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Artist
Sidney Joe Qualls was a southern-born soul singer who was heavily influenced by Al Green. Although his sound did capitalise on the success of the Reverend, he did have a quality that was all of his own. He released a couple of LP’s that are heavily sought after gems, one released at the back end of the 70s on 20th Century featuring ‘I don’t do this’. This is his debut on Dakar Records which bathes unashamedly in all that is so rich about the early 70s sound. A classic. Research indicates that Mr Sidney Joe Qualls (often spelt Sydney) was raised in the small town of Jacknash in Arkansas where he turned professional after leaving high school with a voice enriched by the joys of testifying to the Lord. In itself, this would appear to be a relatively traditional education for most soul greats. But it is the small town of Jacknash that is so curious. For this has been cited as the birthplace of the Reverend Al Green, although most biographies reference Forrest City. I have been unable to confirm if Jacknash is a small satellite town of Forrest City, but if Misters Qualls and Green did grow up within throwing distance of one another, that would be quite significant. For Sidney’s primary influence is undeniably the great Al Green. Indeed, after his meeting with Otis Leavil prior to moving to Chicago and signing for Dakar Records, Otis believed he had welcomed the ‘new Al Green’ to the fold. Originally set up by Carl Davis while still under contract to Brunswick Records, Dakar was