Black Music Sunday is a weekly series that shines a light on all aspects of Black music. With 240 stories covering performers, genres, history, and more, each accompanied by its own vibrant soundtrack, it offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences. In this article, we delve into the life and work of Lou Rawls, a singer, actor, and philanthropist whose contributions to the music world and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are truly remarkable.

Unveiling the Musical Legacy of Lou Rawls

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Lou Rawls was born in Chicago on Dec. 1, 1933. Raised on the south side by his grandmother, he started singing in the choir at his Baptist church at the age of seven. As a teenager, he became interested in popular music by attending shows at the Regal Theatre, where he was particularly fond of genre-crossing singers like Joe Williams, Arthur Prysock, and Billy Eckstine. He also tried his hand at harmony-group singing with schoolmate Sam Cooke in a gospel outfit called the Teenage Kings of Harmony. Later, he moved on to sing with the Holy Wonders and in 1951 replaced Cooke in the Highway Q.C.s. In 1953, he was recruited by the Chosen Gospel Singers and made his recording debut in early 1954. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a car accident during a tour with Sam Cooke. He was pronounced dead but miraculously survived and spent a long time recuperating.

Transition to Secular Music and Early Career

After recovering, Rawls switched to secular music and hit the L.A. circuit with great enthusiasm. During this period, he landed his first acting role in the hit detective series 77 Sunset Strip. In 1962, he was discovered by producer Nick Venet at a coffeeshop near Capitol Records headquarters. At Venet's request, he hastily recorded an audition tape and signed a recording contract. That year, Capitol issued his debut album, Stormy Monday (alternately known as I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water), a collection of jazz tunes with backing from the Les McCann Trio. He also supplied the impassioned background vocals on Sam Cooke's hit “Bring It On Home to Me.” His next few recordings for Capitol combined various genres in different combinations, as he and Capitol were still searching for a definite direction.

Revamping the Live Act and Major Hits

In the meantime, Rawls was revamping his live act by adding lengthy spoken monologues to his songs. These “raps” served as a platform for him to discuss social issues and personal experience, attracting attention in the noisy club settings. 1966's Live! captured his distinctive concert presence on a repertoire of mostly jazz and blues (plus a celebrated version of “Tobacco Road”), and became a gold-selling breakthrough hit. Later that year, he made the switch to soul music and his first full-fledged R&B album, Soulin’, spawned his first major hit single in “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing,” which nearly reached the pop Top Ten and went to number one on the R&B charts. 1967's “Dead End Street” hit number three on the R&B charts and won him his first Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. His music continued to make waves with hits like “A Natural Man” in 1972 and his platinum album All Things in Time with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in 1976. His single “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” reached number two on the pop charts and number one on the R&B charts, becoming a national sensation.

Later Years and Philanthropic Work

From the 1980s on, Rawls played the part of a well-established entertainer, focusing more on running the Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon and conducting extensive tours of American military bases. The telethon, which he launched in 1979 to support the United Negro College Fund, became one of the longest running televised events in U.S. history. Over the years, it raised millions of dollars for minority education and featured top entertainers like Sammy Davis, Jr., Bill Cosby, Tony Bennett, The Four Tops, and The Commodores. Rawls' commitment to education and philanthropy continued until his passing in 2006.

Final Musical and Acting Ventures

In his final years, Rawls remained a terrific live entertainer. He played at various festivals and events, demonstrating his extraordinary rapport with the audience and the breadth of his repertoire. He also returned to his acting career with greater frequency, appearing in films like Leaving Las Vegas and in voice-over work in cartoons. His recordings in the 1990s were mostly holiday collections, but his 1998 album Seasons 4 U was a jazzy outing. He entered the new millennium by returning to his gospel roots with albums like I’m Blessed and Oh Happy Day.Lou Rawls' musical and philanthropic legacy is a testament to his talent and dedication. His work has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the world of education.