How did it differ from other African-American sounds at the time, such as Motown?
The difference with the Stax Memphis sound was its raw energy. It wasnt as polished as Motown; it was more alive, vibrant, full of emotion. People could relate to that, especially with what was going on socially and racially at the time. The sound fit that time in history. From what sources do your musical influences originate? I grew up singing in the church choir. Gospel and Negro spirituals are my roots, since that is where soul came from. Then later, I loved the classic sounds of Nat King Cole, Perry Como and Tony Bennett. Of course, Burt Bacharach and Hal David were great inspirations, too. I took sounds that I loved and turned them into my own thing. I wasnt so much influenced as inspired by these artists. You grew from rural poverty to become a king of Ghana. Can you describe briefly that journey from an internal perspective? How did that change your perception of things? Wow. Well, the whole journey was an unbelievable experience. I wouldnt have changed any part of it, the good
