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Today’s topic: James Carr - At the Dark End of the Street.
Hello! I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to the Country Soul Show. James Carr is who I want to talk about today and his song, At the Dark End of the Street. James was a soul and R& B singer described as “one of the greatest pure vocalist that deep Southern soul ever produced.” His greatest success and most critically acclaimed performance came in 1967 with his original recording, “ Dark End of the Street.” The song was written by Dan Penn and Chips Moman and first recorded by James Carr. It is said to be a country soul song. Some just say soul.
When it comes to country soul, usually there’s a mixture. Gospel harmony, piano, and guitar, and church organ can be heard in the mix.
Soul Artist James Carr first recorded the song in late 1966, and it became his trademark song, reaching number 10 on Billboard Magazine’s Black Singles Chart, and crossing over to number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Six months later fellow soul singer Percy Sledge included his version of the song on his 1967 album The Percy Sledge Way, but it did not chart as high.
In the years since Carr’s original version, many artists have recorded versions of the song.
You’re listening to The Country Soul Show. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.
