Lou Rawls

The late Lou Rawls, was a smooth soul singer capable of fusing gospel, blues and jazz influences through a rich, deep, mellifluous and a incomparable, calm, smooth chocolate voice.

Born in 1933, he started his career as a Chicago raised Gospel singer who was originally Sam Cooke's high school classmate. Together they were in the Teenage Kings of Harmony, a 50s gospel group, and he actually replaced Cooke in The Highway Q.C's singing group.

After serving in the Army, he joined up with famed gospel group The Pilgrim Travellers. Rawls, seeing Sam Cooke's solo success, started on a similar secular singing path, famously joining Cooke on his rendition of "Bring It On Home To Me", and signing with Capitol Records in 1962. He released a series of albums with backing from Les McCann and soulful singles with unique raps that grew in acclaim.

Teamed with producer David Axelrod, his album "Live" went Gold in 1966 and in 1967 he won his first Grammy for "Dead End Street". Rawls had a total of five pop hits during 1966-67. Other important early Rawls chart movers include the hits "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing," and "Stormy Monday".

Considered one of America's prime soul singers, he moved to the MGM label in the 1970's with "Natural Man" and had more hits later on "Philadelphia International" records well into the disco era while under tutelage of hit producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. His most successful single was "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" which takes full advantage of Rawl's 4 octave range.

With his career well established, he also became a popular commercial spokesman and actor as well, with bit parts on shows like 77 Sunset Strip, Colombo, Love Boat, and annually hosting his own Lou Rawls Parade of Stars telethon. His unmistakable voice was heard pitching for a diverse array of sponsors including Budweiser, Burger King, Colonial Penn Insurance, Bose Sound Systems, and his favorite charity the United Negro College Fund.

Near the end of his career he recorded a Frank Sinatra tribute album, was in the film "Leaving Las Vegas", voiced cartoon characters, and continued to remain a popular live attraction, performing regularly at jazz and blues festivals, military bases, casinos, fairs and corporate engagements. One of his final public appearances was singing the national anthem at the 2005 World series in Chicago. He died in an Arizona hostpital on January 6th 2006 of complications from a cancerous brain tumor.