Being one of the most soulful, underrated singers of all time, she never got the recognition she deserved, even though she recorded some of the most treasured gems in soul music history. A must.

I can't believe this album has been discontinued. It's absolutely fantastic. Her aproach to a song was more similar to that of her cousin Dee Dee than to her daughter Whitney. Outstanding.

Cissy Houston was the original founding member of the S.I., one of the most famous session groups in history, who managed to have quite a few hits under their own name. Check their other albums too.

A singer with great vitality and the ability to modify her style as musical trends changed, Etta remained a favourite of rhythm'n'blues followers from the early 1950's to the early 1970's. A classic.

The unrivaled Soul Queen of New Orleans, Thomas ranks among Crescent City R'n'B greatest and most enduring musical ambassadors, with such treasures as Wish Someone Would Care or Break-A-Way.

A seriously talented songwriter, LaSalle's first big hit came about in 1971 when her 'Trapped by a thing called love' reached nº 1 in the US R'n'B charts. She continued to enjoy hits through the 80's.

Betty scored a minor hit with 'Girls Can't Do What The Guys Do' in 1968. 'Clean Up Woman', a US R'n'B nº 2/pop nº 6 hit, established a punchier, less passive style which later releases consolidated.

The records Candi made in the 70's are some of the finest examples of what is known now as southern soul. Tough, funky, dirty, soulful and proud, they still sound immense today.

Bettye is one of the most soulful singers alive and one of my favourites. Try her Calla and late 60's Memphis recordings, soon to be released.

Barbara Acklin began working as a receptionist at Brunswick Records, where she cut her best known 1968 R'n'B/pop hit 'Love Makes a Woman'. A true gem.

A southern soul rarity, this lady should have achieved more than she did. This is the re-issue of her one and only album, plus some bonus tracks. You should give it a try. It's definitely worthwhile.

Discovered by producer Clyde Otis, he signed Wells to the New York-based Calla Records in 1967, where she recorded a few hits. It is a pity that such a great soul voice has such a meagre catalogue.

The Soul Sisters first came to national attention with their pulsating, rock-a-twist rendition of 'I Can't Stand It', and also recorded done-up Blues, R'n'B, Pop and Gospel-flavored music.