A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO SIX OF THE WORLDS FINEST SOUL SINGERS
Born in Winerville Mississippi, 4th April 1941, blessed witha warm sweet voice MAJOR LANCE was one of the leading figures of Chicago soul during the 1960s, and was by far the biggest selling artist for OKEH Records during that decade.
The majority of his songs were writing by Curtis Mayfield and produced by Carl Harris, and the pair developed a Latin-flavoured sound that was puncuated by brass and layered vocal harmonies usually from The Impressions.
His first group was The Floats, with Otis Levill, although they never released a record it was Majors dancing that got him a spot on an American Bandstand styled programe and the DJ helped him secure a one-off record deal for Mercury Records in 1959.
Given a second bite of the cherry, in the early 60s his carrer really took off when he teamed up with Mayfield and Harris and he produced some of the best soul music to come out of Chicago.
Major Lance toured the UK. many times during the 60s and 70s, and it was while on one tour that he recorded a live album, "AT THE TORCH" which feature many of his hits.
During the late 70s, his career took a downward spiral when he as convicted for selling drugs, and he spent 4 years in prison. After his release he tried to make a come-back on the American Beach Music circuit on the Carolina coast, but a heart attack prevented him from a full scale come-back.
In 1994 he gave his final performance at The Chicago Blues Festival. he died on September 3rd. 1994, aged 55. Leaving behind a record legacy that stands amongst the best mid-west soul of the 60s. R.I.P.
The majority of his songs were writing by Curtis Mayfield and produced by Carl Harris, and the pair developed a Latin-flavoured sound that was puncuated by brass and layered vocal harmonies usually from The Impressions.
His first group was The Floats, with Otis Levill, although they never released a record it was Majors dancing that got him a spot on an American Bandstand styled programe and the DJ helped him secure a one-off record deal for Mercury Records in 1959.
Given a second bite of the cherry, in the early 60s his carrer really took off when he teamed up with Mayfield and Harris and he produced some of the best soul music to come out of Chicago.
Major Lance toured the UK. many times during the 60s and 70s, and it was while on one tour that he recorded a live album, "AT THE TORCH" which feature many of his hits.
During the late 70s, his career took a downward spiral when he as convicted for selling drugs, and he spent 4 years in prison. After his release he tried to make a come-back on the American Beach Music circuit on the Carolina coast, but a heart attack prevented him from a full scale come-back.
In 1994 he gave his final performance at The Chicago Blues Festival. he died on September 3rd. 1994, aged 55. Leaving behind a record legacy that stands amongst the best mid-west soul of the 60s. R.I.P.
01. - EverybodyLoves A Good Time. 02. - Ain't no Soul (In Thesehoes). 03. - It's The Beat. 04. - Investigate. 05. - Don't Fight It. 06. - Get My Hat (nothing Can Stop Me Now. 07. - The Monkey Time. 08. - Hey Little Girl. 09. - The Matador. 10. - Gonna Get Married. 11. - I'm The One Who Love's You.
12. - Rhythm. 13. - Um Um Um Um Um Um Um. 14. - Mama Did'nt Know. 15. - Think Nothing About It. 16. - Little Miss Love. 17. - That's What Mama Said. 18. - Play a Song For Me. 19. - It Ain't No Use. 20. - Got To Get Aay 21. - Girls. 22. - You Don't Want Me No More.
MAJOR LANCE 1941 - 1994
Order Cat No: MT-03
Edwin Starr was born Charles Hatcher, on 21st. January 1942, in Nashville Tennessee, the younger brother to soul singers Roger and Willie Hatcher. Edwin was raised in Cleveland, where he formed a vocal group group called The Future Tones in 1957. They recorded just one single for the record label Tress before he was drafted into the U.S Army, where he served for the next 3 years. After completing his service, Edwin then toured with The Bill Doggett Combo, and was offered a solo contrat with Ric-Tic records in 1965. His first release "Agent Double O Soul" became a Top 30 hit,his next single "Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S)" repeated his success, and also gained him a cult folllowing in this country. It was while he was on tour with The Temptations, that he found out that he was now a member of The Motown Family, as Berry Gordy Jr. had just bought the rights to all Ric-Tics entire catalogue. It took another 2 years for motown to release a single, "25 Miles" bevame a Top 10 hit, followed by "War" and "Stop The War". A complete album recorded with Blinky was also brought some crittical acclaim. But it is Edwin's earlier recording that we best remember "Headline News" "Way Over There" and the brilliant "I Have Faith In You" to name but a few. After leaving Motown in 1976 Edwin moved to the UK and continued his success with two more classic "disco" records...."H.A.P.P.Y Radio" and "Contact"..he also recorded with The Style Council to help the Miner Strike in 1984, and with former Blackpool Mecca DJ Ian Levineon his Motor City label. Edwin toured the UK for many years and was a big draw where ever he performed. Edwin sadly passed away at home on 2nd April 2003 of a suspected heart attack. .....R.I.P.
