by Shawn Nowlin
Unforgettable performances happen at the Jefferson Center’s Shaftman Performance Hall. On Sept. 29, hundreds filled the hall for an opportunity to experience Lee Fields & the Expressions live. One couple said they purchased tickets to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
The show began at 7 p.m. and for the next two-plus hours, concertgoers were treated to one of music’s greatest soul singers. At times, Fields made the gathering feel like a comedy show. Other times, the vibe was more like a family reunion. Overall, it was a night full of love, jokes and storytelling.
Many of the fan favorites were performed, including, “Wish You Were Here” and “Honey Dove.” Due to the vocal and physical resemblances with James Brown, Fields is often referred to as “Little JB.”
“The combination of stage presence, authenticity and catalog makes Lee Fields & the Expressions one of the best acts that music has to offer, in my opinion. I think the James Brown comparisons are spot on,” Larry McKenzie said. “The couple who sat right next to me said they came from South Carolina to see the show. Before leaving, I heard them say, ‘This memory was worth the trip.’”
Born in Wilson, North Carolina, 73 years ago, Fields displayed an interest in music at an early age. Active since recording his first single in 1969, a who’s who of music legends have collaborated with Fields over the years: B.B. King, Betty Wright, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Denise LaSalle, Darrell Banks, Kool & the Gang and Bobby Womack, just to name a few.
Many current hip-hop superstars have introduced Fields to a new generation of music consumers by sampling some of his vintage tracks. Travis Scott (“Antidote”), Slum Village (“Look of Love”) and J. Cole (“World is Empty”) have all publicly spoken about how Fields has inspired their artistry.
Despite touring the world for decades and performing in front of live audiences, Fields seemed vibrant as ever.
Midway through his Jefferson Center set, he had some playful back-and- forth interactions with the audience. “Hey girls, what are your names? Oh wow, you look so nice. I know your man is satisfied. Young lady up top, what is your name? I know your man is pleased down to his knees. And the young lady right in front of me, what is your name? Ladies, all you ladies, I want you to help me sing this song that I wrote.”
The 2014 critically acclaimed film that starred the late Chadwick Boseman, Get On Up, featured additional vocals by Fields. Today, he and his wife Christie, have four adult children and reside in New Jersey.
