Billy Harner – Sally Sayin’ Somethin’
Billy Harner
Listen/Download – Billy Harner – Sally Sayin’ Somethin’ MP3
Greetings all.
The song I bring you today is a long-time fave from one of the truly great blue-eyed soul singers of the classic era, Billy Harner.
New Jersey born and bred, Harner recorded a string of killer 45s for a variety of Philly-based and national labels between 1964 and the mid-70s, as well as an excellent (and very rare LP).
Oddly enough, it wasn’t either of Harner’s big Northern Soul faves (today’s selection and ‘What About the Music’) that started me hunting for his records, but rather his 1967 45 ‘Homicide Dresser’ which I grabbed almost 20 years ago because it looked interesting. Now I have at least a dozen of his 45s (including an autographed disc which holds a place of honor in my crates).
Today’s selection, ‘Sally Sayin’ Somethin’ was a big local hit in Philadelphia (as well as charting in New York and New Orleans) in 1967.
Opening with a throbbing bass, doubled by piano, Harner and a chorus of female backing vocalists come in and the tune build up into one of the great choruses.
The big selling point of the record (aside from the pop hooks, attributed pseudonymously to ‘Sunshine/Poltergeist’ ?!?) is Harner’s vocal, which is flexible enough to move between a smooth tenor and a soulful growl. He really is a seriously underrated singer, and his records are all worth picking up.
I hope you dig the tune (and dig a little deeper into Billy Harner).
See you all on Friday.
Keep the faith
Larry
____________________________________________________________________________
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