Many of us are easily seduced by the charms of an unforgettable beat. Often, a simple, spare, looping rhythm is the most alluring, if not hypnotic. In 1971, the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, a family vocal group from Dania Beach, Florida, literally struck gold with just such simplicity.
Written by Eddie Cornelius, “Treat Her Like A Lady” reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a driving, repetitive snare/hi-hat beat, jabbing electric rhythm guitar, a muscular lead vocal and soulful harmonies. Seconds into the track, when the rhythm section locks in, the Brothers have you at their mercy. They would have only one more chart hit, the more lushly-produced single “Too Late to Turn Back Now,” and disbanded in 1974, but the vitality of their music endures. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk
