Recommend criminally underrated/unknown soul ballads

otis clay, "if i could reach out"
so many more, but i'll have to rummage through my collection

― amateur!!!st (amateurist), Saturday, September 18, 2004

RIP Otis Clay

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2016/01/09/Soul-legend-Otis-Clay-dies-at-73/stories/201601090143

Seeing a co-bill of Otis and Ann Peebles was one of my best heaven on earth soul music experiences ever. RIP.

Saw Otis Clay, never saw Ann P... That would have been great

saw otis make an unannounced appearance at a tribute concert to curtis mayfield that was hastily organized in early 2000, a few weeks after mayfield's death. he did "people get ready" and a few others, and even though the other acts (rebecca gates, etc.) were great, the phrase that comes to mind in re. clay's performance was "that's how it's done."

it's not a ballad, but i think irma thomas' "two winters long" should have been an absolute smash hit record. this was recorded in 1962 (!!!!!!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avfBh4Xv7tQ

for me it is in the pantheon of stone cold classics

That is nice. Love the interplay between Irma and the background vocalists

very good indeed, the sound is perfect

Mentioned upthread, but linking here for posterity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjhmwzf_mh0

George Jackson — "Aretha, Sing One for Me" (1972): https://www.discogs.com/George-Jackson-Aretha-Sing-One-For-MeIm-Gonna-Wait/release/2583751

First song I thought of when I saw the thread title.