Daddy B. Nice’s replies to Southern Soul fans’ letters

April 24, 2024

Re: “Daisy Dukes and Cowboy Boots”

Pictured: M. Cally

Dear Daddy B Nice

You wrote in “News & Notes” recently “daisy dukes” originally came from “Daisy Mae” in old comic strip Lil Abner. Don’t you think most people would attribute it to “Daisy Dukes” from “Dukes Of Hazzard”.

Regina

Daddy B. Nice replies:

You got me there, Regina. Betrayed by my age and the fact I never watched the “Dukes of Hazzard”. Lil’ Abner’s Daisy Mae did inspire Hazzard’s Daisy Duke, but as provocative as Al Capp’s drawings of Daisy in her cut-off short-shorts were in a Sunday paper for us early baby-boomers, they were not denim! This was pre-denim! I had forgotten that until I went back and looked at some of the actual comic strips.

Listen to M. Cally and Jeter Jones singing “Daisy Dukes & Cowboy Boots” on YouTube.

April 14, 2024

Looking For A Song

Help me out Daddy. This is old-school southern soul. Happened to hear it listening to an old cassette mixtape but also kind of a rap with lots of downhome culture & (yelling at kids while). I luv it! Who did it, what’s the title and is it available anywhere? The chorus goes —

“Are you leaving me
Let me know
Is it over
Are you sho?
I can’t take your
Running around
But if you still love me
Please stay around”

Later she says —

“Sometimes he makes me so mad
He makes my background sing.”

We appreciate you! Thanks,
Melvin

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Oh, I loved it too! The song reached out and grabbed you. That’s Lijuana (or LaJuana). The song is “Wasn’t None Of You”. Never went on sale as far as I know (this was around 2005) and completely dropped off the face of the earth. It brings back such wonderful memories of WMPR Jackson, Mississippi DJ Ragman talking to her while he played the record. It just made you break out in smiles. I wrote about “Wasn’t None Of You” in a column called “Southern Soul’s Top 10 One Hit Wonders” and began an artist guide but never finished it for lack of photos or any other sources. Now, after all these years, I starting searching again with no luck until I punched a link on the artist guide and tried LLJuna, which took me to a page so old it was labeled “My Space”. It shows a release date of 2006 by VOP Records. I went searching again, armed with the possibly correct spelling of the artist’s name, and bravo!, what do I find but “Wasn’t None Of You” for sale on Apple no less in 2022! After all these years! And there’s a picture at last of Lijuana (as DJ Ragman would pronounce it) LL Juna, without a single additional record in her catalog—a true one-hit wonder. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention and allowing me to resolve something that has been puzzling me for two decades!

Buy LLJuna’s “Wasn’t None Of You” at Apple.

Read Daddy B. Nice’s never-completed artist guide to LLJuna (aka Lijuana).

March 10, 2024

Thank You Letter: Gina Brown In Memoriam

Dear Daddy B Nice,

Thank you so much for the notice of Gina Brown’s passing (Daddy B. Nice’s Corner “News & Notes” February ’24). She never got her full due for her excellent recordings over many years, not only “We’re Having A Party” but “I’m a Lady (Not A Hoochie Mama)”. And who can forget “G-Slide”? And she was great live in person. Thanks sincerely for reminding us of our southern soul history and this wonderful singer who might otherwise have passed away with little notice.

Blessings to you my brother,
Morris

Listen to Gina Brown singing “We’re Having A Party” on YouTube.

Read more about Gina Brown in Daddy B. Nice’s Artist Guide.

February 2, 2024:

RE: FaLisa JaNaye #2 Single January 24

Hi Daddy!

I like Falisa’s new song, but I wouldn’t say that she’s been inactive since mid-teens.

I of course noticed your “ironic” remark about her European gigs, but I don’t think she’s been over here that much.

I may be wrong, and naturally we can check that one out.

However, I still love Falisa (see the photo):

Best regards

Heikki

Daddy B. Nice notes:

Heikki Suosalo writes about soul and blues for Finnish magazine Soul Express.

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Well of course you’d love her, Heikki, as the photo of you and Falisa together having European fun attests! That’s just what I’m talking about. How many times has she been to Finland? Three? Haha! But you focus on the negative. It’s true. Falisa hasn’t recorded anything (at least in America) in the last decade, so a little teasing isn’t out of order. But you overlook how strongly she’s come back. She nailed the #2 southern soul single of the month—one short of #1—for which she was the second-most formidable contender! That’s a major accomplishment in this crowded and hyper-ventilating market. Plus, in a single stroke she brought her career in contemporary southern soul back to life and relevancy. All very positive.

Heikki Suosalo replies:

Hi Daddy,

And thank you for your kind answer.

Actually, it was in Porretta, Italy, at the soul music festival that we met.

As far as I know, she’s never been to Finland.

I’m glad that she’s made a strong comeback.

