I really love the studio systems of the old record labels. I’m sure it wasn’t the best for the artists, but there are so many things I think just wouldn’t happen today that I am so glad happened back then.
For instance….
Barbara Acklin recorded “Am I the Same Girl” in 1968. It was co-written by her husband, Eugene Record, who was the lead singer for the fabulous soul group, The Chi-Lites.
Before her version was even released, the producer removed her vocal track, had a piano track added and released that instrumental as “Soulful Strut.” It was credited to Young Holt Unlimited, but legend has it that neither Young nor Holt were even playing on the recording and that it was actually just the work of the record company’s session band.
“Soulful Strut” was a monster hit – and, incidentally, the absolute perfect thing to play in your headphones when you’re walking around a very sunny NYC. Yes, indeed.
But back to the story. A few months later, they ended up releasing the original Acklin vocal version. It did well, but not nearly as well as the instrumental version.
Of course so many people are familiar with this song because of Swing Out Sister’s hit decades later, but I’ll pretend I don’t know that. These are really the only two versions you need.
Now, go on. Download, sync and take a walk…a soulful strut.
margauxville 