Joe Simon was a powerhouse in the world of soul and R&B. Born on September 7, 1936, in Simmesport, Louisiana, he brought a unique blend of gospel roots, country soul, and smooth vocal delivery that earned him a place among music’s greats. His deep, expressive voice and emotional style won over fans in the late 1960s and 1970s.
He didn’t just chart hits—he defined an era of soul music that bridged secular and spiritual traditions.
| Joe Simon – Artist Profile | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joe Simon |
| Born | September 7, 1936 – Simmesport, Louisiana, USA |
| Died | December 13, 2021 (aged 85) |
| Genres | Soul, R&B, Gospel, Country Soul |
| Notable Hits | “The Chokin’ Kind”, “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, “Power of Love”, “Get Down, Get Down” |
| Labels | Vee-Jay, Sound Stage 7, Spring Records |
| Collaborators | Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Raeford Gerald |
| Awards | Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award (1999) |
| Later Career | Gospel singer, Evangelist preacher |
Early Life and Gospel Roots
Simon grew up in a devout family. His father was a Baptist minister, and young Joe began his musical journey singing in his church choir. This foundation in gospel music shaped his vocal approach and gave his performances an unmistakable emotional depth.
He joined the Golden West Gospel Singers as a teenager. That group later transitioned into secular music, inspired by the success of Sam Cooke, another gospel singer-turned-soul star. Eventually, Simon broke out on his own to launch a solo career.
First Breaks and Vee-Jay Records
Simon’s first big step came in 1964 when he signed with Vee-Jay Records. There, he released “My Adorable One,” a single that reached the Top 10 on the R&B chart.
Unfortunately, Vee-Jay folded soon after, cutting short what could have been a longer run with the label. Still, Simon made the most of this early exposure by touring extensively and building a grassroots following.
The Nashville Years and Sound Stage 7
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In 1966, Nashville DJ John Richbourg spotted Simon’s potential and helped him sign with Sound Stage 7, a subsidiary of Monument Records. Simon’s first release under the label, “Teenager’s Prayer,” climbed to #11 on the R&B chart. This marked the beginning of a fruitful period that solidified his place in the growing soul scene.
From 1967 to 1969, Simon continued to deliver hit after hit. Songs like “My Special Prayer,” “Nine Pound Steel,” and “(You Keep Me) Hangin’ On” brought him more recognition. In 1969, he scored his first #1 R&B single and a Top 20 pop hit with “The Chokin’ Kind.” That track, written by Harlan Howard, was a major breakthrough and one of Simon’s signature songs. It blended Southern soul with a touch of country—a style that came to define his work.
Collaborations with Gamble and Huff
In 1970, Simon moved to Spring Records, a subsidiary of Polydor. This move proved pivotal. He began working with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the famed songwriting and production duo known for shaping the “Philadelphia soul” sound.
Their collaborations yielded a series of hits:
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“Your Time to Cry”
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“Drowning in the Sea of Love” (#11 pop, #3 R&B)
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“Power of Love” (#11 pop, #1 R&B)
These tracks combined Simon’s deep voice with lush arrangements and relatable lyrics. His style remained grounded in gospel and country soul, but Gamble and Huff helped modernize his sound, bringing it to a broader audience.
Peak Years and Big-Screen Success
In 1973, Simon reached new heights with “Theme from Cleopatra Jones,” the theme song for the hit blaxploitation film. The single reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the R&B chart. By now, Simon was a reliable hitmaker with broad crossover appeal.
He also collaborated with songwriter and producer Raeford Gerald during this time. Together, they crafted more successful singles, including:
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“Step By Step” (#37 pop, #6 R&B)
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“Get Down, Get Down (Get on the Floor)” (#8 pop, Simon’s only Top 10 pop hit)
These songs embraced funk and disco influences, reflecting the musical shifts of the mid-1970s while maintaining Simon’s soulful delivery.
Later Career and Gospel Turn
After peaking with “Get Down, Get Down,” Simon’s mainstream success began to taper. He released several more singles, such as:
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“Music in My Bones”
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“I Need You, You Need Me”
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“Easy to Love”
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“Love Vibration”
While these didn’t match his earlier chart success, they still showcased his vocal talent and emotional sincerity.
In the early 1980s, Simon made a major life change. He stepped away from secular music and rededicated himself to the church. He became an evangelist preacher and shifted his musical focus to gospel. He recorded several gospel albums, continuing to sing, but now with a spiritual message.
Recognition and Legacy
Simon’s contributions to soul and R&B did not go unnoticed. In 1999, the Rhythm and Blues Foundation honored him with a Pioneer Award, recognizing his lasting influence on American music.
He passed away on December 13, 2021, at the age of 85. Though gone, his legacy lives on in the soul classics that continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Impact and Influence
Joe Simon’s voice blended gospel power, country warmth, and urban grit. He influenced not only singers in the soul genre but also artists in gospel, country, and hip-hop. His songs have been sampled by modern rappers, including OutKast, whose “So Fresh, So Clean” borrowed from Simon’s track “Before the Night Is Over.”
Simon’s ability to cross genres, appeal to different audiences, and stay true to his roots makes him a true musical legend.