On this day in music history: January 20, 1967 - “Sweet Soul Music” by Arthur Conley is recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Written by Otis Redding and Arthur Conley, it is the debut single and biggest hit for the R&B singer from Hinesfield, GA. Conley is discovered by Soul legend Otis Redding who takes the singer under his wing and releases one single on Conley on his own Jotis Records label in 1965, before helping him secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records’ Atco subsidiary in late 1966. The pair write Conley’s first hit, taking its inspiration from the Sam Cooke song “Yeah Man” and name checking several R&B contemporaries including Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, James Brown and Redding himself. Released in February of 1967, “Sweet Soul Music” quickly climbs both the R&B and pop singles charts peaking #2 on both charts in May of 1967. “Sweet Soul Music” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves