South Ferry
After 25 years of working for United Cerebral Palsey, Roger Ridley left his job to become a full-time musician--in the subways. Roger's mighty presence easily overpowers each passing train. His emotional renditions of soul standards may lead some to believe that he is the “Lost Soul Singer” in a lineage that includes Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and The Temptations.
"Subway Station" --featuring Majestic K. Funk and Alice Tan Ridley (background vocals), Dave Gordon (trumpet), Mike Minto (saxophone), and Cao Bao An (erhu) -- was written especially for Roger. As the omniscient subway singer, Roger soulfully belts out the truism, “You can hear the songs from every nation/ In this New York City subway station.” Suddenly, the listener is transported into the Times Square Station where Roger engages listeners, guitar in hand, eyes closed tightly, and sweat trickling down his face.
Roger & his sister, Alice, grew up in Lumpkin, GA. Their mother wrote and arranged gospel songs for her five children and her sisters. Each Sunday, the family would perform one of her weekly compositions in church. The Ridley Family Tree album -- recorded to honor their parents -- documents the musical talents of the entire family. As a result of their underground performances, Roger & Alice have individually been invited to perform all around the world, to tens of thousands of people. Roger's son, James, is the latest Ridley to bring the sweet sounds of soul to the platforms.
Written by James Propp & Adam Chalk (BMI)
