GRAMMY-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer – SOLOMON BURKE, a true soul pioneer and a major architect of American music, debuts his much-anticipated 70th birthday release – NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE -- April 6 on E1 Music. It's a very special, yet bittersweet occasion, marking one of the final projects produced by Willie Mitchell, Burke’s musical soul brother and key collaborator , who passed away on January 5, 2010.
NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE was 35-years in the making, with "King" Burke finally arriving at Mitchell’s storied Royal Studio in Memphis, trademark Throne and all, for five weeks . Mitchell’s blueprint and spirit canvas these musical stories, in a partnership that stands proudly with the classics he produced with Al Green, Ann Peebles, and others for the immortal Hi Records imprint. Something spiritual and beyond a mere recording session has manifested.
Comments Burke: “If I could turn back the hands of time, I would freeze frame every second of it. It hurts so much to know I won’t get that chance again…You know when God’s in it, because everything works. No matter how hard you try for it not to work; it works. It was the last great shot (with Mitchell)…”
NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE is a musical conversation between two brothers, one minute teasing, the next sharing intimate war stories on the battlefield of love. Background vocals and Mitchell’s legendary orchestra subtly enhance and embellish twelve classic tracks of pure heart and soul.
The project’s title “Nothing’s Impossible,” was not only Mitchell’s intended CD title, but also Burke’s personal mantra. At nearly 70 years of age, he remains musically active and relevant, while continuing to resonate with a widening demographic, both nationally and internationally. To date, Burke has sold more than 17 million records. His soul standard “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love” has been covered by everyone from the Rolling Stones to Wilson Pickett to the Blues Brothers. His 2002 GRAMMY for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” (Don’t Give Up On Me) has introduced his genius to a whole new generation, while one of his best known hits “Cry To Me,” was used in the seduction scene of the major motion picture “Dirty Dancing.” His biggest fan, however, was the late Pope John Paul II, who invited Burke to perform at the Vatican’s Christmas celebration in 2000, that he organized with the present Pope Benedict XVI.
Burke first broke through in 1961 with a cover of the country standard “Just Out Of Reach Of My Two Empty Arms” that was a hit on the R&B and Pop charts. He released 32 singles on Atlantic over the next several years, producing six Top Ten R&B hits, four of which crossed over to the Top 40: “Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms),” “Cry To Me,” “Got To Get You Off Of My Mind,” “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love,” “You’re Good For Me,” “Tonight’s The Night” and “If You Need Me” (written by Wilson Pickett).
Burke has long been championed by his peers, music critics and celebrity fans. Ahmet Ertegun called him “probably the greatest soul singer” while Mick Jagger openly admitted trying to imitate the phrasing of Burke’s inimitable voice, and contemporaries such as Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty have performed his songs in concert. Now, with the release of the magnificent NOTHING'S IMPOSSIBLE, audiences can once again hear why they call Solomon Burke, the "King" of Rock & Soul.
NOTHING’S IMPOSSIBLE - TRACK LISTING:
Oh What A Feeling
Everything About You
Dreams
Nothing Is Impossible
It Must Be Love
You Needed Me
Say You Love Me Too
You’re Not Alone
New Company
When You’re Not Here
The Error Of My Ways
I’m Leaving
For more information on Solomon Burke, including forthcoming tour dates and special events please visit www.thekingsolomonburke.com.
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