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  • Booker Newberry III and Mike Stevens - (A): Just Can't Give You Up. (B): I Can't Forget About You. Vinyl single record.

Booker Newberry III and Mike Stevens - (A): Just Can't Give You Up. (B): I Can't Forget About You. Vinyl single record.

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Lost Soul Treasures: The 1995 Sessions Booker Newberry III & Mike Stevens For decades, they were the "holy grail" of the UK soul scene, whispered about in clubs, hunted by collectors, and kept alive only through the airwaves of legendary DJ Richard Searling’s radio shows. Now, the wait is finally over. Recorded in London in 1995 and unearthed from the archives for their first-ever official release, these two tracks capture a powerhouse collaboration between American soul royalty and a British musical visionary.


The Vocal Powerhouse: Booker Newberry III

Best known as the unmistakable voice behind the 1983 global smash “Love Town,” Booker Newberry III’s pedigree is soul perfection. From his early days with the 70s group Sweet Thunder to his solo dominance, Booker’s grit and range are legendary. On these recordings, his "vocal treatment" transforms two classics into something entirely his own.

The Architect: Mike Stevens

Produced during a pivotal era for Mike Stevens, these sessions find the UK saxophone virtuoso and Music Director (famed for his work with Take That) at his creative peak. Fresh off his groundbreaking collaborations with Wag ‘Ya’ Tail and Solar DJ Louie Martin, Stevens provides the sophisticated, lush backdrop that allows Booker’s voice to soar.

The Tracks

  • "Just Can’t Give You Up" A masterful reimagining of the Mystic Merlin favorite. Booker breathes new life into the groove, turning it into a floor-filling anthem of devotion.

  • "I Can’t Forget About You" Originally a 1979 gem by Ronn Matlock, this version is pure silk. It’s a masterclass in mid-tempo soul, blending 70s emotional depth with the polished production of the mid-90s.

Why This Release Matters

What started as a demo cassette handed to Richard Searling in the early 2000s sparked an insatiable appetite among the soul purists. For years, these recordings existed only as memories of a radio broadcast.

Now, you can own the magic. This isn't just a reissue -it’s a piece of soul history finally coming home.

"Two songs, thirty years in the making, and a vocal performance that reminds us why Booker Newberry III remains a titan of the genre."

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