There’s something magical about flipping through old 45s—the crackle, the label design, the feeling that you’ve discovered a secret the radio forgot. These three singles are prime examples of deep soul at its most raw and personal. From heartbroken confessionals to groove-driven declarations, each of these 45s captures lightning in a bottle.

Jimmy Wallace: Forever / How You Did Destroy

Label: Alpha 002. Released 1964.

Label Owner: C. Percy (Don) White

Label Address: 2020 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. (1964-1965)

A Side: Forever

B Side: How You Did Destroy

Jimmy Wallace’s Forever is a slow-burning soul ballad drenched in longing. His vocal delivery feels intimate and slightly frayed around the edges—in the best way possible. There’s a pleading quality to his voice that gives the song a confessional tone, like you’re overhearing a late-night apology that might already be too late.

Flip it over to How You Did Destroy and the emotional temperature rises. The track leans heavier, with a darker lyrical core and a sense of betrayal that cuts deep. Wallace doesn’t just sing about heartbreak—he sounds like he’s living in the wreckage. It’s that unfiltered honesty that makes this 45 such a treasured find among deep soul collectors.

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Spencer Wiggins: Love Machine / Love Me Tonight

Label: Fame 1463. Released 1969.

Label Owner: Rick Hall. Florence Area Music Enterprises.

Label Address: 603 East Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL

A Side: Love Machine

B Side: Love Me Tonight

Spencer Wiggins is a name that soul aficionados hold close, and this pairing shows why. Love Machine rides a tight groove—rhythm section locked in, horns punching through with urgency. Wiggins’ voice glides over the arrangement with that signature Southern ache, equal parts smooth and gritty.

On Love Me Tonight, the vulnerability comes forward. The production pulls back just enough to spotlight his phrasing, which carries a conversational ease. There’s an immediacy here—no overproduction, no polish for polish’s sake—just pure Memphis soul energy pressed into seven inches of wax.

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Anita Washington: (I'm) Afraid to Try Again / "Same" (Promo)

Label: Siamese 3.

A Side: (I’m) Afraid to Try Again

B Side: “Same” (Promo)

Anita Washington’s (I’m) Afraid to Try Again is deep soul at its most vulnerable. Her voice trembles with hesitation, capturing that fragile space between wanting love and fearing its consequences. The arrangement—subtle strings, steady drums—frames her vocal without overshadowing it.

The promo flip, “Same”, offers a fascinating contrast. While still rooted in emotional storytelling, it carries a slightly different energy—less fragile, more resolute. Washington commands the track with a quiet strength, making this 45 especially prized among collectors who appreciate nuanced, under-the-radar female soul performances.

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There’s something magical about a great 45: two sides, a tight window, and nowhere to hide. The best ones feel like tiny worlds—fully formed in under three minutes. Here are three singles that do exactly that, each coming from a different emotional lane but all hitting with real personality.

Roy Hamilton: She’s Got A Heart / The Impossible Dream

Label: RCA 8833. Promo Copy. Released 1966. (1951-2025)

A Side: She’s Got A Heart

B Side: The Impossible Dream

Roy Hamilton’s voice is pure velvet-and-steel, and this pairing shows his range beautifully. “She’s Got A Heart” is classic, grown-up soul—romantic without being syrupy, dignified but still deeply felt. Flip it over and “The Impossible Dream” turns theatrical in the best way, with Hamilton leaning into the drama and selling every aspirational line. It’s big, bold, and unapologetically emotional.

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Hi Fashions: Mr. Policeman / Billy Knows

Label: DynoVoice 212. Released 1965.

Label Owner: Bob Crewe.

Label Address: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY (1965-1969)

A Side: Mr. Policeman

B Side: Billy Knows

This one crackles with street-level energy. “Mr. Policeman” rides a gritty groove, mixing social tension with raw funk attitude—equal parts protest and party. “Billy Knows” keeps the edge but shifts the focus, telling its story with swagger and just enough menace. The Hi Fashions sound locked in here: tight band, sharp vocals, no wasted space.

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Joy Holden: Blowing Out The Candles / Teenage Rage

Label: Magnum 725. Released 1965.

Label Address: Los Angeles, CA (1964-1968)

Label Owner: Roger Davenport & Hunter Hancock.

A Side: Blowing Out the Candles

B Side: Teenage Range

Pure teen drama, pressed into vinyl. “Blowing Out The Candles” captures that fragile, hopeful moment between childhood and whatever comes next, while “Teenage Rage” flips the mood into something more restless and defiant. Joy Holden’s voice carries both innocence and bite, making this 45 feel like a snapshot of growing pains—awkward, emotional, and totally relatable.