And all the best to your great SS site.

Best regards

Heikki

Listen to FaLisa JaNaye singing “Down In The Sippi” on YouTube.

See Daddy B. Nice’s Top 10 Singles for January 2024.

January 28, 2024:

RE: Jeter Jones BEST ALBUM OF 2023

Hi Daddy B.,

I reviewed the nice Mufassa II. You really have a way with words, so I quoted you at the end of the review.

King George seems to be the big thing now. I should try to listen to listen more on him, and see what I think… Jefferson have hardly no soul material nowadays. Just a CD review now and then. The editor, who is a big fan of William Bell and such (me too) did review Mizz Lowe´s “Classy woman”. While I also wrote about the great couple Mojo Ike & Val (from Florida) CD “Phoenix”. Check them! Old school but great voices and production.

All best,
Tommy

(Tommy Lofgren) Jefferson Blues Magazine

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks as always, Tommy!

See Southern Soul Awards.

Daddy B. Nice notes:

Jefferson Blues Magazine is published in Sweden by the Swedish Blues Association. The first issue was published in the spring 1968, making it the oldest blues magazine still in print in the world. (Wikipedia)

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January 5, 2024:

Thank you from Lady Redtopp

It is with great humility and gratitude that I extend my sincerest appreciation to Daddy B Nice for the incredible honor of being featured in the Top 10 of The Daddy B Nice Top 40 chart for three consecutive months. Your unwavering support and insightful commentary on my musical journey have truly been a source of inspiration and motivation. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to share my music with your audience and am profoundly grateful for the love and recognition that you have bestowed upon my work. Your platform has provided me with invaluable exposure and encouragement, and I am truly honored to be a part of such a prestigious ranking. Thank you, Daddy B Nice, for your ongoing support and for celebrating the artistry and dedication of all musicians represented in your esteemed chart.

Sincerely yours

Lady Redtopp

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December 29, 2023:

Seeking Best of 2023 southern soul lists

Daddy B. Nice,

There are plenty of folks online listing their fave 2023 NON-soul albums and songs, beginning in November and continuing through January. But I am not seeing southern soul ones. My fave DJ Dr Nick who used to be on WPFW but is now on atx online doesn’t do one. I think you do one in January?

Got too busy with Mom elder care issues and work to keep up with you and others this year. I appreciate all you do and all others in the biz do, especially the artists.

Steve

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Steve, my list (Top 25 Southern Soul Songs of 2023) is up. With links to YouTube for instant listening. Go to Daddy B. Nice’s Corner. Thank you!

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December 27, 2023:

RE: “News & Notes: Fame-Seeking Songwriters

DBN,

I really enjoyed this article. While our name is “Blues Critic” we are no longer critics but I just got to add that Omar Cunningham is the Bruce Springsteen of Southern Soul. “Check To Check”, “I Get By”, “My Life” and other songs are some of the most outstanding songs this genre has to offer. They are the truth. Southern Soul isn’t just gimmick songs about sexual prowess, side pieces and slide/shuffle jams. There’s some real songwriting gems too. To hear Mr. Cunningham-a former black child sing “There’s a lot of things I had to do without/I still find it hard to talk about” is just as devastating as it can get. Devastatingly gorgeous..

Blues Critic LLC

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December 14, 2023:

Thank You Letters

Dear Mr. Nice,

thanks for your answer to my email and your tips as to where to find more Southern Soul stuff on the www., and who to look for.

As far as my comment on the synthetic claps on the second and fourth beats are concerned, I figure they’re also a style element of a lot of Southern Soul music and have to do with the economics behind the “down home” recordings. Sometimes they even almost sound like human claps anyway. Like in Adrian Bagher’s “If Heaven Had A Phone”. What a beautiful song about family. And the line ”I got a pocket full of quarters, but it don’t work that way” … well, it gets me all kinds of sappy.

One part of the Southern Soul style that I appreciate is the (almost) complete absence of profanities. That’s the poetry of the old style blues stuff; innuendo that says all you need to know without going into detail or having to use expletives. Bobby Rush is a master of that kind of stuff. I’m not at all adverse to trash language myself, but using four letter words four times in every sentence?

BTW, my compliments on your redesigned site. Your writing and the portrait gallery are as good as ever. And the reviews are as interesting and informative as in the past (man, you sure don’t pull any punches). Maybe I’ll finally get around to visiting my people in Louisiana and East Texas to check out some of the joints you mention and to cruise the back routes in the company of soulful tunes coming from an AM radio station.

Thanks for all the work you’re putting into informing the world of the music in Southern Soul.

Max

Meeka Meeka

Hello Daddy B Nice,

My name is Meeka Meeka and I’m just reaching out to thank you!!! I am EXTREMELY honored and humbled for you recognizing my song “DO IT RIGHT” And Making it #9 in your Top 40 of December, and also making it #9 in your Top 10 “BREAKING” Southern Soul Singles. I APPRECIATE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!! Thank you ! Thank You!!! Thank You!!!

