Corner Talk: A look at the top songs by traditional Southern Soul artists over the past ten years to make a heavy dent on the Beach music charts is quite an impressive list. There have obviously been many more that have appeared on the charts within the course of any given year, but these are the ones that made the year-ending results, which says they were on the charts for a significant portion of that particular year(s). In fact, the songs are so good they would probably make for the basis of a strong radio show special. Hmm.........   

I'm In A Beach Music Mood – Rick Lawson

Juke Joint Slide – Lee 'Shot' Williams

Let's Do It – Clarence Carter

Who's Been Rockin' – Lee Morris

Stand Up In It – Theodis Ealey

Back That Thang Up – Tyrone Davis

Party Til The Lights Go Out – Hardway Connection

Hey Mista – Roy C

I'm Blue  - Jackie Jackson

Yo Dress Is Too Short – Bob Steele

Why Me – Reggie P

Older Woman – Zac Harmon

Dirty O' Man – Hardway Connection

Hip Swingin' Blues – Diedra

One Night Stand – Andre Lee

Eyes On You – Hardway Connection

Too Much Booty Shakin' – Sir Jonathan Burton

Ready To Dance The Night Away - Diedra

Everything's Going Up – Mel Waiters

The Bop – Ms. Jody

Who's Rockin' You – Donnie Ray

Li'l House, Big Party – Soul Children

From The Back – LJ Echols

A Love To Call Mine – Johnnie Taylor

I'm Going Back – Donnie Ray

Sugaa Shack – Klass Band Brotherhood

Still Strokin' – Ms. Jody

Theodis Ealey is another individual that has been a major factor in the industry for many years – in fact, he was one of the pioneers in bridging the sound of down home Blues and R&B in the '90's that helped to fuel the evolution of today's Southern Soul.  Theodis recorded five signature albums on the Atlanta based Ichiban label from 1992 to 1998, releasing such killer tunes as I'm The Man You Need, L'il Brown Eyes, If You Leave Me I'm Going Wit' Cha, Bluesman Lover, Good To Ya Baby and 454-Blue.  Ealey created his own Ifgam Records label in 2002, releasing an album entitled It's A Real Good Thing that same year. It was the subsequent release of his next album, Stand Up In It in 2004, with the title track creating a stir that garnered national as well as international attention for Theodis. Follow-up smash hits have included Francine, Please Let Me In, Pop That Middle, Move With The Motion and Slow Grindin'.

You And I, Together is the latest Ealey release, his first full album since early 2009. The title track as well as Think It Over feature the strong vocals of Southern Soul diva Lacee. The latter tune was originally released several years ago as a duet by Doc Blakey and LaToya Cathey. Beach music fans may also recognize the song, it was nominated for 2012 Song Of The Year as recorded and released by Sea Cruz. The jumpin' advance single release of Theodis, What's Up is a reality check tune that has seen some recent chart action. The album also features previously released singles Sweet Curvaceous Love and The Old Man's Story. Slow Grindin' was yet another advance release that has already established itself as a hit tune. His cover of the Soul classic 635-5789 strikes a groove that works for radio or club. The sleeper track here sounds like vintage Theodis to me – Baby's Got Them Blue Jeans On will make my chart this month! Eleven Ealey tracks in all, the album has just become available in the last few weeks but debuted at #1 on the Top 40 Southern Soul / R&B Albums chart! Check it out at this website:  http://soulbluesmusic.com/southernsoulbluescharts.htm.

I had a recent phone conversation with Pat Cooley, who is certainly excited (as are we) about her recent successes in the music industry. She is going full throttle these days in the world of Southern Soul. Her outstanding vocal range and ability to deliver a variety of styles has established Pat as a true diva in the genre. The Marietta, Georgia native is a long way from her early days of singing background for Clarence Carter while doubling as his studio secretary. Pat has had a whole string of hits in the business since 2006, including Real Thing, I Ain't Going Where You Go (the song that first got my attention), Boy Toy, Hypnotized, Older Woman Younger Man, Be A Man, Hungry Woman and Get Out. 

Pat's most recent album, Talking To You, was actually released March a year ago, but may just be getting warmed up in terms of overall popularity and staying power. No Mess, the bluesy 'tell it like it is straight talk to her man', was the first track out of the gate to get significant chart activity. This was followed up by one of my favorites, the nitty grittyDirt Road Double  Wide, which has also gotten some crossover air play in the Beach music market. Currently the 'smack talkin' get over here' Bring It Baby is moving up the charts. Pat's brassy Pay The Cost To Be The Boss is getting some industry nibbles right now as well. I'll stand by my statement when reviewing the album last year – the title track, Talking To You, also has plenty of gas under the hood and should not be overlooked. This album could actually go down as one of best of the last several years for any artist in Southern Soul.  Not resting on her laurels, Pat is already planning potential upcoming studio time to work on new material. She has certainly already established herself with lasting star power within the genre!