E. Mark Windle 10 March 2026. Many folks from the soul music community will have known the late Mark Bicknell, whether directly through his friendship, his DJing, radio hosting or record dealing. Doubtless they will also be aware of his music industry networking and passion for reissuing rare soul recordings on his Big ManContinue reading “The Aqua Connection: Origin Stories of The Aqua Lads and Twilights”
Tag Archives: R&B
Before the Wind Cried Mary
E. Mark Windle 21 October 2025. A story of the early days of Hendrix, The King Kasuals and the Nashville R&B scene Motown had The Funk Brothers, Stax had The Memphis Horns, Muscle Shoals had The Swampers, and Nashville’s Black music scene had The King Kasuals. Er, wait a minute. Who? The partnership that existed betweenContinue reading “Before the Wind Cried Mary”
James Bates, Songwriter and Lead Singer of The Spontanes, Dies Aged 83.
E. Mark Windle 12 June 2025. James Bates of North Carolina and lead singer of The Spontanes, has died after a period of illness on 6th June 2025. Bates was most closely associated with the beach music group The Spontanes, a popular Gastonia group that initially ran from 1960 to 1968, but which has continuedContinue reading “James Bates, Songwriter and Lead Singer of The Spontanes, Dies Aged 83.”
One Dollar Cover, Warm Beer and Good Old Soul Music
E. Mark Windle 22 March 2025. I reckon there will be a few tears shed in the Carolina Rock n Roll Remembered and I Remember the Cellar Facebook groups this week. I just discovered on my social media feed that The Cellar burned down early Saturday morning. Once upon a time, this place really meant something to the music-lovingContinue reading “One Dollar Cover, Warm Beer and Good Old Soul Music”
Troubling the Water: The Power of Song, from the Underground Railroad to Rhythm and Blues
Wade in the waterWade in the water childrenWade in the waterGod said He’s gonna trouble the water We are the sons and the daughtersWe gotta stand up and make it loudJust like our God told the PharaohLet my people go We are a new generationFrom the ones who have gone beforeHe’s calling us out ofContinue reading “Troubling the Water: The Power of Song, from the Underground Railroad to Rhythm and Blues”
Maurice Williams, R&B Vocal Group Frontman, Passes
E. Mark Windle 6 August 2024. The passing of Maurice Williams, frontman for the R&B vocal group Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, has just been confirmed by North Carolina sources. Williams was originally from Lancaster, SC. His group involvement was a long one, commencing with the Royal Charms in the early fifties, then the JuniorContinue reading “Maurice Williams, R&B Vocal Group Frontman, Passes”
Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)
E. Mark Windle 19 December 2023. Without pausing for breath after Big Man Records’ December launch of “Just Crazy ‘Bout You Baby” (b/w “Aware of Love”), the news is that a second quality double-sider from The Embers is lined up for release early in the new year. Starting out as a doo-wop and rock ‘n’ rollContinue reading “Big Man Records: The Embers “First Time” b/w “I Wanna Be” (New Vinyl 45rpm Release)”
Holding on to the Past. The Challenge of Preserving and Accessing Soul Music History in the Written Word
E. Mark Windle 10 November 2023 It’s been a good while since the rare soul scene was an insular subculture confined to the wilds of northern England. The word spread decades ago, with self-sufficient parallel or related scenes now well established throughout Europe, Japan, the USA and elsewhere. Other than the pull of the musicContinue reading “Holding on to the Past. The Challenge of Preserving and Accessing Soul Music History in the Written Word”
Just Enough to Hurt Me. The Astors Story
E. Mark Windle 17 April 2023. This week marks the passing of singer Curtis Johnson, founding member of Memphis soul group The Astors. They may be one of Stax’s less instantly recognisable acts (at least to a mainstream audience), but their work is very familiar to, and respected by, the UK and European rare soulContinue reading “Just Enough to Hurt Me. The Astors Story”
The Yorkshire Soul Connection: an Interview with Garry Cape
E. Mark Windle April 2023. When I asked reissue / retrospective soul label owner Garry Cape about the motivating factors for his 2020 return to the soul market with the reactivation of his Hit and Run label series, issues of mortality seemed to be at the top of the list: “I guess it had somethingContinue reading “The Yorkshire Soul Connection: an Interview with Garry Cape”