The Legendary Lou Rawls

Performer: Lou Rawls
Artist: Cannonball Adderley; George Benson; Dianne Reeves
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Lou Rawls, Dianne Reeves (vocals); George Benson (vocals, guitar); Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Steve Kahn, Cornell Dupree (guitar); Dick Oatts (flute); Cannonball Adderley (alto saxophone); Teddy Edwards, Jim Horn, Bobby Watson, David Newman, Howard Johnson, Stanley Turrentine, Rick Margitza, Hank Crawford (saxophone); Nat Adderley (cornet); Jack Walrath (trumpet, flugelhorn); Freddie Hill, Tom Terrain (trumpet); Steve Turre, Robin Eubanks (trombone); Joe Zawinul, Tommy Strode, Les McCann, Gerald Wilson, Richard Tee (piano); Victor Gaskin, Jimmy Bond, Leroy Vinnegar, Tinker Barfield (bass); Roy McCurdy, Earl Palmer, Ron Jefferson, Chris Parker (drums); Ralph McDonald (percussion). Producers: Nick Venet, Michael Cuscuna, Billy Vera, David Axelrod. A sort of greatest hits album, THE LEGENDARY is compiled from Rawls' work for Capitol in the '60s, '80s, and '90s, and thus ignores his pop and disco hits for Gamble and Huff in the '70s. The result is an album that focuses on Rawls as a blues ("Stormy Monday") and jazz ("God Bless the Child") singer, or even, in the case of his monologue on "Dead End Street," a precursor to Isaac Hayes, Barry White, and rappers in general. Highlights include a stunning "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," which manages to erase memories of both the Nina Simone and Animals' versions. "You Can't Go Home No More" features very tasty guitar work by George Benson.

Chicago-born soulster Lou Rawls was one of the most popular and versatile singers in pop music during the 1960s and '70s. His distinctive baritone, as well-suited to pop and jazz as it was to straight soul, formed a seductive blend of silk and gravel, and made a fan out of, among others, Frank Sinatra. Rawls lent his unique style to some of the biggest names in the music business, including David Axelrod and Gamble & Huff. His later career was marked by occasional acting gigs as well his work with the United Negro College Fund. When Rawls died of lung cancer in early 2006, the music world lost a genuine treasure.

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