Betty Harris / Big John Hamilton - There's A Break In The Road / Big Bad John

A-Side – There's A Break In The Road

Betty Harris delivers a superb slice of New Orleans soul written by Allen Toussaint, with the track featuring the musicians who would become central to The Meters sound, including Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr. and James Black. Released originally in 1969, the record combines Harris's powerful vocal with a tight, funky New Orleans rhythm section. The result is a punchy, highly danceable soul-funk cut with the kind of raw groove that makes it a natural choice for DJs and rare-groove collectors.

B-Side – Big Bad John

Big John Hamilton's “Big Bad John” is a tough, bluesy R&B number built around Hamilton's commanding vocal and a stripped-back, rhythm-driven arrangement. Originally issued in the mid-1960s, it sits firmly in the Southern R&B tradition and makes an excellent contrast with the more overtly funky Betty Harris side. The track runs for approximately 2:43 on this 45.

Legacy & Influence

“There's A Break In The Road” is the standout for funk and sample hunters, connecting Betty Harris's New Orleans soul recordings directly to the musicians and studio sound associated with The Meters and Allen Toussaint. Harris's original single was released on SSS International in 1969, while this Fraternity Music Group pressing gives collectors a much more accessible way to get the track on 7-inch.

This reissue pairs a heavyweight New Orleans funk cut with an obscure Southern R&B track, making it a useful 45 for anyone digging into the roots of funk, soul and breakbeat culture.