The mid-'50s were fertile years for American rhythm and blues, producing some of the grittiest, most soulful recordings ever made. Throughout the era, giants such as James Brown, Clyde McPhatter, Little Willie John, Jackie Wilson, and Ray Charles regularly battled for the top slots on the R&B charts. Standing toe-to-toe with these masters was Hank Ballard, a masterful singer equally deserving of the accolades frequently heaped upon so many of his contemporaries.