You Can Be A Star! (LP)

You Can Be A Star! (LP)A definitive survey of the United States' independent soul scene during the 1970s, Soul of America is a deep dive into a rich, often overlooked era of raw, regional talent and heartfelt expression. This carefully curated collection shines a light on the small label and self released gems that emerged from garages, community centers, and corner studios across the countrymusic created far from the mainstream but no less powerful or inspired. A spiritual

A definitive survey of the United States' independent soul scene during the 1970s, Soul of America is a deep dive into a rich, often overlooked era of raw, regional talent and heartfelt expression. This carefully curated collection shines a light on the small-label and self-released gems that emerged from garages, community centers, and corner studios across the country—music created far from the mainstream but no less powerful or inspired.

A spiritual companion to the beloved Soul Cal series, this compilation captures a time when soul and funk thrived in unlikely places, and every dusty 45 might reveal a lost masterpiece. It’s a celebration of the unsung artists who poured their hearts into the groove, many receiving long-overdue recognition for the first time.

More than a collection of rare tracks, Soul of America is a vibrant portrait of the era’s retro-utopian spirit—when every record held the promise of discovery and every local band dreamed big.

Tracklist:

Luther Davis – “You Can Be A Star” – 4:37

UPC All Stars – “Don’t Get Discouraged” – 3:32

Pure Essence – “Wake Up” – 6:08

Anubis – “Ecology” – 4:01

Sag War Fare – “Girl You Better Change” – 2:59

Leon Mitchison – “Love Is” – 4:17

Luther Davis Group – “To Be Free” – 3:53

Ellis & Cephas – “I’m Gonna Miss You Girl” – 2:50

Clifford Nyren – “Keep Running Away” – 2:56

Mixed Feelings – “Sha-La-La” – 3:28

Henry Woods Troupe – “The Stranger” – 8:33

Freedom Express – “Get Down” – 3:24