In Memoriam
Solomon Burke
March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010 · aged 70
Soul · R&B · Gospel
Known as the 'King of Rock 'n' Soul,' Solomon Burke was a larger-than-life figure who helped lay the foundation for 1960s soul music. Born in Philadelphia in 1940, Burke was a child preacher before transitioning to secular music. He brought the fiery, emotional intensity of the church directly into R&B, defining the early sound of Atlantic Records with sweeping, dramatic hits like 'Cry to Me' and 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.' Weighing nearly 400 pounds in his later years, the charismatic Burke performed from a velvet-lined throne, complete with a crown and scepter, combining incredible vocal power with the theatricality of a Sunday morning sermon. He experienced a massive career revival in 2002 with the Grammy-winning album 'Don't Give Up on Me.' He passed away suddenly at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on October 10, 2010, at the age of 70, while on his way to a sold-out performance. He remains one of soul music's true founding fathers.
Milestones
Cry to Me, Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
Also remembered in 2010
- Captain Beefheart (1941–2010)
- Guru (1961–2010)
- Malcolm McLaren (1946–2010)
- Ronnie James Dio (1942–2010)