Jackson, Mississippi native Vick Allen burst on the Southern Soul scene in 2002 as a young gun that has not stop smokin' since that time. His most recent album, Truth Be Told..., has to be one of the most successful releases ever in Southern Soul music in terms of staying power. The early 2009 Soul 1st label CD has had one hit after another on the charts and continues to do so. Forbidden Love Affair (The Preacher Song), I'm Hooked, If They Can Beat Me Rockin and I Need Some Attention have all been singles that have zoomed up the charts in the last 3 years. The latest hit from the album, I'm Thankful For My Woman On The Side, is currently occupying the #7 spot on the Top 25 Singles chart. In addition to being an accomplished singer and performer, Vick is also quite a critically acclaimed songwriter and producer. Vick Allen recently received a Blues Critic Award as the Southern Soul Artist of the Year for 2011.

So much happens every single day in the music world, it is impossible to keep up. For instance, I totally missed the passing of legendary Blues belter Ms. Marva Wright, which occurred over two years ago. She left this world on March 23, 2010, just 3 days after her 62nd birthday. Known as the Blues Queen of New Orleans, Marva had a late start in the music business, taking up singing in her late '30's as a second job to support her family. Little did she realize this endeavor would later take her to places in the world that she had only previously dreamed about.  Marva's church upbringing was always present in her singing, possessing a powerhouse voice with strong gospel overtones. Debuting in the local clubs around the Crescent City, Marva sang Blues and Soul with a deep passion and conviction. Her first album, Heartbreakin' Woman, was recorded in 1991. She went on to perform and record both in the U.S. and abroad over the next 18 years, releasing several albums on the Mardi Gras, Virgin and Aim Records labels. Marva’s 2007 After the Levees Broke album was very much recorded in the first person of what she had experienced from Hurricane Katrina, losing her house and belongings. Marva Wright suffered multiple strokes in mid-2009 from which she never fully recovered until her passing. Marva's music lives on as a testament to one of the finest voices ever in Blues and Soul!

Southern Soul continues to have a major influence as to what is played on Beach music radio and in the clubs. Recent years have seen songs like Zac Harmon's Older Woman, Andre Lee's One Night Stand, Mel Waiters Everything's Going Up, Soul Children's L'il House Big Party, Ms. Jody's The Bop and Donnie Ray's Who's Rockin' You zoom up the Smokin' Top 45 chart. Roughly 15% of the current chart is made up of songs from Southern Soul. A look through the contributing DJ's indicates additional songs getting play, per the list below:

Only Time I Get Lonely – Stephanie Pickett   

Party Don't Get Started – Sir Jonathan Burton

Man On A Mission – Willie Hill

Southern Soul Dip – Ms. Jody

Drop It Like It's Hot – Charles Blakely

You Fooled Me This Time – Lee 'Shot' Williams

I'll Try Again – Donnie Ray

I'll Take Care Of You – Chuck Roberson

Get Up And Move On – Ms. Jody

Staying In Love With You – Ghetto Cowboy

Show Some Sign – Carl Marshall

Slow Grindin' – Theodis Ealey

I'm Your Maintenance Man – Omar Cunningham

Crazy Love Thing – O.B. Buchana

Ms. Jody's Thang – Ms. Jody

Feels So Good – Simone De

Lady Soul – Johnnie Taylor

Make Your Body Roll – LaMorris Williams

Come A Little Closer – Ms. Jody

I'm' 'Bout It ' Bout It  - Floyd Taylor

Do Right – Omar Cunningham

Soul Dog’s 15 Top Southern Soul Tunes From 2006