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These three 45s capture different shades of soul, from introspective slow burners to confident, socially aware grooves. Each record balances emotion and musicianship, showing how much feeling and personality artists could pack into just a few minutes on wax.

Hewitt: Is It Me Part 1 / Is It Me- Part II

Label: Wee 92272. Released 1969.

Label Owner: Lonnie Hewitt.

Label Address: 988 42nd St., Oakland, CA. (1965-1967)

A Side: Is It Me Part 1

B Side: Is It Me Part II

Hewitt’s “Is It Me” unfolds like a late-night conversation with yourself, split into two complementary parts. Part 1 sets the mood with a smooth, reflective vocal and restrained instrumentation, while Part II deepens the feeling, stretching the groove and emotional tension. Together, the sides feel personal and searching, driven by vulnerability rather than flash.

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Sharon Henderson: The Morning After / Inside Of Me

Label: Ready World 111. Released 1981.

Label Owner: Tony Owens.

Label Address: P.O. Box 15051, New Orleans, LA. (1981-1990)

A Side: The Morning After

B Side: Inside of Me

Sharon Henderson delivers soulful honesty on both sides of this 45. “The Morning After” carries a sense of reflection and emotional clarity, while “Inside Of Me” turns inward, leaning on heartfelt vocals and a warm, intimate arrangement. It’s a record that highlights expression and feeling, letting the emotion lead every note.

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Cyrus Hayes: Right Back For More / Mr. President

Label: Big Boy 17344. Released 1988.

Label Address: 6430 S. Greenwood, Chicago, IL.; P.O. Box 53297 Chicago IL. (1985-1988?)

A Side: Right Back for More

B Side: Mr. President

Cyrus Hayes brings confidence and range to this pairing. “Right Back For More” is driven by a strong groove and assertive delivery, built for repeat listens, while “Mr. President” adds a more thoughtful, socially aware edge. Together, the sides show Hayes balancing dancefloor appeal with message and purpose.

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There’s something magical about a 45 rpm single: compact stories told in just a few minutes, pressed into vinyl that begs to be flipped, replayed, and treasured. Today we spotlight three standout sides that deserve a place in any deep-digging music lover’s collection.

Mamie Galore: It Ain't Necessary / Don't Think I Could Stand It

Label: St. Lawrence 1012. Released 1966.

Label Owner: Dick Simon

Label Address: 4849 North Western, Chicago, IL (1965-1967).

A Side: It Ain’t Necessary

B Side: Don’t Think I Could Stand It

Mamie Galore had a voice that could smolder one moment and snap the next, and she brings both qualities to this fiery double-sider. It Ain’t Necessary is pure attitude—tight, brassy, and driven by Galore’s commanding vocal delivery. Flip it over and Don’t Think I Could Stand It shows her more vulnerable side without losing a shred of power. Together, the songs reveal an artist equally capable of sass and soul.

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Jodi Gales: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Pt 1 / "Same" Pt 2

Label: Savern 109. Released 1970.

Label Address: Chicago, IlL (1969-1971)

A Side: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

B Side: “Same” Pt 2

If you like your funk gritty and your messages direct, this 45 is a gem. Part 1 lays down a tough, swaggering groove with Gales throwing down an irresistible challenge. Part 2 extends the tension, leaning even harder into the instrumental funk while her vocal interjections ride the beat. The result is a two-part workout built for sweaty dance floors and collectors craving rare, punchy soul.

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Ginger And The Chiffons: Where Were You Last Night? / She

Label: Groove 0003. Released 1962.

Label Owner: Ray Clark

Label Address: 630 Fifth Ave. New York, NY & 155 East 24th St. New York, NY. (1954 - 1965.)

A Side: Where Were You Last Night?

B Side: She

A gorgeous slice of girl-group magic, this single marries heartache with harmony in the best possible way. Where Were You Last Night? channels the classic “worried lover” motif with shimmering vocals and a melody that lingers. The B-side, She, slows things down and leans into emotional storytelling, spotlighting the group’s ability to blend sweetness with a subtle ache. It’s a perfect pair for fans of lush arrangements and timeless teen-soul charm.

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In the rich tapestry of soul music, there are countless 45s that never hit the charts but remain timeless treasures for collectors and true lovers of the genre. These records capture raw emotion, studio grit, and the kind of vocal storytelling that defined an era. Here are three standout 45s—each one a glimpse into the heart of classic soul.

Eldridge Holmes: Where Is Love / Now That I've Lost You.

Label: Deesu 320. Released 1968.

Label Owner: Marshall Seahorn & Allen Tousaint.

Label Address: 1211 St. Philip St, New Orleans, LA (1966-1970)

A Side: Where Is Love

B Side: Now That I’ve Lost You

New Orleans soulman Eldridge Holmes had a voice that could ache and testify in the same breath. On “Where Is Love,” Holmes pleads through a swampy Allen Toussaint production, blending Crescent City groove with deep-soul melancholy. Flip it over and “Now That I’ve Lost You” hits with a more upbeat rhythm but no less emotion—a perfect example of how Holmes could make heartbreak sound effortless and elegant.

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Terry Huff: Come On Around / I Wish

Label: Circle City 92682. Released 1982.

Label Owner: Tyscot Inc.

Label Address: 3403 N. Ralston Ave, Indianapolis, IN; 2607 N. Delaware, (Suite 21) Indianapolis, IN (1982-1987)

A Side: Come On Around

B Side: I Wish

Terry Huff’s 45 captures that smooth D.C. soul sound of the mid-’70s, dripping with warmth and sincerity. “Come On Around” rides an easy groove and gentle falsetto, inviting you into Huff’s world of mellow romance. The B-side, “I Wish,” is pure longing—lush strings and heartfelt delivery that echo the emotional honesty of his classic album The Lonely One. This is quiet storm before the genre had a name.

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Roy Hytower: I'm In Your Corner / It's Not What You Think Of Me

Label: Anthem 51009. Released 1972.

Label Address: 48 West 48th St. New York, NY (1972-1973)

A Side: I’m in your Corner

B Side: It’s Not What You Think of Me

Chicago’s Roy Hytower brought a bluesman’s grit to his soul recordings, and this 45 proves it. “I’m In Your Corner” is a declaration of loyalty with a punchy rhythm section and Hytower’s commanding delivery at the forefront. The flip, “It’s Not What You Think of Me,” digs deeper—moody and confessional, it’s the kind of record that hits harder with each listen. Hytower’s blend of gospel fire and streetwise soul makes this a must for deep collectors.

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There’s something magical about 45 RPM records - compact, gritty, and bursting with raw emotion. These little discs once ruled jukeboxes and radios, capturing the urgency of a moment, a heartbreak, or a plea for love. Today, we’re digging into three rare and powerful 45s that deserve a spot in any soul or R&B lover’s collection. From deep soul to girl group charm, these sides deliver emotion, groove, and a glimpse into the golden era of independent music.

The Profonix: Ain’t No Sun / Open Up Your Heart

Label: Davey-Paul 4023. Released 1969.

Label Address: Detroit, MI.  Only record released on this label.

A Side: Ain’t No Sun

B Side: Open Up Your Heart

Ain’t No Sun is a brooding deep soul burner, soaked in melancholy and anchored by gritty vocals and sparse instrumentation. On the flip, Open Up Your Heart offers a more hopeful, gospel-tinged groove, showing the group’s dynamic range. Though little is known about The Profonix, this 45 speaks volumes.

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Little Esther Phillips: While It Lasted / Why Should We Try Anymore

Little Esther Phillips: While It Lasted / Why Should We Try Anymore

Label: Lenox 5570. Released 1963.

Label Address: 157 West 57t St., New York, N.Y. (1962-1963)

A Side: While It Lasted

B Side: Why Should We Try Anymore

Esther Phillips was never one to hold back, and this 45 is a showcase of her mature, pain-etched voice. While It Lasted is a slow-burner drenched in regret, capturing the complex emotions of a love that couldn't last. The B-side, Why Should We Try Anymore, leans into country-soul territory - a perfect fit for Esther’s unique delivery.

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Pearlettes: Can I Get Him / Never Be Another Boy Like You

Label: Vee-Jay 422 (Promo). Released 1961.

Label Owner: Vivian & James C. Bracken

Label Address: 1640 Broadway, Gary, IN, 1155 E. 47th St., Chicago,

IL, 412 E. 47th St., Chicago, IL. 4747 Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL, 2129 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 1449 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL. 1953-1966

A Side: CanI Get Him

B Side: Neve Be Another Boy Like You

This sugary-sweet girl group 45 is pure mid-'60s charm. Can I Get Him is upbeat, flirtatious, and full of yearning — the kind of track that made dance floors come alive. The flip side, Never Be Another Boy Like You, slows things down with a more reflective, heart-on-sleeve delivery.

