Hank Ballard – Blackenized
Hank Ballard
Listen/Download Hank Ballard – Blackenized
Greetings all
One of the great things that James Brown was responsible for (in addition to the one, true, superheavy funk) was the rebirth of Hank Ballard’s career.
Ballard, an R&B pioneer who had a string of hits that stretched from 1953 (‘Get It’ with the Royals) to 1961 (several classics as the leader of the Midnighters) was an major influence on JB.
By the time he started recording with Brown in the late 60s, Ballard had been away from the charts for half a decade.
Working with Brown, he had his comeback hit in 1968 with ‘How you Gonna Get Respect (When You Haven’t Cut Your Process Yet)’ which made it into the R&B Top 20.
He recorded a string of excellent 45s (and an LP) over the course of the next few years.
Today’s selection ‘Blackenized’ (written by Brown) was released in 1969.
Like his previous hit, ‘Blackenized’ works the same black empowerment angle, with a funky band (dig that flute) and a great vocal/recitation by Ballard.
There are times where Hank crosses the line from the sublime into the ridiculous – such as his exhortation ‘You don’t have to be like an Oreo cookie, Brother. Black on the outside and white on the inside’, but it’s such a groovy track you kind of roll with it.
The flip side ‘Come On Wit It’ (co-written by Ballard, Brown and Bud Hobgood) is a more conventional JB/’69 funk outing.
I hope you dig the track, and I’ll see you all on Friday.
Keep the faith
Larry
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Also, the brand new Funky16Corners ‘Keep Calm and Stay Funky’ stickers have arrived! The stickers are 4″ x 3″ and printed on high quality, glossy stock. They are $2.00 each, with free shipping in the US ($2.00 per order shipping outside of the US). Click here to go to the ordering page.
Also, make sure that you check out the links below to the Be The Match Foundation and POAC (click on the logos for more info).
Themocracy