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Sweet Pea Atkinson
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Key Information
Hillard "Sweet Pea" Atkinson[1] (September 20, 1945[2] – May 5, 2020) was an American R&B singer known as one of the vocalists for the band Was (Not Was).[3]
Biography
[edit]Atkinson was born in Oberlin, Ohio, and moved to Detroit as a child.[4] He worked at the Chrysler factory, and sang with colleagues in a local band, Hi Energy. He met Don Was in the late 1970s, when he was rehearsing at the studio used by Was.[4]
Atkinson joined Was (Not Was) as joint lead vocalist alongside Harry Bowens. He also featured on some of the band's most successful recordings. In 1982, shortly after the release of the first Was (Not Was) album, he recorded and released his first solo album, Don't Walk Away.[3][5][6] The album was co-produced by David and Don Was.[7] In 1997, along with Kris Kristofferson, Atkinson starred in a 15-minute short film included on Don Was' album Forever's a Long, Long Time, which was released under the alias Orquestra Was.[8] Atkinson also performed as lead vocalist on most of the songs on the album, on which Was interprets songs by Hank Williams.[9][10]
Atkinson later joined forces with blues guitarist Randy Jacobs – also a longtime Was (Not Was) session guitarist who co-wrote the band's most successful hit, "Walk the Dinosaur" – in a band called The Boneshakers. Together they released three albums, two of which were studio recordings: Book of Spells in 1997 and Shake the Planet in 1999, both on Pointblank Records. The third album was Live in Seattle, with saxophonist Mindi Abair, which was released on Concord Records. Two more albums were credited to Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers: The EastWest Sessions (2017) and All I Got for Christmas Is the Blues (2018).[11][12]
Atkinson also toured for ten years with Lyle Lovett, and sang on recordings by Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, Iggy Pop, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Barnes, and many others.[4]
Death
[edit]He died on May 5, 2020, from a heart attack in Los Angeles, aged 74.[4]
Reviews
[edit]Robert Christgau gave Don't Walk Away an A− grade, writing, "Trouper that he is, Atkinson will sing any nonsense [the Was brothers] hand him, but he obviously finds his truth in Dionne Warwick, the Tymes, General Johnson, and Eddie Rabbitt, and I'll go along with that."[6] AllMusic's William Ruhlmann gave the album 3 stars out of 5. In his review, Ruhlmann wrote that "For all intents and purposes, this is a Was (Not Was) record" and that "mostly this record has the same sarcastic undercurrent of most of Was (Not Was)'s product."[13]
Solo discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]- "Dance or Die" (number 27 on Billboard Dance Club Songs, 1982)[15]
References
[edit]- ^ Fusilli, Jim, (September 21, 2017). "‘Get What You Deserve’ by Sweet Pea Atkinson Review: A Tribute to the Past", The Wall Street Journal.
- ^ Ohio Department of Health, Index to Annual Births, 1968–1998; Ohio Department of Health, State Vital Statistics Unit; Columbus, OH, USA, Certificate Number:1945092989
- ^ a b "Was (Not Was)". Contemporary Musicians. Cengage Learning. 2004.
- ^ a b c d Gary Graff, "Hillard 'Sweet Pea' Atkinson, Legendary Vocalist With Was (Not Was), Dies at 74", Billboard, May 7, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020
- ^ Wynn, Ron. "Sweet Pea Atkinson Biography". AllMusic.
- ^ a b Christgau, Robert. "Consumer Guide: Sweet Pea Atkinson". The Village Voice.
- ^ Pareles, Jon (November 15, 1982). "Pop: Sweet Pea Atkinson". The New York Times.
- ^ Cheng, Kipp (April 18, 1997). "Forever's a Long, Long Time". Entertainment Weekly.
- ^ Gill, Andy (October 23, 2011). "Pop Albums: Orquestra Was Forever's a Long, Long Time Verve 314 533–915". The Independent (published March 21, 1997). Archived from the original on May 26, 2022.
