i don't want to cry

180 Gram Vinyl Pressed at R.T.I.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Chuck Jackson witnessed first-hand the rise of the city’s vibrant doo wop scene. Joining local heroes the Del Vikings, his smooth, commanding voice took the lead on their 1957 single “Willette.” Going solo in 1959, Jackson was spotted by producer/Wand Records A&R man Luther Dixon while opening for Jackie Wilson at the Apollo Theater. With Dixon, Jackson co-wrote his first hit, “I Don’t Want to Cry.” The track featured a lavish band arrangement, a style Dixon had perfected during his sessions with the Shirelles. Together, Jackson and Dixon carefully crafted I Don’t Want to Cry! (1961), Jackson’s debut LP. A concept album dedicated to songs about crying, it finds Jackson covering mentor Wilson (“Lonely Teardrops”) as well as an early Burt Bacharach–Hal David composition (“I Wake Up Crying”). Audibly in command, Jackson’s vocals blend seamlessly with Dixon’s arrangements, resulting in an astonishingly accomplished album. Working from the original analog reels, Sundazed has mastered this landmark LP in the rare true stereo mix. Pressed at R.T.I. on lush 180 gram vinyl, every string swell, every horn phrase and, most importantly, every vocal performance comes through in “you are there” clarity. No collection is complete without this Brill Building classic!

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