Buongiorno Amici,
Last week marked the passing of Northern Soul legend Dean Parrish, possibly the greatest ‘blue-eyed’ Soul singer of all time.
Dean grew up in New York City’s ‘Little Italy’. His music career began in 1964, seeing him recording big names like Herbie Mann, Jimi Hendrix, Santana and even playing guitar with Bob Marley before appearing as an MC in an episode of Mafia cult series The Sopranos.
During his professional career, he recorded many classic Northern Soul tunes – his I’m On My Way being the most well known.
This fantastic number would be spun weekly as one of the ‘3 before 8’ tunes at the end of the legendary Wigan Casino all-nighters in the 70s.
It was also a much-loved track here on the Austrian/Bavarian scooter scene with the dance crowd celebrating the tune every weekend as they made their way on their Lambrettas and Vespas.
I had the pleasure of meeting this smart, decent and legitimately COOL man in person backstage at a Cleethorpes Northern Soul weekender together with the great Maxine Brown after having been introduced by Mr Kent records, Ady Croasdell.
Dean died on June 8, 2021 at the age of 79 and wrote and recorded until recently.
Here we’re celebrating the great work of a legendary Soul artist and friend by showcasing his last single, recorded for Edward Piller’s Acid Jazz label earlier this year.
It’s a towering slice of psychedelic Soul, that references the work of Norman Whitfield and, like those records, comes with a powerful message.
Hats off to the legendary man, he’s made ‘His Way’ BIG-STYLE,
Wishing you a Soulful Sunday,
Jörg
P.S.: DIGGIN’ SESSION is happening ‘normally’ this Thursday, shop open ’til 22h, price on US COLLECTOR’S records are discounted as we’re already working towards the next big US IMPORT…
| …here some more soulful selections for ‘Ya! |
