Pearl Woods

Biography

Pearl Woods, born Lily Pearl Woodard on September 24, 1933, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, was an influential American singer, songwriter, and producer whose work bridged the genres of northern soul and early rock and roll. She moved to New York in 1951, where her career began to flourish as she immersed herself in the vibrant music scene. Woods was known for her powerful, emotive voice and her ability to craft songs that resonated with both R&B and soul audiences.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Woods released a series of singles, including the notable "Be My Baby" and "My Love Is Your Love" in 1956, which featured prominent backup vocals and showcased her talent for blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious rhythms. She frequently collaborated with her husband and songwriting partner, Freddy Johnson, and together they contributed to the development of the northern soul sound that would later gain cult status among collectors and DJs.

Woods's legacy endures through her songwriting, which has been sampled and covered by numerous artists in contemporary pop, dance, and hip-hop. Her song "Something's Got a Hold on Me" has been widely sampled in global hits such as Avicii's "Levels" and Flo Rida's "Good Feeling," introducing her work to new generations and cementing her influence in modern music.

Fun Facts

• Pearl Woods's birth name was Lily Pearl Woodard, and she was also known as Pearl W. Johnson.
• Her song 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including 'CODA' (2021) and 'Burlesque' (2010).
• She turned to religion later in life after marrying her songwriting partner.
• Despite her influence, she remained largely unrecognized by mainstream audiences during her lifetime, but her work became highly sought after by northern soul collectors.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Freddy Johnson - Songwriting partner and husband, who influenced her approach to composition and production. (Co-wrote and produced several singles in the 1950s and 1960s.) [1950s–1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Freddy Johnson - Frequent songwriting and production collaborator; also her spouse. (Numerous singles including 'Be My Baby' and 'My Love Is Your Love.') [1950s–1960s]
• Unnamed backup vocalists - Provided backing vocals on her early singles, contributing to her signature sound. ('Be My Baby' / 'My Love Is Your Love' (Dot 15477, 1956)) [1956]

Artists Influenced

• Avicii - Sampled her composition 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' in the global hit 'Levels.' ('Levels' (2011)) [2011]
• Flo Rida - Used elements of her song 'Something's Got a Hold on Me' in 'Good Feeling.' ('Good Feeling' (2011)) [2011]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Can't Wait (Let the Good Things Start)
2. Keep Your Business to Yourself (I Can´t Wait)
3. Keep Your Business To Yourself (The Sue Records Story: The Sound Of Soul)
4. Sippin´ Sorrow (Rare Rhythm´n´blues Vol.7, 20 R&B 45 Rpm Nuggets)
5. My Love Is Your Love (Sippin' Sorrow (With A Spoon))
6. Let the Good Things Start (Let the Good Things Start)
7. Keep Your Business to Yourself (The Glory of Love - From the Vaults)
8. Keep Your Business To Yourself (Sue Records' Greatest Hits)
9. Keep Your Business To Yourself (The Sue Records Story Vol. 1)
10. Let the Good Things Start (Get Hot – Female Sleazy Rhythm 'N Blues Vol. 2)

External Links

• Spotify