The Awakened Ape

O.V. Wright's secular career started off in 1964 with "That's How Strong My Love Is." It was written by Roosevelt Jamison initially responsible for discovering gospel group the Harmony Echoes, which brought forth both Wright and James "Dark End of the Street" Carr. Originally a B-side, it's included on this album as the closing third of a searing medley. And again, Wright's delivery proves to be in the same league as the more famous version by Otis Redding. Nothing much was gained though by Wright's association with the song. Redding's success awakened Backbeat owner Don Robey, who claimed Wright as his "property." Credits to all the artists' later recordings invariably mention a certain "D. Malone." Since it's the same Robey under a false name, it stands as a painful reminder of just how "protective" the label owner was…