It seems we're experiencing a resurgence in the popularity of funk and soul these days. I wholeheartedly approve.

Barbara Mason was a Philadelphia-based soul singer who had a couple of huge hits in the 60's, and even managed to outsell the Beatles with one of her singles. She continued to release albums throughout the 70's and even into the early 80's, with some production work done by Curtis Mayfield, but never really achieved the commercial success necessary to take her into the mainstream.

Archie Bell is one of Texas' own, having been born in Henderson and grown up here in Houston. He released a couple of good albums and toured in the late 60's, only to be drafted and sent off to Vietnam. When he returned, he quickly resumed his musical career with the Drells and signed to Philly International, but could never quite reclaim the momentum of his early career.