- ^ Cromelin, Richard (March 23, 1997). "What Was Was and What Was Is". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ Debbage, Michael. "Album Review: The EastWest Sessions". Mostly Pino. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
- ^ Whitemore, Laura B. (December 10, 2018). "Listen Now: 20 New Music Releases to Add to Your Holiday Playlist". Parade. Retrieved January 6, 2019.
- ^ Ruhlmann, William. "Don't Walk Away Review". AllMusic.
- ^ "I'm Old As Dirt But I Can Still Sing: Sweet Pea Atkinson On Get What You Deserve". NPR.org. NPR.
- ^ "Dance Club Songs: Week of November 6, 1982". Billboard. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
External links
[edit]- Sweet Pea Atkinson discography at Discogs
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Sweet Pea Atkinson
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Early Life
Birth and Childhood
Hillard Atkinson, later known as Sweet Pea Atkinson, was born on September 20, 1945, in Oberlin, Ohio.[2][5] His family relocated to Detroit in 1966 when he was 21, immersing him in the city's industrial landscape.[1][6][7] Raised in a working-class household amid Detroit's bustling factory environment, Atkinson faced the rigors of urban life in post-World War II America, where economic opportunities often centered on manufacturing.[7] As a young man, he exhibited a restless spirit, drawn to the city's bright lights and steady paychecks, which reflected the era's migration patterns for better prospects.[6] This upbringing in Detroit's working-class neighborhoods fostered a resilient personality, later earning him the nickname "Sweet Pea" for his caring nature.[8] To support himself, Atkinson took a job at Chrysler's Eldon Avenue Gear and Axle plant, where he worked on the assembly line for more than a decade, building rear axles while navigating the demanding physical labor of automotive production.[7][9] These early non-musical roles underscored the challenges of his formative years in an economy reliant on heavy industry.[10]Early Musical Influences and Career Start
Atkinson immersed himself in Detroit's thriving music scene during the 1960s and 1970s, a period when the city was a powerhouse for soul, R&B, and blues, influencing his early development as a singer.[5] He drew inspiration from iconic soul figures such as Paul Williams of the Temptations and blues-influenced shouters like Wilson Pickett, though Atkinson viewed himself more as a crooner than a raw belter.[11] This exposure, combined with gospel roots from childhood church singing, shaped his rich baritone voice, often described as a deep, soulful growl that became his signature.[9] While working on the assembly line at the Chrysler factory during the day, Atkinson began performing at night with local groups, honing his vocal style through informal sessions and union hall rehearsals.[11] In the mid-1970s, he joined the R&B/funk band Hi Energy, formed with fellow United Auto Workers members, where he sang lead and contributed to their local performances.[6][9] The group played regular gigs at venues like the UAW Hall and the 20 Grand nightclub, allowing Atkinson to refine his commanding stage presence and deep vocal timbre amid Detroit's competitive soul circuit.[11][2] Atkinson's big break came in the late 1970s when, during a late-night rehearsal with Hi Energy at Detroit's Sound Suite studio, he caught the ear of producer Don Was (born David Weissman), who was working in an adjacent room.[11] Dressed in an orange suit and delivering powerful vocals around 4 a.m., Atkinson impressed Was immediately, leading to initial collaborations on session work and demos that laid the groundwork for their future partnership.[11][9] These early encounters in Detroit's studio scene marked the transition from local performer to professional vocalist, just before the formation of Was (Not Was.[5]Career with Was (Not Was)
Formation and Role in the Band
