One of the most underrated Soul singers and artists of the 1970s is definetely Leroy Hutson. The man did not only front the legendary Impressions for two years, but he recorded some amazing solo albums for Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records, that he produced and arranged himself. He also wrote "The Ghetto" for his friend and roommate Donny Hathaway and produced a large number of albums for other Curtom artists. Leroy was definetely one of the most gifted artists of his era, and next to James Brown, he's my personal favorite artist.



His earliest recording ever released was this 7" by Sugar & Spice "Ah Ha Ye Ah" on Kapp Records in 1968.


After that, he joined Curtis Mayfield's Mayfield Singers. In 1971, he replaced Curtis Mayfield as the lead singer of the Impressions and recorded two albums with the group:

The Impressions - Times have changed (1971)


The Impressions - Three the hard way (1972)


After two and a half years, he left the Impressions and went to record a number of solo albums that are among the most beautiful records that I know.

Love Oh Love (1973)


The Man! (1974)


Hutson (1975)


Feel the Spirit (1976)

Hutson II (1976)


Closer to the Source (1978)

Unforgettable (1979)

Among my favorite albums that Leroy produced for other artists, are these amazing collections of music:

The Natural Four - The Natural Four (1974)


The Natural Four - Heaven right here on Earth (1975)


The Voices of East Harlem - The Voices of East Harlem (1972)


The Voices of East Harlem - Can you feel it (1974)

There's not much video footage available, but one clip from "Soul Train" found its way on YouTube - Leroy doing "Because of You" from his 1974 "Hutson" album. Unfortunately, not a live performance:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...Ftr4c5Ozes

I am glad that today Leroy is well off. Curtis gave him the entire Leroy Hutson catalogue before he died, so Leroy makes good money from all the samples. He just recorded two new albums that will be released this year (among the tunes is a new version of "The Ghetto" featuring Frank McComb), and he plans on going on the road again. His music means a lot to me ... if you like that sweet edge in Soul music, you'll definetely be hooked. For beginners, I recommend his anthology CD:



Leroy and his mentor, Curtis Mayfield:

Where's this "ratings" society originate from?

PFunkjazz said:

What do you mean?

Good stuff. Thanks.

MrSoulpower said:

The terms "underrated" and "overrated" are so meaningless. Isn't this just a personal appeal that you really like (or dislike) an artist and think more (or less) should think like you?

This isn't a burn on you or Hutson. Both of you are cool.

Paligap, ...is that u? Just playin'. Yeah, great thread. My mom had some of his albums. That's where I got hipped to him.

PFunkjazz said:

I agree with you, this is always based on a personal opinion and taste. But you gotta put something catchy in the title so folks will pay attention.
I don't really use the term "underrated" too freely. I think in Leroy's case, it really fits. Dude should have had at least seven or eight top ten R&B hits back in the day, but he rarely made it in the top 50 even. It may have something to do with a lack of promotion on Curtom's part .. who knows.

MrSoulpower said:

Yeah. I tried to respond without referring to "hits", but the Curtom's main thrust was for Curtis Mayfield and may have underserved other artists.

On the other hand, Hutson's catalog got a boost in the 80s in Europe. Was that due to sampling or was he touring in that market?

MrSoulpower said:

Stuff I like more seems to fit.

PFunkjazz said:

Yeah, he's huge in Europe due to sampling and the simple admiration for his albums. But he hasn't been over there in more than 17 years I believe. People are eagerly awaiting his next tour, and it will definetely begin in Europe.

Got one of Leroy's albums, 'Feel The Spirit'... that shit is the bomb

FuNkeNsteiN said:

Yeah, tracks like "You never know", "Lover's Holiday" and "Butterfat" are deep. You can't go wrong with diggin up the rest of his albums. The only one that I'm not feeling too much his "Unforgettable", but even that one has a couple of decent tracks.

MrSoulpower said:

I've been meaning to get a couple o' mo' of Leroy's albums at some point. I've seen one or two around town while on vinyl digs.

FuNkeNsteiN said:

This album is great, from begin'n to end



So In Love With You

http://www.youtube.com/wa...9Q6jY2Cr54


Love Oh Love

http://www.youtube.com/wa...23kk6RZcmQ

Soul Train performance

All Because Of You



http://www.youtube.com/wa...Ftr4c5Ozes

funkpill said:

That's his solo debut. One of my favorites, too.

thanks man-i love getting hipped to new soul

whats the best one to get first?

jonylawson said:

This one

im off to buy it-thanks man!

i like your scans.those hi hi quality scans!!!.check out my TRC thread wouldyaplease!!!!!

pretty amazing to think heand donny were roomates!

that c d is proving thus far impossible to find!

jonylawson said:

Actually I would get the Hutson album first:



You can dig up the vinyl (it usually goes for about 20 to 40 bucks on Ebay) or even the CD:

http://www.amazon.com/Hut...636&sr=8-3

The anthology CD is available on Amazon as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Luc...541636&sr=