Solomon Burke, who passed away on Sunday, Oct.10, in Amsterdam, Holland, was among the last of the great “soul men” that would include Wilson Pickett, Bobby Womack, Joe Tex, Otis Redding and Chuck Jackson, among others.
Born in Philadelphia, Burke, who was sometimes referred to as King Solomon, had his first hit record in the fall of 1961, “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms).” That launched a long string of major hits, including “Cry to Me,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “Goodbye Baby (Baby Goodbye), “Got To Get You Off My Mind,” “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,” “You’re Good For Me” and “The Price.”
Burke, who was also a preacher, was known for his colorful personality as well as for the many things he did to generate income, including selling dinners he prepared to other artists when they were on the road. He also sold what he called love potions.
