Born in Chicago on 4th April 1939 to Mike and Lucendia Lance. One of nine children, he grew up in the tough north side area known as The Calbrini Green Projects. Like many young Americans, singing and boxing was part of life in his teenage years. Following a tough fight and realising he was a better singer than fighter he decided to quit boxing.
I’d rather sing with my teeth, than box without them. Major Lance
He attended Wells High School with Curtis Mayfield and Otis Leavill. Working with arranger Johnny Pate, Carl Davis and Curtis Mayfield he produced a steady stream of hit records, many became perennial favourites on the northern soul scene.
Reaching almost anthemic status, Ain’t No Soul (In These Old Shoes) became a regular spin at soul nights. It’s The Beat and Investigate are always popular and of course You Don’t Want Me No More was included in the Wigan Casino 30th Anniversary playlist.
Peter Burton recalls. “It was the Live At The Torch album that got me interested in Northern Soul. I listened to it with all the atmosphere and knew it was something special”.
Major Lance appeared at many venues throughout the UK including Wigan Casino. You will find a selection of records for sale below including the Live Albums recorded at The Torch and Hinckley All Nighter.
Lance was convicted for possession of cocaine in 1978 and served four years in various institutions before his release on 1st January 1982. His career never really got going again after that and he died on 3rd September 1994 aged just 55.
Major Lance records currently in stock:
Click on the record titles in blue to go individual listings…
- Live At The Torch Album
- Live At Hinckley – Album
- Ain’t No Soul In These Old Shoes – Columbia ***Demo***
- Too Hot To Hold – OKeh ***Demo***
- You Don’t Want Me No More – Okeh Reissue
- Everybody Loves A Good Time – OKeh ***Demo***
- Ain’t No Soul In These Old Shoes – Canadian Epic Issue
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