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From the Vault...
08/16/2020
#1738 |
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info
Phil Phillips
"Sea Of Love"
© Bayou Records
Year of Release: n/a
Rating:
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track listing
Sea Of Love
Juella
Stormy Weather
Take This Heart
Verdie Mae
Don't Leave Me
Providing
What Will I Tell My Heart
Your True Love
Once More
Stormy Weather
(Version 2)
Don't Cry Baby
Nobody Knows And
Nobody Cares
Come Back My Darling
I Love To Love You
No One Else But You
Sweet Affection
Betray
Don't Leave Me
(Version 2)
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WSVNRadio Archives
Phil Phillips related sites:
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Phil Phillips
"Sea Of Love"
For many, the song "Sea Of Love" would be remembered by the supergroup The Honeydrippers (Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, Jeff Beck; 1984). But for some (or for
those many), the song was originally recorded by Phil Phillips. And for Phil, many considered his hit a one-hit wonder. But in liking the "Sea Of Love"
tune, it would be interesting to hear his other songs (and other hits?).
His real name was Phillip Baptiste, from Crowley Louisiana - born on March 14, 1926. He was encouraged to pursue a singing career after a school performance.
The song he sang, was "Sweet Slumber." He and his brothers formed a gospel group called the Gateway Quartet. "Sea Of Love" was recorded in 1959,
as Phillips was working as a bellhop. The song was produced by Eddie Shuler, for neighbor George Khoury's Khoury Records. After three months of arranging the
song and background vocals. Baptiste changed his name to Phil Phillips and dubbed the background vocals as the Twilights. Disc jockey from Baton ROuge placed
"Sea Of Love" in heavy rotation. The song sold very well, and was leased to Mercury Records. "Sea Of Love" reached #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart,
and #1 on its R&B chart. The song sold one million copies in 1959, yet Phillips was paid only $6,800, and no royalties afterwards. He never recorded an album,
due to unfavorable terms. In later years, "Sea Of Love" would be covered by Del Shannon, The Honeydrippers, Tom Waits. The original version would appear in
the movie of the same name in 1989, starring Al Pacino. Philips would later record in the 1960s, and became a radio DJ. He was married, and have seven children.
Phil Phillips passed away in March 2020, age 94.
The Bayou label released 18 songs by Phillips, Sea Of Love (the original hit record). Unfortunately, there were no credits information for the songs, and
no information reagarding him, his life and career. In researching the 18 songs, most of them were recorded during the years 1959 to 1961. The style of all the songs
on this very well compilation are doo-wop. Each song defines the style of beginning of Rock & Roll: Doo-wop/R&B. What is interesting to mention, that in hearing
these songs, it is often wondered why Phil Phillips' music contained on this compilation wasn't heard enough. "Sea Of Love" was a huge hit, and other songs
from this compilation could have easily been popular.
The Sea Of Love compilation is a great look at what many considered him as a one-hit wonder. These songs may not have been hits, or recognized as others.
These songs define an artist who was overlooked. Discover the music of Phil Phillips. "Sea Of Love" was a great huge hit, and there could have been many
others, at lease 17 more.
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