Lou Rawls St James Infirmary

[yooperlooper]

Lou was the first one to spark my interest in jazzy blues. I used to listen to this album over and over and over when I was a wee tot

[TheJazzPoetAmy]

This whole album changed my life. His version of "The Shadow of Your Smile" is about the sexiest thing I've ever heard. You can also hear Lou singing backup on Sam Cooke's hits. Once you listen for his voice, it's unmistakable.

[jewelsn1963]

My First Love introduced me to wonderful artists such as Lou. I got to see him live about 15 years ago!!!! I LOVE THIS SONG

[mrsmjackson1]

So sweet,  still. ugh

[susisilv]

This cd is one os is best recordings! He's so smooth!!!!!

[milipore]

YOU KNOW WHAT I just love love all tunes of Lou Rawls, he is just the best baddest man with a voice to die for.... Wicked tune.!!!

[judasishmael]

girls, girls, youre both pretty. "Standing pat" is not a misquote of "standing fat," but it does mean having money in your pocket according to some definitions, but, when "standpat" as one word means "Opposed or resistant to change."

[judasishmael]

My boyfriend does it better.

[BustG]

@judasishmael cant do it over and say its better, sorry!

[judasishmael]

@BustG I will accept your rightness only in that, yes, no one can do it better than the original,BUT, my boyfriend is talirussomano (the bloke that posted this song) and he's very hot (in the sexy way, not the angry way)and when he sings it, I can't imagine a better devotee (he once, within a quarter mile of the man himself, plotted to kidnap Mr. Rawls just to hear him sing) singing this song. He does it with at least the same love and passion that Mr. Rawls had. Better or not, he's best to me.

[tljones9]

Hey talirussomano.....do you have Tobacco Road from the same album? I would love to have that.

[emmettk]

Add me to the list of kids who wore the "Lou Rawls Live" album out back in the day. It was one of the great live albums back then because the guy was the epitome of cool. His monologues just drew you in, and his phrasing and style as a singer was truly original.

[edwardg2003]

@emmettk Oh yeah man. Street Corner Hustler remains one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. :)

[edwardg2003]

I listened to Lou Rawls "Live" so many times as a kid growing up in my home...I know the lyrics of the ENTIRE album from memory. I loved it then and I love it now.

I'm 55 years old. Grew up in South Central Los Angeles near Manchester and Broadway.

[Bennyslot]

I used to listen to this album (original vinly) throughout college, but in the summer '05 I had a "psychedelic experience" while listening to this album and let me tell you, it is an experienece I am proud of, and will never forget!

[KRM2231964]

InsaneBug, you lucky bastard......I will for that album.

[InsaneBugs]

I recently got this album in a box of records at a yard sale....it is AMAZING!

[violetwrites]

I have this album in storage

inspires me

[dhiemart32]

Excelent !

[Raggamuffinlaffs]

I got HIGH on the album when I was 12 and didn't have any drugs.

[357ism]

@Raggamuffinlaffs I played this album just about more than any other record when I was 14. It was 1969, a very good year.

[Cyberella1000]

George never made a mistake on thissort of thing and it was his generation.

They said "Standing Patt".

[opu]

@Cyberella1000 Also it's a gambling expression, if you're playing blackjack especially - the dealer asks you if you want to take another card, you can say "I stand pat."

[Cyberella1000]

Actually, it's "Standing Patt" which I learned long ago from my 90 year old relative.

He used the verbage as did his peers way back when. He explained it to me in full.

[Cyberella1000]

It's "Standing Patt" by the way. A very old saying.

[tmmmviii]

Thanks for posting this classic. Been waiting to hear it for years. The beginning and very end are just amazing.

[StripedSockFantasies]

Sexiest voice ever. EVER. Seriously, this song just reduces me to a pile of goo.

[Cyberella1000]

"Standing Patt" is a very old saying that means he died a winner, with money his pocket.

[2009justincredible]

@Cyberella1000 Actually the lyric is "Standing Fat" but your meaning is pretty much  right. The thinking was that if a man was fat, he ate a lot, which meant he had money. So, the meaning is carried over by having a $20 gold piece attached to his watch chain.

[AtterseeSommer]

Herb Ellis on guitar.

[Cyberella1000]

For George who taught me what "Standing Patt" means.

God I miss you.

[AtterseeSommer]

@Cyberella1000 What does "Standing Pat" mean?

[TetrapakProdzekt]

this song is forever

[HakanEhn]

one of the best versions!!!

[Cyberella1000]

This one's for you George.

By the way, I miss you terribly.

[31street]

I REMEMBER LISTENING TO THIS SONG AS A CHILD ON MY GRANDMOTHER'S huuuuuge!! A TRACK PLAYER. This is and tobacco road are my favorites. im 27 now and still love it!!!

[UCLAbigguy]

Don't you mean 8 track player?

[31street]

lol oops

[MusicalLyrica]

@31street By any chance, is your 31st Street in Oakland?

[Freedomx22]

@31street

You are blessed for understanding and loving this music.

[crocetti1984]

@31street A-Track or 8-Track? OMG, I LOVE TOBACCO ROAD!

[vereenig]

the BEST. Thanks for posting it!!!!!!

[Wootenius]

Thanks for posting.... probably my favorite Lou Rawls set! From the late sixties

Herb Ellis on guitar, can't remeber the rest of the band, great pianist.

[beeshor1]

I don't think this was recorded in Chicago. I may be wrong, but if I recollect correctly, this wasn't recorded in Chi-Town.

[slickwillie48]

Powerful.....one of the best versions of this song.

[maestrodrst]

That's a great version.

[TJ054]

Never heard this before. I am not that familiar with Lou Rawls. I'm sorry I waited so long to look him up on YouTube. I too like the "more soulful" sound.

Thanks for posting!!

[GeneralTrousers]

Lou would have certainly sung at Obama's inauguration!

@

[rievans57]

This cat could swing with the best of 'em.

[rmarlowez]

This was a hit back in the day and catapulted Lou to prominence. As far as I'm concerned his best work.

aka BoomerBabe

[tenkgent]

one of my favorites. treasured this song among all on the LIVE! album. grew up listening to Mom and Dad playing this.

[DeLeeJay12]

This is my favorite from brother Lou. My father use to play this album when I was about 5 or 6. This is before he hooked up with Gamble and Huff.

[MzGriot]

This is probably my favorite Lou Rawls album. Full of jams. I soooo much preferred his earlier stuff which was more soulful and less crossover. thanks.