Was (Not Was) was founded in 1979 in Detroit by childhood friends David Weiss, who adopted the stage name David Was, and Don Fagenson, known as Don Was, amid Fagenson's financial struggles that prompted a collaborative songwriting venture.[12] The duo assembled a rotating ensemble of musicians and recruited local soul singers Harry Bowens and Hillard "Sweet Pea" Atkinson as co-lead vocalists to front their innovative project.[9] This formation marked the band's emergence as an eclectic outfit blending funk, rock, and jazz elements in an experimental framework.[12] Atkinson, performing with the Detroit group Hi-Energy at the time, encountered Don Was in the late 1970s and was soon enlisted for the nascent band, contributing vocals to early recordings that shaped its sound.[13] His gritty, soulful delivery provided a powerful contrast to Bowens' smooth tenor, forming a distinctive vocal pairing that energized both studio sessions and live shows from the outset.[14][6] Atkinson's nickname "Sweet Pea," earned for his gentle and caring demeanor, became synonymous with his charismatic stage persona, enhancing the band's quirky, theatrical dynamic.[5] In the band's early years, Atkinson integrated seamlessly into its fluid lineup, delivering lead and harmony vocals on a mix of satirical tracks and heartfelt ballads that highlighted the group's boundary-pushing ethos.[15] This vocal synergy with Bowens, supported by the Was brothers' production and instrumentation, defined the ensemble's live energy and studio experimentation, establishing Atkinson as a core creative force.[16]Key Albums and Vocal Contributions
Sweet Pea Atkinson's vocal contributions were central to the debut album Was (Not Was) (1981), where he provided lead vocals on the poignant ballad "Where Did Your Heart Go?," delivering a soulful performance that contrasted the band's eccentric funk arrangements.[2] His gritty timbre added emotional depth to the track, which later gained wider recognition through covers by artists like Hall & Oates.[14] Throughout the album, Atkinson shared backing vocals with Harry Bowens, helping establish the group's signature blend of R&B and avant-garde elements.[5] Atkinson also contributed lead vocals to tracks on the 1983 album Born to Laugh at Tornadoes, including "Knocked Down, Made Small (Treated Like a Rubber Ball)," further showcasing his soulful style within the band's experimental sound. On the breakthrough album What Up, Dog? (1988), Atkinson's prominent vocals elevated several key tracks, including the hit "Walk the Dinosaur," where he shared lead duties with Bowens in a playful, rhythmic style that propelled the song to Top 10 status on the Billboard Hot 100.[17] His delivery on "Spy in the House of Love" showcased a more commanding presence, taking center stage with a gruff, soulful intensity that underscored the track's Top 20 success.[2] These performances highlighted Atkinson's ability to infuse the band's satirical lyrics with authentic emotional weight, contributing to the album's commercial peak.[5] Atkinson's enduring role extended to later releases, including the 1990 album Are You Okay?, where he and Bowens provided shared vocals on the title track and other cuts, maintaining the group's dynamic vocal interplay amid evolving production.[14] The 2008 reunion album Boo! featured his return as a lead and backing vocalist on tracks like "Crazy Water," emphasizing his consistent presence across the band's discography and his adaptability to the album's eclectic mix of soul, jazz, and country influences.[9] Atkinson's unique vocal techniques, characterized by gritty growls, improvisational flourishes, and a raw soulfulness, became defining elements of Was (Not Was)'s sound, allowing him to navigate the band's genre-blending absurdity with charismatic authority.[2] His style, often described as larger-than-life and Detroit-rooted, bridged tender ballads and high-energy funk, leaving a lasting imprint on the ensemble's identity.[14]Solo Career
Debut Album and Early Singles
Sweet Pea Atkinson's debut solo album, Don't Walk Away, was released in 1982 on Island Records, shortly following the debut of Was (Not Was). Co-produced by David Was and Don Was, the album featured backing from members of the band, allowing Atkinson to step into the spotlight while leveraging their collaborative energy.[1][18] The recording process drew directly from Atkinson's experiences with Was (Not Was), incorporating the producers' innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines like the Linn LM-1, but focused on original material and covers that avoided any overlap with the band's eclectic output. This resulted in a soulful R&B sound, highlighted by Atkinson's rich, emotive baritone—honed through his band vocals—exploring themes of romance and resilience in tracks like the title song "Don't Walk Away," a cover of General Johnson's plea for commitment, and the upbeat "So Much in Love."