Charles May and Annette May Thomas: More Faith Is What It Takes
From Songs Our Father Used to Sing (Gospel Truth, 1973)
It’s time to bring it back to some soul. I forget, from time to time, that this site is called Soul Sides and while I’m more than happy to bring out the jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, etc. sometimes, what you need in your life is just some goddamn good soul.
This is the story behind today’s post…one of my favorite 45s is this gospel-soul single called “Keep My Baby Warm” which I originally put up back during the Soul Hut collaboration of Oct. 04. I found this single randomly at a store in S.F. and I just loved how it perfectly fused soulful gospel with a surprisingly strong rhythm section – one of the best I had ever heard. Since then, I’ve been trying to find the album it appeared on (assuming there was one) and the other week, I finally got my hands on it.
Some background: Charles and Annette are two of the children of Brother Joe May, a prolific and renown gospel singer of the 1950s and ’60s. Upon their father’s passing in 1972, Charles and Annette – both of them gifted musicians and singers in their own right – got together and released this album as a tribute to him (most of the songs were composed by Charles though there is a long medley of Joe May songs on the album as well).
They hooked up with The Gospel Truth, a Stax subsidiary, to help produce the album that explains why the rhythm section is so impressive. Seriously, check this out: Wilton Felder on bass, David Walker on guitar, Bobbye Hall on Congas, Louie Shelton on rhythm guitar and on drums? None other than Mr. Cool Aid Chemist himself, Paul Humphrey.
“More Faith” isn’t quite as good as “Keep My Baby Warm” (if you missed it the first time, don’t fret, it’ll be coming back in one form or another, hint hint) but it’s still great, opening with a slick interplay between Humphrey and Charles May on piano. Annette lets loose with the vocals, backed by the Jackson Ensemble and possibly also the 21st Century (Charles’ secular band) and “the celebrity voices of…” Edna Wright, Rueben Franklin and Oma Drake. Put it all together and the song would make me want to get up early on Sunday for church. Testify!
(By the way, I have a new job so I’m a lil busy these days. I’m trying to keep up with my posting but until I get my bearings on all this new work down, your patience is appreciated).
I’m trying to contact one of the Mays – is it possible to share my email with one of them – I’m a Pastor in Chicago IL
I am trying to contact one of the Mays(Joe Mays children)
My Name is Edgar Allen..I used to sang with Bro Joe May and his children. How can I contact them? Or they can text or call me at 317-665-3996.. Or email at bishopelallen@gmail.com…Edgar Allen
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I am Rose (Clark) Morris the daughter of Fannie Mae Clark, first cousin of Brother Joe May. My mother spoke of him often.
He visited us in Peoria, Illinois and gave a rousing performance n the lawn of the Carver Community Center in front of 1,ooo’s. My grandmother is Ella Bardley, sister of Lovett Terrell (Ernie and Jean Terrel’s father)… My Great grandmother is Fannie Brewer from Prairie Point and Macon, Mississippi. My Great Great Grandparents are Dalas and Melinda Brewer ! I would love to get acquainted with family. I wrote a book entitled “Chronicle of The Seventh Son Black Panther Mark Clark” which details much of our ancestry. I currently live in Flint, Michigan and can be reached at 8106763455 or by email at morris3393@yahoo.com
I am the niece of Earl Grant. A few years back I flew to Los Angeles to help my uncle bury my paternal grandmother. I met Annette May and learned she is very close to my family. I just spoke with her a few weeks ago. I’m working some things with her. I will share the information from this post for those who have been trying to make contact, with her. Feel free to email me at oneofakindtk@gmail.com