Brook Benton - The Singles Collection 1955-62 (2018)

Brook Benton was one of the most successful of the R&B artists whose talent and versatility enabled them to transcend the genres and enjoy success, and retain their credibility, in the R&B, pop and adult contemporary markets, his smooth, classy vocal style characterising the fifty and more hits during his 20 years as a chart performer, with successes on both sides of the Atlantic. He was also a highly successful songwriter and producer, working with noted writer Clyde Otis and providing hits for the likes of Nat King Cole. This great-value 57-track 2-CD set comprises almost all the A and B sides of his 32 releases during the first eight years of his recording career, from his debut with The Sandmen on the Okeh label in 1955, and encompassing his singles for the Epic, Vik, RCA and Mercury labels through to 1962. It features no less than thirty pop and R&B chart entries, including the R&B No. 1s Its Just A Matter of Time, Thank You Pretty Baby, So Many Ways and Kiddio, plus other classic Top 10 hits like Endlessly, Think Twice, The Boll Weevil Song and Hotel Happiness. Its a comprehensive overview of the first years of his distinguished career which provides an entertaining showcase for the talent of a highly distinctive vocal stylist who transcended the genres with such natural ease.