Phil Phillips !



Philip Baptiste performed with his brothers in a gospel group called the Gateway Quartet and worked as a bellhop before he recorded "Sea of Love" in 1959. Baptiste changed his name to Phil Phillips, and dubbed his backing vocalists The Twilights. After a Baton Rouge disc jockey played the song repeatedly, the recording sold heavily and was leased to Mercury Records. "Sea of Love" went to #2 and spent 14 weeks in the top 40, as well as reaching #1 on the R&B chart. Yes folks, it sold over two million copies in 1959 ! (Nonetheless, Phillips and received no further royalties for the song or its recording…)
Phillips did not release an album to capitalize on his success, due to the unfavorable terms of his deal. "Because I decided to fight for what was rightfully and legally mine, a full album that I recorded was never released. I’m not being paid, nor have I ever been paid, as an artist for 'Sea of Love'. I never received justice and to this day have not received justice."
So hell yes, it’s hard to believe, but Bear Family's 2008 "Sea of Love" is the first CD compilation of Phil Phillips recordings — a bloody disservice to a singer responsible for one of the great slow dance singles of the rock &roll era !!!
Anyway, Phillips' voice is always winning !
And in October 2007, Phillips was honored for his contributions to Louisiana music with induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
We Love you Phil !

Phil Phillips :
* Sea Of Love *
* Verdie Mae *
* Juella *
* Weeping Willow *

Comments

stogie2u said…
I have a copy of a Phil Phillips recording where he's preaching about "The Evil Dope". It's off a 45 on Lanor Records 559. I don't have a date on this record. I thought you might find it interesting.
peterrocker said…
One track on the Bear Family CD that struck me as quite good was Phil's version of the standard Stormy Weather. Really shows what a waste of great talent due to the greed of a certain record company who would not pay him.
Reverend Frost said…
Elmer - I WANT to hear it !!!
Peter - damn right, I couldn't post every track, but yeah, even the alternate track is brilliant !
Cheers !
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