Chan.

Chan Marshall aka. Cat Power has been a fail-safe of mine since I discovered her album with 'The Greatest' with The Memphis Rhythmn band in 2006. Since then I haven't looked back. 'You Are Free' saved me one long london summer when all I looked forward to was the commute home on the train with my headphones and "Good Woman" for company. 'The Greatest' is one of the few albums my whole family like and her covers, of which there are many, amount to some of my favourites songs ever sometimes even rivaling the originals, a statement I rarely make.

"He Was A Friend Of Mine"

"The Greatest"

"I Don't Blame You"

"I've Been Loving You Too Long"

"Good Woman"

These are probably some of my steady favourites but I don't think I could dislike anything she's done. I can safely say that I will never stop listening to her.

Sam.

To quote America's NPR, "Sam Cooke's yours. He'll never grow old". A gospel heavyweight with The Soul Stirrers, he was one of the first black artists to break through succesfully to the American Mainstream. "Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963" is one of the greatest live recordings ever made, 40 minutes of non-stop soul and "You Send Me" is one of my wedding songs.

"You Send Me"

"Bring It on Home To Me (Live)"

"Peace In The Valley" (With The Soul Stirrers)

"A Change Is Gonna Come"

"You're Always On My Mind"

"Portrait Of A Legend" is probably the best overall compilation of his hits.

Lauryn.

I wanted to start this blog with some of my all time favourites. Artists that I will always have time for. Lauryn Hill reminds me of my house in London when my Mum used to play it as loud as neighbourly possible. Now it reminds me of my house in Leeds, where at least one of us is always playing something by her. She moves me to tears like noone else.

"Tell Him"

"Forgive Them Father"

"Just Want You Around"

"A Change Is Gonna Come"

"Killing Me Softly"

This list could go on and on and on but these are some that rarely leave my speakers.

Starting Points.

It seems only fitting to start this off with it's namesake.

Sister Nancy - "Only Women DJ With Degree"