The Hutchinson sisters were an excellent gospel act billed as the Heavenly Sunbeams before they turned to secular material. This was their soul debut, and the title track was produced by Isaac Hayes and penned by Sheila Hutchinson. It was a nice bit of gospel-tinged soul, and was an indicator that the sisters weren't going to have any trouble turning to more earthly concerns.
NPR recently chronicled the story of a sample - in this case, The Charmels' 1967 single "As Long As I've Got You" - which RZA copped for "C.R.E.A.M." on 1993's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). That opening piano tinkle from the Stax house band (which often included Isaac Hayes or Booker T. and the M.G.'s) also marked the debut of RZA's most consistent influence - sweet Southern soul.More than 1...