By RD (68.169.126.238) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 02:57 pm:

Soul Sister, in case you didn't catch it in the Plain Dealer tell Jimmy that Josephine Thomas passed, she was 98 years old. Josephine owned Thomas Tavern where Jimmy performed some of his first gigs. I hear the place located on E. 79th and Central was a hot spot in the '40s. Ironically, Howard Lovett, Lee Lovett's (S.O.U.L.) older brother was murdered along with his friend on this same corner (E. 79th & Central) about two weeks ago.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 02:59 pm:

RD:
Give my regards and regrets to Lee Lovett for the loss of his brother. I remember seeing S.O.U.L. on "Upbeat!" when I was younger.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By RD (68.169.126.238) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:05 pm:

Ok Kevin. S.O.U.L. was a tight little band; I played their first LP to death but for some reason I didn't like them as much when they added vocalist Larry Hancock to the mix.

By Juicefree20 (68.161.49.152) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:27 pm:

Hey RD, sad news there. I don't remember any of S.O.U.L. other music. The only one that I remember hearing here in N.Y.C. was This Time Around & that was pretty popular here. Do they have any CDs available?

Juice

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

RD;
Thanks for letting us know, I'm so sorry to hear that sad news. Josephine & Jimmy went way back, the resturant & bar still stands at 79th. Street, we went by there about two years ago. Josephine's daughter Dionne (who is a volunteer at the "Rock Hall") is also a good friend to both of us. She did an interveiw on Jimmy for local television about an year and a half ago. She & I, hung out together for the Rock Hall's Induction Ceremony about three years ago, we run into her from time to time, though its hard to see people anymore with our schedule. I saw Dionne on the news about two weeks ago.

I will check the newspapers for the funeral information. Thanks, RD.

I saw the report on Howard Lovett and the others on the news, how tragic, did they ever get the guy who did this?

Rest In Peace and God Bless Miss Josephine.

With Respect,
S.S.

By RD (68.169.126.238) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:43 pm:

Juicefree, "This Time Around" was off S.O.U.L.'s second LP. Larry Hancock is singing the lead and co-wrote the song with Bobby Massey (O'Jays). A company in Europe released S.O.U.L.'s two LP's on a CD sometimes ago. S.O.U.L.'s first LP was funky as hell with a jazz influence.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:48 pm:

S.O.U.L. did a funky version of "Burning Spear".
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 03:53 pm:

Juicefree:
Here is the S.O.U.L. CD that RD was referring to. It was reissued by BGP - a funk arm of Ace/Kent Records.

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDMISS70311061755232183&sql=Atuazqjkuojfa

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Soul Sister (65.43.144.46) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 09:40 pm:

Hello RD;
I located the article on Miss Josephine in today's paper. I see that they made mention of Jimmy. Funny thing Jimmy's father (who's street moniker was "Scotty") who fancied himself as a ladies man & pool shark, Thomas'Tavern (now named Josephine's) was one of his main hangouts!

RD, you have anymore rare photos like the one you sent me last year? It was very cool... as you know, I kept that one to myself when I posted my Manhattan's Photos.
S.S.

By sly fan (67.115.74.66) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 09:49 pm:

RD: I am very sad to hear of the news of Mr. Lovett...My pop use to literally wear their records out..I dug Larry Hancock although I always thought he sounded like Donny.

I am sad to hear the news of Ms. Thomas as well.

May they both rest in peace.

Respectfully,
SF

By sly fan (67.115.74.66) on Monday, April 05, 2004 - 09:52 pm:

Kev: I am jealous!! lol..you have seen them (S.O.U.L) perform??!!

They "OWN" Burning Spear..I love both versions (SSQ) but SOUL took it to the next level!

"Peace Of Mind" was one of my favorite gems..

Funk Mode!

By Flynny (213.122.158.232) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 06:11 am:

Over here in the UK it was their, 'On top of the world' that did the biz on the dancefloor.
Good music always travels well.


Flynny
raresoulforum.com

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 11:39 am:

Sly Fan:
In 1970, S.O.U.L. got their recording contract with Musicor Records after winning a "battle of the bands" contest that included a television appearance on the syndicated "Upbeat!" TV show that was taped & broadcast from Cleveland. I remember seeing them perform on that program.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By sly fan (67.115.74.173) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 05:20 pm:

KEV: WOW! Amazing!! I wonder if those tapes still exist?? Geezz I would do anything to see that!!