Loleatta Holloway (born in Chicago, 1946) was an American R&B-Disco singer known for her massive hit songs such as Hit and Run, Love Sensation and Relight My Fire, all of which have been sampled extensively worldwide. Billboard magazine ranked her as the 95th most successful dance artist of all-time. Holloway first began her career singing gospel music, then in the early 70s, she met her future producer, manager (and husband) Floyd Smith which kick-started her impressive recording career. Shortly after Holloway signed with the Atlanta-based soul music label ‘Aware’ where she recorded two albums: Loleatta (1973) and Cry to Me (1975). Later, in the mid 70s she signed with top Philadelphia arranger and producer Norman Harris’ Gold Mind / Salsoul Records, where she recorded many more top charting hit singles and launched her career as a disco act. From then on (and until this day) Holloway’s songs (which became DJ favorites) were heavily remixed and sampled on a multitude of tracks from renowned acts such as Black Box, Whitney Houston, Bobby Byrd, Raekwon, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Ice Cube...and MANY others. Her debut album (Loleatta from 1973), which Tidal Waves Music are presenting you here today, is a total classic ... it is here that Holloway developed her throaty, full-bodied vocal style and dramatic presentation we all came to enjoy and admire. The album features the hit singles Mother of Shame and Our Love. Also included is a beautiful rendition of the Syl Johnson track We Did it. Fast and slow-paced grooves, blazing horns accompanying the driving rhythm section, female backing vocalists soaring in unison, chiming guitars ... and of course Loleatta’s explosively powerful and joyful vocals make this a fantastic (and dance-floor friendly) album. Holloway really brings the tracks and arrangements (penned by a number of hugely talented songwriters) to life using a combination of emotion, passion and power.
