Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin - Discography

The Chicago soul legend Gene Chandler (Eugene Dixon) and underrated Barbara Acklin recorded 3 45s together in 1968-69 on Brunswick.

Gene Chandler hit pay dirt in 1962 with #1 hit Duke Of Earl, but he never again troubled the Billboard 100 top 10.  His closest attempts were Groovy Situation 1970 #12, Nothing Can Stop Me 1965 #18 and Just Be True 1964 #19.  However, his recordings have been much revered on UK NS scene with such classics as There Was A Time, I Can Take Care Of Myself, Mr. Big Shot, Without You Here, Let Me Make Love To You and many, many others.

Barbara Ackin recorded 6 albums between 1968-75 (5 of them at Brunswick and 1 at Capitol) and around 20 singles only 5 of which charted, her biggest hit being 'Love Makes A Woman in 1968. Surprisingly, probably her best known recording, Am I The Same Man (vocal version of Young-Holt Unlimited's Soulful Strut) only got to #79.  She also has many records played on the NS scene such as Just Ain't No Love, Raindrops, Come And See Me Baby.  Much of here recordings slot neatly into what is termed crossover.

Discography

1968 - Show Me The Way To Go / Love Won't Start [Brunswick 55366]

1968 - From A Teacher To A Preacher / Anywhere But Nowhere [Brunswick 55387]

1969 - Little Green Apples / Will I Find Love [Brunswick 55405]

Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin [1968] - Show Me The Way To Go [Brunswick 55366]

Crossover

Proof that you don't have to shell out a fortune for good records as this can be picked up for £10-£15 for TWO quality sides.  The A side is a mellow crossover tune written by Eugene Record, Barbara Acklin & Carl Davis, produced by Carl Davis, arranged by Sonny Sanders and directed by Gerald Sims whilst the flip is driving Northern Soul credited to Keni Lewis & Eugene Dikon (misspelling of Dixon which of course is Gene Chandler), produced, arranged and directed by same as A side.  The 'thinking' DJ without ego could drop either side in a set rather than a played out 'trophy' oldie or obscure rarity.

Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin [1968] - Love Won't Start [Brunswick 55366]

Northern Soul

Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin [1968] - From A Teacher To A Preacher [Brunswick 55387]

Northern Soul

Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin [1968] - Anywhere But Nowhere [Brunswick 55387]

Crossover

Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin [1969] - Little Green Apples [Brunswick 55405]

Crossover version of O.C. Smith's original and much covered MOR tune.  Give it a chance to pick up after 1 minute.

Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin [1969] - Will I Find Love [Brunswick 55405]

Northern Soul - great skip-a-long Chicago soul.

Title is Will I Find Love but they sing Will WE Find Love!