I am very sad to say that soul legend Solomon Burke died this weekend in Amsterdam. For those who are familiar with his work, you know that he was a big man with an even bigger voice. He was a man of faith who shared buckets of love to anyone who was lucky enough to stand near him. If you've heard any of his live recordings or if you've seen him concert, you will know that his music brought people of all different backgrounds to their knees. Needless to say, the women loved him too!My friend Kevy emailed me his favourite Solomon Burke story to me and I'd love to share it with you...
After a dozen straight hits, Solomon Burke was crowned the King of Rock 'n' Soul by Rockin' Robin of radio station WEBB in Baltimore in 1964. Solomon took the title very seriously. From that point on (for at least a decade), he never performed without a robe or a crown.
Solomon claims there was no rivalry between him and the godfather of soul, but one night, James Brown offered Solomon $10000 to perform with him in Chicago. Solomon happily agreed. When Solomon thought he was being introduced to the audience ("ladies and gentleman, the NEW king of rock 'n' soul..."), they were actually introducing Mr. Brown. Then Brown's stagehands tried to get Solomon to go on stage and give Brown is crown. Solomon refused, but in good humour (as always). When the crowd started chanting for Solomon Burke, James told them that he couldn't perform 'cuz he'd been "decrowned." Solomon never was allowed onstage to sing (and he never went on stage to give up his crown either) but after the show he told James Brown that he had a good time watching him sing, a wonderful time actually, and that he'd do it all again for only $8000.
R.I.P King Solomon
EDJ
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