When we think of “essential” soul and R&B records, we tend to think of classic 60’s songs that every fan should have in their collection. But at Parker’s Records and Comics we know that essential means much more than just must have—we’re talking about records that are quintessentially soul and R&B. Once you listen to one of these records, you’ll understand. All it takes is a strong, rhythmic sound and smooth, harmonizing vocals and you’ll find yourself saying, “Now that’s soul music.”

I Paid For The Party by the Enchanters – Loma 2012 (Released 1965)

Label owner: Mike Maitland & Bob Krasner, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbaznk, CA (1964-1968)

Side A: I Paid For The Party

Side B: I Want To Be Loved

Originally led by influential soul and R&B singer Garnet Mimms, The Enchanters set out to make a name for themselves after Mimms left the group in 1964. Sam Bell led the group which also included Zola Pearnell, Charles Boyers, and William Gilmore.

“I Want To Be Loved”, a classic mid-60’s love song, was the first single that the group recorded with Loma, a California-based R&B label. Prior to Loma 2012, the group had recorded “I Wanna Thank You” with Loma’s parent label, Warner Bros. Records, in 1964 and eventually went on to record two more singles—“We Got Love” and “You Were Meant To Be My Baby”—for Loma 2054 and Loma 2035, respectively. Of the four singles that the Enchanters recorded, however, Loma 2012 stands apart as the group’s definitive example of northern soul.

I Need Your Love by the Egyptian Kings – Nanc 1120 (Released 1963)

Label owner: Howard Ransom & James L. Turner 124 East, 101^st St., Los Angeles, CA & 138 1/2 S. Florence, CA (1957-1963)

Side A: I Need Your Love

Side B: Give Me Your Love

The Egyptian Kings, along with the Egyptians & King Pharaoh, were a splintering of the Four Pharaohs, a top R&B vocal group in Columbus. While both incarnations of the group were led by Morris Wade, the Egyptian Kings featured Paul Moore, Pete Oden, and Leo Blakely.

While “I Need Your Love” is the song that lends its name to this 7” vinyl record, it’s “Give Me Your Love” that truly defines Nanc 1120. “Give Me Your Love” is a smooth, soulful love song that features tenor Morris Wade at his best. Nanc 1120 marks the third recording of the song. Previously, the group released versions of the song for both Ransom and Paradise in 1958. With Wade’s natural talent and a harmony that has been absolutely perfected, it’s difficult not to give Nanc 1120 your love.

Write Your Ticket by Element Experience – Green Eagle 314 (Released 1970)

Side A: Write Your Ticket

Side B: Make Yourself At Home Honey

“Write Your Ticket” would be both the only single released by Element Experience as well as the only single released by the Green Eagle label. But neither the artist nor the label needs a backstory—GE 314 can speak for itself! All it needs is your undivided attention.

“Write Your Ticket” features all of the elements you would expect from the turn of the 60’s funk and soul: the intense groove of strong guitar riffs and bass lines and a driving rhythmic feel. We’ll never know what could have been of Element Experience or the Green Eagle label, but we do know one thing—GE 314 is a truly elemental experience.

Add Essential Soul and R&B to Your Music Collection     

Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:

I Paid For The Party– Enchanters

I Need Your Love – Egyptian Kings

Write Your Ticket – Element Experience

We provide a simple online ordering form for any of our records. Enter your billing and shipping information, provide details about the record you’re requesting, hit submit, and relax knowing that good times are on their way.

Funk and soul are among the most distinct genres of music. But even among these already highly unique styles, there’s a broad range of variations and traditions that every kind of music listener can appreciate.

At Parker’s Records and Comics, we’ve had the pleasure to experience some of the most unique forms of funk and soul music that emerged during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. From the cultural phenomenon of northern soul to the California-influenced style of Los Angeles R&B, we’ve experienced every variation that you can imagine. That’s why we’re delighted to share with you now our list of some of the most unique funk/soul records of the 60’s.

