Gorgeous George

The colourful Gorgeous George had a widespread reputation in the entertainment industry. One of the best stage dress designers, he has provided costumes for a wide variety of people from Muhammed Ali to any number of soul singers, and his long standing tailoring business in Atlanta was widely heralded. He has also earned a living as a dynamic and show-stealing MC whose dancing, sharp dressing and enthusiastic warm-up singing was always very popular with female fans.

Theodopholos George Odell first cut for Neptune in 1961 - the Shaw Brothers New Jersey concern not the more famous Gamble/Huff one. “Now I believe” has more in common with rock ‘n’ roll than soul really – but George’s voice shows some of that hoarse gospel tone that deep soul fans go for. This was even more pronounced on his Atlanta based Hale 45. “Teach Me” is another uptempo offering but it does feature one or two trademark screams which lift it well out of the ordinary.

Discography

Now I believe (in miracles) / Will you love me (when I’m old) ~ NEPTUNE 125 (1961)
Teach me / Cross every mountain ~ HALE 501 (1962)
Biggest fool in town / Sweet thing ~ STAX 165 (1965)
Get up off it / It's not a hurting thing ~ PEACHTREE 105 (1968?)
Strange book / Inst ~ HOMARK 0002 (1975)
Fon-Kin (inst.) / Love serenade (inst.) ~ HOMARK 0004 (1976)