Sixties' singer Solomon Burke makes new music mark in 2002

Jet, Nov 4, 2002

Solomon Burke, the King of Rock and Soul in the 1960s, is back on the music charts 40 years later. And he received help from some of the biggest names in the music business for his well-received Don't Give Up on Me album.

Don't Give Up on Me, released in July on the Fat Possum label, has Burke putting his unique sound on tunes offered to him by such music legends as Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison and Tom Wait. Burke, now 62, said he's stunned that so many legends wanted to work with him. He got the Five Blind Boys of Alabama to lend their expertise on the single, None of Us Are Free.

Rolling Stone reported that British musician Costello actually flew in to be at the studio to work with Burke in person.

But Burke minimizes his legacy and impact on the music business. During his heyday he was considered on the same level as Sam Cooke and Otis Redding.

He thrilled audiences worldwide in the 1960s with such hits as Cry to Me, Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms) and Everybody Needs Somebody to Love with his stirring mix of soul and gospel. He took his title so seriously that sometimes he took to the stage with a crown and a cape.

A Philadelphia native who now lives in Los Angeles, Burke was thrilling soul music lovers by the time he reached his early 20s.

Music is but one facet of Burke, who is the father of 21, grandfather of 56 and great-grandfather of 11. He's also an ordained minister and a licensed mortician. His music was recognized in 2001 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

And now almost 40 years later, Burke's music is reaching a completely new audience.