Lou Ragland (July 18, 1942 – August 19, 2020) – The Next World (1972)

This stellar, haunting jam by Love For Dollars And Cents was co-written and produced by the unsung Cleveland-based singer/songwriter and guitarist.

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Lou Ragland was a multi-talented singer/songwriter, guitarist, and producer.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Louis Edward Ragland got his initial career break courtesy of local R&B singer Kim Tolliver. His first single was released in 1964, the doo-wop flavored love song “Never Let Me Go.” It was credited to Lou Ragland and Bandmasters, and issued on Way Out Records.

He went on to become the lead singer of the pioneering R&B group Billy Ward & the Dominoes for a short period in 1965. Two years later, he wrote and recorded the upbeat jam “I Travel Alone” (1967) on Amy Records which was destined to become a Northern Soul anthem, with “Big Wheel” on the flip.

Ragland formed a group called the Volcanic Eruption in the late sixties. They released one single on Way Out, the superb laid back jam “I’ve Got Something Going For Me” (1969) b/w “Red Robin.” The only original copy currently for sale on Discogs will set you back nearly $500.

In the early seventies Ragland founded his own record label, Co Co Cleveland Records. He produced and co-wrote a stellar, haunting single on Co Co for the short-lived soul/funk outfit Love For Dollars And Cents. “The Next World” (1972) b/w with an instrumental version was the only release the group ever put out.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to the great Lou Ragland.

Further info:

“Lou Ragland,” Soulwalking.co.uk.

#soul #funk #LouRagland