[19][8] Early singles from the album included "Dance or Die," which peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 1982, reflecting modest club success amid the era's disco-funk trends, and the title track "Don't Walk Away," which received airplay but did not chart prominently. Critics praised the album's blend of heartfelt soul covers, such as Dionne Warwick's "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and Eddie Rabbitt's "Someone Could Lose a Heart Tonight," noting its affectionate nonsense and strong melodies as a refreshing showcase for Atkinson's voice. The release earned an A- grade from Robert Christgau, who commended the Was brothers' production for providing "realism to orders like 'dig deep, don't be nice' and 'dance or die.'"[20][19]Later Solo Releases
In 2017, Sweet Pea Atkinson released his second solo album, Get What You Deserve, on Blue Note Records, marking his first solo project in 35 years since his 1982 debut.[21][22] The album consists of ten covers spanning blues, R&B, soul, and funk classics, including tracks like "Are You Lonely For Me Baby" (originally by Freddie Scott), "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" (Bobby Bland), and "Slow Down" (originally by Eva Cassidy or John Lee Hooker influences).[23][24] The songs explore themes of reflection on life's hardships, enduring love amid loneliness, and personal resilience, drawing from Atkinson's decades-long career and delivered through his matured, gravelly vocal style that blends raw emotion with seasoned control.[22] At age 72, his distinctive growl—reminiscent of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett—conveys a deepened introspection, emphasizing emotional depth over youthful exuberance.[25][22] Production was handled by Keb' Mo' for seven tracks and Don Was for three, with Was—Atkinson's longtime collaborator from Was (Not Was)—also signing him to Blue Note and infusing the sessions with a connection to the Los Angeles music scene, where both producers are based.[21][22] The arrangements feature minimal guest appearances to highlight Atkinson's voice, supported by understated instrumentation that evokes Detroit soul roots while nodding to West Coast polish.[21] The lead single, "Are You Lonely For Me Baby," was released ahead of the album on September 22, 2017, capturing its soulful plea for connection and setting the tone for the project's intimate focus.[21] No additional promotional singles were issued, allowing the full album to stand as a cohesive late-career statement.[24]Other Projects and Collaborations
The Boneshakers Band
In the mid-1990s, Sweet Pea Atkinson formed the side project The Boneshakers in Los Angeles alongside guitarist Randy Jacobs, both alumni of Was (Not Was), to explore a fusion of blues, soul, and rock influences drawn from Atkinson's Detroit roots.[26][27] The duo's sound emphasized Atkinson's powerful lead vocals over Jacobs's guitar-driven arrangements, supported by a rotating lineup of musicians including bassists, drummers, and keyboardists.[18] The band's debut album, Book of Spells, was released in 1997 on Virgin Records' Pointblank imprint, showcasing Atkinson's commanding baritone on tracks blending gritty soul grooves with rock edges.[28] This was followed by the sophomore effort Shake the Planet in 1999, also on Pointblank, which expanded the group's energetic style with songs like "Hand Over Fist, Heart Over Mind" and "Ball and Chain," highlighting their raw, roots-oriented approach.[29][30] In the 2010s, The Boneshakers evolved through collaboration with saxophonist Mindi Abair, reforming as Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers while retaining Atkinson and Jacobs as core members.[5] Their joint live album Live in Seattle, recorded at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, was released in September 2015 on Heads Up International, capturing the band's high-energy performances.[31] This partnership yielded the studio album The Eastwest Sessions in 2017 on Pretty Good for a Girl Records, featuring Atkinson's guest vocals on tracks like "Let Me Hear It From You." The band later released the holiday-themed All I Got for Christmas Is the Blues in 2018.Backup Vocals and Touring Work
