1971
The Baby Huey Story:
A Posthumous Funk Legacy
This post is about Baby Huey (James Ramey) and his posthumously released album, “The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend.” The album showcases Baby Huey’s raw talent and powerful voice, tragically cut short by his untimely death. Produced by Curtis Mayfield, this 1971 release blends soul, funk, and psychedelic vibes into a timeless masterpiece.
Not feeling like reading? That's alright! 😎 Check out “Running,” the most psychedelic track on the record, and give it a listen. 🔊
1971 was a landmark year for funk, and 'The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend' is one of the most significant contributions, blending psychedelic soul, hard-hitting funk, and introspective lyrics.
The album is released (posthumously) by Curtis Mayfield and wonderfully captures the raw energy and unrealized potential of James Ramey, also known as Baby Huey.
By late 1960s Baby Huey is a sight on stage, both with his massive size and his flamboyant attire. He also has a voice that effortlessly switches between violent force and soft humming, often within the same song. People compare him to Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, but he has a unique style and an untamed passion that could match James Brown's captivating stage presence. His concerts, supported by his band the Babysitters, are incredible; they blend rock, funk, and soul into a psychedelic combination—both engaging and unpredictable. Recognizing the talent and potential, Curtis Mayfield signs him to his own label in 1969. Sadly, a drug-related heart attack claims his life at the age of 26 in 1970, right as they are finishing up recording their first album for Curtom Records.
Following Baby Huey's untimely death, Curtis Mayfield takes it upon himself to complete the record. The end product is this eight-track masterwork (five vocal tracks and three instrumentals,) which presents Baby Huey's whole skill set. "Listen to Me," the album's opening tune, transports the listener right into Baby Huey's world with its pulsating funk beats. There are three Mayfield songs: "Mighty Mighty," "Running," and "Hard Times." (This is the original “Hard Times” that we all know from various samples and covers!) "Hard Times" is the album's most famous piece, delivered with a crushing intensity – making it a favorite among hip-hop artists to sample throughout the years. Mayfield clearly understands exactly what Baby Huey is capable of - as evidenced by his choice of tracks, such as the powerful cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." The songs in the album are loaded with rich instrumentation and include powerful vocals.
Among the gems on this album, “Running” is my personal favorite. It’s perhaps the most psychedelic track on the record, with its atmospheric guitar solos, vibrating horns, and persistent rhythm section. The song offers a fascinating peek into what Baby Huey and the Babysitters might have evolved into if they could have continued making music. It has intense energy and flawless musicianship. 🎶🎵
In conclusion, “The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend” is more than an album; it's a moving remembrance of a gifted musician taken too soon.
Gülben - 08/2024
📖 Avery Gregurich writes for BeltMag
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