I can’t wait to have the pleasure of meeting you! Lol!!! And also can’t wait to see a portrait drawing of me one day!! That is so dope how you do that! I love it

Thank you again! You are much appreciated.

Meeka Meeka

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November 1, 2023:

LOTSA LETTERS!!

King George on the Football Field, Sunny Ridell in Film, DJ Sir Rockinghood’s Thank-You-DBN Mix, Updating Booker Brown, Vel Omarr & Equanya, Elderly Gent Looking For Old School

Just Wanted To Share This Witcha!!!

Hello Daddy B. Nice…..

This is DJ Marvelous Marc (Southern Soul DJ on YouTube), I came across this and wanted to share this with you….it’s Southern University’s Human Juke Box Marching Band homecoming halftime performance starting at the 3:22 mark in which they’re playing King George’s Keep On Rolling. Have a nice day and thanks for all that you do to keep bringing Southern Soul to the forefront!!!!!

Watch/listen to Southern University’s Human Jukebox Homecoming 2023 Halftime Show, featuring King George’s “Keep On Rollin'” at the 3:22 Mark.

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Hey thanks so much for sending this, Marvelous Marc. The HBCU band choreography on the football field preceding George was dazzling. I thought they were going to end up in a pile of bodies in the middle of the field. And what a real-world statement that King George has broken through another culture barrier for southern soul music, namely academe.

Sunny Ridell Song

Dear Daddy B. Nice,

I’m writing to seek permission to include a portion of Sunny Ridell’s song, “Snap, Crackle and Pop” in a short documentary I am making with the living family of Robert Johnson. It’s a 28 min. film we hope to share with festivals, blues organizations, and public television. I am a filmmaker who use to live in Crystal Springs, and I am making the film as a volunteer contribution to the foundation’s mission to promote blues history in the Copiah County region.

Thank you for your response to my request, and thank you for upholding Ridell’s legacy on your website.

Kind regards,
Samantha

Samantha Davidson Green

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thanks for your kind and generous query, Samantha. I’m always glad to give some much needed exposure to little known yet beloved Delta musicians like Sunny Ridell. However, I’m not qualified to extend the kind of permission you’re seeking. That can only be done by the copyright owner. You say you’re only using a portion of the song and very few southern soul artists, writers, producers or heirs resort to litigation over such minor usage. However, you never know. Such usage could result in legal redress, and the fact that it is a film does raise the profile somewhat. I would encourage you to search for the copyright owner and get the permission in writing, and if that fails, to seek advice from an attorney specializing in musical entertainment. (There are such in the Jackson MS, Memphis and Nashville areas, among others.) I hope this helps, and apologies for the slow response.

DJ Sir Rockinghood Dedicates A “Thank You” YouTube Mix To Daddy B. Nice

Pictured: J-Wonn

I feel you need a Big Thank You, from your peers. You have pushed this thing called Southern Soul for over 18 years and people are just hearing about you now. I want to thank you and dedicate my next mix to you my friend.

Thank You for Keeping it Southern Soul,

DJ Sir Rockinghood

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Thank you so much, Sir Rockinghood, I really appreciate it.

DJ Sir Rockinghood replies:

My pleasure! …

DJ Sir Rockinghood Presents: Thank You For Everything Southern Soul Mix.

What happened to them?

Hi Daddy B Nice!

I just read your latest column. (“News & Notes” on Daddy B. Nice’s Corner October 20th: Whatever Happened To???…)
I can tell right away that at least
– Booker Brown – Booker Brown Interview | Soul Express

and Vel Omar – Deep Soul February 2015 feat. Vel Omarr | Soul Express
are still active and performing.

Also a couple of others, but I can do the research only a bit later.

Best regards
Heikki

Daddy B. Nice replies:

Good to know, Heikki. I’ll post that. As chance would have it, right after writing I also heard Equanya featured on the bill last week for a Crystal Springs show in a radio spot aired in Jackson, MS. (DJ Ragman, WMPR).

Elderly Gent Looking For Old School

Pictured: Syl Johnson

Good evening. My friend is an elderly gent and he’s looking some music old school. Isley Bros, Smokey and guys like that. Can you please assist with a number or website? We searched but couldn’t find it?. He would greatly appreciate it. Thank you and have a great weekend.

Daddy B. Nice replies:

You realize that a lot of people would think you’re putting me on? Right? You must be on the Internet because you’re visiting my website. There are some 900 pages, each with a navigation bar with indexes to musical artists, many of them old-school. Of if you prefer, there’s the greatest musical innovation of this era: YouTube. It beckons like a musical paradise, and once you enter the gates (clicking your favorite artists) the algorithms take care of everything, delivering a steady diet of your favorite old-school. And if you want to buy, well, you type your desire in the …oh, you are kidding. Right?