During the 1960's an interesting phenomenon occurred. Caucasian bands and performers were sounding like African-American soul artists. In some cases, these white performers -- at least for the first releases -- were flying under the radar. They did not immediately correct any wrong impressions about race, since the misconception that they were African-American was helping them chart well on both the R&B charts and the Hot 100. Back then we called it Blue-eyed Soul.

There was one artist who had such an authentic R&B sound that soul icon, Otis Redding, did not believe that the singer was white. Otis insisted on meeting this performer because he wanted to see, with his own eyes, that the performer was really white.

Yes, it is time for another Twin-Pick. Let's see how you do on this one. The quiz is self-correcting. Just click on your chosen answer. If you get it right, you will see an original performance by the original artist. Get it wrong and you will be rudely trashed by my cyber assistants.

Question: Which group/performer below had such an authentic R&B sound that Otis Redding wanted to see the lead vocalist/singer with his own eyes?

A. The Box Tops (Alex Chilton)

B. The Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley)

C. The Young Rascals (Felix Cavaliere)

D. Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels (Mitch Ryder)

E. Michael Bolton

F. Doobie Brothers (Michael McDonald)

G. Lesley Gore

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections