Remembering the Soul legend Solomon Burke
In 1960, Burke signed with Atlantic Records, marking the beginning of a prolific recording career. His unique blend of gospel, rhythm and blues, and country influences produced a series of hits, including “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms),” “Cry to Me,” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”
Remembering the Soul legend Solomon Burke
The influential American singer and songwriter, Solomon Burke, was born James Solomon McDonald on March 21, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in a deeply religious environment, Burke began preaching and singing gospel at an early age, earning him the moniker “The Wonder Boy Preacher.” By the age of 12, he had established his own ministry and hosted a gospel radio show in Philadelphia.
In 1960, Burke signed with Atlantic Records, marking the beginning of a prolific recording career. His unique blend of gospel, rhythm and blues, and country influences produced a series of hits, including “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms)” (1961), “Cry to Me” (1962), and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” (1964). These recordings not only showcased his powerful, emotive voice but also bridged the gap between gospel and secular music, laying the groundwork for the soul genre.
Despite not achieving the same level of mainstream recognition as some of his contemporaries, Burke’s impact on music was profound. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, and his emotive delivery and intricate phrasing have influenced generations of musicians. In recognition of his contributions, Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Solomon Burke’s career experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s with the release of the album “Don’t Give Up on Me” (2002), which featured compositions by renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, and Tom Waits. The album received critical acclaim and earned Burke a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Burke continued to perform and record music until his passing. On October 10, 2010, at the age of 70, he died of natural causes at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. He had traveled to Amsterdam for a performance with the Dutch band De Dijk. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades.
Watch Solomon Burke performing at his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, 2001
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