By Margaret Johnson- Mosley On this day in music history: October 14, 1967 - “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 7 weeks, also peaking at #2 for 3 weeks on the Hot 100 on November 4, 1967. Written and produced by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, it will be the biggest hit for the R&B vocal duo. Songwriter and producer Isaac Hayes will come up with the initial idea for the song while watching television coverage of the riots in Detroit in July of 1967 between the police and African American citizens. Hayes will notice that residents had marked homes and businesses with the word “soul” to signify that they were African American owned and therefore not destroyed by rioters. Collaborating with longtime songwriting partner David Porter, the two will write the lyrics together. The track is recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, TN, and features instrumental backing by Booker T. & The MG’s. The mono and stereo versions of the song will feature different vocal performances. With its message of overcoming personal struggles and rising above adverse conditions, the song will also become an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. “Soul Man” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 23:29:56 +0000
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