Myra Barnes – Super Good (Answer to Super Bad) from the King 45

Like I wrote last week, every once in a while you take a chance with a box of dirty, dusty, sleeveless records, and you get lucky. Last weekend was one of those days. This record is something I pulled out of that mess. In fact, there is going to be a Guest Mix over at Souled On Music in the near future with a whole bunch of the records I pulled out of the “Box of Gold”, as well as some heaters I’ve been saving up. Scholar hit me up and asked me to contribute to his Guest Mix/ Blog article series, and well, I just couldn’t say no. He’s got some great stuff going on over there, and was one of the first blogs (of someone that I didn’t know) that gave me props. He took a chance on a newbie and it has definitely paid off, because the FMF Family has gotten some great exposure from Souled On, as well as the many other blogs that have given my ramblings and dusty crates a chance. I definitely appreciate it. I’ll probably be using some of the Goldmine finds for my set at the Sept. 14th edition of the Asbury Park 45 Sessions as well. More on that later. This time we’re gonna visit Ms.Myra Barnes with “Super Good (Answer to Super Bad)” on King Records, circa 1970.

If you are new to the Funk genre (which I hope you’re not…but that’s ok, stick around!), and if you aren’t, you will already know that Vicki Anderson was one of James Brown’s Soul Sisters, who was featured in his traveling Soul revue. She kept up with the likes of the Fabulous Flames and the JB’s, earning her the distinct title of “the best female singer in his revue” according to the late, great Godfather of Soul. Replacing Anna King in 1965, then getting replaced herself by Marva Whitney some 3 years later, only to rejoin James in 1969 after Whitney hit the road, she again was queen of the revue until 1972. During the time she was with JB, she recorded under aliases Vicki Anderson Momie-O, and her real name Myra Barnes. It wasn’t until she had to travel overseas that her real name was discovered. You see, she too started out singing Gospel, and did not want the church to find out her secular singing. Throughout her career, she made the rounds on labels such as Fontana, New Breed, King, Deluxe, Brownstone, Dash, I-Dentify, and Irma. She seemingly was not just the queen of the James Brown Soul revue, but the queen of the answer record as well. Answering Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” with her “I’m Too Tough for Mr. Big Stuff”, and this record to the Godfather’s “Super Bad”, as well as “The Answer To Mother Popcorn”, Anderson was well her way to a great career. It didn’t hurt that she was married to Bobby Byrd (a marriage that would birth UK phenom Carleen Anderson). Anderson eventually left the revue to cut some great sides, notably “Message from the Soul Sisters”, a cover of Rufus and Chaka Khan’s ” Once You Get Started” and Bobby Womack’s “Stop On By”, then ducked in and out of touring gigs and studio time until the early 90’s. She then proceeded to cut a cover of Gil Scott-Heron’s “Home Is Where the Hatred Is” with Bossa Nostrathat fared pretty well. Being a part of the JB Revue was not always easy, although they were paid handsomely (and fined at the drop of a hat, missed note, or misplaced wig), the long term payoff was not there. Writing credits were often changed to Brown’s name, others changed to close associates names, would not fare well for Anderson or the extended JB family. Sampling would be even harsher on Anderson, who’s been sampled by everyone from Biz Markie to Gangstarr to Main Source to Lil’ Kim and the Geto Boys, and she claims she has seen little or no benefit financially from it. “Even though I’m very happy that someone loves my music enough to do something with it,” Anderson says, “more than anything, I would also like to be recognized financially for the work I’ve done.”

Anderson shines on this side, getting into it, doing it, ya know, like a female version of James herself, maybe even a Sex Machine. Name checking a myriad of JB titles, and laying it down hard, she wails: ” A Soul Sister like me don’t grow on trees!” She is not kidding. JB takes the back seat, throwing out his trademark screams here and there, but clearly he’s just letting Anderson do her thang. With the JB’s backing her up, she has no problem keeping up, and being the leader on this one. I always have a hard time picking my favorite JB Diva, whether it be Lyn Collins, Marva Whitney, or Vicki Anderson ( or Myra Barnes). I think it’s too close to call, so a tie goes to all three. These Soul divas were running things back then. If only the spoiled brats of today’s music world could take a page out of their book and put out the kind of music the three were dishing out, whether it be live or on tape, the music world would be a better place. Thank You Vicki Anderson, Myra Banks and Momi-O for being the strong Soul Sister you were. The Funk and Soul world is definitely a much better place because of your music. Keep Diggin’!

*PS: Rest In Peace Max Roach. Your drumming will always be remembered.