Rawls, Lou[Is Allen]
(*1935)
Rawls, Lou[Is Allen] (11 Dec 1935–) Lou Rawls is living proof that popularizing blues, jazz, and gospel styled–music can be accomplished without sacrificing musical values and good taste. Despite the polish and sophistication characterizing his approach, he remains capable of displaying the hard, soulful edge that attracted his original audience. Many Black contemporary singers popular in the 1980s and 1990s—most notably, Peabo Bryson and Luther Vandross— were strongly influenced by his singing…