search for something...

search for something you might like...

Oh Man, Not Timmy Thomas Too Tim London remembers the iconic and less well known but amazingly great songs of Timmy Thomas

Oh Man, Not Timmy Thomas Too

Tim London remembers the iconic and less well known but amazingly great songs of Timmy Thomas

by Tim London,
first published: March, 2022

approximate reading time: minutes

So much wonderful music was made on smaller, indie labels in the USA over these decades that remains obscure to anyone apart from big time soul heads...

Every time a soul singer famous in the 1960s/70s dies I discover wonderful music. So much wonderful music was made on smaller, indie labels in the USA over these decades that remains obscure to anyone apart from big time soul heads. It takes his death to discover Timmy Thomas performing Love Me as part of Philip and the Faithfuls, for instance, or It’s My Life (1967), both released on Memphis based label, Goldwax. It’s My Life is a searing slice of soul, a song about personal freedom that indicates the sadness that comes with constantly moving on.

Timmy Thomas, who has died aged 77, was famous for the compulsive plea Why Can’t We Live Together, a 2 million selling hit in 1972 with a basic message of peace and, considering the context of America’s continuing war in Vietnam, an anti-war song. Built on a drum machine rhythm from a Lowry organ modified by electronics whiz Henry Kones , who also specialised in pacemakers and, apparently, ironically, nuclear missile parts, and clocking in at nine and a half minutes in all its glory, Why Can’t We Live Together connects in its simplicity.

If this was the hit that defined Timmy Thomas he obviously had a lot more going on. But, sometimes, when a song is so huge and iconic it can be hard for an artist to get beyond it at all. Every follow up is judged against a unique moment. That said, I’m sure Thomas was grateful as a revolving set of generations rediscovered his classic and his name remained familiar for decades, most recently revised when Drake decided to use a break from Why… for his stupidly lovely (and best track) Hotline Bling, which, in the mind-spinning tumult of modern pop releases was, in turn, eclipsed by Erykah Badu’s version.

The song, taking on a life of its own, took Thomas to South Africa in 1994 to play it live at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and has inspired rumination and thoughts from music lovers and social observers. But, delve a little and you find an artist, a voice, a songwriter who deserves wider attention.

This is an excellent article worth reading as a follow up from NPR →

Here is my favourite version of Why Can’t We Live Together, performed live with Timmy’s sparse set up proving that drum machines can be soulful all by themselves.

Tim London

Tim London is a musician, music producer and writer. Originally from a New Town in Essex he is at home amidst concrete and grand plans for the working class. Tim's latest thriller, Smith, is available now. Find out more at timothylondon.com


about Tim London »»

Pete Williams web banner

RECENT STORIES

RANDOM READS

All About and Contributors

HELP OUTSIDELEFT

Outsideleft exists on a precarious no budget budget. We are interested in hearing from deep and deeper pocket types willing to underwrite our cultural vulture activity. We're not so interested in plastering your product all over our stories, but something more subtle and dignified for all parties concerned. Contact us and let's talk. [HELP OUTSIDELEFT]

WRITE FOR OUTSIDELEFT

If Outsideleft had arms they would always be wide open and welcoming to new writers and new ideas. If you've got something to say, something a small dank corner of the world needs to know about, a poem to publish, a book review, a short story, if you love music or the arts or anything else, write something about it and send it along. Of course we don't have anything as conformist as a budget here. But we'd love to see what you can do. Write for Outsideleft, do. [SUBMISSIONS FORM HERE]

WRITERS thru' the Years

Agata Makiela, Alan Devey, Alan Rider, Alex V. Cook, Ancient Champion, Andy Allison, Annemiek, Becca Kelly, Belle Plankton, Bruce Bailey, Caiomhin Millar, Cassie Thomas, Chantal, Cheiron Coelho, Chris Connolly, Christian Present, Damon Hayhurst, Dan Breen, Danny Rose, David Hackney, David O'Byrne, Denni Boyd, Dirty Lillie, DJ Fuzzyfelt, Dr. Rich, Dr. Richard Bennett, Duncan Jones, Erin, Erin Pipes, Erin Scott, Gracey Babs, Graham Baker, Guilaine Arts, H.xx, Hamilton High, Henderson Downing, Holly Martins, J. Charreaux, J.Lee, Jay Lewis, Jaycentee, Jennifer Lynn, Jenny McCann, Jeremy Gluck, Jez Collins, Joe Ambrose, John Robinson, Jonathan Thornton, Julie O, Karl Morgan, Katherine Pargeter, Kelsey Osgood, Kevin McHugh, Kiah Cranston, Kleo Kay, Lake, Lee Paul, Luke Skinner, Malcolm, Marek Pytel, Mark Piggott, Martin Devenney, Meave Haughey, Michelle Williams, Mike Fox, mindy strouse, Neil Campbell, Neil Scott, Ogglypoogly, OL House Writer, Pam, Paul Burns, Paul Hawkins, Paul Mortimer, Paul Quigley, Peter Williams, Pixie McMowat, Pixievic, Rene Williams, Richard John Walker, Rick Casson, Rikki Stein, Ronan Crinion, Rowena Murphy, Ruby Lake, Ryan 'RJO' Stewart, Samantha Charles, Seth Sherwood, Shane O'Reilly, Sheridan Coyle, Sofia Ribeiro Willcox, Sophia Satchell-Baeza, Spanish Pantalones, Speedie John, Spencer Kansa, Steve McCarthy, The Conversation, Tim London, Tim Sparks, Tony Fletcher, Toon Traveller, Trevi, Urs Lerch, Wayne Dean-Richards, and founders, Alarcon & Lamontpaul

OUTSIDELEFT UNIVERSE

Last NIght of the LTB Showrooms
OUTSIDELEFT Night Out
weekend

outsideleft content is not for everyone