{Solomon Burke plays Bumbershoot on Saturday, September 4 at 8:45 on the Starbucks Stage.}
Solomon Burke is the biggest soul singer and writer you’ve probably never heard of. He started out life as a preacher, but fortunately for his many fans and the many artists who’ve sung his songs to stardom, he later moved on to hosting a gospel show and then on to recording his own songs.
His biggest hit, “Cry to Me”, was a hit TWICE. Once in the 60’s when it was recorded, and then in the 80’s when it was the focal point of everyone’s sister’s favorite movie, Dirty Dancing. Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, The Blues Brothers and the Rolling Stones have covered his songs, among others. And in 2002 he enjoyed a revival of sorts with the release of Don’t Give Up On Me, an album of songs written for him by other top artists, like Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson and Van Morrison. The album was a Grammy award winning release, successfully melding his background of blues and gospel with heart-wrenching soul and a dash of sex, with Joe Henry at the production helm.
Solomon Burke is a big man, both in physical stature and in attitude. He’s received many accolades, and is (remarkably enough) even acquaintances with the Catholic church and the Vatican. His songs are wide-ranging, influences pulled from old southern country, wailing gospel and heartfelt blues, and are performed with immense emotive force. He’s an untraditional choice for Bumbershoot, and he WILL reign supreme. Don’t miss this out on seeing this soul legend at Bumbershoot.
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