Solomon Burke (USA)

www.thekingsolomonburke.com
At a time when rock and roll was in its infancy and R&B was just starting to get its groove on, Solomon Burke burst onto the scene, shattered the cultural barriers of the time,

scored a massive hit with “Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)” and quickly redefined the way the world would think about music. Conquering hearts, moving hips and electrifying fans in ways no one thought possible, the Philadelphia born legend’s soul-stirring smashes and charismatic presence captured the imagination of young people like no one else of his era. Dubbed by legendary Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler as “the best soul singer of all time,” Burke, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer since 2001, is more than simply a pioneering American legend from another time and place--he is an innovator whose timeless music spans generations and has inspired millions of fans and hundreds of recording artists across the decades.

As the world gears up for Burke’s 70th birthday in March, 2010, the millions of fans that to this day clamor for his live appearances and the brilliant showmanship should know where this explosive fusion of grace and music began: in an upper room at the United Praying Band The House of God for All People in West Philly, where he was born March 21, 1940 to the sounds of horns and bass drums from the sanctuary. Many artists claim to have their roots in the church, but few go back this far and run this deep. From day one, literally God and gospel were the driving forces behind the man and his music.

“The only thing I don’t know is what key I was crying in when I came into this world," says Burke, who complements his diverse musical endeavors with his role as preacher and spiritual leader of the global church, House of God For All People. "But there I was, born in grace, and it was always easy for me to."

Watch video Solomon Burke - Wonderful world & Everybody Need Somebody to Love
Watch video Solomon Burke - Don't give up on me