Solomon Burke was a legendary soul singer who was renowned for his unique style of singing and songwriting. Born in Philadelphia in 1940, Burke began his career at a young age and quickly gained fame for his powerful voice and dynamic performances.

Throughout his career, Burke released numerous hit songs and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. His legacy as a pioneer in the soul music genre continues to influence and inspire artists today. Join us as we take a closer look at the life and work of this iconic musician, and explore the impact he had on the music industry.

Solomon Burke was an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1960s. He was known for his powerful voice and his ability to blend gospel, blues, and soul music into his performances. Burke recorded a number of hit songs throughout his career, including “Cry to Me” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.” In addition to his music career, Burke was also a pastor and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His influence can still be heard in contemporary music today.

Some Hidden Facts About Solomon Burke

Physical Statistics

Height (Tall)	6ft 1in (1.85m)
Weight	Unknown
Profession	Singer-songwriter, preacher
Eye Color	Brown
Shoe Size (UK)	11.5
Hair Color	Black

Solomon Burke was a legendary American singer-songwriter and preacher who was born on March 21, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was known for his distinctive voice, which combined gospel, soul, and R&B influences. Throughout his career, he released numerous hit songs and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Burke passed away on October 10, 2010, at the age of 70.

Family

This table provides information about the family of Solomon Burke. His parents were Josephine Moore and Archie Burke. Unfortunately, his weight is unknown. Solomon had seven siblings, including Dolly Mae, Josephine, Lawrence, Delores, Thelma, and George.

Unknown Facts about Solomon Burke

The King of Rock ‘n’ Soul

Have you ever heard of Solomon Burke? If not, then you are missing out on one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Soul, Burke was a pioneer in the soul music genre and inspired many famous musicians. In this article, we will delve into unknown facts about the life and career of Solomon Burke that will leave you amazed.

A Brief Overview

Solomon Burke was born in Philadelphia in 1940 and began his musical career at the age of 12. He signed his first record deal at the age of 15 and went on to release numerous hit songs throughout his career. Burke was not only a talented musician but also a spiritual leader, as he was ordained as a bishop in the 1990s. Despite facing many obstacles in his personal life, Burke remained a beloved and respected figure in the music industry until his death in 2010.

Discover the Legacy of Solomon Burke

If you are a fan of soul music or simply interested in learning more about the life and career of an inspiring musician, then this article is for you. Join us as we explore the unknown facts about Solomon Burke and uncover the legacy he left behind. From his early beginnings to his iconic performances, we will take a deep dive into the life of the King of Rock ‘n’ Soul. So, without further ado, let’s begin our journey into the fascinating world of Solomon Burke.

Solomon Burke: The Legendary King of Rock and Soul

Early Life and Career

Solomon Burke was born on March 21, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was one of 14 siblings. His love for music began at an early age, and he started singing in church choirs as a child. By the age of 12, he had his own gospel radio show, and by 14, he was already performing in nightclubs.

In 1955, at the age of 15, Burke signed his first recording contract with Apollo Records. His first single, “Christmas Presents,” was a minor hit, but it was his song “Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)” that became his breakthrough hit, reaching number seven on the R&B charts in 1961.

Burke’s unique blend of gospel, soul, and rock and roll quickly made him a star, and he toured extensively, performing with other legends such as James Brown, Sam Cooke, and Ray Charles.

The Rise to Fame

By the mid-1960s, Burke had become one of the most popular performers in the world, with a string of hits including “Cry to Me,” “If You Need Me,” and “Got to Get You Off My Mind.” His unique style and powerful voice made him a favorite among both black and white audiences, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.

In 1964, Burke signed with Atlantic Records, where he recorded some of his most iconic songs, including “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,” which was later covered by The Rolling Stones, and “Proud Mary,” which was later made famous by Tina Turner.

Personal Life and Legacy

Burke was married three times and had 21 children. He was also a minister and often incorporated his faith into his music. In addition to his successful music career, Burke was also a businessman, owning a funeral home and a chain of soul food restaurants.

Burke’s influence on music cannot be overstated. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and his music has been covered by countless artists, including The Rolling Stones, Otis Redding, and Tom Jones. Burke passed away on October 10, 2010, but his legacy lives on through his timeless music.

The King of Rock and Soul

Influences and Musical Style

Burke’s music was heavily influenced by gospel music, and he often incorporated religious themes into his songs. He was also influenced by R&B and soul music, as well as rock and roll. His unique blend of these genres created a sound that was all his own, and his powerful voice and emotive delivery made him a standout performer.

Burke’s music was known for its emotional depth and honesty. He sang about love, heartbreak, and faith, and his songs resonated with audiences around the world. His use of strings and horns in his arrangements also set him apart from other soul singers of his time.

Albums and Hits

Burke released over 30 albums throughout his career, and his hits include “Cry to Me,” “If You Need Me,” “Got to Get You Off My Mind,” “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love,” and “Proud Mary.” His music was popular not only in the United States but also in Europe, where he toured extensively.

Burke’s influence can be heard in the music of countless artists who have come after him, including Adele, who covered his song “Don’t Give Up on Me” on her album 21.

Legacy and Honors

Burke’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he was also inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame. He received a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2003 for his album Don’t Give Up on Me.

Burke’s legacy lives on through his timeless music, which continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.

The Enduring Legacy of Solomon Burke

Impact on Music

Solomon Burke’s impact on music cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer who helped shape the sound of soul and rock and roll in the 1960s and beyond. His unique blend of gospel, soul, and rock and roll created a sound that was both timeless and innovative, and his music continues to influence artists to this day.

Burke’s powerful voice and emotive delivery inspired countless singers, and his use of strings and horns in his arrangements set him apart from other soul singers of his time. His songs were known for their emotional depth and honesty, and his lyrics resonated with audiences around the world.

Philanthropy and Activism

Burke was also known for his philanthropy and activism. He often used his music to raise awareness for social and political issues, and he was a vocal advocate for civil rights and racial equality. He was also involved in numerous charitable organizations, including the United Negro College Fund and the American Diabetes Association.

Burke’s legacy as a musician and humanitarian continues to inspire people around the world, and his contributions to music and society will not be forgotten.

Final Thoughts

Solomon Burke was a true legend in the world of music. His unique blend of gospel, soul, and rock and roll created a sound that was both innovative and timeless, and his powerful voice and emotive delivery inspired countless singers. His contributions to music and society will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

Solomon Burke was a legendary soul singer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. His powerful, gospel-influenced voice captivated audiences around the world, and his ability to blend soul, blues, and rock made him one of the most versatile performers of his time.

Despite facing many obstacles throughout his career, including racism and discrimination, Burke never gave up on his dream of making music. He continued to perform and record well into his later years, earning him the title of “The King of Rock ‘n’ Soul.”

Burke’s influence on music can still be felt today, with many artists citing him as a major inspiration. His legacy lives on through his timeless music and the impact he had on the genre of soul. Solomon Burke will forever be remembered as one of the greatest singers to ever grace the stage.