Happy New Year! Hope you all had an enjoyable festive period. Mine was ok – apart from being struck down with the annual cold bug. It’s become as traditional around our house as turkey and pigs in blankets. I’m finally just getting over it – that partly explains why I haven’t done an update for a while.
Anyhoo, I’ve got a cracking piece of club soul for you today courtesy of the fabulous Sugar Pie DeSanto. Sugar Pie (or Peylia Marsema Balinton to give her her real name) first got her break in the music biz when she was “discovered” by the legendary Johnny Otis way back in ’55. This led to her touring with the Johnny Otis Revue (it was he who coined her stage name). Soon after, she also was offered a touring spot with the “Godfather Of Soul” himself, Mr James Brown.
Her first recordings were released in 1955 but it wasn’t until 1960 that she tasted success with the release of “I Want To Know” (presumably off the back of her tour with James Brown) Further singles followed with the next notable release “Soulful Dress” – a popular track on the British mod scene.1965/66 saw her gain further popularity when she collaborated with childhood friend Etta James on “Do I Make Myself Clear” and “In The Basement”
Today’s selection comes from that same period and in my humble opinion is her best song. Released in ’66 and featured in recent tv ad campaigns on both sides of the Atlantic “Go-Go Power” is just a straight up, rocking soul number. I’ve known this song for a long time and it had been on my wants-list for quite a few years. Luckily a friend sold me a decent copy a couple of years back. These days you can expect to pay £250+ for a decent quality copy on vinyl.
Enjoy the track and I’ll see you all again a bit sooner than last time!