Constellation 1965
Gene Chandler is best known for his 1962 hit record 'Duke Of Earl' (earning him the nickname "The Duke") though he wrote and performed on many more songs including 28 hits in the top 100.
Along with personal favourites, the fabulous Curtis Mayfield and Jerry Butler, Chandler was a major player on the 60's Chicago soul scene and collaborated with some of the top stars of the soul and R&B world.
By the time the 70's arrived Chandler was a manager and record producer, notably for A&M and owner of two record labels.
'Nothing Can Stop Me' (written by Curtis Mayfield) was also recorded by another favourite of mine Major Lance, but it's Chandler's more understated version that wins it for me.
'Nothing Can Stop Me' tells the tale of a man humiliated by his girl in front of her male friends.
"Nothing can stop me,
So bad, do I feel inside.
Get my hat, I'm checkin' out,
Cause you and your friends really hurt my pride.
So unexpected you shot me down,
With all the fella's standing around yeah.
"Please don't go", that's what they'll be saying.
"Please don't go", but I'm not playing,
Cause nothing can stop me!"
A real soul gem.