Story
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If you’ve never been touched by the music these guys made, chances are you’ve never heard Northern Soul. If you’ve never felt that inexplicable rush of euphoria to your brain as you hear the intro to "Do You Love Me Baby," chances are you haven’t experienced the heartbreaking beauty of "This Heart Is Haunted," or the incredible harmonies of "I’m Just an Average Guy." I could go on and on…
The Masqueraders and their story are woven deeper into the fabric of Northern Soul history than almost any other group. It’s a story of broken dreams and broken promises, yet it is also a tale filled with optimism, love, and faith. It’s a Netflix blockbuster waiting to happen.
It nearly happened for them in Detroit in 1966, whilst working construction by day and surviving mainly on biscuit and jelly handouts, yet recording soul masterpieces in the studio at night. (Those records sold diddly-squat at the time, only to be discovered and cherished by the Northern Soul faithful on the other side of the world ten years later). It nearly happened again in Memphis in '68; despite a hit record, the promised Suede Lincoln never arrived.
Still, the guys never stopped believing or singing. I first met them when they came over to perform at the Prestatyn weekender in the UK around 2006. I still remember seeing the surprise on their faces at the adulation pouring out towards them from an audience of over 2,000 people, who sang along with them almost word-perfect to every single lost and forgotten song they had ever recorded.
I have been fortunate to meet the guys on many trips to Memphis over the past 20 years. The year after the Prestatyn performance, I saw them performing at the Blues Cafe on Beale Street where they had a weekly residency. The performance was mind-blowing, but it was sadly wasted on the small audience of tourists who occasionally dropped a few dollars in the tip jar, totally unaware they had just witnessed one of the greatest soul harmony groups of all time on that little stage.
By 2017, their Beale Street residency was long gone. Harold, Tex, and Sam—who were already well into their 70s—were still working shifts at FedEx just to make ends meet 😳. But they still kept on dreaming, making sure they rehearsed in Tex’s front room at least once a week for when that big opportunity happened.
And happen it did… Finally, their big break came with appearances on America’s Got Talent, and they absolutely smashed it! Nearly 15 million viewers saw them through to the quarter-finals (Simon Cowell even said he loved them). Surely this would at last give them a taste of the success and financial reward they had been deprived of throughout their career? Sadly, once again, others profited from their talents and The Masqueraders were left still working shifts.
Myself and Alex Subinas have been in touch with them regularly on our trips, especially in the last few years. Whenever we meet, they are always a real pleasure to be with—laughing, joking, and singing, without even a hint of bitterness about their lack of deserved success.
Tragically, Sam passed away in 2022 (he was still working nights shortly before his death). Tex was hit by a forklift at work and ended up in a wheelchair in 2023—although he says it was a blessing, because the resulting scans showed he had cancer 😳, so (luckily 😳) he’s now under treatment for that.
Anyway, the final straw in all this happened the day after the above video was taken. We went over to Harold’s humble house because he had found an old recording we might be interested in releasing. Whilst chatting there, it became apparent just how tough things really are for these guys. Harold’s wife needs medical care for heart problems, and their income barely covers it.
Whilst looking for the tape, Harold also stumbled across some of his own copies of the group's 45s. When I enquired how much he wanted for them, he just shrugged and said, “Give me whatever you want, I’m flat broke” 😢.
I’d just like to make it clear at this point: Harold or Tex would never ask for charity. They are much too proud. To be honest, they will probably be very embarrassed and unhappy with me for doing this, but I am past caring. I feel I owe them, and actually, I feel all of us who have experienced the magic of Northern Soul are in their debt, too.
So, I came up with the idea of raffling the records off. I also asked Harold if he would be prepared to let his trademark Masqueraders hat go (now autographed), which was made by Tex out of real snake skin and worn on America’s Got Talent. I’m going to put my own prized copy of “Do You Love Me Baby” into the raffle too, and I’m hoping others may donate items as well so please checkout my Facebook page for details of that.
I’ve set up this Just Giving page for donations
Please feel free to share this post and add your own thoughts. The scene now seems bigger than it’s ever been; maybe this might even reach out and help people understand that Northern Soul and the struggle of its artists runs deep.
It’s real life. x
Here’s a link to a fabulous more in depth biography of the group by Dave Moore
