Biography
Eugene Booker McDaniels (February 12, 1935 – July 29, 2011) was an American singer, songwriter, and producer whose career spanned jazz, soul, R&B, and politically charged funk. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, McDaniels began singing gospel in church and formed his first group, the Echoes of Joy, as a teenager. He studied at the University of Omaha Conservatory of Music, developing his skills on saxophone and trumpet before joining the Mississippi Piney Woods Singers and touring California.
McDaniels found early success in the 1960s as Gene McDaniels, recording hits like "A Hundred Pounds of Clay" and "Tower of Strength," both of which reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. His smooth vocal style and pop sensibility brought him mainstream attention, but by the late 1960s, McDaniels shifted focus, responding to the political climate and civil rights struggles. After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he moved to Europe, returning as Eugene McDaniels with a more radical, socially conscious voice. His albums 'Outlaw' (1970) and 'Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse' (1971) became cult classics for their incisive critiques of American society and innovative blend of jazz, funk, and soul.
McDaniels' influence extended beyond his own recordings; he wrote the protest anthem "Compared to What" and Roberta Flack's hit "Feel Like Makin' Love," and produced for major labels. His legacy is that of a boundary-pushing artist who fused artistry with activism, leaving a lasting mark on soul, jazz, and hip-hop.
Fun Facts
- McDaniels' song "Compared to What" became a civil rights anthem and was famously recorded live by Les McCann and Eddie Harris at the 1969 Montreux Jazz Festival.
- He adopted the moniker 'The Left Rev. Mc D' during his politically radical Atlantic Records period, reflecting his activist stance.
- His 1971 album 'Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse' was reportedly pulled from shelves by Atlantic Records after pressure from the Nixon administration due to its controversial content.
- McDaniels' composition "Feel Like Makin' Love" has been recorded by nearly 400 artists and has received millions of radio performances.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Les McCann - Early career collaborator and mentor figure; McDaniels sang with the Les McCann Trio in jazz clubs, which helped launch his career. (Live performances, songwriting collaborations) [Late 1950s–early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Roberta Flack - McDaniels wrote and produced for Flack, most notably penning her hit "Feel Like Makin' Love." ("Feel Like Makin' Love") [1974]
- Les McCann - Frequent collaborator; McDaniels wrote "Compared to What," which McCann recorded to great acclaim. ("Compared to What") [1969]
- Joel Dorn - Producer for McDaniels' Atlantic albums, helping shape the sound of 'Outlaw' and 'Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse.' ('Outlaw', 'Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse') [1970–1971]
- William S. Fischer - Musical director for the 'Outlaw' sessions. ('Outlaw') [1970]
- Ron Carter - Jazz bassist who played on McDaniels' 'Outlaw' album. ('Outlaw') [1970]
Artists Influenced
- Roberta Flack - Flack's success with "Feel Like Makin' Love" and other McDaniels compositions helped shape her sound. ("Feel Like Makin' Love") [1970s]
- A Tribe Called Quest - Sampled McDaniels' 'Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse' in their music, reflecting his influence on hip-hop. (Samples on 'People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm') [1990s]
- Beastie Boys - Sampled McDaniels' work, showing his impact on later generations of artists. (Various tracks) [1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Outlaw | 2005-07-26 | Album |
| Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse | 1971 | Album |
| Maison Close (Soundtrack From the Original Series) | 2010 | Album |
| KANDYTOWN LIFE Presents "Land of 1000 Classics" (Mixed by MASATO and Minnesotah) | 2017-08-30 | Album |
| Sampled - Original Soul Songs as Sampled by Today's Hottest Artists | 2011 | Album |
| 100 Tubes Soul Vol.2 | 2010-09-27 | Album |
| Maison Close (Soundtrack From the Original Series) | 2010 | Album |
| PEOPLE GET READY | 2004-09-06 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Cherrystones (Outlaw)
- Outlaw (Outlaw)
- Jagger the Dagger (Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse)
- The Parasite (For Buffy) (Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse)
- Lovin' Man (Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse)
- Headless Heroes (Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse)
- Sagittarius Red (Outlaw)
- Supermarket Blues (Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse)
- Welfare City (Outlaw)
- The Lord Is Back (Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Eugene McDaniels has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2, 2025 | 21:39 | Supermarket Bluesfrom Headless Heroes of the Apocalypse | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 21:35 | Silent Majorityfrom Outlaw | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |