Percy Sledge was a soulful music legend whose emotive voice became synonymous with deep Southern soul music. Born on November 25, 1940, in Leighton, Alabama, Sledge achieved his claim to fame with the timeless classic “When a Man Loves a Woman” in 1966. His impassioned delivery and the heart-rending lyrics of the song solidified his place as an iconic figure in the soul music genre, and the track became the cornerstone of his career. The song reached the top of the charts in both the US and the UK, and has been covered and featured in many movies and television series throughout the years.

Over the course of his career, Percy Sledge maintained a strong presence in the music world, especially appreciated for his ability to imbue each song with raw feeling and authenticity. This was evident in other notable hits like “Warm and Tender Love,” “It Tears Me Up,” and “Take Time to Know Her.” His soul-drenched voice carried his career well beyond the golden era of the 1960s, and his continued relevance is marked by a series of re-recorded versions of his timeless hits and forays into other genres, such as country music. Despite the changing landscapes of music, Sledge’s work remained a steadfast representation of soul music’s enduring appeal. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to the genre. Percy Sledge’s emotional depth and vocal prowess ensured that his music would transcend generations, leaving an indelible mark on the heart of soul music long after his passing on April 14, 2015.

Genres

Classic Soul

Rock-and-roll

Soul

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Solomon Burke

Otis Redding

Sam Cooke

Al Green

Wilson Pickett

Ben E. King

Eddie Floyd

Marvin Gaye

James Carr

Jackie Wilson

Clarence Carter

Bill Withers

Latest Release

Honest As Daylight: Hits & Rarities

Percy Sledge

Album - 20 Tracks - Released December 8, 2023