finetune artist: James & Bobby Purify

Formed in 1965, this high-powered soul duo comprised James Purify (b. 12 May 1944, Pensacola, Florida, USA) and Robert Lee Dickey (b. 2 September 1939, Tallahassee, Florida, USA). Unfairly tarnished as a surrogate Sam And Dave, the duo's less frenetic style was nonetheless captivating. During the early 60s Dickey worked as a singer/guitarist in the Dothan Sextet, a group fronted by Mighty Sam McClain. When Florida disc jockey "Papa" Don Schroeder offered Sam a solo career, Dickey introduced his cousin, James Purify, as a replacement. Their onstage duets became so popular that Schroeder added them to his fast-growing roster. Their first single, "I'm Your Puppet", was recorded at Fame in Muscle Shoals and released on Bell. Written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, this simple, poignant ballad became the duo's only US Top 10 hit in September 1966. Rather than follow their own path, the cousins were tempted towards cover versions including "Shake A Tail Feather" and "I Take What I Want". In spite of the undoubted quality of these releases, many critics dubbed them "contrived". In 1967 "Let Love Come Between Us" became their last US Top 30 hit, although several strong records followed. When Dickey retired in 1970 James found another "Bobby" in Ben Moore and it was this new combination that secured a 1976 British hit with a remake of "I'm Your Puppet". Unable to sustain this rejuvenation, the duo parted, although Moore resurfaced in 1979 with a solo album, Purified. The pick of the original duo's Bell recordings can be found on 100% Purified Soul.

Listen to James & Bobby Purify at Finetune.

I'm Your Puppet
Let Love Come Between Us

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