(October 22, 2018) One of Southern Soul’s greatest treasure, Jackie Neal, the sister of popular blues musician, Kenny Neal, was tragically taken too soon from the music world in 2005. Neal's biggest hit in a short but fruitful career came in 2000 with "Right Thang, Wrong Man," a tale of a way too familiar scenario of living in a wrong romantic situation, before finally exercising the courage to walk right out that door.
In homage to the Queen of Southern Soul, our latest First Listen focus introduces vocalist Stephanie Luckett, who lovingly revisits "Right Thing. Wrong Man" (PK Records) in a retro arrangement that captures the Southern Soul spirit - echoing a raw, organ driven R&B soundtrack with a gospel aftertaste. Luckett’s alto sharply cuts like a knife with a powerful voice taking hold of the excruciating pain of a long term investment gone south: “For the last ten years of my life/I’ve been trying to be a good woman to a man with a wife," followed by the triumph of overcoming her situation.
Though Luckett is relatively new to the industry, she has sung backing vocals for major soul stars including Faith Evans and Calvin Richardson. But with this touching rendition of “Right Thing, Wrong Man,” we at SoulTracks believe there is a promising future for Luckett at the front of the stage.
By Peggy Oliver
