Stax Classics
Carla Thomas- B-A-B-Y
- Tramp (feat. Otis Redding)
- Something Good Is Going to Happen to You
- I Like What You're Doing (To Me)
- 'Cause I Love You (feat. Rufus)
- Let Me Be Good to You
- Comfort Me
- When Tomorrow Comes
- What Is Love?
- Pick Up the Pieces
- I've Got No Time to Lose
- I Play for Keeps
Rhino Entertainment has partnered with Concord Music Group to celebrate Stax Records’ 60th anniversary. This year-long salute to the iconic soul label will include curated collections of timeless hits from the legendary artists who helped the Memphis-based label earn its nickname, Soulsville U.S.A.
The celebration begins today with the launch of the STAX CLASSICS series. Each wallet-friendly collection will spotlight a single artist with 12 essential tracks and insightful new liner notes. The first four celebrate the influential careers of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave and Booker T. & The M.G.’s.
Thomas was Stax Records’ first star and the STAX CLASSICS: CARLA THOMAS collection highlights her soul-pop gems like “B-A-B-Y” and “I Like What Your Doing (To Me).” Also included are the hits “Cause I Love You” — one of many songs she recorded with her father Rufus Thomas — as well as “Tramp,” her scorching 1966 duet with Otis Redding.
Redding was an R&B supernova whose body of work helped transform Stax from a small record label into a musical institution. STAX CLASSICS: OTIS REDDING distills his incredible discography down bona fide soul classics like “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” “Try A Little Tenderness” and “Respect,” which was later immortalized by Aretha Franklin. Naturally, the collection also includes “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,” a posthumous release that topped both the R&B and pop charts.
The soul duo of Sam Moore and Dave Prater recorded a cavalcade of memorable R&B hits for the label beginning in 1965. STAX CLASSICS: SAM & DAVE touches on many of their greatest hits, including “Hold On! I’m A Comin’” and “You Don’t Know Like I Know.” The compilation also features the dynamic duo’s signature anthem, “Soul Man,” which reached #1 on the R&B chart and #2 on the pop chart in 1967.
Booker T. & The M.G.’s was the house band and the bedrock of Stax Records. Along with providing the musical backdrop for everyone on the label, the four-piece scored a series of hits with their unique soulful instrumentals. STAX CLASSICS: BOOKER T. & THE M.G.’S spotlights irresistible grooves like “Hip Hug-Her” and “Time Is Tight.” The collection also features the band’s unforgettable #1 smash, “Green Onions.”
During its 15-year run, Stax released more than 800 singles and nearly 300 LPs, winning eight GRAMMY® Awards, plus an Academy Award along the way. The label placed more than 167 hit songs in the Top 100 pop charts, and a staggering 243 hits in the Top 100 R&B charts.