I was alerted to this 45 during my deep dive last year into the history of Quinvy recording studio. This 45 was recorded there in the last days of the studio, probably in 1972. It is a fine slice of southern soul.
Jimmy Jules, whose real name was Charley C. Julien, was born in New Orleans. He had a total of six 45s released spanning a long period (1961-1977). Before that he was a member of bands going back into the 50s too I think. Under different group guises he also released three albums between 1977 and 1980. As well as singing I believe he also played saxophone, trumpet, and keyboards. He also wrote a number of songs that were recorded by other artists including a couple by a young Johnnie Taylor, and apparently backed artists such as Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding in the 60s. In the late 60s he also started his own label – Jim Gem. The first single on that label was written by Charley but the credited singer is a Charley Wynn. Sir Shambling doesn’t believe this singer could be Charley Julien, but I think it is a possibility. Although the Jim Gem label has a Colorado address the Charley Wynn 45 had a “Cosimo Code” which means it was likely recorded in New Orleans.
Just about as much information as I can find on Jimmy/Charley’s recording career can be found buried in part 11 of an exhaustive history ofNorala/Quinvy studios. This history was written some years ago. After some dedicated googling I have found that Charley passed away in September 2021. His obituary says that Charley was father to no less than thirteen children, some of which may well have been adopted.
All together it seems Charley led a very full life.
RIP Charley C. Julien aka Jimmy Jules
Jimmy Jules– Ten Carat Fool 1973
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