Joe Simon - (You Keep Me) Hangin' On (SS7 2608)

(You Keep Me) Hangin' On

Like I was saying over on holy ghost, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bishop Joe Simon on the telephone a few days ago. I asked him about the time he spent at American in Memphis with his partner, John R. cutting the No Sad Songs LP.

He told me that it was simply an outstanding environment to record in, and that everybody worked together, contributing ideas and suggestions. Chips Moman was the arranger as well as the engineer, and a great guy to work with, he said. When I mentioned that the label read (as usual) 'Produced by J.R. Enterprises Inc.', Joe said "that sounds about right, the whole thing was a group effort." This phenomenal tune we have here was released as the second single from the album, and just missed the R&B top ten in the spring of 1968, landing at #11.

As you may have heard, Bishop Simon will be headlining the Porretta Soul Festival in Italy this summer. How great is that?