Percy Sledge - Best Of Percy Sledge

Limited edition 180-gram LP

Mastered by Joe Reagoso from the original Atlantic Tapes at Friday Music Studios and Capitol Records, Hollywood, Calif., with Ron McMaster

The legendary soul king Percy Sledge began his career singing in Alabama in the 1960's and soon got the attention of producers Marlin Greene and Quin Ivy, who in turn brought this fine gentleman of song to Atlantic Records. In record time, "When A Man Loves A Woman" burst into the soul charts and quickly hit No. 1. The classic love song crossed over to the top of the pop charts in 1966, making this one of the most important recordings ever in popular music. The artist himself has never stopped working thanks to this wonderful track, which has gone on to earn him multitudes of awards, accolades and a reputation of being one of the greatest soul singers of all time.

This amazing love song has been the subject of movies, featured on television programs, as well as a bevy of interpretations by such artists as Art Garfunkel, Marvin Gaye and Michael Bolton. Its effect has been long lasting and will most likely be played, sung and loved countless years from now.

More big hits followed for Percy Sledge as the record buyers and radio stations needed more soul infusion with smashes like "Warm And Tender Love," "Take Time To Know Her," "Cover Me" and others. His angelic voice is about as sad and soulful as it can get, and the tunes are just the perfect vehicle to showcase the wonderful talent of this great R&B crooner.

As a continuing exploration into the original greatest hits albums of the Warner Bros/Elektra/Atlantic Records vaults, Friday Music is so very honored to offer the wonderful soul sounds of Percy Sledge and his great The Best Of Percy Sledge album, for the first time on 180-gram audiophile vinyl.

The original rare vinyl LP has been out of print for decades, and it is now back in audiophile vinyl domain, with all of its original 12 masterpiece tracks mastered impeccably by Joe Reagoso (Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Booker T. & The M.G.'s). For this limited edition soul event, Friday Music has also included its original retro 1969 artwork designed by the great Loring Eutemey with its stunning cover photography by Joel Brodsky.

1. When A Man Loves A Woman

2. Out Of Left Field

3. Take Time To Know Her

4. Warm And Tender Love

5. Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms)

6. The Dark End Of The Street

7. Cover Me

8. Sudden Stop

9. Baby Help Me

10. It Tears Me Up

11. My Special Prayer

12. You're All Around Me