Clydie King [1970] - Direct Me [Almanac Records]

Clydie King began her singing career in the mid 50s as Little Cyldie, later becoming one of Ray Charles' Raelettes. In the 60s she was an in-demand session singer, working with Venetta Fields and Sherlie Matthews as one of The Blackberries who backed many household names such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Cocker and Crosby Stills & Nash amongst so many others. The sleevenotes on her debut album states that her voice has been heard on well over 500 albums! 

Her debut solo album "Direct Me" on Lizard from 1970 has been reissued. Musicians on the album included label mate and drummer Paul Humphries (who released Cool-Aid on the label and later released his NS instrumental "Cochise"), Billy Preston on piano an organ, guitarist David T. Walker, Sandra Crouch percussion and The Blackberries. 

Two singles were taken from album, the second, "'Bout Love", became her first of only two solo hits reaching #45 R&B. Her other hit was in 1973 "Loneliness (Will Bring Us Together Again)" as Brown Sugar.

The album is a mixed back with several cover songs, MOR style ballads and funky tracks  which don't really stand the test of time. However, "'Bout Love" picked up minor spins on the Northern Soul scene (never really becoming 'massive') and there is a version of The Mirettes' "Ain't My Stuff Good Enough".  Venetta Fields was a member of The Mirettes (who were a trio who had all been members of The Ikettes) and Sherlie Matthews wrote the song.

It reminded us that one of the original members of The Mirettes, Robbie Montgomery, re-recorded a different take on it only two years ago. We posted it along with The Mirettes original and a version by Martha & The Vandellas.

Clydie King died in Jan 2019 aged 75.

Click on image below for link to where you can buy from.

Details

Rating:	7.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	70s Soul / Northern Soul / Reissue
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Almanac Records
Cat No:	None
Date:	28/07/2023
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved