Female funk and soul artists are making a footprint in today’s music industry and we wanted to celebrate this with some of our favorite female soul artists  from the 70s including Spanky Wilson and Jean Wells. 

Spanky Wilson: Shake Your Head / Home

Label: Eastbound 627 (Promo). Released 1974.

Label Owner: Dearborn, MI (1973-1974).

A Side: Shake Your Head

B Side: Home

Born in Philadelphia, Spanky Wilson is well worth the listen! “Shake Your Head” has that classic 70s funk and soul sound we all love. Groovy bass lines, pocket drumming, and of course Wilson’s fantastic vocals. Flip the 45 over to slow things down and be captivated by Spanky’s vocal range.

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Jean Wells: He Ain’t Doing Bad / Somebody’s Been Lovin’ You

Label: Canyon 39. Released 1970. 

Label Location: Hollywood, CA (1969-1970).

A Side: He Ain’t Doing Bad

B Side: Somebody’s Been Lovin’ You

As promised, we have another awesome 45 from female artist, Jean Wells. Wells grew up in West Palm Beach, FL before finding her way to Philadelphia. She returned to Florida and back to Philadelphia a number of times during her career as she struggled to find fame. She was finally recognized by musician and businessman Clyde Otis, launching her into a successful music career. 

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Donald Woods: Close to You / Disco Party

Label: Blue Hound 274313. Released 1978.

Label Location: Chicago, IL

A Side: Close to You

B Side: Disco Party

We are ending this post with a groovin’ 45 from Donald Woods. “Close to You” is the quintessential R’n’B song infused with soulful lead and background vocals, a shuffling drum groove and everything else you can possibly want from a song derived from this era. Check it out below!

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

That’s a wrap folks! We are so grateful for all of our customers and readers - so thank you from the team at Parker’s Records. 2021 has had its challenges, but we are excited for what the future holds. To end the year, we have a few 45s for you. Ever heard of a song called “Mustang Sally”? Well to start things off, we have a 45 from the Godfather of this iconic song, Mack Rice. 

Mack Rice: The Whip / Feel’s Good

Label: Lu-Pine 125 (Promo). Released 1964.

Label Owner: Robert West. 2930 West Boston Rd, Detroit, MI. 1011 East Mail St, Owosso, MI. 10131 Kercheval Ave. 4466 Detroit, MI. (1960-1980’s).

A Side: The Whip

B Side: Feel’s Good

Growing up in both Mississippi and Detroit, Rice was bound to be a legendary singer. Referred by many as Sir Mack Rice, you likely know his name from the iconic song “Mustang Sally” in which he wrote in 1965 and is still popularly played today. If you’d like to dig deeper into Rice’s repertoire check out the 45 link we have listed below.

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Royal Kings: Let’s Do the Tighten Up / You Keep Me Hangin’ On

Label: Big Lik 1602. Released 1970s

A Side: Let’s Do the Tighten Up

B Side: You Keep Me Hangin’ On

This 45 from Royal Kings comes packed with music influences from R’n’B, soul, rock, funk and more - what’s not to like? There’s even some ripping harmonica playing throughout the A side. You might have a hard time finding more information about this small band from the 70s, but you can start by checking out their 45 available right here on Parkersrc.com. 

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Ada Ray: Give Our Love A Chance / I No Longer Believe in Miracles

Label: Zell’s 252. Released 1962.

Label Owner: Zekma (Zell) Sanders.

Label Address: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY. 657 Sayre St, Montgomery, AL. (1962-1970)

A Side: Give Our Love A Chance

B Side: I No Longer Believe in Miracles

We are finishing off the year with a unique 45 from female singer Ada Ray. If you like raw, edgy and vocals with a little bit of imperfection, Ada Ray is the artist for you. 

It’s been another successful year here at Parker’s Records and we’d love to hear from you. So tell us, what was your favorite 45 of 2021?

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

Looking for an extra thanksgiving dish to serve your family? How about a fine platter of some of the finest Motown 45s coming out of the 1960s. Our list of November 45s is guaranteed to fill your belly up and keep your soul warm as we head into 2022. You might recognize a few of our artists this month including Brenda Holloway, Ty Hunter and Charles Hodges. Check it out!

Brenda Holloway: Together ’Til the End of Time / Sad Song

Label: Tamla 54125 (Promo). Released 1965.

Label Owner: Beery Gordy Jr. 1719 Gladstone St, Detroit, MI. West Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI. 2547 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI. 6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA. 1959-1981.

A Side: Together ’Til the End of Time

B Side: Sad Song

Brenda Holloway is a Motown singer and songwriter born in California. Her discography is quite expansive and she even opened up for a little band called The Beatles during the 60s. “Together ’Til the End of Time” showcases Holloway’s vocal range and smooth falsetto which can be heard at the beginning of the tune. 

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Ty Hunter: Orphan Boy / Everything About You

Label: Anna 1114 (Promo). Released 1960.

Label Owner: Roquel Davis (AKA Billy Davis), Tyran Carlo and Gwendolyn Gordy. 5139 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI. 1959-1961.

A Side: Orphan Boy

B Side: Everything About You

Ty (Tyrone) Hunter was born in Detroit and had an impressive career performing solo, with an Invictus Records group called Glass House, and the Motown group The Originals. The A side of this 45 “Orphan Boy” is supported by a train-like drum rhythm and repetitive flute melody heard throughout the track. 

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Charles Hodges: I’ll Never Go to the Party Again / Is This the Beginning of the End

Label: Philips 40171. Released 1964. Universal Music Group. 45 released 1962-1970.

A Side: I’ll Never Go to the Party Again

B Side: Is This the Beginning of the End

You might have said the words “I’ll Never Go to the Party Again” yourself after a long night out. If that’s the case, the A side of this 45 from Charles Hodges is for you! To end this month’s list, we are slowing things down with a soulful tune called “Is This the Beginning of the End”. Hodges vocals couldn’t sound better on this track and his backing band plays with outstanding dynamics. Listen to both tracks using the link below!

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

We aren’t surprising you with any spooky Halloween themed 45s this October, just good old fashioned music from records available right here on parkersrc.com. Whether you are a millionaire, your favorite tv series is The Twilight Saga, or you are the life of the party - I think we are going to have something you’ll enjoy!

Millionaires: Cherry Baby / I Thought About You

Label: Bunny 506. Released 1965.

Label Owner: C. Los Angeles, CA. Only 3 records oaths la

A Side: What Will I Do Now

B Side: Which Way Did He Go

The Bunny label out of Los Angeles only produced three records, two by the Millionaires and one by The Dealers. After checking out this 45 from the Millionaires you’re going to want to check out the rest of the records produced by Bunny. This particular 45 is a sweet, groovy and soulful compilation of tunes anyone will like. 

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Nathaniel Mayer and His Fabulous Twilights: Well, I Got News (For You) / Mr. Santa Claus (Bring Me My Baby) 

Label: Fortune 550. Released 1962.

Label Owner: 12005 Twelfth St, Detroit, MI. 1200, 11629 Linwood, Detroit, MI, 3942. Third Ave, Detroit, MI. (1946-1986)

A Side: Well, I Got News (For You)

B Side: Mr. Santa Claus (Bring Me My Baby)

When you listen to this 45 from Nathaniel Mayer you might feel like you’ve heard the tunes before…Well, I Got News for You - you probably have! Nathaniel Mayer has been recording songs since the 1960s and made a comeback in the early 2000s after a 35 year hiatus from music. He was famous for his high energy and wild show presence and performances.

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Joan Moody: We Must Be Doing Something Right / The Life of the Party

Label: Sylvia 5007. Released 1966.

Label Owner: Al Sears. 1650 Broadway, New York, NY. (1964-1970)

A Side: We Must Be Doing Something Right

B Side: The Life of the Party

“We Must Be Doing Something Right” by Joan Moody is an all around strong song. From the lead vocals and harmonies to the driving drums and syncopated horn melodies - what’s not to like? Flip the 45 over and you’ll probably start thinking Joan Moody really knew how to surround herself with good musicians. There’s quite a bit going on between guitars, vocals, horns, drums and bass, but the musicians knew how to play for the song and let Joan shine. 

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

The month of September is always a great time to reflect on your loved ones and the people that matter the most to you. We’ve got all kinds of September spirit flowing on parkersrc.com this month so check it out! It’s the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and we thought it would be appropriate to include a few artists with New York inspiration. On top of that, football season has officially started and we are excited about that too! 

Obsession: You Took A Shot At My Heart / Could You Do It

Label: Happy Tiger 562. Released 1970. Los Angeles, CA (1970-1980s)

A Side: You Took A Shot At My Heart

B Side: Could You Do It

First up, a groovy soulful, rock n roll tune from Obsession called “You Took A Shot At My Heart”. The baseline that kicks in right after the songs intro might be the tastiest lick you’ve never heard! The Obsession’s really created something special with this 45 and you can check it out using the link below. 

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N.Y. Jets: The Funky Chicken / We Will Always Be Together

Label: Tamboo 5101. Released 1969.

Label Owner: Philadelphia, PA. Only 2 45s released on this label. Other artists is The Fabulous Emotions. 1969.

A Side: The Funky Chicken

B Side: We Will Always Be Together

We are keeping things up tempo with this HOT 45 from the N.Y. Jets. I know what you are thinking… your mind is in football mode, but no the NY Jets football team didn’t put this 45 together. That would be pretty neat though! Anyhow, back to the music. “The Funky Chicken” pulls you in immediately with yet another infectious bass line. Flip the 45 over and let the jams continue with a groovy, organ themed tune called “We Will Always be Together”.

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The New Yorkers: There’ll Come A Time / Lonely

Label: Warner Bros. Seven Arts 7318. Released 1969.

Label Years: 1958-2018.

A Side: There’ll Come A Time

B Side: Lonely

I’ve said it before, but I really do think this list of 45s might be our best yet and we are setting the bar high with this last 45 from The New Yorkers. Something that all three 45s have in common this month are catchy A-side intros. We started with bass, then organ, and now we’ve got a piano driven tune called “There’ll Come A Time”.

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

Are you ready? We have 3 unique artists and 45s to showcase this month as well as a bit of a history lesson too! Every industry has a few pioneers that really stand out compared to the rest and Johnnie Mae Matthews is one of them. We hope you enjoy this month’s list of tunes and learn something too.

Samuel Moore & The Chi’s-Tnt’s: I’m So Jealous / Same (instrumental)

Label: DJO 3004. Released 1968

Label Owner: James Shelton Jr. 445 S. King Dri., Chicago, IL. 4418 So. King Dr., Chicago, IL. (1966-1969)

A Side: I’m So Jealous

B Side: Same (instrumental)

Some of the best blues and soul music hails from Chicago and this 45 from Samual Moore & The Chi’s Tnt’s is no exception! “I’m so Jealous” is so good, you get a double-dose of this groovy funk track on both sides of the 45. Vocals aren’t your cup of tea? No problem, you’ve got an instrumental version of the tune on Side B. Check it out below!

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Johnnie Mae Matthews: Here Comes My Baby / Baby What’s Wrong

Label: Blue Rock 4001. Released 1965.

Label Owner: Cal Proctor. 35 East Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL. (1964-1969)

A Side: Here Comes My Baby

B Side: Baby What’s Wrong

I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again - nothing compares to a tight, swingin’ shuffle and “Here Comes My Baby” by Johnnie Mae Matthews exceeds all expectations! Johnnie Mae Matthews, also known as the “Godmother of Detroit Soul”, was the first black female to own and manage her own record label. It was called Northern Recording Company based out of Detroit, MI. Johhnie Mae was an inspiration to many artists and record producers throughout her career and still has an impact on the industry and female entrepreneurs today.

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Modern Red Caps: Never Kiss A Good Man Good-Bye / Free

Label: Penntowne 101. Released 1965.

Label Owner: Lee Henderson. 42 South 15th St. Philadelphia, PA. (1965)

A Side: Never Kiss A Good Man Good-Bye

B Side: Free

There were only 3 artists on the Penntowne record label including Modern Red Caps, Rocky Brown and Fantastic Chariots. Modern Red Caps consisted of members Bert Payne, Stanley Gaines, George Tindley, Vance Wilson, Chippy Brancato and Dave Patillo. Get ahold of this rare 45 available on Parkers Records today and listen using the link below! 

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

We are bringing you a nice mix of slow and up tempo 45s this month from King & The Sharpettes, Sonny Knight, and Emmett Kennedy. You won’t be disappointed with this months list so be sure to check out the audio files on our site provided below and order your 45 today!

King & The Sharpettes: How Do I Stand Today / Did He Know

Label: Aldo 503. Released 1962.

Label Owner: Gerald Hille. Madison, New Jersey. (1961-1962)

A Side: How Do I Stand Today

B Side: Did He Know

You are going to have this 45 from King & The Sharpettes on repeat. The drum groove in “How Do I Stand Today” uses a nice blend of rim clicks and tom rhythms and the female-lead vocals come deep from the singers belly, making this an irresistible track. This one is hard not to like!

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Sonny Knight: If You Want This Love / I Just Called to Say Hello

Label: Aura 403 (Promo). Released 1964.

Label Owner: Richard Block. 8255 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA. (1965-1966)

A Side: If You Want This Love

B Side: I Just Called to Say Hello

You might be familiar with Sonny Knight from his 1950s hit “Confidential”. If not, this 45 is a great introduction to Knight’s music as well. The A side “If You Want This Love” has a slow, ballad feel to it and really lets Sonny’s vocals shine. I wouldn’t be surprised if Frank Sinatra took some inspiration from Sonny back in the day. 

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Emmett Kennedy: If You Got Soul Pt. 1 / If You Got Soul Pt. 2

Label: MarKee 1444. Released in the 1960s.

Label Owners: Emmett Kennedy. San Fransisco, CA (1960’s). Only 2 other artists released on this label: Original Soul Patrol & Cleo Jackson.

A Side: If You Got Soul Pt. 1

B Side: If You Got Soul Pt. 2

The first thing to note about this 45 and the MarKee label, is that there were only 2 other artists released on the label; Original Soul Patrol and Cleo Jackson. If you are James Brown fan, there is a good chance you’ll enjoy this 45 from Emmett Kennedy. Part 1 uses a classic funk drum and bass groove and syncopated horns to support Kennedy’s vocals. Check Part 1 out using the link below!

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

We’ve got 3 hot 45s for you to get your summer started and they are all available right here on parkersrc.com. This might be one of our most diverse group of 45s to date, offering a female vocalist with roots based in our hometown of Cincinnati, a smooth band you’ve likely never heard before, and a 45 with island-like sounds perfect for a sunny summer day.

Sharon Redd: Half As Much / I’ve Got A Feeling

Label: Veep 1263 (Promo). Released 1967.

Label Owner: United Artists Records, A TransAmerica Co. New York, NY (1964-1969).

A Side: Half As Much

B Side: I’ve Got A Feeling

Sharon Redd was the half sister of local Cincinnati R&B artist Penny Ford, her father worked at King Recods, her brother collaborated with Kool & the Gang, and her step-father played with Benny Goodman. Needless to say, Redd was bound to make an impact on the music world. Due to complications with AIDS and pneumonia, Redd passed away far too young. Never heard Sharon Redd’s music? Take a listen for yourself with the link below!

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Radiation: Shaking Up The Nation / Love Be Not A Stranger

Label: Valise 6904. Released 1976.

A Side: Shaking Up The Nation

B Side: Love Be Not A Stranger

Our second pick this week is Radiation - also known as The Headliners. Prepare yourself for some smooth tracks with this 45 hailing out of the 1970s. There isn’t a ton of information floating around the web about Radiation, but give the 45 a listen and let us know what you think. Instrumentally, these tunes are as smooth as it gets. Vocally, the band has a unique, higher pitched sound. Check it out!

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Jimmy Radcliffe: Moment of Weakness / Through A Long And Sleepless Night

Label: Music 1033. Released 1963.

Label Owners: A Division of Talmadge Productions Inc. New York, NY (1960-1978).

A Side: Moment of Weakness

B Side: Through A Long and Sleepless Night

I don’t know about you, but the A side of this 45 immediately pulled me in with its island sounding vibes. From gypsy guitar licks, flute runs in the background, and a simple, steady drum groove to keep the pulse. Close your eyes and you might just find yourself on the beach with your feet in the sand. Flip the 45 over to side B and you’ll likely find “Through a Long and Sleepless Night” oddly familiar. You won’t be disappointed with this rendition by Jimmy Radcliffe. 

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

We’ve got a nice selection of 45s for you this month from two of the greatest music cities in the US - Chicago and New York. We recommend nothing short of the best 45s available and this month is no exception! Leading off is the great Linda Carr, followed by Lucky Clark, and ending with the C.O.D. trio. Check ‘em out below!

Linda Carr: Trying to Be Good for You / Everytime

Label: Bell 658. Released 1966.

Label Owner: Arthur Shimkin, Simon & Schuster, Inc. 630 Fifth Ave, New York, NY. 1650 Broadway, New York, NY. (1952-1971)

A Side: Trying to be Good for You

B Side: Everytime

Along with her solo career, Linda Carr worked as a backing singer for James Brown and his band. Side A, “Trying to Be Good for You”, is driven by a repetitive guitar rift that plays throughout the majority of this track. On Side B, lives “Everytime”, a truly beautiful song and piece of art that must be added to your 45 collection! “Everytime” really showcases Linda’s amazing vocals and even begins with a nice marimba run to set the mood.

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Lucky Clark: So Sick / Two Kinds of People

Label: Chess 1782. Released in 1961.

Label Owner: Len and Phil Chess. 5249 Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL. 750 East 49th 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: So Sick

B Side: Two Kinds of People

If you like drums, you’ll like Lucky Clark and this 45. “So Sick” begins with a big drum groove with lots of reverb. It makes you wonder what the drum room looked like when this was recorded. To put it simply, this is just a great 45. Fantastic songwriting, Lucky Clark’s soothing vocals, and great drums. This is a must have for any serious 45 collector!

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C.O.D.’s: I’m Looking Out for Me / I’ll Coming Running Back to You

Label: Kellmac 1008. Released 1966.

Label Owners: Ace Leon Singleton, Harry Mitchell, Ethel Mitchell, Bill Cody, Eugene Mason and Nelson Brown. 8337 South Indiana, Chicago, IL. (1965-1967).

A Side: Can You Handle It

B Side: Hear That River

C.O.D.’s was a Chicago based trio comprised of Larry Brownlee, Carl Washington, and Robert Lewis. For some of our younger readers, C.O.D. does not stand for the famous video game Call of Duty. After listening to this 45 using the link below you’ll be wondering why this soulful trio didn’t have more success. Regardless of their fame, or lack there of, this 45 is a hidden gem!

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If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.

We are back with yet another list of some of our favorite 45s hailing out of the 60s. This month we have tracks from Johnny Adams, Dee Andrews, and Levert Allison.Whether you are in search of a slow RnB 45, female vocals, or a good shuffle groove - we have you covered. 

Johnny Adams: I Believe I’ll Find Happiness / I Brought It All On Myself

Label: Watch 6330. Released 1963.

Label Owner: Joe Assunto & Henry Hildebrand. New Orleans, LA (1963-1965)

A Side: I Believe I’ll Find Happiness

B Side: I Brought It All On Myself

Born in one of the jazz capitals of the world, New Orleans, Johnny Adams was known for his wide vocal range. You’ll recognize this mans vocal talent from the first melodies he sings on this 45. Whether you like blues, jazz, or RnB - this 45 isn’t going to disappoint. If Johnny Adams hasn’t been on your radar in the past, he is now! 

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Dee Andrews: Stop! You’re Hurting My Heart / I’ll Do What You Want Me To Do

Label: Tangerine 992. Released 1969.

Label Owner: Ray Charles. 2107 W. Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA (1962-1972)

A Side: Stop! You’re Hurting My Heart

B Side: I’ll Do What You Want Me To Do

We are speeding the tempo up for you with the A side of our second 45 of April 2021. Female vocalist, Dee Andrews and her band will be sure to get your body moving. Both tracks include some great vocal, horn, guitar and organ melodies.  Check out the guitar line around the 35 second mark in “I’ll Do What You Want Me To Do.” It’s a timeless little rift that you’ll want to listen to over and over again. You can listen to the tracks for free using the link below.

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Levert Allison: Can You Handle It / Hear That River

Label: Boyd 161. Released 1968. Oklahoma City, OK (1960-1963)

A Side: Can You Handle It

B Side: Hear That River

It wouldn’t be a complete Parker’s Record list without a good shuffle groove and we’ve got just that for you with this 45 from Levert Allison. Levert spent most of his career in the Nashville, TN area and was heavily influenced by the church scene. Although Levert didn’t reach quite the same fame as his brother, Gene, his talent is undeniable. In addition to his solo career, Levert is also known for his work with the gospel group, Dynamite Dixie Travelers. 

Sound Clips and Order Information

If you are interested in purchasing one of these 45s from Parker’s Records please write down the Artist and Song Title while listening to the sound clips to make for an easy checkout experience. You can make purchases using our secure form.