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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZADAMS, Johnny(b 5 January 1932, New Orleans; d 14 September 1998, Baton Rouge) Singer, known as the Tan Nightingale. One of ten children; sang in gospel groups for years (the Soul Revivers, the Consolators); then to R&B '59 for Ric records. 'Losing Battle' reached top 30 in R&B chart '62. Signed to Shelby Singleton's SSS International '68, he reached the pop top 100 with 'Release Me' that year, top 30 with 'Reconsider Me' the next. 'I Can't Be All Bad' also a hit in '69; but then Singleton switched to country music. Adams joined Atlantic, but had only four singles released in two years '71-2. Only regional hits with Chelsea, Ariola, other labels; then found a home on Rounder: From The Heart '83 included songs by Tony Joe White, Sam Cooke, Doc Pomus and Percy Mayfield, even scat singing on 'Why Do I'. A superior singer on wide range of material, his further albums included After Dark '86, Room With A View Of The Blues '88, also Sings Doc Pomus, Walking On A Tightrope: The Songs Of Percy Mayfield and I Won't Cry, then One Foot In The Blues '96 with Lonnie Smith, Donald Harrison and others, all on Rounder. |