Underground soul diva Jeannie Reynolds is best known for her signature song 'The Fruit Song', though her highest-charting single was the snappy 'The Phone's Been Jumping All Day' on Casablanca Records, number ten R&B on Billboard in summer 1975. The sister of L.J. Reynolds of the Dramatics, Reynolds was actually cutting singles back in 1969 for Mainstream with 'Down on Me' / 'Don't Set Me Free', which she released under the name of Jeany Reynolds (though there are versions as Shirley Jean and the Relations). Following this release 1971 saw 'I Don't Mess Around' / 'People Make The World', issued as Jeannie Reynolds and the Re-Leets on Washington, and then in 1974 came 'I Know He'll Be Back Someday' / 'You Ain't the Only Man,' for Chess. Her only other R&B charting single was also on Casablanca Records, 'Lay Some Lovin' on Me,' number 46, fall 1975. With its "fruitful" cover, the singer's LP Cherries, Bananas and Other Fine Things on Casablanca was issued in June 1976, with detroit talents LJ Reynolds, Tony Hester, and Don Davis producing, save for one song by Michael Henderson. One single from the LP, 'The Fruit Song,' written by Lawrence Payton of the Four Tops and Fred Bridges, became a huge hit, a post-release collectible, and a steppers standard. The song is a sly seductive stepper of a track, with rolling congas, sweeping strings, and a very catchy hook from Jeannie. Another Casablanca LP, One Wish, produced by Don Davis (Johnnie Taylor, the Dramatics, Marilyn McCoo, and Billy Davis, Jr.) was issued in 1977, containing the deep ballad 'I'm Hooked on You', which was subsequently released as a single in 1978. Tragically, Jeannie Reynolds took her two children's lives before committing suicide in 1980; this sad event was, apparently, drug related. Jeannie's vocals were nice and deep, with hints of southern diva phrasing, filtered through some of the heavier soul styles coming out of Chicago and other points north at that time. I gathered here most of her discography, including her two complete Casablanca albums and six cuts she released as 45s between 1969 and 1975. http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/, http://www.soulcellar.co.uk/, http://www.dustygroove.com/
aa
aa
6 comentarios:
http://rapidshare.com/files/293220754/Jeannie_Reynolds_-_Discography__1969-1977_.rar
Many thanks - superb album!
Got the one wish lp but thats it the lp itself is very good what a shame she did what she did it,s high price to pay for fame sad pedro
The British government recommends 5 pieces of fruit per day for a healthy diet. Do you think I can use Jeanie's "Fruit Song" as part of my essential daily diet of soul.
As you say it was a "Stepper" of choice and UI can hear those string sounds swirling around in my head as I write.
Thank you once again for your posts.
Regards,
Eugene
Oh my word - the things they are dusting off and releasing from the vault - absolutely amazing share with a deeply tragic story.
The story took my breath away; I work with children and families in crisis. So incredibly painful to read. I'm not sure, honestly, how I'll listen to her without thinking of her end. Thank you for the background and the music.
Publicar un comentario