International soul picture sleeves, part one

Combining the European love and respect for rhythm and blues, mixed with the overall cool factor of the art of the picture sleeve, and add in the European graphic design aesthetic and the results are bound to be pleasing on the eyes, adding only to the already legendary pleasure to the ears, heart, soul and mind that these records have continued to give us. This is part one in what will be an ongoing series.


Booker T & The MG's, France 1969

James Brown, Germany 1967

James Brown, Germany 1967

James Brown, France 1971

James Brown, Germany 1971

James Brown, France 1970

Gene Chandler, France 1968. While 'Those Were The Good Old Days' is the listed A-side, "There Was A Time", the b-side, is a number that is legendary amongst Gene Chandler releases (an d in itself is one of the few times a James Brown cover has equalled, and perhaps surpassed, the original).

Ray Charles, France 1961

Ray Charles, France 1961

Ray Charles, Germany 1963. Adding to the cool factor, this 45 was also pressed on blue wax.

The Dells, France 1969

The Four Tops, France 1967

Aretha Franklin, France 1969


Marvin Gaye, UK 1965. An incredibly important release; this record highlights 6 of Marvin's early dance masterpieces. This EP was a mod's favorite, from the music (the soundtrack to the late night lifestyle) in the grooves to the pop-art sleeve.

John Lee Hooker, France 1962

Ben E. King, Italy 1962

King Curtis, France 1968

Cliff Nobles & Co, Germany 1968

Freda Payne, France 1970

Wilson Pickett, France 1968

Wilson Pickett, France 1969

Otis Redding, France 1967

Otis Redding, Italy 1969. The artists' sketch beautifully captures the spirit of Otis.

Otis Redding, Italy 1968

Otis Redding, Spain 1968

Rocky Roberts And The Airedales, Italy 1967. American Rocky Roberts emigrated to Italy and became a big star there; sadly, the rest of the world mostly missed out on this excellent singer and dynamic performer.

Sam & Dave, France 1968. This style of Atlantic picture sleeve is classic in its simplicity and elegance.

Sam & Dave, Italy 1968. Sam And Dave go Italian mod; brilliant use of color.

Sam & Dave, France 1969

Sam & Dave, France 1968

Percy Sledge, Portugal 1966

Percy Sledge, France 1967

Edwin Starr, France 1968

Billy Stewart, Holland 1966

Joe Tex, Italy 1967

Ike & Tina Turner, France 1970

Jr Walker & The All Stars, Holland 1965

Jr Walker & The All Stars, France 1966

Jean Wells, Yugoslavia(!), c1967. One of the prizes of my collection!

Stevie Wonder, Portugal 1974

Stevie Wonder, France 1971

Brenton Wood, Italy 1967