Let Me Be A Part Of You by Exotics – Excello 2292 (Released 1968)

Label owner: Ernest L. Young, Nashville, TN (1952-1970)

Side A: Let Me Be A Part Of You

Side B: Let’s Try To Build A Love Affair

The Exotics originated from Orangeburg, South Caroline, but like many great funk/soul groups of the time, they were destined to make their way to Music City. It was there in Nashville, Tennessee, that the group recorded two records with Excello, an independent blues record label that was building a music empire on hits such as “Got Love If You Want It” and “I’m A Lover Not A Fighter”. With their Excello 2284 (“Boogaloo Investigator”) recording in 1967 and their Excello 2292 (“Let Me Be A Part Of You”) recording in 1968, the Exotics joined an elite group of blues singers, songwriters, and musicians that included greats such as blues Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester.

From start to finish, “Let Me Be A Part of You” is everything you would expect from a popular 60’s funk/soul song. The song features an uptempo beat, high-energy vocals, and lyrics that you’ll find yourself singing along to. That’s why, when it comes time to listen to the other side of the 45, most listeners are pleasantly surprised by what they hear! “Let’s Try To Build A Love Affair”, the second song on Excello 2292, slows down the tempo and puts the astonishing vocals of lead singer John Riley at the forefront. Even after just a short listen, you’ll understand why “Let’s Try To Build A Love Affair” is a classic example of northern soul.

Huff And Puff by The Electras – Lola 001 (Released 1962)

Label owner: John Marascvalo, Los Angeles, CA (1962-1964) & New Orleans, LA (1966)

Side A: Huff and Puff

Side B: Mary Mary

By the time the Electras recorded Lola 001, the group already had several successful releases under their belt—albeit under a few different names. The group’s history begins in Los Angeles, California in 1959 when The Valiants, a 50’s rhythm and blues group, added several new members. In doing so, the group made the transition towards doo-wop and R&B and renamed themselves the Untouchables. They recorded “Poor Boy Needs a Preacher” and three other records for Madison Records, a New York-based label, in addition to two records for Liberty. Eventually, the group changed its name to the Electras in 1961. With such a rich history and a diversity of talents, it’s no surprise that Lola 001 features a unique blend of doo-wop, funk and soul that can only be called Los Angeles R&B.

S.O.S. by The Extremes – RCA 9009 Promotional Copy (Released 1966)

Side A: S.O.S.

Side B: Hide The Moon

By the 1960’s, Nashville was already a hive of activity for both up-and-coming and renowned blues and R&B artists. Needless to say, while countless hopefuls flocked to Music City in order to achieve their dream of music stardom, not every artist became the household name they would have liked. And while the Extremes may remain a band that is known to only the most diehard 60’s funk/soul enthusiasts, RCA 9009 itself is a piece of music history. “S.O.S.” is perhaps one of the earliest examples of blue-eyed soul, a genre that was being pioneered by groups like The Extremes. In fact, the term “blue-eyed soul” wasn’t coined until about the mid-1960s, around the time that RCA 9009 was released. Of course, aside from its historical value, the record itself is a rare and highly sought-after item among funk/soul record collectors and those who enjoy collecting promotional copies.

Expand Your Music Collection                          

Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:

Let Me Be A Part of You– The Exotics

Huff and Puff– The Electras

S.O.S.– The Extremes

We provide a simple online ordering form for any of our records. Enter your billing and shipping information, provide details about the record you’re requesting, hit submit, and relax knowing that good times are on their way.

What makes a song a major hit?

While the 60’s and 70’s saw the debut of many unique and undeniably talented singers, only a few songs reached the level of enduring, mainstream success that made them a “major hit.” This, of course, does not make the contributions of the countless other songs that were released during the period any less valuable—and certainly not any less enjoyable! On the contrary, the funk/soul genre, in particular, was full of less prominent but extraordinary songs that would excite and inspire audiences just as well as any recognizable title of their day.

The truth of the matter is that a major hit is whatever you decide it to be. And that’s great because you’re your record collection should be a reflection you and your personal favorites—no one else’s. If you’ve never ventured beyond the classics, we invite you to explore something new. At Parker’s Records, we have over 100,000 records so we know firsthand the joy that comes in discovering a new favorite artist or song. Here are just a few of the less known but exceptional songs that have become major “hits” with us.

