Jessie Wagner, Back-Up Singer in Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, Steps Out Front
Singer Jessie Wagner remembers the moment she first saw the late actor Patrick Swayze in the 1987 Dirty Dancing film. “Ever since I saw him gently sway Jennifer Grey in his beautifully sculpted arms to Soloman Burke’s ‘Cry To Me,’ I was immediately obsessed with this sensual song. It continues to be one of my favorites, and I am ecstatic to release my take on this sexy classic.”
Burke [1940-2012] was one of the true kings of soul. In fact, he often wore a crown and sat on a throne onstage. Released in 1962, written by Bert Berns, it set a new standard for Southern Soul Balladry with its palpable sense of longing and desire. (We’d love to hear Bettye LaVette cover it.) It reached #5 on the Billboard R’n’B chart, and was covered in ’65 by the Rolling Stones. Wagner’s version is upbeat with a decidedly doo-wop flavor. It will be on the follow-up album to her 2020 Shoes Droppin’ debut on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, but is not expected until next year.
Besides her Disciples of Soul gig, Wagner has vocally backed-up Lenny Kravitz, Chic and Duran Duran. She also fronts her own band, Army of the Underdog. She’s been compared to Etta James, Aretha, and Roberta Flack.
LISTEN: Cry To Me - Jessie Wagner | LINK: Jessie Wagner | Official Site