7
Ernest III rounding out the rhythm section.
The anthem tore up the discos, whose
denizens loved the glittery getups and onstage
antics of the trio as much as their imaginative
music.
Labelle scored a #8 R&B entry with their
encore
What Can I Do For You?
and kept on
charting to the end of the decade before Patti
went solo, nailing a slew of her own smashes
and a few big duets with Bobby Womack and
Michael McDonald. Patti’s diva status remains
unchallenged, as does her ongoing ability to
draw huge audiences.
2. Ben E. King
Supernatural Thing, Part 1
(Patrick Grant-Gwen Guthrie)
Atlantic 45-3241
Patti LaBelle wasn’t the only ‘60s soul
star undergoing a career renaissance
in 1975. Ben E. King’s heyday was long
in the rearview mirror when his funky
Supernatural Thing
brought him back
to the top of the R&B hit parade in March
of ’75, stopping at #5 pop. It didn’t
sound like him. Instead of unfurling
his suave, assured baritone, King
exhibited a higher range that had
seldom been heard from the
veteran singer.
