Jackie Shane - "Any Other Way"

Photo courtesy Numero Group

We don't cover anywhere near enough soul here at If It's Too Loud..., and it's safe to say that we're fairly ignorant about the history aside from the giants. It's always great when we get to discover some of the more legendary underground performers. Jackie Shane wasn't well known outside of Toronto back in the 1960's, and her last public performance was in December 1971. Jackie Shane was a transgender pioneer, born in a male body and living her life as a woman. Knowing the challenges and controversy facing transgender individuals in 2017, I can't even imagine what it could have been like 50 years ago, especially for a public figure who never hid her identity. 

On October 20, Numero Group will be issuing the first ever artist approved collection of Jackie Shane's work, including all six of her 45s and a live performance from 1967. This collection includes extensive liner notes telling Jackie Shane's story in her own words. It's the first communication she's had with her fans in almost fifty years. Based on the first song released so far, "Any Other Way," Shane was simply an amazingly talented singer and performer. If you love soul music and want to expand past the big names we all know, this is a great place to start.

You can listen to "Any Other Way" below. You can pre-order a copy of Any Other Way here.