My dad called me up a few months ago in October. He wanted to talk about Solomon Burke’s voice. Burke had just passed away and pops and I had an impromptu eulogy for the criminally underrated singer. It was a real bonding moment.

But, damn, Solomon was performing until the end. Burke came up singing in the mid-50’s and paved the way for numerous younger soul singers. “Cry to Me” was recorded in 1961 and released by Atlantic Records in 1962. It’s the quintessential soul ballad. Burke is talking about loneliness here. He’s singing with a passion that’s palpable.

Burke never gained the same attention as some of the soul singers that came after him. He paved the way for a host of singers that owe him their careers. Homeboy could belt it out. “Cry To Me” is one of my favorite tracks to drop in at the beginning of my set. It’s like starting from scratch with one of the most basic, amazing ingredients.