A key figure in the evolution of Chicago rhythm & blues as it evolved in the 1950s and early 60s and morphed into first rock 'n' roll and then soul, the late Harold Burrage's own slender catalogue and meagre hit total is completely dwarfed by the influence he exuded as a singer, songwriter, musician and mentor in his home town. Recording for the first time in 1950 and the last time in 1965, Burrage's discography was at all times exemplary. The up-tempo singles he cut for the Cobra label would alone be enough to guarantee him R&B immortality. Add to those the sublime early bluesy soul efforts for Vee Jay, M-Pac! and Paso/Foxy, not to mention exciting early releases for Decca, Aladdin and States, and you have a superb audio portrait of a man who was ahead of the curve at all times and who always had something special on the go in order to guarantee his immense local popularity.
This Jasmine collection is the first CD on Burrage that brings together material from every label he ever recorded for. It features every known surviving recording from the first 12 years of his career, which sadly only spanned 16 years in total after he suffered a fatal heart attack in 1966 at the home of one of his proteges, future soul superstar Tyrone Davis.
Harold may not have lived long enough to fully reap his own musical rewards, but what he left behind has been admired and enjoyed by generations of fans who know him only as a name on the labels of some truly great 45s. "I Ain't Mad At No One" will hopefully expand that fan base, as more and more people come to hear the music of Harold Burrage and find out for themselves exactly why he continues to be held in such high regard.
