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  • late one full day.

    FIRST THINGS FIRST LINKS as ALWAYS:

    DL LINKS:

    Super Deluxe Edition ( 1+ gb of music projects of WB, look directly below for contents)

    bit.ly/2HGdmRM

    Lite Edition ( Complete 45 Collection only)

    bit.ly/3otC8VW

    STREAM LINKS for 45 Collection:

    PART 1 -

    bit.ly/2HHvnif

    PART 2 -

    bit.ly/2HD3WGA

    How is everyone doing? Good. Tonight is a new edition of belated Soul Sundays. And Tonight, we are exploring the music of “William Bell” Now this should make some people happy if you’ve been meaning to get more into Stax Records work, because this is a doozy of a f***ing set. Before we get to the BIO let’s mention what’s in this drop bundle.

    10 Bell Studio Lp’s The Soul of Bell-Bound-Wow_Phases of Reality-Relating-Its Time You Took Another Listen-Coming Back for More-Survivor-Passion-This is Where I Live
    3 Label Compilation’s - 1) Stax Duets & 2) Bit Something Extra (60’s Unreleased Stax Sessions issued in 1991) 3)Peachtree Anthology - (William’s first label which he exclusively wrote & produced for)

    And a fanmade compilation of the collection of 45’s which has a bit a lot of non album material from 1961 to 1977.

    There is a little bit of overlap on the single collection. But I will leave it up to you to decide if this is something you want to invest your time in. Probably over 12 hours of music in total. All Vinyl artwork scans has been collected for you to look at whenever you listen you can pull up the scan and look at the artwork and see the credits. Over 1 gb, this gives you an idea how Soul Sundays gets down

    Samples:

    And now I will attempt to abridge his biography to maybe 2 post’s of what I’ve read in preparation for this drop.

    William Henry Yeborough was born in Memphis Tenn on July 16th 1939. His mother was a singer in a church. And guess what? That’s right, William grew up singing in a church. He started singing around 7 or 8 years old.

    But like a lot of singer’s they shift to secular side and his mother didn’t like that. She probably prayed on it. His father was day labourer but also a singer. It was destined that William Bell was going to be one of the greatest singer’s ever it seems.

    William Bell went to Booker T Highschool, a prestigious high school where many Memphis super stars of music also attended. At 16 he entered a talent contest and won the first prize winning a trip to work with a. Band in Chicago. After gigging with this band, he was suggested for a act in the Flamingo Room. It was here where William would hone his craft further while he worked there for 5 years.

    But William’s path was not singing. His original path was to become a doctor. As he was attending college he was recording and a hit called “Don’t miss your water” changed the trajectory of this young man. He learned the art of singing with a big band orchestra. This would benefit him later in arranging and producing & writing with the abilities he picked up from being around that much talent. It was here that he started his first group.

    The Del-Rios were a stepping stone for William to sharpen his skills with other vocalists. After he won the talent contest he recorded a song he had written called “Alone at Nite” under the name “Del Rios with the Bear Cats” The bear cats was the outfit of the soul legend, “Rufus Thomas” Rufus would be a musical mentor to William at this time and help him establish proper guidance in the art of performance & the business side of music.

    It seemed like William had his course all mapped out from the stars to be chosen as a shining light of soul. William was still in high school and he had a recording contract with a label called Meteor. The record was released in 1956 and did regionally faired well. The band would not stay together long due to military draft service of other member’s.

    One of William’s performing tough rivals was “Isaac Hayes Teen Tones” Growing in Memphis in soul world was the best place you could ask for. You could meet people that would change your life many times over if you had the gift people would wait for you. As is evidence with the William Bell story.

    Chips Moman was a crucial figure to William Bell. He was a producer-writer-musician-engineer for Satellite/Stax. Chips led Mr Bell back to recording a single. He was disillusioned of not being compensated for his song.

    This would take some convincing from Chip for William to go back into the lion’s den. Chip would eventually convince William to record 4 sides. One of them would become a soul standard called “You Don’t Miss Your Water” written by Bell. The song would be rejected at first choosing to push another song called and became a local hit on radio. The song came out under Satellite which would quickly become Stax Records.

    continued below ......

