Love Ain't Nothin’ But A Business Goin' On

Next in Mr Bongo’s Groove Merchant reissue series is this outstanding, much-loved and heavily sampled funk/soul/blues LP by Junior Parker. Originally released in 1970 as The Outside Man on Capitol Records with a different cover, this reissue replicates the 1971 Groove Merchant version titled Love Ain’t Nothin’ But A Business Goin’ On — featuring the iconic car artwork.

Born in Mississippi and based in Memphis, Junior Parker was a renowned blues singer, harmonica player, and songwriter. He released a prolific catalogue on legendary labels like Duke, Mercury and United Artists throughout the '50s and '60s. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1971 at the age of 39. This album, released shortly before his death, stands as a testament to his artistic brilliance.

Drenched in Parker’s buttery, soulful vocals, the record weaves through smokey blues, raw funk, and orchestrated soul ballads — the latter arranged to sublime effect by Horace Ott. The album's standout element is perhaps its reimagining of three Beatles classics:

“Taxman” is flipped into a fiery New Orleans funk bomb, famously sampled by Cypress Hill on “I Wanna Get High.”

“Lady Madonna” receives a funky blues rework.

“Tomorrow Never Knows” transforms into a swirling, psychedelic soul-blues odyssey.

Since its original release, the album has become a treasured source of samples, influencing producers like DJ Shadow, De La Soul, and A Tribe Called Quest. Love Ain’t Nothin’ But A Business Goin’ On is a powerful example of early ’70s crossover funk and soul, and a fitting legacy from a Blues Hall of Fame inductee.

Love Ain’t Nothin’ But A Business Goin’ On

The Outside Man

Darling Depend On Me

Taxman

Rivers Invitation

I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone

Just To Hold My Hand

You Know I Love You

Lady Madonna

Tomorrow Never Knows