DC Soul Recordings

DC Soul Recordings Organization founded by Kevin Coombe that documents D.C. & Maryland funk, soul, & related history.

DC Soul Recordings was established in 2006 in order to catalog Washington D.C. & Maryland Funk, Soul, & R&B recordings created between the early 1960s and the early 1990s, (including all related sub-genres such as Go-Go and Disco). This purpose of this page is take that process a step further by presenting information and media for educational purposes, as well as further the research pro

cess. Please contact us with comments, questions, or information you wish to contribute to the archive. Every story, photo scan, record, and/or piece of original media, helps to complete the big picture. Site author Kevin Coombe is finishing a book that delves deeper into the culture presented here. He asks that local artists please contact him to discuss their stories, as well as any other related material for the book.

12/20/2015

Update: We've set-up an Instagram account . Please check there for future content!

The C-Quents perform acapella on Christmas Day, mid 1960s. Track example in the comments.
12/18/2015

The C-Quents perform acapella on Christmas Day, mid 1960s. Track example in the comments.

Larry Ellis, during the late 1940s in his hometown of Washington, DC. Tracks by an older Ellis are in the comments.
12/17/2015

Larry Ellis, during the late 1940s in his hometown of Washington, DC. Tracks by an older Ellis are in the comments.

George Smallwood wishes you a Happy Holiday season.
12/17/2015

George Smallwood wishes you a Happy Holiday season.

"Mystery Of Black", photographed in Baltimore. Date and history unknown.
12/14/2015

"Mystery Of Black", photographed in Baltimore. Date and history unknown.

DC's Choice Four were produced by industry veteran Van McCoy. Their relationship can be charted via numerous LPs and sin...
12/13/2015

DC's Choice Four were produced by industry veteran Van McCoy. Their relationship can be charted via numerous LPs and singles released by RCA, with most recorded at the famed Media Sound studio (Manhattan). This acetate was cut prior to the issue of their 1975 single, "When You're Young And In Love". Track in the comments.

Little Royal singing "Jealous", then performing his patented dance, the "Razor Blade". (Excerpt from a 1971 "Soul Street...
12/10/2015

Little Royal singing "Jealous", then performing his patented dance, the "Razor Blade". (Excerpt from a 1971 "Soul Street" TV episode aired in Cincinnati, OH.)

Little Royal performing "Jealous", then dancing the "Razor Blade". (Excerpt from the 1971 "Soul Street" TV show out of Cincinnati, OH.)

DC band "Coque" pressed their first (and only) single in May of '76. This image was sent to Baltimore's "Globe Poster Co...
12/09/2015

DC band "Coque" pressed their first (and only) single in May of '76. This image was sent to Baltimore's "Globe Poster Company" for half tone conversion/poster creation leading up to that release.

Baltimore vocal group "Cream Soda", date unknown.
12/09/2015

Baltimore vocal group "Cream Soda", date unknown.

Sax player Gart Hart was raised in Chicago, IL. The same city was home to legendary singer/pianist Donny Hathaway, and m...
12/08/2015

Sax player Gart Hart was raised in Chicago, IL. The same city was home to legendary singer/pianist Donny Hathaway, and much like him, Hart moved to DC to attend college and write music. (He'd eventually form his own label in the city.) Prior to the move, Hart cut his teeth arranging for Chicago vocal group "The Desires", as evidenced below.

12/07/2015

Industry partners Never Duncan Jr. & Dickey Williams were responsible for developing Ruby Johnson into a national recording star. The vast majority of the former club singer's efforts were released on Never's own label, NEBS, which was based out of DC. Johnson was eventually connected to Stax Records via ex-DC DJ Al Isbell (Al Bell). An example of her NEBS work is posted below.

"Black Heat" at a promo shoot for Atlantic Records, early '70s. Tracks from their first 2 LPs in the comments.
12/03/2015

"Black Heat" at a promo shoot for Atlantic Records, early '70s. Tracks from their first 2 LPs in the comments.

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when DC Soul Recordings posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Club

Send a message to DC Soul Recordings:

Shortcuts

Share