Solomon Burke is a legendary soul music artist, known as “King Solomon”, “The King of Rock ‘n' Soul”, “Bishop of Soul” and the “Muhammad Ali of Soul”. Born on 21 March 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Burke began singing at the age of seven in his grandfather's church. He quickly gained a local reputation as a singer and traveling preacher, before signing a recording contract with Atlantic Records in 1960.
During the 1960s, Burke recorded several soul hits, including ‘Cry to Me', ‘Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms)' and ‘Got to Get You Off My Mind'. His powerful and expressive vocal style is unique and inspired by his roots in gospel music. He has also been praised for his songwriting and performing skills, working with such notable artists as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Ben E. King.
Although his popularity waned in the 1970s, Burke remained active in the music industry, recording and touring regularly until his death in 2010. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and received numerous other honours for his contribution to soul music.
Beyond his musical career, Burke was also known for his humanitarian work as a pastor and founder of Solomon's Temple Church in Philadelphia. He dedicated his life to helping others and spreading a message of peace and love through music.
The Rock'n Soul album
Solomon Burke's album Rock'n Roll Soul is a soul classic that was released in 1964 on Atlantic Records. The album is considered one of Burke's best, helping to define his unique style of soul music.
The album opens with the song “Goodbye Baby (Baby Goodbye)”, a rhythmic track with energetic horn arrangements. The following songs, such as ‘Cry to Me' and ‘Won't You Give Him (One More Chance)', continue in the same vein, with touching lyrics and elegant musical arrangements.
The album was produced by Bert Berns, who also wrote many of the songs on the album, as well as other soul hits such as ‘Twist and Shout' and ‘Piece of My Heart' and Booker T. & the MG's Green Onions album.
Rock'n Roll Soul was a great critical and commercial success, and established Burke's reputation as an innovative soul artist. It also inspired many other artists, including rock artists such as The Rolling Stones, who covered the song ‘Cry to Me' on their album Out of Our Heads.
Cry to Me
“Cry to Me” is a classic soul song written by Bert Berns and first recorded by Solomon Burke in 1961. Since its release, the song has been covered by many artists, including the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty, and is considered one of the most iconic songs of the soul genre.
“Cry to Me” begins with a soft saxophone introduction, before Burke's powerful and expressive voice comes into play. Elegant brass arrangements and deep vocal harmonies create a warm and moving atmosphere that enhances the pain and hope expressed in the lyrics.
The song's lyrics speak to the loneliness and distress of someone who feels alone and needs true love to bring comfort and strength. The lyrics are poignant, but Burke manages to convey a glimmer of hope and compassion that makes the song all the more touching.
The original recording of Solomon Burke's “Cry to Me” was a big hit, reaching the top 5 of the R&B charts in the United States. The Stones' version helped popularise the song to a wider audience, but many still consider Burke's version to be the best.
Someone To Love Me
“Someone to Love Me” is a classic soul song recorded by Solomon Burke in 1964. Written by Burke and Bert Berns, the song reached the top ten on the US R&B charts and became one of the most iconic songs of Burke's career.
The song begins with a dramatic instrumental intro that showcases the dynamic horn arrangements and percussion. Burke then enters with his powerful and expressive voice, expressing one person's desperate search for love and security.
You made me love you
You played me for a fool
Told me so may little things yes, you did
Like going to school
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a person who has tried everything to find love, but still feels empty and alone. She then pleads with her potential lover to love and protect her, offering everything she has in exchange for that much needed love.
The song is moving and poignant, with impressive instrumental arrangements that add to the emotional impact of Burke's performance. Burke's voice is powerful and expressive, hitting high notes with ease and conveying deep emotion through every line.
‘Someone to Love Me' is a classic soul song that has been covered by many artists since its release. However, Solomon Burke's version remains one of the most famous and influential. The song has been used in a number of films, television shows and commercials, demonstrating its continued popularity with the public.