1969
SOCK IT TO 'EM SOUL BROTHER * BILL MOSS * PAMA 765 * UK
Gospel singer Bill Moss, who died last year (August 2005), usually recorded as Bill Moss And The Celestials (that's probably them sing chorus on this record) on many Gospel labels including Savoy, Gospel and Jewel, had a hit in the US with this fiery Funky Soul/Gospel cut, originally released in the States on Bell 771. The rhythm is a Funked-up version of Sam and Dave's Soul Man and the song has been cited as a rousing Civil Rights anthem - it mentions Dr. Martin Luther King and other Civil Rights activists - because of its strong accent on black consciousness and positive thinking. Sock It To 'Em Soul Brother was covered in 1971 by Elijah & The Ebonies, released first on the tiny Loren imprint, then re-released on Bill Moss' own Cap Soul label in 1974; a label he founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1970.