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This month, we’re digging into three standout 45s that capture the raw energy and eclectic charm of vintage soul and R&B. From The Vibrations’ dancefloor-ready double-sider to the dramatic soul stylings of Australia’s Virgil Brothers, and the offbeat funk of the mysterious Vows single, each record offers a unique snapshot of a bygone era. Whether you're a crate-digger or a curious listener, these gems deserve a spot on your radar.

Vibrations: Watusi Time / Sloop Dance

Label: Okeh 7205 (Promo). Released 1964.

Label Owner:  Otto Heinman.

Label Address: 1473 Barnham Ave, Bridgeport, Ct. & 799 Seventh Ave. New

York, N.Y. (1951- !970)

A Side: Watusi Time

B Side: Sloop Dance

A lively double-sider from the energetic R&B group The Vibrations. Watusi Time delivers infectious dance-floor vibes in the tradition of early '60s dance craze tunes, while Sloop Dance keeps the groove going with a similarly upbeat, rhythmic flair.

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Virgil Brothers: Temptation 'Bout To Get Me / Look Away

Label: Rare Earth 5006. Released 1969.

Label Owner: Motown Records

Label Address: Detroit, MI. (1969-1976)

A Side: Temptation ‘bout to Get Me

B Side: Look Away

This Australian soul-pop trio channels a dramatic, orchestral soul sound. Temptation 'Bout To Get Me is a powerful, gospel-tinged ballad with rich harmonies, while Look Away offers a softer, reflective contrast that showcases their vocal range and emotional depth.

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Vows: Buttered Popcorn / "blank"

Label: V.I.P. 25016. Released 1965.

Label Owner: Berry Gordy Jr.

Label Address: 2647 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Mi. (1963-1972)

A Side: Buttered Popcorn

B Side: “blank”

Buttered Popcorn, a quirky, funky track likely inspired by the Motown tune of the same name, features cheeky lyrics and a bouncy rhythm. The B-side is unknown or unlisted, adding an element of mystery to this obscure but charming release.

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If you’ve ever fallen under the spell of a spinning 45, you know there’s magic in the grooves—especially when it comes to soul, funk, and sweet harmonies. This week, we’ve pulled three killer 45s from the crate that showcase everything we love about vintage soul: passion, grit, and hooks that linger long after the needle lifts.

Bobby Patterson: Busy, Busy Bee / Sweet Taste of Love

Label: Jetstar 113 (Clear Gold Vinyl) (Promo copy) Released 1968.

Label Owner:  John Howard Abdnor

Label Address: 825 Olive, Dallas, TX (1964-1970)

A Side: Busy, Busy Bee

B Side: Sweet Taste of Love

Dallas legend Bobby Patterson never misses. On "Busy, Busy Bee," he channels raw urgency into a funky, mid-tempo groove, buzzing with energy and a sly vocal delivery that makes the metaphor stick. Flip it over for "Sweet Taste of Love," a smooth, slow-burning soul ballad full of Southern charm and subtle heartbreak. Patterson’s range as a writer and producer shines here—both sides feel like separate moods from the same deeply felt life.

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Phenomenons: Without Your Love / You Gave Me Happiness

Label: AVI 191 (Promo) Released 1978.

Label Address: 9220 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90069.

A Side: Without Your Love

B Side: You Gave Me Happiness

This one’s a lesser-known gem, but it hits like a lost classic. "Without Your Love" is a tender group harmony track—aching falsettos and tight doo-wop-style arrangements wrapped in that unmistakable lo-fi warmth. The B-side, "You Gave Me Happiness," leans brighter but keeps the sincerity, with sweet harmonies and a melody that feels like a slow dance at the end of a school gym prom. It's rare, it's real, and it deserves more love.

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Philly Devotions: Yeah, Yeah, Girl / I'll Never Color You A Rainbow

Label: Bry-Wek 1038. Released 1973.

Label Owner: Berry Gordy Jr.

Label Address: 4822 Woodland Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19143. Only 3 records released on this label.

A Side: Yeah, Yeah Girl

B Side: I’ll Never Color You A Rainbow

True to their name, Philly Devotions deliver East Coast sweet soul with polish and punch. "Yeah, Yeah, Girl" is a feel-good stepper, dripping with '70s Philly production—lush strings, tight rhythm, and infectious hooks. On the flip, "I'll Never Color You a Rainbow" slows things down with poetic heartbreak and gorgeous harmonies. It’s a smooth soul sermon, rich with emotion and that unmistakable Philly sophistication.

