Mack Rice and The Falcons (Wilson Pickett, Joe Stubbs, Eddie Floyd) were the first Detroit Doo Wop act and one of the earliest black music groups to be televised nationwide on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. The year was 1959 and The Falcons, performing their hit tune, You're So Fine, floored an unsuspecting nation. These men from the Motor City would eventually continue to make their mark separately in the world of American Music.
Well seasoned from his work with The Falcons, Mack Rice spent the next 40 years penning tunes that helped put stars on the map. The Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, The Young Rascals, BBKing, Albert King, Rufus Thomas, Robert Cray, and Johnnie Taylor have all tapped the song-writing magic of Mack. Even Hollywood has taken its turn, with Bruce Willis and The Commitments belting his words worldwide. Now Mack is stepping to the plate himself, slamming hit after hit, way out of the park.
Mack's biggest contribution to American Pop Culture is undeniably the ultimate car opus...Mustang Sally! Mack never dreamed that this silly song about a tiny new car would impact rock 'n roll for all time. Originally written by Mack in '65 with a splash of musical flavor from Detroit pal Aretha Franklin, Mustang Sally hit the airwaves just like the sweet new 'Stang hit the streets, pedal to the floor, pipes flaring.
As with the legendary car, Mustang Sally keeps being reinvented to fit the time: In 1966, it was the Rascals, in '67 Wilson Pickett and then in '91 The Commitments. It was with the undeniable status of the great Mustang Sally that the man with the pure chrome touch, was universally proclaimed, Sir Mack Rice.
On the new release, "This What I Do," Mack delivers the goods on twelve cuts, packed with pure soul power. With some "good lovin" from Rascals' front man Felix Cavaliere, playing some vintage Hammond B3 organ and belting the vocals, the great Mustang Sally 2000 comes alive to greet the new Millennium.
"This What I Do" marks the premier release for Lexington, Kentucky label infi records. This mix of new and classic tunes includes Mack's original recording of the Grammy Award winning #1 AAA radio hit, 24-7 Man, which was covered by Robert Cray in 1999. Also included on the release is Mack's own version of Respect Yourself a chart-topper covered by BB King, The Staple Singers and Bruce Willis.
Still in his prime and full of fire, Sir Mack Rice is a rare mix of golden era veteran and contemporary hit maker. After all as Mack says, "As far as I can tell, the call for good R&B hasn't changed much really, has it?" He is here to deliver. With the help of the Ford Motor Co., Mack will be touring Blues and oldies festival venues across America this Summer on the Ford sponsored "Mustang Sally 2000 Tour."
