You're Right Ray Charles by Joe Tex
1969 -
On Cd The very Best Of Joe Tex Charly Records 133. For a more danceable Joe Tex
try "Ain't gonna bump no more"
Born in Joseph Arrington Jnr., 8 August 1933, Rogers, Texas,
USA, d.13 August 1982. The professional career of this popular singer began onstage at
theApollo. He won first place in a 1954 talent contest and duly secured a record deal.
Releases on King, Ace and the Anna labels were derivative and disappointing, but Tex
meanwhile honed his songwriting talent. James Brown 's version of 'Baby You're Right'
(1962) became a US R&B number 2, after which Tex was signed by
Buddy Killen, a Nashville song publisher, who in turn established Dial as a recording
outlet.Although early releases showed promise, it was not until 1965 that Tex
prospered.
Recorded at Fame and distributed by Atlantic, 'Hold On To What You've Got' was a US
Top 5 hit. The first of several preaching singles, its homely values were maintained on 'A
Woman Can Change A Man' and 'The Love You Save (May Be Your Own)'. However, Joe was
equally comfortable on uptempo songs, as
'S.Y.S.L.J.F.M. (The Letter Song)' (1966) and 'Show Me' (1967)
proved. Later
releases were less successful and although 'Skinny Legs And All' and 'Men Are
Gettin' Scarce' showed him still capable of major hits, the singer seemed unsure of his
direction. A fallow period ended with 'I Gotcha' (1972), an irresistibly cheeky song, but
Tex chose this moment to retire. A convert to the Muslim faith since 1966, he changed his
name to Yusuf Hazziez, and toured as a spiritual lecturer. He returned to music in 1975.
Two years later he enjoyed a 'comeback' hit with the irrepressible 'Ain't Gonna Bump
No More (With No Big Fat Woman)'. By the 80s, however, Joe had withdrawn again from
full-time performing. He devoted himself to Islam, his Texas ranch and the Houston
Oilers football team. He was tempted into a Soul Clan reunion in 1981, but in August
1982 he died following a heart attack.
