Arthur Alexander – Rainbow Road/Down The Back Roads b/w In The Middle Of It All/Come Along With Me – Soul4Real ESP 7″

tracklist:

A01 Rainbow Road 3:25
A02 Down In The Back Roads 2:27
B01 In The Middle Of It All 3:05
B02 Come Along With Me 2:42

Arthur Alexander was born in Florence, Alabama in 1940 and in his formative years listened to both Country and R&B radio stations, which influenced both his singing and songwriting style.

Two of his first single releases on the Dot record label in 1962, the self-penned “Anna” and “You Better Move On”, spawned cover versions by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones respectively, which elevated his prominence in the music world.

Further 45 rpm releases on Sound Stage Seven and Monument followed before he was signed to Warner Brothers in 1972. A self-titled album was released in the same year, produced by Tommy Cogbill in Memphis and recorded at American Sound.

Although two singles were released from the album, none of the four tracks featured on this EP were. Here you will find a fabulous take on the much-loved “Rainbow Road” and three other gems.

Arthur died from heart failure in 1993, but his legacy as a unique and individual artist will never be diminished.

MIKE CHARLTON