  • Oct 27, 2020

    At this time, William was at the end of the road with his group Del-Rio’s. He had the itch to be a solo artist and he already had a regional hit. It was time to release another single. The follow up was a uptempo song called “Any other Way” this established him further touring. His session musician’s were the legendary MG’s. The mg’s would help out cowriting William Bell song’s. If you look at the record’s you will see the name Booker T and Steve Cropper frequently. William Bell was always early with his talent. He started writing poems at a young age and then as he started growing at his melodic ability. Because he sang and wrote, it put him on the path with record executives who trusted his vision with music.

    The Follow up “Any Other way” stalled out but because of his networking with his previous band hew as able to establish a following that gave acceptance to his future work. In 1963 he would release 8 song’s. None of the eight song’s would appear on any of his lp’s (But you can check out the 45 compilation that I found if you wish to listen to those) Some of the song’s were cut earlier because Bell was drafted in the military. It was then that William would meet his personal best friend: Otis Redding. By the time William got out of the military, Otis was popular. Eventually they would tour together extensively. In 1964 & 1965 he would release 2 single’s.

    After a period of releasing a few 45 side’s, it was time to release a solo lp. By the time he got out of service, his peers at Stax were already ahead of time. Otis was huge, Rufus had a hit. Bell’s contract was retroactive, he owed records to Stax. It was time to deliver work after a extended break like that. Stax said something to the tune of “We have to get some hits going on you” While being stabled with the talented writers of the time. “David Porter. )Isac Hayes-Homer Banks ) it just never clicked properly. William decided to turn on the radio to see what was popular and the first song he wrote was “Everybody loves a Winner” This song became a major hit and established his return after the absence in the military.

    At this time the label and many people thought he just had the knack for ballad singing. His follow up record was more up tempo and it stalled on the charts and didn’t do as well as “Everybody loves a Winner” He knew how to sing up tempo because of his experience with live audiences, he knew how to do it.

    In 1967, William would start recording with strings and excelling at this craft quite quickly. Booker T and William would team up producing for Goats such as Carla Thomas, Albert King- but they weren’t always credited for their work. When the debut lp was released, 6 sides of previous work was part of the tracklisting. However they didn’t have enough material written for the session of this lp due to releasing 45’s at a brisk pace. Stax and Bell resorted to some cover song’s like “Do Right Man” & “I’ve been loving you too long”. A solid record by any

    William Bell returned with a new 45 in 1968. The A Side was “Every Man Ought” & it stalled on the pop charts because the B side was a touching tribute to Otis Redding. He recorded it as a private gift for Zelma Redding to show respect to Otis as a friend. She was so touched by it she told William to release this record. William would only release the song under one condition: make this the b -side. Once again as fate would have it, the dj’s flipped it over and started playing “Tribute to a King” It reached #16 on R&B & 86# on pop charts.

    It was here in 1968 that William would stumble into duet collaborations brought by a happy accident. He was working on a song and a singer named “Judy Clay” was in need of a song. She takes the song back and someone thought it would be a great idea for a duet. Thus “Private Number” was born as a duet (which is included in this bundle as well). Which would set off a catalyst for more duet’s with Mr Bell with other female vocalist’s including Mavis Staples, Carla Thomas, He actually has a gimmick collab called Soulejuah with several people making it more than a duet. It did not make an album, it’s a novelty single. You will find it on track 40 on the 45 collection.

    William had been dabbling in producing little by little. He previously co produced the blues standard “Born under a bad sign” he had cowritten that gem with the goat: Booker T. But they didn’t get producer credit, this time he would revise this piece for the record. He didn’t have many lp’s but this was going to change. William had to make up for the lack of lp’s although he did have a fair amount of music out under 45’s. One of his most beloved song’s is a soul standard called “Forgot to be a Lover” It became his biggest hit in his career at that time. Again, you will find all the song’s mentioned in this bio synopsis. Also in 1969, he released his second lp called “Bound to Happen” of the 8 released 45’s, 7 would be on this album. As the sixties came to an end, his longtime musical partner was departing Memphis and within a year later he was no longer part of Stax Records.

