Skip Easterling

Skip Easterling was a white soul singer with a penchant for updating blues and R&B standards. One of his most notable tracks, produced by Huey "Piano" Smith, was Easterling's version of Willie Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie Man" from around 1970 -- with a flute, a funky dance beat, and a well-arranged horn-based backing band, the song was transformed into something entirely new and startlingly fresh. The single was Skip Easterling's biggest hit, and closed out the history of Joe Banashak's Instant Records label as a chart contender. ~ Bruce Eder