The Staple Singers – “Respect Yourself” (1971)
The soul/gospel group The Staple Singers (featuring Mavis Staples) had this big hit on Stax in 1971. Somehow, Actor Bruce Willis had a big hit with this song in 1987 on Motown Records, surprisingly enough. This is clearly the better version though.
The Beastie Boys – “Fight for Your Right (To Party)” (Video – 1986)
The Beatie Boys from the olden days…
NOTE: If you have problems playing this video (and it says it’s no longer available), just double click on it & it should play.
Black Sabbath – “E5150″/”The Mob Rules” (1981)
One of the great songs from the Ronnie James Dio-era of Sabbath…
Toots & the Maytals – “54-46 That’s My Number” (1968)
One of Toots Hibbert’s early great singles. This was during the time when rocksteady was mutating over into the new style called reggae. The lyrics describe Toots’ time in prison for an arrest for possession of ganja. 54-46 was Toots’ prisoner ID number during his servitude, and the original recording was made shortly after his release.
Toots, who had a great bluesy voice, would go on to have many classics in he years to come.
Creation Rebel – “Rising Star” (1978)
The experimental dub album Dub from Creation, the debut release from Creation Rebel, is a sonic tour de force. Dating from 1978 on the Hitrun label, it was way ahead of its time, with its weird sounds and electronic feel. Still sounds amazing when using headphones.
Co-produced by Dennis Bovell. Creation Rebel were basically “The Arabs” who backed the legendary Prince Far I.
Herbie Hancock – “Maiden Voyage” (1965)
Herbie Hancock, who was playing with Miles Davis at the time, recorded this great album of the same name in 1965. The Miles Davis Quintet backed him up, with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard taking the place of Miles.
Booker T & the MGs – “Green Onions” (1962)
The huge instrumental hit by the Stax/Volt house band, led by organist Booker T. Jones and featuring Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass, Steve Cropper on guitar and Al Jackson, Jr. drums. This is one of the most famous instrumentals of the last 50 years.
Johnny Taylor – “Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)” (1966)
“The Philosopher of Soul” Johnny Taylor, from his album Wanted: One Soul Singer, comes this slow gem of a song. He sounds alot like Sam Cooke on this one. In 1968 he went on to have a huge hit with “Who’s Making Love.”
William Bell – “You Don’t Miss Your Water” (1961)
Stax singer William Bell’s signature song from 1961. It wasn’t a big hit but has since been recognized as a southern soul classic.
Otis Redding – “These Arms of Mine” (1962)
The great Otis Redding’s first big R&B hit from 1962. One of the great early Stax singles.
The Beat Patrol 