Eugene McDaniels

Eugene McDaniels was a bold and genre-defying American singer-songwriter known for blending soul, jazz, and politically charged lyrics. He first gained fame in the early 1960s for his smooth vocal style on hits like “A Hundred Pounds of Clay," but in the 1970s, he reinvented himself as a sharp, socially conscious artist. His 1971 album Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse became a cult classic, winning admiration for its fearless commentary on race, politics, and power, all wrapped in funky, experimental grooves.

Beyond his solo work, McDaniels also made a name as a songwriter for other artists. He penned the hit “Compared to What,” and later wrote “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” which became a Grammy-nominated smash for Roberta Flack. Throughout his career, McDaniels pushed musical and lyrical boundaries, making him a respected figure among fans of conscious soul and politically engaged music.