The familiar sounds ofSolomon Burke’s gravelly and passionate voice can be heard on the radio, television and films.
Rhythm-and-Blues is a type of music that features the lively, upbeat mix of soul, jazz and the blues. It began rising in popularly, often said to be post-war, in the 1940s. This style originates in the African-American community and is considered a precursor to rock and roll.
Even if you don’t recognize Burke’s name, you’re sure to know his top hits:Cry to Me, If You Need Me, Got to Get You Off My Mind, Down in the Valleyand Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.
OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES
Burke was a radio show host and preacher by the age of 12 and his ministry was called Solomon’s Temple. If you’re unfamiliar with the Biblical reference toSolomon’s Temple, it is also known as the First Temple. The structure was built in Jerusalem by King Solomon. Of course, Burke’sministry was situated in his hometown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania instead.
It wasn’t until 1955 that Burke began recording music.His first hit—a rhythm-and-blues cover ofJust Out of Reach—didn’t happen until 1961 though. Throughout the early 1960s he recorded hit after hit before a slow decline in fame. However, his greatest hit was a cover ofProud Mary in 1969.
WORLD RECOGNITION
He spent much of his career touring the world and made a strong comeback in the early 2000s. He, and his family, were invited to the Vatican to perform in 2000 and was invited twice thereafter by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
After being inducted into theRock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 he sprung into action with a release in 2002 calledDon’t Give Up on Me, which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album the next year.
Other 2000s-era nominations he received in that category includeMake Do With What You Got (2005),Like a Fire (2008) andNothing’s Impossible (2010).
Burke’s fiery soul continued to blaze brightly with features in hit songs throughout 2004 and a duet with Italian singer, Zucchero. In 2006, he released another album (Nashville) with guest singers such as Dolly Parton and Gilliam Welch — among several others.
In 2008, Burke was not only named in the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time but he also toured Europe.
SAYING GOODBYE
Unfortunately, on October 10, 2010, Solomon Burke passed away two days beforehe was set to perform with Dutch band, De Dijk, with whom he collaborated to create what would now be his final album,Hold on Tight. It was released in 2011.
Throughout his fifty-five-year career he released38 studio albums and even more singles that made it into the charts. Despite being heralded as one of the founding fathers of rhythm-and-blues his music never reached the top 20 charts.
His work still lives on throughfilm and television. His gritty, emotional voice can be heard on notable films such asSecond Act (2018) starring Jennifer Lopez andThe Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) starring Henry Cavill.
Many in Burke’s family have careers in the music industry and hereportedly had over 20 children and 90 grandchildren.
Burke is buried inForest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, Los Angles.
Listen to his hit song,Cry to Me.