Atkinson established himself as a sought-after session vocalist in the late 1980s, providing backup harmonies on albums by prominent artists across rock, blues, and pop genres. His contributions began notably with Bonnie Raitt's Grammy-winning Nick of Time (1989), where his rich, soulful backing vocals added depth to tracks like "Have a Heart" and "Nick of Time."[5] He continued this work into the 1990s, lending his booming baritone to Bob Dylan's Under the Red Sky (1990), enhancing the folk-rock arrangements on songs such as "Born in Time," and to Elton John's Days of Thunder soundtrack (1990) and later singles like "Easier to Walk Away" (1990), where his harmonies complemented the piano-driven ballads.[14][32] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Atkinson's studio sessions extended to other icons, including Iggy Pop's Brick by Brick (1990) and Brian Wilson's I Just Wasn't Made for These Times (1995), where his energetic delivery helped bridge punk, rock, and orchestral pop elements.[14] These recordings showcased his versatility in supporting lead artists without overpowering them, often infusing R&B flair into diverse ensembles.[9] In addition to studio work, Atkinson embarked on extensive touring, most prominently as a member of Lyle Lovett's band starting in the early 1990s, a partnership that lasted approximately a decade. Introduced to Lovett by producer Don Was in 1991, he contributed live harmonies and onstage charisma to Lovett's country-soul performances, bringing infectious energy to tours supporting albums like Joshua Judges Ruth (1992) and I Love Everybody (1994).[33][4] His presence elevated the band's dynamic, blending gospel-infused backing vocals with Lovett's narrative style to create memorable live experiences.[6] Atkinson's backup and touring roles underscored his ability to enhance collaborative performances, with his powerful voice providing harmonic richness and rhythmic drive that unified diverse musical lineups.[34]Death and Legacy
Circumstances of Death
Hillard "Sweet Pea" Atkinson passed away on May 5, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 74, due to a heart attack.[5] The incident occurred at his home in the city where he had resided for decades.[6] His death was confirmed by a representative to Billboard, noting the sudden nature of the event with no prior public indications of serious health concerns.[5] Atkinson was survived by three adult children, several grandchildren, and a sister in Detroit.[5] Funeral arrangements were handled privately by the family, with initial reports indicating they were pending public details.[13]Tributes and Lasting Influence
Following Atkinson's death on May 5, 2020, tributes poured in from collaborators and bandmates who highlighted his charismatic presence and unique vocal style. Don Was, co-founder of Was (Not Was and longtime friend of 45 years, described Atkinson as a "larger-than-life" figure whose swagger and gravelly voice embodied the essence of Detroit soul, noting in a radio interview that he had known and worked with him since the mid-1970s.[35] Was further recalled Atkinson's vision for himself as a comic book hero, emphasizing his larger-than-life persona that infused their music with humor and grit.[9] Fellow Was (Not Was vocalist Sir Harry Bowens and other bandmates echoed these sentiments in joint statements, praising Atkinson's role as the group's dynamic bass voice during their 1980s heyday.[2] Atkinson's enduring influence is evident in his impact on bass vocalists across soul, funk, and rock genres, where his raw, emotive delivery set a benchmark for blending grit with melody. Producer Don Was, who collaborated with him extensively, underscored how his style bridged classic R&B with experimental funk and influenced session work that elevated tracks by major artists.[36] His contributions to albums like Bonnie Raitt's Grammy-winning Nick of Time (1989) demonstrated this versatility, adding depth to rock-soul hybrids that later vocalists emulated in blending genres.[3] Archival resources continue to underscore Atkinson's versatility as a vocalist spanning R&B, soul, funk, blues, and pop-rock. AllMusic profiles him as a key figure in contemporary pop/rock and soul, noting his session work with artists from Bob Dylan to Lyle Lovett that showcased his adaptability across styles.[3] Similarly, Discogs highlights his leadership in The Boneshakers, where he fused blues and funk on albums like Book of Spells (1997), preserving his reputation as a multifaceted performer whose credits total 139 releases.[18]Discography
Albums
