Funky Monday

Bill Coday is one of those old soul troopers who has been performing for decades in clubs and juke joints. He was born in Arkansas but first made a name for himself singing in Chicago clubs in the 60s under the name Chicago Willie (smirk). He was spotted singing at the famous Black Orchid Club by "Queen of The Blues" Denise Lasalle who signed him up to her Crajon record label. His third Crajon single "Get Your Lie Straight" (available on an excellent compilation album of the same name) is probably his best-known recording, that made the R&B Top 20 in 1971 and is a favourite on the Northern and rare funk scenes.

His 1973 single "I'm Back To Collect" is terrific slice of gritty Southern funk with a fat, rump-shaking beat and a sweaty, pleading vocal. This was arranged by someone called Bow Legs Miller which makes it even more brilliant, you have to wonder how a guy gets a nickname like that. This was only a regional hit and Coday cut one more single ("I Don't Want to Play This Game" in 1975) and didn't record again until 1995 when he signed with Ecko Records and released the album "Sneakin' Back." He's still recording for Ecko and has made several albums of modern blues and soul for them which I must admit I haven't heard but with song titles like "Her Love Is Good Enough To Put In Collard Greens" and "If I Can't Cut The Mustard (I Can Still Lick Around The Jar)" they could be good for a laugh if nothing else.

[Download]
I'm Back To Collect - Bill Coday