King George & Fabulous Souls - I Need You  - Soul Direction Origins
 
B/W - Instrumental Version
 
Format: 7" Vinyl
 
Notes by Alan Kitchener (Soul Direction)
 
Soul-Direction bring you the first legitimate re-release of this soul Rarity Licensed Courtesy of Resnik Music Group.
 
There isn't a huge amount of information regarding the Group and these recordings but what we do know is that they were a Late 60s and early 70s soul act from Los Angeles, California.
They recorded "I Need You" and one other on Audio Arts titled King George And The Fabulous Souls - "Baby I've Got It / Baby I've Got It (Instrumental Sing-Along)" which were both written and produced bylead vocalist "King" George Renfro. These were recorded a year apart in 1968 and "I Need You" in 1969 respectively.
 
There is very little information on George Renfro and he is certainly no relation as far as we can gather to Renfro label owner Anthony Renfro.
"I Need You" was first championed in the 80s by DJ and Collector Ion Tsakalis which he purchased from renowned collector and record dealer Barrie Waddington. Not too long later I wrestled a copy from the hands of well known record dealer Dave Raistrick which is still pride of place in my collection.
Since then it has remained a very rare and sought after 45 which probably meant it had little initial success after it's release.
 
George Renfro (Lead Vocals)
Ira Raibon (Vocals, Saxophone)
Michael Clay (Bass)
Lance Sennet (Guitar)
Jeffrey Speights (Keyboards)
Johnny Whitby (Drums, Percussion)