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SIR MACK RICE

Biography

Sir Mack Rice, born Bonny Rice on November 10, 1933, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was a pivotal figure in classic soul and R&B. Moving to Detroit at age 17, Rice began his musical journey in the vibrant Detroit scene, first performing with the Five Scalders before joining the Falcons in 1957. The Falcons, featuring future stars like Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, and Joe Stubbs, became a launching pad for Rice's career, allowing him to hone his vocal and songwriting talents within the burgeoning soul movement.

Rice's greatest impact came as a songwriter, penning enduring hits such as "Mustang Sally"—originally a solo hit for himself but immortalized by Wilson Pickett—and "Respect Yourself," co-written with Luther Ingram for the Staple Singers. He worked extensively with Stax and Motown, bridging the Memphis and Detroit soul sounds. Though he had modest chart success as a solo artist, Rice's compositions became staples of the genre, recorded by artists including Etta James, Albert King, and Johnnie Taylor. His legacy is that of a behind-the-scenes architect of soul, whose songs remain influential and widely covered.

Rice continued to write, produce, and perform into the later decades of his life, releasing solo albums and contributing to the catalogs of numerous artists. He passed away in Detroit on June 27, 2016, remembered as a foundational songwriter whose work defined an era of American music.

Fun Facts

  • Rice's nickname 'Sir Mack' was given to him by fellow Detroit R&B figure Andre Williams.
  • 'Mustang Sally' was originally written as 'Mustang Mama' before Aretha Franklin suggested the title change.
  • Rice is one of the few artists whose career spanned both Motown and Stax Records, two rival soul powerhouses.
  • He registered over 400 songs with BMI, showcasing his prolific songwriting output.

Associated Acts

  • The Dixie Nightingales

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Detroit R&B Scene - Rice was shaped by the vibrant Detroit R&B and soul community, absorbing influences from peers and the city's musical culture. (Early performances with the Five Scalders and the Falcons) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

  • Wilson Pickett - Bandmate in the Falcons and later the most famous interpreter of Rice's 'Mustang Sally'. (The Falcons, 'Mustang Sally') [1957-1963 (Falcons), 1966 (Mustang Sally)]
  • Eddie Floyd - Bandmate in the Falcons and fellow Stax songwriter. (The Falcons, Stax Records songwriting) [1957-1963, 1960s-1970s]
  • Luther Ingram - Co-writer of 'Respect Yourself'. ('Respect Yourself' (The Staple Singers)) [1971]
  • Joe Stubbs - Bandmate in the Falcons. (The Falcons) [1957-1963]

Artists Influenced

  • The Staple Singers - Recorded Rice's co-written 'Respect Yourself', which became a soul anthem. ('Respect Yourself') [1971]
  • Wilson Pickett - Popularized 'Mustang Sally', cementing its place in soul and rock repertoires. ('Mustang Sally') [1966]
  • Countless soul, R&B, and rock artists - Rice's songs have been covered by Buddy Guy, The Blues Brothers, The Commitments, Albert King, and many others, influencing generations of performers. ('Mustang Sally', 'Respect Yourself', 'Cheaper to Keep Her') [1960s-present]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Right Now 1992-01-01 Album
Get That Money 2006-01-01 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Mini-Skirt Minnie (Mini-Skirt Minnie)
  2. Bump Meat (The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975)
  3. Mini-Skirt Minnie (Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968)
  4. Mustang Sally (Mustang Sally)
  5. Love Sickness (Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968)
  6. Mini-Skirt Minnie (Soul Classics)
  7. Mustang Sally (Right Now)
  8. Mini-Skirt Minnie (Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968)
  9. Love Sickness (Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968)
  10. Gotta Have My Baby's Love (Rare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973)

References

  1. freep.com
  2. ponderosastomp.com
  3. soulwalking.co.uk

Heard on WWOZ

SIR MACK RICE has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Nov 10, 202515:47MINI-SKIRT MINNIEBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe