Solomon Burke – I Wish I Knew (1968)

Solomon Burke – I Wish I Knew (1968) | Atlantic SD 8185

updated 11/05/2026

Atlantic records 1968   SD 8185

Album Description:

Released in 1968 on Atlantic Records, I Wish I Knew is 
a powerful soul album by Solomon Burke, one of the 
most distinctive voices in American rhythm and blues.
 Combining Southern soul, gospel influences, blues 
feeling and classic R&B arrangements, the album 
captures Burke’s passionate vocal style at a pivotal
 moment in late-1960s soul music.

The LP opens with “I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free),” 
a stirring interpretation of the song written by Billy Taylor 
and Dick Dallas. The album also features memorable 
versions of Allen Toussaint’s “Get Out of My Life Woman,”
 Jimmy Webb’s “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” 
and Ray Charles’s “What’d I Say.”

Burke moves effortlessly between gospel-inspired intensity,
 heartfelt ballads and driving rhythm and blues. Guided by 
arranger Arif Mardin and producer Tom Dowd, I Wish I Knew 
showcases the emotional depth and musical versatility
 that made Solomon Burke a major figure in soul music.

For collectors of vintage Atlantic Records releases, 
classic Southern soul and rare 1960s R&B vinyl, t
his album is an essential addition to any serious collection.

Musicians and Session Personnel

The album features Solomon Burke backed by a
 studio ensemble of piano, organ, guitar, electric bass,
 drums and choir. Arif Mardin supervised 
the arrangements and conducting.

Documented personnel associated with the album include:
Solomon Burke — Lead vocals
Arif Mardin — Arrangements and conducting
Bobby Emons — Electric piano
Bobby Wood — Piano and organ
Reggie Young — Guitar
Tommy Cogbill — Bass
Gene Chrisman — Drums

Additional session credits associated with the album 
include horn and rhythm-section musicians. Individual 
track assignments should be verified against 
the original LP credits or a detailed sessionography.



    Memphis, TN, March 15, 1968
    Producer, Engineer  Tom Dowd

trackslist:

A1        I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)
Written-By – Billy Taylor, Dick Dallas
2:50
A2        Get Out Of My Life Woman
Written-By – Allen Toussaint
3:15
A3        Meet Me In Church
Written-By – Joe Tex
3:26
A4        By The Time I Get To Phoenix
Written-By – Jim Webb*
2:50
A5        Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye
Written-By – John D. Loudermilk
3:10
B1        What'd I Say
Written-By – Ray Charles
4:45
B2        Since I Met You Baby
Written-By – Ivory Joe Hunter
3:40
B3        Save It
Written-By – Don Bryant
2:25
B4        Shame On Me
Written-By – Don Bryant, Willie Mitchell
2:30
B5        Why, Why, Why
Written-By – J. W. Alexander
2:24

Link available upon request

 

The Impressions – People Get Ready (1965)

The Impressions – People Get Ready (1965) | ABC-Paramount ABCS-505

updated 10/19/2026

ABC-Paramount records 1965 – ABCS-505

Description:

Released in 1965 on ABC-Paramount, People Get Ready is an 
essential album in the history of Chicago soul. Featuring the 
unmistakable falsetto and expressive lead vocals of Curtis Mayfield,
 alongside the rich harmonies of Fred Cash and Sam Gooden, 
the album showcases The Impressions at the height of their creative powers.

Blending gospel-inspired melodies, sophisticated vocal arrangements,
 smooth rhythms, and socially conscious songwriting, the album captures
 the distinctive sound that made The Impressions one of the most 
influential vocal groups of the 1960s.

The title track, "People Get Ready," written by Curtis Mayfield, stands as 
one of the greatest soul recordings of its era. Its message of faith, hope, 
unity, and spiritual perseverance resonated deeply with the American 
civil rights movement and continues to inspire listeners across generations.

The album also features outstanding soul recordings, including "Woman's Got Soul,"
 "Emotions," "Sometimes I Wonder," "We're in Love,"
 "Just Another Dance," and "You Must Believe Me."

Under the musical direction and production of Johnny Pate, the album
combines gospel-rooted vocal harmonies with carefully arranged instrumentation, 
creating a timeless sound that bridges traditional gospel, 
Chicago soul, and contemporary R&B.

credits:

The classic mid-1960s lineup featured three distinctive vocalists:

Curtis Mayfield – Lead vocals, guitar, songwriting
Fred Cash – Vocals and backing harmonies
Sam Gooden – Vocals and backing harmonies
The Funk Brothers – Instrumentation, as credited in published album personnel listings

Recording Period: March 22, 1962 – October 26, 1964,
Recording Locations: Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York
Producer: Johnny Pate
Arranger: Johnny Pate

trackslit:

Written-By – C. Mayfield

A1        Woman's Got Soul    2:23
A2        Emotions    2:47
A3        Sometimes I Wonder    2:59
A4        We're In Love    2:30
A5        Just Another Dance    2:49
A6        Can't Work No Longer    2:21
B1        People Get Ready    2:37
B2        I've Found That I've Lost    2:50
B3        Hard To Believe    2:26
B4        See The Real Me    2:25
B5        Get Up And Move    2:14
B6        You Must Believe Me    2:30

Link available upon request