Luther Simmons Jr. (September 9, 1942 – May 9, 2016) – Can't Stand Your Love (1970)

The superb opening cut from The Main Ingredient's debut album L.T.D. was co-written by Simmons, Tony Silvester, and original lead singer Donald McPherson.

Singer Luther Simmons Jr. was one of the three original members of The Main Ingredient.

In 1964, Simmons, Tony “Panama” Silvester and original lead singer Donald McPherson formed a vocal trio called the Poets. Based in Harlem, they eventually changed their name to the Insiders and were signed by RCA Records. Inspired by a Coca-Cola bottle, they made one more name change in 1968, becoming The Main Ingredient.

After joining forces with producer/arranger Bert DeCoteaux, they released their debut album L.T.D. (1970). They had their first real hit with the second single off the LP, the beautiful love song “You’ve Been My Inspiration,” which went to #25 R&B.

Six of the album’s ten tracks were co-written by Simmons, Silvester and McPherson. One of the best was its opening cut, the superb soul funk jam “Can’t Stand Your Love.” It was released as the album’s first single, but did not chart.

Another of the album’s finest tracks written by all three members of the group was the powerful message song “Brotherly Love,” a stirring call for racial unity, equality and freedom.

Like the rest of L.T.D, it was produced by Simmons, Silvester and McPherson, and arranged by DeCoteaux.

#soul #funk #MainIngredient #LutherSimmons