Roy Head And The Traits

about

Texas soul man Roy Head epitomizes Gulf Coast cool like no one else. Originally discovered by San Antonio’s T ‘N’ T (short for Tanner ‘N’ Texas) Records wailin’ out an R&B-laced style of rockabilly with his sizzling band the Traits, Head cut the great “One More Time” in ’59 and followed it up with “Live It Up” and “My Baby’s Fine.” After a brief sojourn to Renner Records and a heap of stage work that boiled his style down to leanest of the lean and the rawest of the raw, he busted out with a potent double-sider that supercharged Big Joe Turner’s “Teenage Letter” and backed it with the soul-searing ballad “Pain.” Then, in 1965 he crashed the gates, take-no-prisoners style with “Treat Her Right,” which rose to number two on the Billboard Pop charts. If you’re wondering why they never play this song on Oldies radio stations, just dig its wrecking-crew power! Roy continued in this vein, cracking the top 100 with “Just A Little Bit” and “Get Back Part 1,” and laying down other material that was just too wild for any chart, including the fabulous “You’re (Almost) Tough.” In 1970 he cut his swan song LP for Dunhill, The Same People You Meet Going Up You Meet Coming Down. Produced by Huey P. Meaux, one of the world’s great mysteries is just why this album—replete with great “break beats”—isn’t coveted by the funk/ hip-hop DJ crowd. But don’t ponder, purchase!! It still sells for under ten bucks and is a true cornerstone in any Gulf Coast music collection. For one thing, the backing

top songs

albums

The Best Of Roy Head

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Live It Up!

Treat Her Right

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rock 'n roll classics

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Out Of Sight: More Sounds From The In Crowd

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The Ultimate Early Rock & Roll Album

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Treat Her Right: The Best of Roy Head

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Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1965

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Slip Away

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45 - Devils Music Blog

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Roy Head And The Traits

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Funky16Corners Blog

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