Lou Johnson, singer of Bacharach-David tunes, passed away

Lou Johnson who had the US hit in 1964, "Always Something There to Remind Me", was in poor health
the past few years. RIP

 

"The Last One To Be Loved" by Burt and Hal was a great track by Lou.

 

I've not seen this reported anywhere - sad news. He did not achieve the success he deserved with the Bacharach & David songs he recorded first that later became better known by other singers


There is an Ace Records compilation -
Incomparable Soul Vocalist

R.I.P. Lou

 

A great singer. Most people aren't aware of the fact that he recorded this before The Searchers:

 

I'm on a Southern Soul music Yahoo message board. One of the members heard from his wife that
he passed. His daughter posted on the video clip that I posted that he was in failing health. Her post was
from two years ago. Maybe some news service will pick up on this and memorialize him with a proper obituary.

 

Ace Records from UK posted on Facebook. They have reissued Lou's 60s recordings and maintain contact with
his family.

Ace Records

 

The song I am most familiar with is his cover version of "Message to Martha
(Kentucky Bluebird)":

"Message to Martha (Kentucky Bluebird)" - Lou Johnson 1964

What I didn't know is that Jerry Butler first recorded the song two
years earlier. Then, in 1966, the song was re-lyriced and made into a
Top Ten hit by Dionne Warwick, which was titled "Message To Michael".

 

Great song, great production, great singer.

 

I didn't know much about him and didn't realise he was alive.

But I got a 7" years ago with 4 tracks, 'Unsatisfied' and 'Magic Potion' amongst them. Great versions and great voice! RIP!

 

Lou really had a way with so many Bacharach-David songs. He never got his due but he left us with some wonderful records.

 

RIP

 

RIP Lou. You were a dear friend to Freddie & I.

 

what a bummer.