Album of the Day

Atlantic/Atco was THE label for Southern soul in the 1960s, and some of its biggest stars appear on SOUL CHRISTMAS. The legendary Otis Redding provides simmering takes on two standards (“White Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Baby”), while Booker T. & The MG's and sax star King Curtis work their instrumental magic on such favorites as “Jingle Bells” and “The Christmas Song” (the latter featuring Duane Allman on guitar). There are also a few fine originals on the compilation, including Solomon Burke's “Presents For Christmas,” Clarence Carter's salacious “Back Door Santa” and Donny Hathaway's “This Christmas,” now celebrating its 50th anniversary. The superb set reached #13 on the Billboard Christmas chart (and hit the Top 10 upon later rerelease), and SOUL CHRISTMAS belongs on every R&B fan's holiday wish list!