  • Oct 27, 2020

    Free Agent & Peachtree Vision

    William was a free agent while signed to Stax. He could utilize his gifted writing ability to elsewhere. This would lead him in late sixties to be the co-owner of his very first record label “Peachtree” was a partnership between his new manager Henry Wynn. Mr Bell was always in search for more knowledge with the inner workings of this multilayered business. The inspiration to be more in control of his destiny came from one of his biggest inspirations “Sam Cooke” When Sam discussed the lucrative world of publishing, he realized he needed to renegotiate his deal & get at least half of the publishing. William would use his talents as a writer & producer for this productive enterprise. Peachtree released over 20 single’s under the guiding hand of Bell either writing or producing or both for these artists of potential. None of the act’s other than the established name’s pursued anything further. (Also included is the Peach Tree Story compilation for the drop fam who may be curious to hear this work) The label would cease operation in 1972 but never officially shut down, they just didn’t release any more music on Peachtrree.

    The only solo single release in 1970 was a song called “Lonely Soldier” obviously inspired by the current political climate of our military. (Included in the 45 collection as well track 49) It didn’t do anything but it’s a nice song to discover. In 1971 2 single’s had been released but no chart movement to be found. Following a few single’s his new lp would debut on Stax titled “Wow” 5 song’s had previously been single’s. One song in particular on this lp was. “You’ll want diamonds” a epic string laced drenched with soul number. This was written by Kenny Nolan who would go on to pen a little known tune “Lady Marmalade” It’s a suggested lp that I would recommend to any fellow Soul head reading this.

    By this time Stax had left CBS and lost their catalogue. They needed to keep recording as many songs as possible with the roster that was left. William would start using the studio at Muscle Shoals. The next lp was a lp called “Phases of Reality” a very brief record (27 minutes)
    But chock full of sociopolitical messages for a listener to explore. Phases of reality is the vision of this artist. He produced the set, arranged the rhythm with Muscle Shoals Rhythm, cowrote 6 of the song’s on this record. Johnny Allen (who also worked for Isaac Hayes Movement) arranged the strings and horns.

    Relating to ATL

    He knew Stax wasn’t long for this earth. The overhead and expenses were running into the ground. He had to prepare for life after Stax. In 1973 he would move there as a change of pace. Oddly as Stax was experiencing wounds, he had his biggest hit in 4 years. “Loving on Borrowed Time” cowritten with William, Joe Shamwell & Homer Banks. The final Stax album was produced by William and Al Jackson (legendary drummer for the mg’s & Stax Records). Cowritten with James Mcduffie & Bell, the set proved to be a solid farewell to a prosperous time at Stax.

    His time at Stax is best summed up with the following touching words quoted verbatim “Music Saved us All, we were ghetto kids growing up In the projects, the rough neighborhoods, if it had not been for Stax & the music, a lot of us would have been lost. Music was like a place, a refuge, where we could go and stay out of trouble…of course, we loved the music…and we didn’t know that we would create something that would last for 50 years. But we knew that here’s a family atmosphere, where somebody cares about you, & you can go in there & the police aren’t chasing you”

    Losing a cherished friend & making it Count

    In October of 1975, Bell and Al Jackson were getting ready to do a production with recording artist Major Lance. Al Jackson was planning to move to Atlanta as well. He put him on an flight and within a hour & a half later he was killed. Apparently some men were waiting for him outside his house. For 2 years he didn’t produce any records on himself instead of focusing on session work like “The Counts -Love Pump” lp (which I have covered The Counts in this thread: for your listening enjoyment) While taking a break, he studied acting at the Academy Theater in Atlanta.

    Moving on to Mercury:

    With all this activity, William was seriously thinking of ending the solo career and just focusing on writing & producing. But Mercury records was interested in a record deal asap. The EVP of Mercury was in charge of distribution for Bell’s belated brief label “peach tree” He agreed to do 4 sides for Mercury after some light arm twisting for a year to do some music for Mercury. His new musical collaborator for this Mercury foray was a man named “Paul Mitchell” (not the hair salon guy) With these 4 songs written with his new pianist, they recorded the rhythm tracks with “Chocolate Milk” in New Orleans (BTW that band is on the list for Soul Sundays as well, we will get to them) The vocals and “sweetening” were recorded in Atlanta.

    One of the song’s “Trying to love two” shot up to #1 on Soul & 15 on pop. This song became the biggest record in his career. This song was one of the first he presented to Charles when he was persuading William of releasing Singles on Mercury. A monster hit requires a monster album, that’s what he did. Coming Back for More would be William’s best selling lp to date. Reaching 15# on Soul and #63 pop. It’s a good record and I suggest the drop fam to listen to it when you get a chance to look over this work that you may be new to. The song’s were produced arranged & written by William and Paul Mitchell.

