DJ's Old-Time Granny and Dyn-O-Mite spin old school soul, funk, and disco jams! The show airs on special occasions on WCOM radio, 103.5 FM in Carrboro, NC, and streams online worldwide. www.resoul.org
Sometimes, a track comes onto your radar screen and changes everything. This is one of them, so if you haven't heard it before, today is the first day of the rest of your funky life! Barbara Roy and Ecstasy, Passion & Pain. I first found out about them from DKB, a cat who ran some killer clubs back in the day and chilled out with legends like Arthur Baker in NYC. Barbara Roy was the triple threat - a soulful singer and guitarist with gospel roots (born in Kinston, North Carolina) who co-wrote most of Ecstasy, Passion & Pain's songs.
Her band had some hits in the 70s, but in '81 they dropped this joint right here - If You Want Me. Released on Roy B. Records, a New York-based disco label owned by Roy Bermingham. Put on your headphones, and get ready for a finger poppin', foot stompin', gospel-flavored, butt thumpin', boogie woogie mind blowin' rollerskate-friendly disco funk anthem!
On the strength of its irresistible groove and timeless lyrics that anyone who's ever felt neglected in a relationship could identify with, this made it to #3 on the dance charts. Barbara Roy went on to hit even bigger, comin' in with a #1 dance smash in '86, Gotta See You Tonight. But If You Want Me was probably her masterpiece.