Those opening lyrics, sung with a soulful wail by lead vocalist Ian Lloyd, rocketed the band Stories to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 1973 with their song “Brother Louie.” The track is a compelling blend of all manner of influences, including Philly soul on the string arrangements and wah wah guitar licks akin to those heard on Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes tracks of that era, all delivered with a rock swagger.
Perhaps most notably, the track’s beat, chord structure and some piano fills appear to be lifted largely from Carole King’s hit “It’s Too Late” — try singing that song over this one, it’s rather easy — but in the less litigious atmosphere of the early 70’s I guess Carole just looked the other way! (The song was also a minor hit for the UK band Hot Chocolate earlier that same year.) The great success of “Brother Louie” ironically in part led to Stories demise just a few years later. While an undoubted hit, the song apparently did not reflect the harder rock sound that Lloyd preferred and it hastened his exit from the band. But oh what a shining light they were, however briefly.
By Robb Patryk
