Jackie Shane Live

An outrageous Rhythm & Blues singer whose spectacular performances ripped up Toronto “ the Good “ in the early to late 1960’s largely overlooked by the music historians during an era that saw the city give birth to better known as the musical springboard of Neil Young, Joni Mitchel, Ian & Sylvia, Gordon Lightfoot, The Paupers, Steppenwolf, The Band, ( and yes ) Ricky James among many others. Originally a female impersonator, Jackie Shane, born & raised in Nashville Tenn., toured the “Chitlin’ Circuit” opening for performers like Etta James. A chance encounter at Montreal’s Esquire Show Bar circa 1962 landed Jackie the lead vocalist spot with Washington, DC’s R’n B Jazz outfit Frank Motley & The Motley Crew. Motley & Crew had found the promised land in Toronto, Canada, their new home base and they had now found a sensational front “ man “. Jackie Shane’s 1st recording of William Bell’s “ Any Other Way “ released regionally on Boston’s Cookin’ Label and Nationally on the Sue label landed the #2 spot on Toronto’s mighty CHUM Radio Chart in the spring of 1963. It remained in the charts for 20 weeks!