OLDIES SUNDAY: The Soulettes – King Street (1966)

The Month of March is recognized as “Women’s History Month”. On “Oldies Sunday”, we highlight a number of Women who have made an impact, and significant contributions to music. For today’s selection, we look back at The Soulettes and their track, “King Street“.

Produced by “Sir Coxsone” Dodd and released through Studio One in 1966, The Soulettes were here to tell you where you need to be, and that’s on “King Street”. The group, consisting of Rita Marley, Marlene Gifford and Rita’s cousin (and the only Male in the group) Singer/Musician Constantine “Vision” Walker, invite you to a place where you’re gonna have a ball dancing the night away, making memories, and being in the center of one of the busiest streets in town. No reservation needed, just come with good vibes, and nighttime relaxation. “King Street” sounded like a Commercial, but it found popularity soon after its release. “King Street” would later be featured on the “Studio One Women” compilation project in 2005.

Since the release of “King Street”, The Soulettes would have a moderately successful career, but continued to work with “Sir Coxsone” Dodd, and a number of legends including Lee “Scratch” Perry, Tony Gregory, Lloyd Wilks, and a young Bob Marley along with The Wailers. The group would disband in 1966, but reformed in 1969 until disbanding for the final time in the 1970s. Rita Marley would go on to have a successful career as a member of the I Threes, and as a solo Artist, Constantine Walker would enjoy success over the years as the original member of the The Wailers, Jah Malla, I Performers, and The Rastafarians, and Marlene Gifford would leave The Soulettes in 1969, and provide background vocals for a number of Artists over the years. The Soulettes continue to live on through the music, and listeners still take themselves to “King Street”.