Loleatta Holloway

• Loleatta [Gold Mind, 1977] B-
• Queen of the Night [Gold Mind, 1978] A-

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Loleatta [Gold Mind, 1977]
Those craving a big-voiced r&b singer should probably grab this rough-edged Philadelphia-type production. Those in control of their urges should note that nothing else on the album matches the lead cuts on each side, "Hit and Run" and "Ripped Off." B-

Queen of the Night [Gold Mind, 1978]
In an era when Donna and Diana and Natalie aim (truly) to reintroduce Josephine Baker to the great American public, this black woman extends the sexy mama tradition of rhythm and blues. Her sweet grit and tough wit are alternately abusive and forgiving, coy and defenseless, and she's got some voice. "I May Not Be There When You Want Me," a Bunny Sigler song that rocks as hard as any black music I've heard this year, is also available as a disco disc, but even the few mediocre cuts on this album are of interest, and it includes a version of "You Light Up My Life" that beats Patti Smith's all to hell. A-