 A fixture on the soul/R&B music scene for over three decades, Peabo Bryson’s earliest recordings for Capitol Records established him as a singular artist with a powerful and distinctive vocal style and as demonstrated on his initial Capitol output, a skilled songwriter.
The South Caorlina native was signed to Capitol Records in 1977 by executive Larkin Arnold who was building the company’s profile in black music.
Peabo’s self-produced Capitol debut REACHING FOR THE SKY (with arrangements and co-production by renowned Chicago musician Richard Evans) went gold in the US, thanks to the title track’s success as a single and significant airplay for the song, “Feel The Fire” which became a staple in his repertoire
Released in 1978, the follow-up album CROSSWINDS boasted two hit singles in the form of “She’s A Woman” and the now-classic “I’m So Into You,” which became his highest charting R&B hit until the late ‘80s. The LP, produced by Peabo with Johnny Pate (best known for his work with the legendary Impressions) also achieved gold status and featured again, Peabo’s own compositions
Included in this 2-CD expanded edition are the single versions of “Reaching For The Sky,” “I’m So Into You” and Crosswinds”
Notes by Soul Music.com founder David Nathan include quotes his 1978 and 1979 interviews with Peabo and comments from Capitol executive Larkin Arnold.
Both albums are making their worldwide CD debut
About the Writer
David Nathan is the founder and CEO of SoulMusic.com and began his writing career in 1965; beginning in 1967, he was a regular contributor to Blues & Soul magazine in London before relocating to the U.S. in 1975 where he served as U.S. editor for the publication for several decades and began being known as 'The British Ambassador Of Soul.' From 1988 to 2004, he wrote prolifically for Billboard, has penned bios, produced and written liner notes for box sets and reissue CDs for over a thousand projects. He returned to London in 2009 where he has helped create SoulMusic.com Records as a leading reissue label.
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