Here’s a seriously good example of music royalty. The Womack Sisters – BG, Kucha and Zeimani Womack – are granddaughters of Sam Cooke, daughters of Cecil and Linda Womack (who were Womack & Womack) and nieces of Bobby Womack. They were born into soul, and absorbed it on the road and in the studio the whole of their young lives, while they were homeschooled as three of seven children. While soul was their primary influence, gospel, Latin and pop found a way into their repertoire too.
Trials and tribulations
However, the sisters had no easy trajectory into recording their music. Cecil, as first producer, passed away before they could finish their debut album. Then their uncle Bobby, their second producer, passed. And then, “first single litigation” ensued, and roadblocked again, the sisters ended up working as drivers, caregivers and nannies. (To digress, for a bit of driving autobiography, listen to Chauffeur, the opening track on their debut album.)
In early 2020 it seemed like the sisters had finally caught a break when they were invited to join Solange Knowles on the road, but that stroke of luck was thwarted by Covid. After many attempts to launch, they finally found the right producer in Gabe Roth of Daptone and six-odd weeks ago, thirteen long years after trying to get started, The Womack Sisters released their self-titled debut album.
Worth the wait
It’s an album that was well worth waiting for. The sisters all bring different characteristics, ranges and styles to their lead vocals, which in turn suit a varied, but coherent debut album. It’s the soul release of 2026 for me so far and will definitely factor into year-end best albums lists.
I’d say listen to the whole album for a real treat, but I’ve chosen If I Let You for today’s Friday song. It’s a light, montuno, Latin soul groove, heavy on the Hammond B3, and takes a backward look to make a current sound, pushing straight for the dance floor. The arrangement is classic soul with perfectly arranged “stop starts”, horns and a lovely lead vocal and harmony voices, which conjure up the best of the 1960s. Listen and then stay for the entire Womack Sisters album. It’s sure to give you the impetus for a great weekend!
Listen to If I Let You on Spotify here.
And on Apple Music here.
I started a music WhatsApp group in 2023. I send one song a week on a Friday, with links to both Apple and Spotify, and an accompanying narrative/capsule piece. If you want to engage about a song, get a playlist or just get in touch, email me on markgrosin@gmail.com.
