Joseph Arrington Jr was known to music lovers as Joe Tex, presumably a reference to his birthplace of Rogers near Baytown, Texas although he converted to Islam in the late 60's taking on the name Yusuf Hasssiez.
The two songs featured here are both from 1966 and feature on the Kent compilation Skinny Legs and All- The Classic Early DIAL Sides 24 excellent tracks from 1962 to 1968, recorded in Nashville, Memphis, Muscle Shoals and Beaumont and all written by Joe himself.
He was one of those singers who seemed to effortlessly cross that artificial line between soul and country.
Sadly Joe died in 1982 aged 49 but not before in a Chuck Berry My Ding a Ling moment in the UK in 1977 when he charted for the only time, peaking at number 2, with Ain't Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman).
He should be more properly remembered for quality song such as these.
Joe Tex - S.Y.S.L.J.F.M. (The Letter Song)
Joe Tex - The love You Save (May Be Your Own)l
Excellent choice today. I thought you said I would not approve...well, you are completely wrong there. And I have Ain't Gonna Bump No More....
ReplyDeleteIt was the Ting Tings I wasn't sure you would like. Knew I would be on safe ground with JT
ReplyDelete