Lou Rawls was an American recording artist, voice actor, songwriter, and record producer known for his smooth baritone singing voice and sumptuous vocal style. Born on December 1, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Rawls grew up with a passion for gospel music that would later influence his diversified musical career. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he developed a distinct sound that seamlessly traversed genres, combining soul, jazz, and blues to create hits that resonated with audiences.

Rawls achieved significant acclaim with his richly textured voice that was as comfortable belting out gospel as it was serenading with silky ballads. Over his career, he released a multitude of singles and albums that showcased his versatility and ability to connect with listeners, such as his live performance of "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing" on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1966 and his spirited "The Soul of Lou Rawls (Live at The Newport Jazz Festival 1981)." His smooth tracks have always had a home during the holiday season as evidenced by albums like "Merry Christmas From Lou Rawls" and "Merry Christmas Baby." Additionally, compilation albums like "I Can't Make It Alone: The Axelrod Years" and "Natural Man / Classic Lou" served to solidify his legacy by celebrating the journey of an artist who infused each record with the kind of heartfelt emotions only a natural talent like Rawls could convey. Before his passing on January 6, 2006, Lou Rawls left an indelible mark on music, known for his philanthropy and the timelessness of his craft.

Genres

Classic Soul

Disco

Motown

Philly Soul

Quiet Storm

Soul

Soul Blues

Related Artists

Marvin Gaye

Sam Cooke

Al Green

Bill Withers

Otis Redding

Teddy Pendergrass

Donny Hathaway

Isaac Hayes

Curtis Mayfield

The O'Jays

Bobby Womack

James Brown

Latest Release

Burn Bright - No Regrets

Lou Rawls

Album - 18 Tracks - Released December 19, 2022