Lou Rawls Recorded Live: 8/18/1991 – Newport Jazz Festival – Newport, RI

All Things Considered Live – Newport Jazz Festival, August 18, 1991: A Soulful Showcase of Lou Rawls

This week’s All Things Considered Live reaches back into the archives for a radiant and unforgettable performance recorded on August 18, 1991, at the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island. Headlining this soul-stirring set was the incomparable Lou Rawls, whose smooth baritone, effortless phrasing, and magnetic stage presence turned the historic stage at Fort Adams State Park into a smoky nightclub of romance, heartbreak, and rhythm.

A Setlist Steeped in Soul, Jazz, and Blues

From the opening moments of “It’s a Tough Job (But Somebody’s Got to Do It)”, Rawls wasted no time commanding the crowd with his signature blend of cool charisma and blues-drenched delivery. The early medley of “A Natural Man” and “Tobacco Road” reminded listeners of his unique ability to marry storytelling with soul. His voice—a deep, confident rumble with moments of satin—drew the crowd into each lyric like an old friend sharing secrets.

Highlights included the sultry “Lady Love”, the tender ballad “At Last”, and a fun, swinging rendition of “Fine Brown Frame”, which had the crowd clapping along. Rawls transitioned between blues numbers like “After the Lights Go Down Low” and jazz standards like “The Way You Look Tonight” with a master’s ease, proving himself just as fluent in croon as in groove.

One of the emotional high points came during “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing”, a track that allowed Rawls to stretch into the rawer, more emotional corners of his range. But perhaps the most electric moment of the set was his gritty, rollicking take on “Hoochie Coochie Man”, where the band matched his intensity, laying down a thunderous foundation.

A Voice for the Ages

The performance closed on a heartfelt, crowd-pleasing note with “You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”, the platinum-selling hit that became Rawls' enduring anthem. It was a poignant reminder of his gift—not just as a singer, but as a true entertainer whose artistry could bridge genres and generations.

A Timeless Festival Moment

Captured during one of Newport Jazz Festival’s golden eras, this 1991 recording is more than a concert—it's a time capsule from an artist at the peak of his powers. With a band in perfect lockstep and a setlist rich in love, longing, and lyrical swing, Lou Rawls’ live performance is a testament to the enduring beauty of American music’s crossroads: jazz, blues, and soul.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, this All Things Considered Live feature offers a compelling reason to sit back, press play, and let Lou Rawls take you on a smooth, unforgettable ride.