LGB is a remarkable woman. Her many fans who recognize her as the “lady with the soulful raspy voice” will concur, based on her two previously released albums, “Reality Slowly Walks Us Down” and “I Am Who I Am”, featuring her trademark song “Jealous Wo-Man, Yes I Am”.
But I am talking about Linda Gray Barnwell, the person. I have had the pleasure of meeting Linda and her husband Milton, firstly for a day at the SOS Spring Migration at North Myrtle Beach in April 2016, then for a few days in Memphis, Tennessee earlier this year.
Linda is a warm, gracious lady who manages to raise three young girls, hold down a day job at Robins Air Force Base in addition to providing Southern Soul Blues fans with frequent live shows and recording some fine songs on her CDs. I’m sure Linda would want me to share how she is supported in her endeavours by Milton, who also acts as her manager.
Linda acknowledges that her mother, Everlena Gray, along with her three daughters, is her greatest fan.
But back to the singer. LGB has recently released a stomper of a new single. Featuring a wonderful solo by Mark Mitchell on the Hammond B-3 organ, “Tore Up From The Floor Up” immediately invites its listeners to get up and get down.
The single is an introduction to upcoming album, “Our Love Slipped Away”, which is dedicated to many of the great recording artists who have paved the way for today’s singers, such as LGB, to display their talents to a new generation of listeners.
LGB has been able to showcase a number of talented musicians to assist her with the “Our Love Slipped Away” project. They include renowned horn player with Sam and Dave, Newton Collier on trumpet. I was privileged to meet “Newt”, along with former member of Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters, Edward Dunbar with LGB and Milton in April last year. Edward is also featured on backing vocals on the new album.
Interesting to note that the aforementioned keyboard wizard, Mark Mitchell, teaches LGB’s daughters piano lessons. Judging by Mark’s solo performance on “Tore Up From The Floor Up” the girls are in good hands.
I for one am really looking forward to hearing “Our Love Slipped Away” and playing it on my radio show. But not half as much as I am looking forward to meeting up again with this lovely couple, Linda and Milton, along with Edward Dunbar, at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in September.