Nothing I’d Rather Be (Than Your Weakness) by M-W-T Express feat. Marva W. Taylor – Forte 6045 (Released 1975)

Label owner: Eric Taylor, Kansas City, MO (1967-1980)

Side A: Nothing I’d Rather Be (Than Your Weakness)
Side B: (Hey, You And You And You And You) I’ve Lived The Life

Love songs are, of course, all about couples. It isn’t until you listen to the eponymous track, “Nothing I’d Rather Be (Than Your Weakness)”, that you realize this 70’s classic offers something unique–and surprisingly absent–from other songs of this style: harmonious vocals between a lover and their beloved. In short, “Nothing I’d Rather Be” isn’t just a song about couples. It’s one meant to be sung by couples, too. Without a doubt, you’ll want to sing along with the person closest to you.

The second song on the 45, “(Hey, You And You And You And You) I’ve Lived The Life”, switches the tone from smooth and easy going to strong and confident. Just one listen and you’ll agree that “I’ve Lived The Life” is quintessentially Marva Whitney and all of the vocal power and style that she represented. And as much as the song is centered on her own life and her struggle to become a better woman, you’ll be convinced that she wrote this song solely for you.

I’ve Got Another Mule by Paul Martin – Ascot 2190 (Released 1965)

Label owner: Max Youngstein, New York, NY (1962-1967)

Side A: I’ve Got Another Mule
Side B: Don’t Hustle Me

United Artists Records was founded under its parent company, United Artists, in 1957 and this relationship continued until the label was acquired by EMI in 1978, and ultimately absorbed into Liberty Records in 1980. From the late 50’s to early 80’s, many subsidiary labels emerged from United Artists Records, including Unart, Musicor, Ultra Audio, Veep, and—most notably—Ascot. The multitude of labels housed beneath United Artist Records not only made it one of the most eclectic music companies of the time but also allowed it to give a wide variety of artists the opportunity to prove themselves.

Paul Martin is one such artist to emerge from the Ascot label. And despite being one of the more obscure funk/soul singers of his day, his music is immediately familiar. With every word he sings, Martin exudes confidence—and it’s contagious! In many ways, Martin’s easygoing but self-assured tone is very reminiscent of Marva Taylor. So much, in fact, that you may just wonder why Martin didn’t receive as much recognition in his day as he often does with today’s listeners. The truth of the matter is that Paul Martin’s “I’ve Got Another Mule” is a record that is owned by few but desired by many. Once you listen to it, you’ll understand why it needs to be in your music collection.

As Long As Your Mine by Bette McLaurin –Pulse 1004 (Released 1965)

Side A: As Long As You're Mine
Side B: Never

From the start, it was clear that Bette McLaurin was extraordinarily talented. Shortly after her R&B debut with “Crying My Heart Out Over You” in 1950, she was signed to the Derby label. Derby 790, which featured “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” and “I Hear A Rhapsody”, not only succeeding in winning over the public, but was covered by other major labels of the time.
As anyone who has ever had the pleasure to listen to “As Long As You’re Mine” would agree, McLaurin deserves all of the acclaim she receives. Her voice is gentle at times but strong at others, perfectly moving between the two to create a balance. And while her vocal talents are certainly impressive in and of itself, it’s McLaurin’s style that truly makes her worth talking about. McLaurin grew to prominence at a time during the 50’s when R&B and pop music were so influential on one another that it was difficult to see them as distinct. “As Long As You’re Mine”, which was released near the end of McLaurin’s career, is a prime example of just how harmoniously these two genres could blend together—especially when brought to life by an exceptional singer.

Grow Your Music Collection

Pricing, details (grade, side A/B, quantity) and sound clips for each of the above records can be found via the following links:

Nothing I’d Rather Be (Than Your Weakness) – M-W-T Express

I’ve Got Another Mule – Paul Martin

As Long As Your Mine – Bette McLaurin

We provide a simple online ordering form for any of our records. Enter your billing and shipping information, provide details about the record you’re requesting, hit submit, and relax knowing that good times are on their way.