When Kendrick Lamar recently sampled two tracks by Monk Higgins, “I Believe in My Soul” and “MacArthur Park,” it set off a wave of interest in the famed saxophone player/producer with the legendary Chess/Checker label from the 1950s and ‘60s. Higgins worked with the likes of Bobby “Blue” Bland, the Chi-Lites, Muddy Waters, Etta James and others in their funky Chicago studio. He also had a couple of instrumental hits on the R&B charts, including “Who-Dun-It?” and “Gotta Be Funky.”
But Monk Higgins – using the Chess house band – also produced a few gospel tracks as well. The Kindly Shepherds only recorded a couple of 45s, both with Higgins, then disappeared. But this one -- their recording “Lend Me Your Hand” -- now fetches up to $700 on the rare vinyl auction sites and eBay!
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU and the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries.
