Percy Sledge in South Africa in 1970

We have promised you music !

Tonight we have something special for you. Something to think about and a rare tune to listen to!

On our trips we found many records but this is not only a scarce one but also a historically important one. Percy Sledge in South Africa in 1970 !

We did not even know that Sledge has ever been in South-Africa during these politically challenging and turbulent times. But just read on - as the performance is described on the back of the LP cover by Richard Sasson !

This is a live recording and we have just kept it that it that way with no additional cleaning. 

The Luxurama in Cape Town darkened, there was a momentary hush, then the audience exploded in a deafening roar as Percy Sledge walked on the stage. Commencing with his chart buster " My Special Prayer " he went on to perform for 45 thrilling electrifying minutes. Everyone of the 1300 seats was filled, people were sitting in the aisles and the happy audience screamed and cried, shouted and stamped, clapped and cheered for the King of Soul was here in South-Africa at last!

" Don't leave Percy ", they cried , " Stay here in South Africa with us ."

And stay he did for it was Friday, May 29th 1970, that he opened at the Luxurama Theatre and played three weeks there. On June 22nd he opened at the Three Arts Theatre, Cape Town and played for four weeks. On July 20th he opened at the Empire Theatre in Johannesburg. 

This LP has captured many exciting moments of a show which proves beyond doubt, that Percy Sledge is the undisputed " King Of Soul". For those who have been fortunate enough - to have seen the show - this LP will always bring to mind an experience which will live with us for the rest of our lives. For those who missed the show, this LP is a must, for it re-lives a rare experience.

  

When researching this LP on the net we have found that there has been a good deal of controversy around it.

Thinking of South Africa in 1970 - we speak of pass laws, forced re-settlements, restricted living areas and Apartheid. The King Of Soul, who has risen from a blue collar worker in the United States to one of the most powerful Soul singers, has been able to play only for a predominantly white audience at the time.The  fortunate ones were unfortunately only a few.
But let's leave judgments to a higher power and play some music.

 
Percy Sledge Live In South Africa In 1970 At The Luxurama In Cape Town Cover Me by chocolatnegro