Founding Fathers: Bill Coday

One of Bill Coday's Finest Cuts: Get Your Lies Straight (Crajon, 1969)

A fine albeit largely unknown soul singer, Bill Coday was a Founding Father of R&B who worked with the famed Willie Mitchell during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Born in Coldwater, Mississippi and raised in Blytheville, Arkansas, Bill Coday started his career in Arkansas jukejoints before moving to Chicago in 1963.

Discovered by singer Denise LaSalle while working in the Black Orchid nightclub, he was introduced to Hi Records producer Willie Mitchell, the man who produced most of his early (and best songs).

The first songs to come from that collaboration were 1970′s “Sixty Minute Teaser,” an organ heavy mid-tempo blues number and the ballad “You’re Gonna Want Me,” both of which appeared on LaSalle’s Crajon label.

It was Coday’s “Get Your Lies Straight” that won his national attention (having been picked up by Galaxy). Two more singles came from Coday while on Galaxy including the strong cut “When You Find a Fool, Bump His Head” before he returned to Crajon with the slinky funk of “I’m Back to Collect.”

Coday finished his career with three fine sets for the Ecko label before he passed away in 2008.

It’s our Gallery of Greats! Check out more Founding Fathers here…