One of the defining artists of New Orleans R&B that slowly turned into what we call rock and roll was Larry Darnell (1928-83), who started out as a gospel singer before “going secular”, to say the least. He hit the ground running with an enthusiastic vocal style, displayed on the 1949 two part hit “Ill Get Along Somehow” while his follow-up “For You My Love” was even more popular. Known as “Mr. Heart & Soul”, his passionate voice howls out on both the ballads “Sad And Lonesome” and rhythm pieces “Work Baby Work”. With the backing of Leroy Kirkland’s Orchestra, Darnell bels out “Singin’ My Blues” and a glorious read of “Crazy She Calls Me”.
While mostly forgotten these days, this collection will kindle an interest of a man and an era when people sang because they felt it.