Joe Tex - For Your Love / Show Me

Year Released: 1967
Genre: Soul / Southern Soul / Funk

Description:

“For Your Love / Show Me” by Joe Tex is a dynamic 7″ soul single released in 1967 on Dial Records, during the height of Tex’s creative output as one of the leading voices of Southern soul. Known for his spirited delivery, witty lyrics, and rhythmic phrasing, Joe Tex bridged the emotional storytelling of classic soul with the rhythmic drive that would soon evolve into funk.

The A-side, “For Your Love,” is a heartfelt, gospel-infused ballad that showcases Tex’s trademark vocal sincerity — equal parts preacher and storyteller. His smooth yet impassioned tone, supported by lush horn arrangements and subtle backing vocals, turns a simple love plea into an expressive performance full of warmth and humanity.

The B-side, “Show Me,” contrasts beautifully with the A-side’s tenderness, delivering an upbeat, horn-laden funk-soul groove that became one of Tex’s signature songs. Driven by a tight rhythm section, punchy brass hits, and Tex’s charismatic spoken interjections, “Show Me” captures the spontaneous, danceable energy that defined his late-’60s recordings. The track’s infectious rhythm and call-and-response structure made it a staple in R&B clubs and a favorite among Northern Soul DJs in later decades.

“Show Me” in particular went on to achieve classic status — reissued on various soul compilations and frequently sampled by hip-hop producers for its clean, driving rhythm and vocal energy. Notably, it has been sampled by artists such as The Jungle Brothers, EPMD, and Beastie Boys, who drew on its raw funk breaks and vocal textures to create new hip-hop anthems.

Both sides of the single highlight Joe Tex’s versatility — equally comfortable as a crooning soul singer and a rhythmically inventive performer. His conversational vocal style, sharp sense of timing, and emphasis on groove helped define the Southern soul sound of the late 1960s, alongside contemporaries like James Brown, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding.

Original 7″ pressings on Dial Records remain highly collectible for their historical importance and powerful, analog production. The single exemplifies the transitional moment between deep soul and the birth of funk, anchored by Tex’s unmistakable charm and rhythmic brilliance.

“For Your Love / Show Me” stands as a cornerstone of Joe Tex’s catalog — a perfect balance of heartfelt emotion and irresistible groove that continues to inspire soul enthusiasts, DJs, and sample-based musicians alike.