December 1967, London
What a year 1967 has turned out to be! Reflecting on how soul music has morphed from bringing me comfort, joy and solace as I move through the challenges of my mid-teens to the cusp of young adulthood, I realize how the recordings of Dionne Warwick, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin have become my own musical DNA (Dionne-Nina-Aretha).
Beyond that hallowed trio, there are all the amazing Motown hits and the passion of singers like Betty Lavette, Judy Clay, The Sweet Inspirations and Lorraine Ellison…and so many more…
This powerful music and its purveyors are the fabric of my everyday life as I work with Dave Godin and Robert Blackmore at our Soul City record store. Within the space of just two years I’ve seen Nina, Otis Redding & The Stax/Volt Revue, Gladys Knight & The Pips among others…I’ve met Stevie Wonder, PP Arnold, Big Maybelle, Garnet Mimms, Ben E. King, Irma Thomas, Wilson Pickett, Esther Phillips, Dee Dee Warwick, Doris Troy – and I’m just 19!
I’ve also discovered how this glorious music has guided me through the turbulent waters of love, lust, passion and desire and how my idealistic notion of romantic love is being constantly shattered by the reality of infidelity. If I think of a personal theme for 1967, it could well be Diana Ross & The Supremes’ recordings, ” In & Out Of Love”! As I look to 1968, hanging on with boyfriend William, I’m hopeful and at the same time aware that I’ve now got some new friends – Michael, Raymond, Patrick, Ali, Enid included – who are there with me as I continue my journey from teen hood to adulthood and I’ve got sweet soul music to see me through…