Solomon Burke
Solomon Burke, born James Solomon McDonald on March 21, 1940, was a prominent figure in American music, revered for his unique blend of gospel, soul, and country influences. Burke's early life was deeply intertwined with music and religion; he began preaching at a young age and hosted a gospel radio show as a teenager. His breakthrough came when he signed with Atlantic Records in 1960, where he became known for his emotional and powerful vocal style. During his career, he released numerous singles, achieving significant success, particularly in the R&B genre, though he is perhaps best remembered as a captivating live performer.
Despite not having a single defining hit, Burke's contribution to the soul genre was substantial, helping to shape the sound and direction of American music. His flamboyant stage presence, often featuring elaborate attire and storytelling, made him a beloved figure, especially in Great Britain and the Deep South. Burke's artistry was recognized later in his career; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, which revitalized his popularity. He continued to produce music and tour until his passing in 2010, leaving a lasting legacy as a foundational artist in soul music with a style that influenced many across various genres.
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Solomon Burke
Singer
- Born: March 21, 1940
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Died: October 10, 2010
- Place of death: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Burke was a pioneer of American soul music. Fusing gospel, country, and rhythm and blues with his heartfelt and passionate singing style, his work is a major influence on soul, rhythm and blues, and rock singers to this day.
Early Life
Solomon Burke was born James Solomon McDonald on March 21, 1940, above Solomon’s Temple church inPhiladelphia. This date is contested, sometimes listed as 1936 or 1938. However, Burke insisted that 1940 is correct. The other dates stem from his attempt to lie about his age for Social Security. According to family history, his grandmother, Eleanor Moore, foretold Burke’s coming and formed the temple in his honor. Burke said that he believed his love of music came from hearing the singing and trumpet playing going on downstairs during his birth.
Moore encouraged Burke in singing and religion, urging him to preach using the power of song. At seven, he began his ministry in the Solomon Temple and was so popular that his congregation dubbed him the Wonderboy Preacher. In his teens, he hosted a radio gospel show featuring preaching and singing. His grandmother coached him, insisting he enunciate so people could hear the words and be swayed by them. She taught him that songs told stories and should sound heartfelt. Burke credited his emotional singing style to her.
At fourteen, Burke signed with the small Apollo label and recorded a gospel song he had written for his grandmother, “Christmas Presents from Heaven.” Although she died a few days later, the song was very successful, selling more than one million copies. Burke stayed with Apollo from 1955 to 1958, mostly recording gospel music but not making very much money. His big break came when he caught the attention of Jerry Wexler and Ahmet Ertegun, and in 1960 Burke signed with Atlantic Records, a new rhythm and blues (R&B) label.
Life’s Work
When Burke began recording at Atlantic, Wexler was dismayed by Burke’s gospel sound and wanted to fire him. Ertegun, however, encouraged Burke to sing as he pleased. Thus began a nine-year-long relationship between Atlantic and Burke. Burke’s first Atlantic single was a 1961 country and western cover, “Just Out of Reach of My Two Empty Arms.” Its unexpected crossover appeal allowed Burke to continue incorporating all the musical styles he loved into his singing, including country, pop, and gospel. His country-influenced records predate Ray Charles’s similarly inspired recordings.
From 1961 to 1968, Burke released thirty-two singles; six made the R&B Top 10 and four were crossover hits. His success kept Atlantic afloat for its first four years and allowed the label to sign other soul singers, such as Joe Tex, Sam Cooke, and Arthur Conley. Burke, however, never reached the heights they did, partially because he never recorded a defining signature song. Although not so successful on the radio, he was a very popular live entertainer, especially in Great Britain. Because much of what he sang was country, he also enjoyed success in the Deep South. Once, his band was mistakenly booked for a Ku Klux Klan meeting. When he arrived, the audience insisted he stay and sing, and the show went on.
By 1964, Burke, nicknamed the King of Rock and Soul by a radio deejay, was considered the best and purest of the male soul singers. His emotional, gospel-tinged voice was moving and seductive. His stage show was flamboyant and theatrical. At three hundred pounds or more, he was an imposing figure, appearing on a throne, wearing replicas of the British crown jewels and long purple robes, singing and telling stories.
By the end of the 1960’s, Burke was becoming disenchanted with Atlantic. His ambivalent relationship with Wexler finally caused him to leave Atlantic in 1969. Throughout the next three decades, Burke recorded twenty-two soul/gospel albums for various labels and continued to tour.
Despite his long résumé, Burke remained relatively unknown until his 2001 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This achievement brought him new popularity. From 2001 to 2010, Burke put out five albums, including the country album Nashville (2006). Don’t Give Up on Me (2002) included songs written especially for Burke by artists such as Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, and Van Morrison and won a 2003 Grammy. It was followed by 2005’s Make Do with What You Got, with songs by Robbie Robertson, Dr. John, and others.
Burke continued to tour, record, and preach throughout the 2000’s. In 2010, he toured Japan for the first time. Later that year, he died in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he was scheduled to perform.
Significance
Burke loved listening to Gene Autry, Perry Como, and gospel music, and he blended these into his signature “country and soul” sound. He was one of the major architects of American soul music and his expressive singing was a great influence on up-and-coming rock-and-roll performers. Tom Jones and Mick Jagger are among the artists who have covered Burke songs. Although not as famous as some of his contemporaries, Burke’s influence extends to singers in all genres of popular music.
Bibliography
Ertegun, Ahmet. What’d I Say: The Atlantic Story. New York: Welcome Rain, 2001. Ertegun tells the story of the founding and growth of Atlantic Records and of the artists he produced. This is also a fascinating look at the music business as a whole.
Guralnick, Peter. Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom. New York: Harper & Row, 1986. Chapter 2 is dedicated to Burke, whom Guralnick calls “the undisputed king of soul.” Illustrated, index.
Hirshey, Gerri. Nowhere to Run: The Story of Soul Music. Cambridge, Mass.: Da Capo Press, 1994. While focusing on the great popular soul hits of the 1960’s and 1970’s, this book discusses the roots of soul and Burke’s legacy.