Thursday Throwback is a weekly colour scheme inspired by an iconic album cover of yesteryear. This week’s throwback is the 1967 album “Tell Mama” by Etta James. The colours are as follows:
| Colours | HEX | RGB | HSB | CMYK | LAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour 1 | #131210 | 19, 18, 16 | 40, 16, 7 | 0, 5, 15, 92 | 5, 0, 1 |
| Colour 2 | #F2F2EB | 242, 242, 235 | 60, 3, 95 | 0, 0, 2, 5 | 95, -1, 3 |
| Colour 3 | #F2CF63 | 242, 207, 99 | 45, 59, 95 | 0, 14, 59, 5 | 84, 0, 57 |
| Colour 4 | #733729 | 115, 55, 41 | 11, 64, 45 | 0, 52, 64, 54 | 30, 25, 20 |
| Colour 5 | #C6644F | 198, 100, 79 | 11, 60, 78 | 0, 49, 60, 22 | 53, 37, 29 |
“Tell Mama,” is the 7th studio album by the American jazz/soul/R&B singer Etta James. The album was released in February 1968 through Cadet Records.
“Tell Mama,” stands as a landmark album in Etta James’ discography and holds significant importance in the history of soul music. The album highlights James’ formidable vocal prowess and one of the first examples of the renowned Muscle Shoals sound, marking a crucial point both in her career and the development of American R&B.
The recording took place at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with chief producer Rick Hall at the production helm. The sessions occurred between August and December 1967 during a time when FAME Studios was emerging as a central hub for soul music production. The title track “Tell Mama” is a musical response to Clarence Carter’s 1966 hit “Tell Daddy.” This exchange between artists illustrates the interconnected nature of the soul music scene during that era. Additionally, the album includes the poignant ballad “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which has become one of James’ most enduring songs. Integral to crafting this album’s distinctive sound was The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, affectionately known as “The Swampers.” Talented musicians such as David Hood on bass and Roger Hawkins on drums played pivotal roles in shaping the unique Muscle Shoals sound that defines this work.
Upon its release, “Tell Mama” garnered positive acclaim from both critics and audiences. Although specific chart positions are not detailed in the available information, the album’s title track emerged as a hit, reinforcing Etta James’ reputation as a leading soul artist. The album’s success was instrumental in establishing FAME Studios and Rick Hall as significant figures in the soul music industry. “Tell Mama” is now hailed as a classic within the soul genre. Its impact has endured beyond its initial release, with many regarding it as one of the greatest and most influential R&B albums ever produced. The title track and “I’d Rather Go Blind” have become enduring soul standards, frequently covered by various artists over time.
Rick Hall’s production at FAME Studios was pivotal in shaping the “Muscle Shoals sound,” which would go on to influence numerous artists in subsequent years. The collaboration between Etta James, an exceptional African American vocalist, and the predominantly white studio musicians at FAME Studios highlighted music’s ability to unite people during a period of racial tension in the American South. In hindsight, “Tell Mama” stands as a testament to Etta James’ remarkable vocal prowess and Rick Hall’s innovative production techniques at FAME Studios. It remains an essential piece of soul music history that continues to inspire and influence artists across genres decades after its original release.
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