By Staff
Special to The Star
July 10, 2002
The legendary singer William Bell presents his latest discovery on his Wilbe Records label, rhythm and blues singer Jeff Floyd who will perform in concert with Bell at Nate's Place in Meridian on Friday.
Floyd, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., realized his love for music and singing at an early age when he performed at church. He plays the bass guitar, drums, saxophone, keyboards and trumpet.
During his career, Floyd has performed with Teddy Pendergrass, Clarence Carter and Brian McKnight.
Floyd's latest compact disc release is "Powerhouse."
Bell, a native of Memphis, was dominant in the city's rise to prominence in music during the 1960s. He was one of the pioneers of the Stax-Volt empire. His first release came in 1961 the self-penned hit record "You Don't Miss Your Water."
Other Classics are "Any Other Way," "Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday," and "Never Like This Before."
Bell has contributed hits to such artists as Eric Clapton, Billy Idol, Lou Rawls, Rod Stewart and Otis Redding.
Wilbe Records, Bell's own label, released "Passion" in 1987. The disc produced three chart singles in the United States and was a major hit in England. "I Don't Want To Wake Up Feeling Guilty" a duet with Janice Bulluck stayed on the American charts for close to nine month.
In 1994, Bell released his "Greatest Hits Vol. 1 &2."
Every year Bell finds time to tour Europe; he remains faithful to fans in England, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Germany. In 1995 he was one of the stars at the Montreaux Jazz Festival.
In 1996, he performed at the Atlanta Olympic Games for three nights. On May 17, 1996, Georgia Gov. Zell Miller honored Bell by appointing him to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Authority Board.
On Feb. 27, 1997, the Rhythm &Blues Foundation honored Bell with its prestigious Pioneer Award. In October 1997 Bell was inducted in to the "Georgia Music Hall Of Fame."
In 1999, Bell released a CD with all new original self-penned songs. The CD is titled "A Portrait Is Forever."