Lee Fields

Lee Fields, often called 'Little JB' for his uncanny resemblance to James Brown, is a cornerstone of the soul revival movement. His career spans over five decades, beginning in the late 1960s with raw funk 45s that are now holy grails for record collectors.

After a period in the 1990s performing on the Southern soul-blues circuit, he became the face of the 'Daptone sound' alongside Sharon Jones. His collaboration with Truth & Soul and The Expressions redefined modern soul, moving away from mere imitation toward a sophisticated, emotionally complex aesthetic. His sound identity is defined by a gritty vocal delivery, analog production values, and a rhythm section that emphasizes the 'one' while allowing for lush, symphonic flourishes. Critically, he is viewed as a bridge between the original era of soul and its contemporary resurgence, maintaining a level of authenticity and vocal power that few can match. His influence is felt across the modern indie-soul landscape, serving as a primary reference point for the 'retro-soul' movement of the 21st century.