I was saddened to hear about Solomon Burke passing today.

Cry To Me

Down In The Valley

None Of Us Are Free

Sorry to say, I don't know Solomon Burke or his music, but after checking your links, Rick, he is a very soulfull singer. RIP.

What Adrian said.

I feel somewhat connected because I love his music, have seen him on several occasions and even shook his big bear paw of hand once.

Now I'm feeling old.

I've seen this guy on (I think) Austin City Limits. He's the one that always sat in the giant throne, right? Interesting, classic blues sound, if I recall.

Sorry to hear the news of his passing. I did enjoy the clips that you provided, Rick.

He was probably at his peak in the late 50s and in to the 60s along with many of the great R&B groups and singers of the time. That was probably the "golden" era for the music. Unfortunately, little harder to find nowadays, although I am lucky enough to have a "smooth jazz/R&B station" close by that plays a lot of the current and some older music.

Unfortunately, as we can see, he was getting pretty obese and quite frankly, it was surprising he actually lived to age 70.

For you, Rickster: NPR remembers Burke