Originally from Yazoo City, MS, Mike James Kirkland grew up singing doo wop and gospel. Eventually settling in California, Kirkland and his brother started a record label, Bryan Records, to release the love songs and socially conscious soul music that Kirkland had been writing. The two albums they released -- Hang on in There in 1972 and its follow-up, Doin' It Right -- both echoed the style and sentiments of other artists determined to comment on social issues relevant to the African-American community: soul heavies likeMarvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Stevie Wonder. The reputation of both albums slowly spread over the ensuing years, finally resulting in reissues in the '90s by archival label Luv N Haight. (allmusic.comhttp://www.allmusic.com/artist/mike-james-kirkland-p205489)I've already posted a song by this artist a while ago. And today while I was writing the last christmas cards, this song came up. I can't help but wonder why this artist has remained as underrated as he is.
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