Northern Soul
Jan Bradley was born Addie Bradly in Myhalia, Mississippi. She grew up in Robbins, Illinois. She auditioned for Curtis Mayfield and soon recorded the Mayfield song “Mama Didn’t Lie.” It was released nationally in the U.S. by Chess Records in 1963 and went to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The vocal is double-tracked. In those days, most studios couldn’t afford the expensive “sel-sync” technology; the vocalist added harmony to a re-record of the entire record. “Mama Didn’t Lie” features a bass fiddle is alternately bowed (arco) and plucked (pizzicato). It all makes for a wonderful record.
After the success of “Mama Didn’t Lie,” Bradley, Mayfield, and Chess Records were embroiled in a legal battle over publishing rights to Mayfield’s songs. She wrote some of her own songs and released them on Chess. She stopped professionally in the 1970s and became a social worker. She is a mother, grandmother, and sings with her church choir. She still has fans from those who like Northern Soul.
1 Comment
Love it. Thanks. Haven’t heard it in a long time. Songs about not lying are especially needed these days.