Biography
Margie Joseph, born Margaret Marie Joseph in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 1950, emerged from a strong religious upbringing and began her musical journey singing in her church choir[2][3][5]. While attending Dillard University in New Orleans, she pursued a professional singing career, recording demos at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio that led to her first deal with the Okeh label[2][4]. Her earliest releases met with limited success, but she persevered, soon finding recognition with Volt Records through hits like 'Your Sweet Lovin'' and her soulful reinterpretation of the Supremes' 'Stop! In the Name of Love,' which established her as a rising star in the soul genre[1][2][3].
Throughout the 1970s, Joseph recorded for major labels including Atlantic and Stax, achieving her greatest commercial success with the single 'My Love,' a cover of Paul McCartney's song, which reached the R&B Top Ten in 1974[1][3]. Her albums from this period, such as 'Margie Joseph Makes a New Impression,' 'Sweet Surrender,' and 'Margie,' showcased her versatile vocal style, blending elements of Philly soul, classic soul, and northern soul. Joseph's ability to infuse pop and country songs with deep emotion and soulfulness—evident in her covers of Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together' and Dolly Parton's 'Touch Your Woman'—earned her critical acclaim and comparisons to Aretha Franklin[1][3][4].
After a vibrant secular career, Joseph retired from mainstream recording to focus on family and dedicate herself to gospel music and community service, performing at churches and non-profit events throughout Mississippi and neighboring states[2]. Her legacy endures as one of Mississippi's greatest soul singers, admired for her expressive voice, resilience, and contributions to the evolution of soul music.
Fun Facts
- Margie Joseph holds a Bachelor's degree in speech communications from Dillard University in New Orleans[2].
- Her biggest hit, 'My Love,' is a soulful cover of Paul McCartney's original, reaching No. 10 on the R&B charts[3].
- Joseph was featured on the classic holiday compilation 'Soul Christmas' in 1968, alongside other soul legends[1].
- She dedicated much of her later life to gospel music and community service, frequently performing at church and non-profit events across Mississippi[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Aretha Franklin - Margie Joseph's vocal style and emotional delivery were frequently compared to Aretha Franklin, serving as both inspiration and stylistic benchmark. (General influence on Joseph's soul repertoire) [1970s]
- Church Choir Leaders - Joseph's earliest musical training came from her church choir in Mississippi, shaping her gospel roots and vocal technique. (Church performances) [1950s-1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Blue Magic - Duet partner on the hit song 'What's Come Over Me,' which reached the R&B Top 20. ('What's Come Over Me') [1970s]
- Freddy Briggs - Producer of Joseph's early successful singles for Volt Records. ('Your Sweet Lovin'' and other Volt singles) [1970]
- Larry McKinley - New Orleans DJ who introduced Joseph to Okeh Records and helped launch her professional career. (Early demo recordings and Okeh debut) [Late 1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary Soul and Gospel Artists - Joseph's blend of gospel and soul, as well as her covers of pop and country songs, inspired later artists to cross genre boundaries. (Various covers and reinterpretations by modern soul singers) [1980s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Margie Joseph | 1973 | Album |
| Feeling My Way | 1978 | Album |
| Live! | 1976 | Album |
| Margie | 1975 | Album |
| Sweet Surrender | 1974 | Album |
| Margie Joseph Makes A New Impression/Phase II | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Ready for the Night | 1984-01-01 | Album |
| Hear The Words, Feel The Feeling | 1976 | Album |
| KANDYTOWN LIFE Presents "Land of 1000 Classics" (Mixed by MASATO and Minnesotah) | 2017-08-30 | Album |
| The M&M Mixes | 2009-12-01 | Album |
| The M&M Mixes | 2009-11-27 | Album |
| Latter Rain | 2006-01-01 | Album |
| Margie Joseph Makes A New Impression/Phase II (Reissue) | 1999-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Let's Stay Together (Margie Joseph)
- I Can't Move No Mountains (Margie)
- Come on Back to Me Lover (Feeling My Way)
- Love Won't Let Me Wait - Live Version (Live!)
- Medley: Try to Remember / Stop to Start (Live!)
- (Strange) I Still Love You (Sweet Surrender)
- One More Chance (The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971)
- Is It Gonna Be Me & You (Ready for the Night)
- I Been Down (Margie Joseph)
- What's Come over Me - Single Version (What's Come Over Me / You And Me (Got A Good Thing Going))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
margie joseph has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2025 | 12:36 | It's Growing | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 12:29 | I'll Always Love You | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams |