1967
WITHOUT LOVE THERE IS NOTHING * OSCAR TONEY JR. * BELL 1003 * UK
Before the Bell label moved into soft commercial productions in the early 1970s with the likes of D. Cassidy, a Partridge group, T and O Dawn, and a host of others, they were still committed to a strong Soul program. Around the time of Without Love (There Is Nothing) they became heavily involved with the Southern Soul scene, using producers like Allen Toussaint in New Orleans and Papa Don based in Pensacola, Florida, who produced many of Oscar Tony Jr's recordings from the period, including this one.
Written by Danny Small and originally recorded by Clyde McPhatter in 1957, the song has been recorded by many since including Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, Little Richard (1962) and Ray Charles (1963) see below. Little Richard does a good cover but for me Oscar Toney Jr has the most Soulful version which must be due in part to Papa Don's superb production.
WITHOUT LOVE (THERE IS NOTHING) * CLYDE McPHATTER * ATLANTIC 1117 * USA
WITHOUT LOVE * LITTLE RICHARD * PRESIDENT 329 * UK
WITHOUT LOVE (THERE IS NOTHING) * RAY CHARLES * HMV 1202 * UK
See also: For Your Precious Love