Arthur Alexander

Arthur Alexander, an R&B singer/songwriter from Alabama, should have been just as much of a household name as Smokey Robinson, Sam Cooke, or Otis Redding. Alexander skillfully blended Southern soul with a dose of rock n’ roll. More than just a performer, Alexander wrote several of his biggest songs. While none of them scored that high on the charts, several legendary artists recognized his brilliance and covered them.

This compilation from Razor & Tie released in 1993 is an excellent introduction to the genius of Arthur Alexander. Sadly, he passed away that same year after suffering a heart attack.

His biggest hit was his first, “You Better Move On”, shooting up to #25 in 1962. “You Better Move On” serves as a warning to a rich suitor who has eyes for Alexander’s woman. This masterful song was rerecorded by a number of other artists, most famously The Rolling Stones and The Hollies, but I think Alexander got the attitude just right.

“Anna (Go To Him)” was another notable hit for Alexander, although it only reached #68 on the charts in 1962. None other than The Beatles rerecorded a version of this song in 1964. The song resurfaced in an episode of Married…With Children when Al Bundy struggled to remember the song.

In addition to writing these smoldering ballads, Alexander could rattle the house down with party anthems such as “Pretty Girls Everywhere” and “A Shot Of Rhythm & Blues”.