P.P. Arnold: The Pioneering Voice of British Soul and Rock

P.P. Arnold is an American-born singer whose powerful voice became a cornerstone of the late 1960s and 70s British music scene. Hailing from Los Angeles, her career is defined by iconic collaborations and a solo work that blends soul, rock, and gospel into a distinctive sound.

Early career

Born Patricia Ann Cole in 1946, her musical journey began in the gospel churches of Los Angeles. She first gained professional experience as an Ikette, a backing singer for the legendary Ike & Tina Turner Revue, touring extensively in the mid-1960s.

Breakthrough

Her breakthrough came in 1966 when the Turner tour reached the UK. Impressed by her talent, Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham signed her to his Immediate Records label, convincing her to stay in London and launch a solo career. Her debut single, the Cat Stevens-penned "The First Cut Is the Deepest" (1967), became a significant hit, establishing her as a formidable new voice.

Key tracks

The First Cut Is the Deepest - This 1967 single, her debut UK hit, remains her most famous recording and a soul-pop standard.

Angel of the Morning - Her 1968 version of this song is a powerful, orchestral soul rendition that showcased her emotional delivery.

(If You Think You're) Groovy - Co-written by Steve Marriott and Ronnie Lane of the Small Faces, this 1968 track highlights her integral role in the mod and rock scene.

Medicated Goo - Arnold provided the unforgettable lead vocal on this 1969 track by the band Family, demonstrating her versatility in the progressive rock genre.

I Believe - Her 1990 collaboration with Ocean Colour Scene on this gospel-tinged song marked a celebrated return and introduced her to a new generation.

Throughout the late 60s and 70s, P.P. Arnold's voice became a sought-after instrument. She worked with a who's who of British rock, including Eric Clapton, Nick Drake, and Rod Stewart. Her solo work for Immediate Records, including the album "Kafunta," solidified her reputation, though label instability often challenged her commercial trajectory.

In subsequent decades, Arnold continued to record and perform, collaborating with artists like Paul Weller, the Specials, and Roger Waters. Her life story and enduring influence were formally recognized with the publication of her autobiography, "Soul Survivor," detailing her remarkable journey through the heart of popular music.

Fans of P.P. Arnold's blend of gospel-powered soul and rock may also appreciate the work of Dusty Springfield, another pivotal vocalist who brought soul to a British audience. The mod-influenced sound of The Small Faces, with whom she collaborated closely, shares a similar energy. For the powerful, blues-rock side of her work, listen to Humble Pie, the band formed by her frequent collaborator Steve Marriott.