Unique74 Remembers DICK GRIFFEY + SOLAR RECORDS

In the mid 70’s, Soul,Rhythm & Blues brandished slicker sounds & plush rhythms, thanks to the legendary Philly Sound of Gamble, Huff & Bell and Washington DC’s own Van Mccoy.

However, during this period there was a powerhouse in LA that was to be reckoned with in fusing Funk, R&B, Pop & Soul. Using a faithful recipe of some LA sunshine that gave light to many dancefloors with legendary productions by Baker-Harris-Young, Gene Page, Leon Sylvers, The Calloway Brothers, LA & Babyface, just to name a few. Dick Griffey’s SOLAR Records was the premier label for the Los Angeles Sound and its lifestyle. SOLAR was the baby of the Chicago-bred SOUL TRAIN when the longest running syndicated television show & the hippest trip moved to LA. Griffey was Talent Coordinator for this iconic television show that showcased African American culture & the apex for dance-fashion culture.

As a genuine music lover & life long participant of Black Music &
Dance Culture, I felt it was beyond fitting to pay homage to a pivotal figure in music that gave the west coast a face to the sound and highlighted the most talented artists,musicians and writers that created a sound that still stands to this day.

In honor of the late great Dick Griffey & the entire SOLAR Records legacy, here’s a Top 25 of my favorite songs from the label (including SOUL TRAIN Records which was the original conception of SOLAR)

When Funk & Soul were in question during the 80’s..SOLAR was the ONLY label that stayed concistent with national hits which crossed ovet to the POP market yet remained true to its soulful roots.

The Hustle + Afro Years

Jheri Curl + Jordache Jeans + Post Dashiki Years

California Curl + Reganomics Years

Bonus:

Save The Children | Bobby Womack
Sunbear | Self Titled
Jesse Jackson | Our Time Has Come