    You gotta Listen to Survive - if you have the Passion

    The Mercury trip was a short one. He had success again with another single, this time a dance floor burner called “Easy Coming out Hard Going In” Again the main creators are William and Paul for this effort. One of Bell’s contract clauses was simply “If Charles exits Mercury I want out” He realized fairly quickly that no one at the company knew the real Bell. An executive stopped him in the hallway allegedly and said “You’re making all the money” He replied “Well, I’m doing all the work. I’m writing Im producing, Im bringing it you on a silver platter” William had to record one more record due to contractual obligations. It remains in the can. Thus ending the Mercury phase of his journey in Soul.

    During this absent time he was writing & producing for other act’s. Fortunately because he had stayed touring, he built a fanbase and was able to finance a recording studio. Michael Stewart was his new Main collaborator on this record who he met at a music seminar. With this new found musical talent, William was off to the races for his next outing. The Kat Family was a label created by Bell, his attorney, they had some record’s released. Quickly he understood that he was interested in making money & his attorney was primarily interested in a tax shelter vehicle. The label was sold to a new owner who had no knowledge. Survivor is my least favorite lp from he 80’s. The follow up is what I prefer.

    His next album “Passion” was released under his new label imprint “Wilbe” This lp was once again produced by Bell and Michael Stewart and another musical collaborator “Albert Burroughs” There is a few tracks which I would say stand out “headline news” with it’s Sade-esque melodic sound & it’s Sultry Sax figure motif. The only drawback I would say is. the lack of orchestral strings and less of an emphasis on organ, rhodes, horn section. But it was the beginning and it was the eighties.

    After this he released a few more lp’s under Wilbe imprint until in 2017 where he returned to the new & improved “STAX” where he released “Will to Live” winning a grammy! William Beil had come full circle and vindicated himself as a living legend of Soul Music. Even though he isn’t a super star , he maintained his presence for over 6 decades.

    There’s a lot to love about William Bell & very little to dislike. I hope this wasn’t too long for reading and you become a listener of Bell’s work like I have.

    Thank you for reading and I will see you next time on Soul Sundays.

  • Oct 27, 2020

    @BabyYoda @sipsome_ @vox @yandhi @nomad

    Here we go with the late drop, finally finished.

  • Oct 27, 2020

    Do you have a Patreon

  • Oct 27, 2020

    @flosh @Soupvillain @grimes @Goo @nonamestreets14

    The new drop is finally here.

  • Oct 27, 2020

    @Prbz @SOLARIS @Bob_Tha_Trillder @blkswnoir

    This is what I was working on for the big one this week.

  • Oct 27, 2020
    ·
    2 replies

    @Twitch @LastCall @Tubig @Trap_a_holic @Sarcoid

    Been working on this for a minute,great bundle.

  • Oct 27, 2020
    ·
    1 reply

    The real is back

  • Oct 27, 2020
    ·
    3 replies

    @tadow @just_MG @Fahim @Moka_Beans @Beers

    The drop is completed, enjoy

  • Oct 27, 2020
    AudioConsulting

    @tadow @just_MG @Fahim @Moka_Beans @Beers

    The drop is completed, enjoy

    Always loved soul

  • Tadow 🥀
    Oct 27, 2020
    AudioConsulting

    @tadow @just_MG @Fahim @Moka_Beans @Beers

    The drop is completed, enjoy

    My guy

  • Tubig 🌊
    Oct 27, 2020
    AudioConsulting

    @Twitch @LastCall @Tubig @Trap_a_holic @Sarcoid

    Been working on this for a minute,great bundle.

  • Oct 27, 2020
    ·
    1 reply
    24stills

    The real is back

    Do I have you on the notify list?

  • Oct 27, 2020

    Before I get out of here, my reference for this write up was this article:

    soulexpress.net/williambell.htm

    soulexpress.net/williambell_part2.htm

    I hope you like it and feel free to pass on this drop to someone who might appreciate it as well.

  • Oct 27, 2020
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    1 reply
    AudioConsulting

    Do I have you on the notify list?

    Not yet!

  • Oct 27, 2020
    ·
    1 reply
    24stills

    Not yet!

    Will fix that

  • Oct 27, 2020
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    edited

    Oh yea,

    BBC4 Documentary on Stax Records

    @twitch @24stills @tubig @tadow @Trap_a_holic

  • Oct 27, 2020
    AudioConsulting

    Will fix that

    yessir