Effortlessly switching between R&B/Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll and Soul, Harold Burrage never experienced much commercial success, but he did attain a two-pronged legacy.
There are those 1956-58 Cobra sides produced by Willie Dixon that heralded Chicago’s emerging Soul sound. His enduring influence, however, occurred shortly prior to his 1965 death, when Burrage mentored developing soul titans Otis Clay and Tyrone Davis who borrowed freely from his style.
Harold’s first release was on Decca in 1951. “Hi Yo Silver” really jumped, but Burrage’s only hit happened to coincide with his final earthly year when “Got To Find A Way” reached #31 R&B in 1965.
Several other compositions registered, but only as covers, like the storming “Crying For Me” originally done on Vee-Jay. Bobby “Blue” Bland’s version would have the greater impact
As a Cobra session pianist, Burrage backed artists like Magic Sam but also did some excellent sides on his own, often accompanied by guitarists like Otis Rush or Wayne Bennett. On “Messed Up”, “Betty Jean”, and “She Knocks Me Out”, Burrage displays a keen facility for handling unabashed rock ‘n’ rollers. On the
Several other compositions registered, but only as covers, like the storming “Crying For Me” originally done on Vee-
As a Cobra session pianist, Burrage backed artists like Magic Sam but also did some excellent sides on his own, often accompanied by guitarists like Otis Rush or Wayne Bennett. On “Messed Up”, “Betty Jean”, and “She Knocks Me Out”, Burrage displays a keen facility for handling unabashed rock ‘n’ rollers. On the
groove-laden novelty “Stop For The Red Light” Burrage reveals a light yet very deft touch. The glittering jewel, however, is the strikingly poignant “I Cry For You” where Burrage displays the full extent of his vocal range.
Do you ever get a sinking feeling you’ve heard it all? If so, remember the name Harold Burrage.
His music will provide ample reason to reappraise your assumptions.
His music will provide ample reason to reappraise your assumptions.
