(September 2026) Episode 747 is JOE TEX. A southern soul singer whose early (1950s) recordings demonstrate how soul, R&B and country are all woven with the same fabric. He deployed his raspy voice with versatility, including through the funk and disco (and even early rapping) phases. But at times it comes off as derivative — although Tex claims that early collaborator James Brown stole HIS dance moves and microphone tricks – and maybe that helps explain why he didn’t see the broad crossover success as others.
Favorite song: The Love You Save
Compared to expectations: ↓
Recommendation: There is no album that stands out, but there are a ton of greatest hits collections that will be fine.
