Let’s Wade In the Water - Marlena Shaw

With its jazz and R&B leanings, this energetic, soulful song, initially a B-side, was a favourite in Northern Soul clubs throughout the 1970s.

Marlena Shaw was born Marlina Burgess in New York in September 1939. She was brought on stage at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem by her jazz trumpet-playing uncle at the young age of 13 to sing with his band. Marlena’s mother, however, would not permit her to tour with the band at such a young age, halting her developing career.

She started singing in jazz clubs from the early 1960s and became known for songs such as “Woman of the Ghetto” and Ashford and Simpson’s “California Soul.” With a voice that sits between jazz sophistication and raw soul energy, DJs grew to love her records.

Despite its B-side release and being overshadowed by her more famous songs, "Let's Wade in the Water" became a Northern club hit, with dancers performing acrobatically to Marlena's powerful vocals and the song's strong rhythm.

Marlena passed away in January 2024, at the age of 84.