Soul Rangers Volume One is the first release in LocoBop’s series of southern soul music performed by some of the greatest interpreters of the genre. Indeed, some of the artists featured on this album were true originators of the art form called soul, musical pioneers whose roots were in the gospel of the church and the country blues of the soil.

Ivory Joe Hunter (1914-1974) made his mark after World War II as the “Barron of Boogie,” before notching up a string of R&B crossover hits in the 1950s. Master showman Rufus Thomas (1917-2001) glided effortlessly from Vaudeville to radio to R&B. Eddie Floyd debuted with the Falcons in the mid-1950s before his solo hit, “Knock On Wood,” became the soul anthem. The Masqueraders still perform 50 years after their formation. The Barkays have personified soul-funk for over 40 years. Homer Banks (1941-2003) wrote some of the greatest soul hits ever. R.B. Hudmon (1954-1995) was one of the last acts signed to fabled soul label Stax Records. Tommy Tate soothes like Sam Cooke and soars like James Brown. J. Blackfoot was the Barkays’ vocalist, then a member of the Soul Children (over 15 Top 10s) before going solo with the smash “Taxi.” Randy Brown was with The Newcomers before his successful solo path in the 1970s.

 Highlights: RAISE YOUR HAND (Eddie Floyd), You’re My Joy (The Barkays), and the soulful ballad LET’S FACE FACTS (The Masqueraders).