Today we celebrate the heavenly birthday of singer and songwriter Arthur Conley. Conley certainly had a moment in 1967, and that moment has brought joy to soul music fans for more than a half century since.
Born on January 4, 1946, in Atlanta, Georgia, Conley grew up immersed in gospel music, which shaped his powerful vocal style. By the early 1960s, he had formed a group called Arthur and the Corvets, releasing a few regional singles that caught the attention of legendary soul artist Otis Redding.
Redding took Conley under his wing, becoming a mentor and collaborator. Together, they co-wrote “Sweet Soul Music,” a high-energy anthem that celebrated the soul stars of his era. It became an international sensation, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing Conley’s place in the soul music pantheon. The song’s infectious rhythm and joyous celebration of artists like Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett made it an enduring classic.
Conley recorded several albums, including Sweet Soul Music (1967) and Soul Directions (1968), showcasing his blend of deep soul and upbeat R&B. However, his career struggled to maintain the same level of success after Redding’s untimely death in 1967.
In the 1970s, Conley relocated to Europe, where he reinvented himself as Lee Roberts and found a more modest career performing in various genres. He continued to live a quiet, more private life until his death on November 17, 2003, in the Netherlands.
Arthur Conley remains a beloved figure in soul music history, celebrated for his electrifying voice and one unforgettable anthem.
