Biography
Arthur Alexander (May 10, 1940 – June 9, 1993) was an American country-soul singer and songwriter hailed by AllMusic critic Jason Ankeny as a "country-soul pioneer" whose largely unknown body of work is considered "genius." Born in Sheffield, Alabama, Alexander's musical journey began with his first single, "Sally Sue Brown," recorded under the name June Alexander (short for Junior) in 1960 at Spar Music in Florence, Alabama, and released on Jud Phillips' Judd Records. Phillips, brother of music pioneer Sam Phillips, helped launch Alexander's career. His early work laid the groundwork for his signature sound, blending country and soul influences.
Alexander's breakthrough came in 1961 with "You Better Move On," recorded at the nascent FAME Studios in Florence, Alabama, and released on Dot Records. This song became a soul/R&B chart hit and established FAME Studios, which would later move to Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Subsequent hits included "Anna (Go to Him)," a U.S. R&B Top Ten hit, and "Every Day I Have to Cry," which was covered by Steve Alaimo and Dusty Springfield. Despite switching labels to Sound Stage 7 in the mid-1960s and experiencing a period of commercial inactivity, Alexander continued to record, achieving a pop hit with "Every Day I Have to Cry Some" on Buddah Records in 1975. He also recorded "Burning Love" in 1975, later covered by Elvis Presley. Throughout his career, Alexander collaborated with various labels and studios, showcasing his versatility and talent.
Alexander's musical style uniquely blended country and soul influences, creating a poignant and intimate sound. His songs were covered by a remarkable array of artists, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Otis Redding, Tina Turner, Pearl Jam, Rick Nelson, and Jerry Lee Lewis, a testament to his enduring influence. Despite periods away from the music business, during which he worked as a bus driver, Alexander's legacy was solidified by his induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1990 and a renewed interest in his back catalog leading to his final album, Lonely Just Like Me, released in 1993. Tragically, he died of a heart attack in Nashville three days after a performance with his new band. He remains the only songwriter whose songs have been covered by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. Paul McCartney notably stated in 1987 that if the Beatles wanted a sound, it was R&B, and that they wanted to sound like Arthur Alexander.
Fun Facts
- Alexander's first single was released under the name June Alexander.
- He was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1990.
- His song "Burning Love" was later covered by Elvis Presley.
- He is the only songwriter whose songs have been covered by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Sam Phillips - Jud Phillips, who released Alexander's first single, was Sam Phillips' brother.
Key Collaborators
- Jud Phillips - Released Alexander's first single.
- FAME Studios - Recorded several of Alexander's hit songs.
- Spar Music - Where Alexander recorded his first single.
Artists Influenced
- The Beatles
- The Rolling Stones
- Bob Dylan
- Gerry and the Pacemakers
- Otis Redding
- Tina Turner
- Pearl Jam
- Rick Nelson
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- The Hollies
- George Jones
- Johnny Paycheck
- Gene Clark
- Mink DeVille
- Roger McGuinn
- Humble Pie
- Marshall Crenshaw
- Ike & Tina Turner
- The McCoys
- Joe Stampley
- C.J. Chenier
- The Gentrys
- Elvis Presley
- Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show
Enhanced with AI analysis
Source: Wikipedia
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Anna (Go To Him) | 2022-10-28 | Album |
| Let's Spend an Evening with Arthur Alexander | 2020-08-12 | Album |
| You Better Move On with Arthur Alexander | 1962-12-09 | Album |
| A Shot of Rhythm and Blues | 2023-05-01 | Album |
| Arthur Alexander (Expanded Edition) | 1972-09-05 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 747: Arthur Alexander | 2025-02-07 | Album |
| You Better Move On | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| The Monument Years (1965-72) | 2001-05-08 | Album |
| You Better Move On | 2014-12-01 | Album |
| ユー・ベター・ムーヴ・オン | 2014-10-29 | Album |
| Rainbow Road: The Warner Bros. Recordings | 1994-04-26 | Album |
| Lonely Just Like Me | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Anna (Go to Him) | 2017-01-20 | Album |
| You Better Move On | 2014-07-18 | Album |
| You Better Move On | 1962-01-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Anna (Go to Him) (Let's Spend an Evening with Arthur Alexander)
- Anna (Go To Him) (Anna (Go To Him))
- Soldier Of Love (Anna (Go To Him))
- You Better Listen to Me
- You Better Move On (You Better Move On with Arthur Alexander)
- A Shot of Rhythm and Blues (You Better Move On with Arthur Alexander)
- You Better Move On - Single Version (A Shot of Rhythm and Blues)
- A Shot of Rhythm and Blues (A Shot of Rhythm and Blues)
- You Better Move On - Alternate Take (You Better Move On with Arthur Alexander)
- The Girl That Radiates That Charm (Let's Spend an Evening with Arthur Alexander)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Arthur Alexander has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 29, 2025 | 03:35 | Shot Of R & Bfrom The Ultimate | Overnight Music - Monday | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 14:26 | A Hundred Pounds Of Clayfrom You Better Move on | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D |