Florida Soul: From Ray Charles to KC and the Sunshine Band

Capouya, a professor of journalism at the University of Tampa, details the indelible mark left by Florida performers on the national pop culture scene between 1945 and 1980. He argues that, during that time, Florida audiences were dancing to their own local sounds. He celebrates huge homegrown talents such as Ray Charles; Sam Moore of Sam and Dave fame; and Hank Ballard, who penned the global hit “The Twist,” which was made famous by Philly teenager Chubby Checker. Capouya discusses important Florida producers such as Deep City Records’ Willie Clarke and TK Records’ Henry Stone, the latter of whom had top-10 hits with KC and the Sunshine Band and Betty Wright. Entertaining and colorful, Capouya’s book assures that the Sunshine State gets its due alongside the musical hubs of Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans. (Sept.)