlimited Scored a Million-Selling Hit with "Soulful Strut"

 

 notes:

Released in late 1968, "Soulful Strut" remains one of the most recognizable and uplifting instrumental tracks in soul and jazz history. Reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over a million copies, the song cemented the legacy of Young-Holt Unlimited (formerly the Young-Holt Trio).

The Origins: From Ramsey Lewis to Chicago Soul The group was formed by bassist Eldee Young and drummer Isaac "Red" Holt after their departure from the legendary Ramsey Lewis Trio. Alongside pianist Ken Chaney, they reshaped their sound under the moniker Young-Holt Unlimited. However, the story behind their biggest hit, "Soulful Strut," comes with a fascinating twist.

The Barbara Acklin Connection The instrumental is actually the backing track to Barbara Acklin’s soul classic, "Am I the Same Girl." Legendary producer Carl Davis decided to remove Acklin’s vocals, layer a vibrant piano solo by Floyd Morris over the melody, and release it as an instrumental under Young-Holt Unlimited's name.

Though music historians often debate whether Young and Holt played on the final studio session or if Brunswick Records relied heavily on Chicago's top session musicians, the track's infectious horn riff and driving rhythm became an instant classic.

An Enduring Legacy "Soulful Strut" has been covered and sampled extensively over the decades, most notably by Grover Washington Jr. and pop-soul group Swing Out Sister in 1992. Decades later, its timeless feel-good groove continues to captivate soul music lovers worldwide.

credits:

Line-up / Musicians

Eldee Young — bass, cello, vocals
Isaac "Red" Holt — drums
Ken Chaney — piano

Floyd Morris--piano
Sonny Sanders — arrangements
Willie Henderson — musical direction
Production
Producers: Carl Davis and Eugene Record
Arrangements by Sonny Sanders.

tracklist:

A1 Who's Making Love
Written By – Homer Banks-Betty Crutcher-Donald Davis-Raymond Jackson
2:44    
A2 Please Sunrise, Please
Written By – Eugene Record-Barbara Acklin
2:50    
A3        Be By My Side
Written By – Eugene Record-Barbara Acklin
2:34    
A4        What Now My Love (Et Maintenant)
Other [Directed By] – Gerald Sims
Written By – Becaud-Delanoe-Sigman
3:38    
A5        Baby Your Light Is Out
Vocals [Directed By] – Gerald Sims
Written By – Hysear Don Walker-Eldee Young-Isaac Red Holt
3:10    
A6        Soulful Strut
Written By – Eugene Record-Sonny Sanders

2:57    
B1        Just Ain't No Love
Written By – Eugene Record-Carl Davis
2:52    
B2        Little Green Apples
Written-By – Bobby Russell
2:50    
B3        Funky Is As Funky Does
Written By – Hysear Don Walker-Eldee Young-Isaac Red Holt
3:10    
B4        Love Makes A Woman
Arranged By – William Sanders*
Other [Directed By] – Gerald Sims
Written By – Eugene Record-William Sanders-Carl Davis-Gerald Sims
2:59    
B5        Ain't There Something Money Can't Buy
Vocals [Directed By] – Gerald Sims
Written-By – Isaac Red Holt*

   

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