Holy Ghost

Originally recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, during the Bar-Kays' 1972–1975 sessions, 'Holy Ghost' featured Larry Dodson on lead vocals, James Alexander on bass, Michael Beard on drums, Lloyd Smith on guitar, Winston Stewart on keyboards, Harvey Henderson on saxophone and Charles Allen on trumpet. Allen A. Jones produced the original recordings, with additional recording and remixing by Phil Kaffel at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, and horn arrangements by Dale Warren. Released in 1978 on Stax Records following Fantasy Records' acquisition of the label, 'Holy Ghost' became a major hit, reaching number nine on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart. Originally recorded before Stax's collapse, its powerful bassline, synthesizers, elaborate horn arrangements and Larry Dodson's energetic vocals demonstrated the band's musical development during its previously unreleased recording period. The recording became one of the Bar-Kays' signature performances and remains a frequently requested selection at their concerts. Its distinctive instrumental arrangement was sampled by M/A/R/R/S on the 1987 hit 'Pump Up the Volume', while subsequent reissues of Money Talks have preserved an important chapter of the band's recording history.