Sweet Pea Atkinson's solo discography consists of two albums spanning over three decades. His debut solo effort, Don't Walk Away, was released in 1982 on Island Records in vinyl and cassette formats, featuring production by David Was and Don Was of Was (Not Was.[37][1] The album showcased Atkinson's soulful R&B style but did not achieve significant commercial chart success.[38] His second solo release, Get What You Deserve, arrived in 2017 via Blue Note Records in CD and digital formats, blending blues, Detroit soul, and funk elements across ten tracks recorded at studios including Capitol Studios in Hollywood.[39][40] This long-awaited project highlighted Atkinson's enduring vocal prowess but also lacked prominent chart performance.[1] As a co-lead vocalist for the eclectic band Was (Not Was, Atkinson fronted key releases that fused funk, rock, and experimental elements. The band's self-titled debut album, Was (Not Was), came out in 1981 on ZE Records (with Island Records distribution in some markets) in LP format, marking Atkinson's prominent vocal contributions early in the group's career.[41] Their breakthrough third studio album, What Up, Dog?, was issued in 1988 by Chrysalis Records in CD and vinyl formats, peaking at number 43 on the US Billboard 200 and number 47 on the UK Albums Chart.[42][43] The 2008 reunion album Boo appeared on Rykodisc in CD and LP editions, reuniting Atkinson with bandmates for a mix of soul-infused tracks but without notable chart impact.[44][45] Atkinson co-founded the funk-soul outfit The Boneshakers in the mid-1990s with guitarist Randy Jacobs, releasing several albums that emphasized gritty blues-rock grooves. The band's debut, Book of Spells, was put out in 1997 by Pointblank Records (a Virgin imprint) in CD and vinyl formats, delivering thirteen tracks of soul-jazz fusion.[28] Their follow-up, Shake the Planet, followed in 1999 on the same label in similar formats, continuing the high-energy style without major commercial charting.[46] Later, Atkinson joined saxophonist Mindi Abair for collaborative efforts under Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers, including the live album Live in Seattle (2015, Heads Up International/Concord, CD format), captured during a performance at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley.[47][48] The duo's studio releases included The Eastwest Sessions (2017, Pretty Good For A Girl Records, CD/digital) and the holiday-themed All I Got for Christmas Is the Blues (2018, Pretty Good For A Girl Records, CD/digital), both emphasizing blues-rock with Atkinson's signature leads.[49][50]Singles
Sweet Pea Atkinson's solo career began with singles drawn from his 1982 debut album Don't Walk Away, produced by the Was brothers. The lead single "Dance or Die" reached number 27 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.[51] Another single from the same album, "Don't Walk Away," was released as a 7-inch vinyl by Island Records.[37] In 2005, Atkinson issued the single "Don't Cruize Me," featuring urban and radio mixes, through Sunfish Entertainment.[52] As a featured vocalist with Was (Not Was), Atkinson contributed to several notable singles. "Out Come the Freaks," from their 1981 self-titled album, was released as a single by ZE Records and became an underground club hit.[53] The band's 1987 single "Walk the Dinosaur," from What Up, Dog?, peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.[54] "Spy in the House of Love," also from 1987, reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.[54] With The Boneshakers, Atkinson's band featuring guitarist Randy Jacobs, the group released "Cold Sweat" as a single from their 1997 album Book of Spells on Point Blank Records/Virgin.[55]| Year | Title | Artist/Group | Label | Peak Chart Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Dance or Die | Sweet Pea Atkinson | Island | #27 Billboard Dance Club Songs | Lead single from Don't Walk Away |
| 1982 | Don't Walk Away | Sweet Pea Atkinson | Island | - | Title track single |
| 1981 | Out Come the Freaks | Was (Not Was) feat. Sweet Pea Atkinson | ZE | - | Underground hit |
| 1987 | Walk the Dinosaur | Was (Not Was) feat. Sweet Pea Atkinson | Chrysalis | #7 Billboard Hot 100, #10 UK | From What Up, Dog? |
| 1987 | Spy in the House of Love | Was (Not Was) feat. Sweet Pea Atkinson | Chrysalis | #16 Billboard Hot 100 | From What Up, Dog? |
| 1997 | Cold Sweat | The Boneshakers feat. Sweet Pea Atkinson | Point Blank/Virgin | - | From Book of Spells |
| 2005 | Don't Cruize Me | Sweet Pea Atkinson | Sunfish Entertainment | - | Includes urban mix |