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For collectors of soul and R&B 45s, the thrill lies in unearthing forgotten sides that hit just as hard as the classics—but with the added satisfaction of obscurity. Here are three deep cuts you may not know but absolutely should.

Ty Hunter: Bad Loser / Something Like A Storm

Label: Chess 1893 Promo copy. Released 1963.

Label Owner:  Len and Phil Chess

Label Address: 5249 Cottage Grove ave, Chicago, IL; 750 East 4th St. Chicago, IL; 4750 S. Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL; 2120 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL; 320 East Twenty First St. Chicago, IL. (1950-1976.)

A Side: Bad Loser

B Side: Something Like A Storm

A longtime member of The Originals, Ty Hunter steps into the solo spotlight on this moody two-sider. "Bad Loser" is a brooding mid-tempo groover, heavy on regret and thick with swirling strings—soul for the early hours of a long night. Flip it over, and "Something Like A Storm" shows off Ty's vocal control and emotional range, delivering a sophisticated, near-psychedelic take on heartbreak. Quiet fire.

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Nita Hill: Cold At Night / All This

Label: Circle 951. Released 1964.

Label Owner: Distributed by London Records. (1964-1965.)

A Side: Cold at Night

B Side: All This

This one's a sleeper. Nita Hill brings a sharp, plaintive edge to "Cold At Night", a track that starts sparse and gradually builds into a haunting cry for warmth and connection. "All This" on the B-side flips the mood into a slow-burning torch ballad with gospel undercurrents—aching, powerful, and beautifully restrained. A perfect blend of vulnerability and grit.

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Headliners: Tonight's The Night / You're Bad News

Label: V.I.P. 25011. Released 1964.

Label Owner: Berry Gordy Jr.

Label Address: 2547 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Mi. (1963-1972.)

A Side: Tonight’s the Night

B Side: You’re Bad News

Here’s a group that knew how to work a dancefloor and a breakup ballad in equal measure. "Tonight's The Night" is a driving Northern Soul favorite—hard-hitting drums, punchy horns, and a vocal line built for shouting along in sweaty clubs. Meanwhile, "You're Bad News" proves they had range, dishing out a deliciously bitter mid-tempo track that smolders with sass and swagger.

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Sometimes, the best vinyl discoveries come with a theme. Today, we're spinning three 7-inch gems—all united under the letter "E": Elements, Entertainers, and Ethics. These names may not headline festivals, but their grooves hold weight in any serious crate-digger’s collection.

Elements: Prove It / Fever

Label: Saru 1226. Released 1971.

Label Owner:Chuck Brown

Label Address: 14009 Miles, Cleveland, Ohio (1970-1971)

A Side: Prove It

B Side: Fever

This hard-hitting funk 45 is all attitude and rhythm. “Prove It” comes out swinging with sharp horn stabs and a determined vocal delivery that demands attention. Flip it over, and you get “Fever,” a sultry, late-night burner with a simmering bassline and smoky keys. The Elements live up to their name—raw, natural, and essential.

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Entertainers: I'm In Love With You  / Hot On A Thang

Label: HMC 3991. Released 1983.

Label Owner: Nevins-Kirshner Assoc. Inc., Screen Gems Inc.

Label Address: Charlotte, NC

A Side: I’m in Love with You

B Side: Hot on a Thang

A stone-cold soul delight. “I’m In Love With You” oozes sincerity and features a velvet-smooth vocal over classic ‘70s instrumentation. But it’s the B-side, “Hot On A Thang,” that really brings the heat—a funky, uptempo jam that feels like a secret weapon for any soul-funk DJ. The Entertainers blend charm and groove in equal measure.

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Ethics: Good Luck / Who in the World

Label: Golden Fleece-3252.  Released 1974.

Label Owner: Henry "Juggy" Murray

Label Address: Philadelphia, Pa., CBS Inc. 51 West 52nd St, New York,

N.Y. (1973-1974)

A Side: Good Luck

B Side: Who in the World

Known for their smooth Philly soul sound, the Ethics offer two standout sides here. “Good Luck” is a bittersweet farewell with rich harmonies and lush string arrangements. “Who in the World” keeps the elegance flowing, serving up socially conscious lyrics wrapped in a warm, melodic groove. This 45 captures the emotional range that made Philly soul so unforgettable.

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