The world of entertainment mourned the loss of David Soul in early January 2024, best known to many as Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson from the iconic 1970s TV series Starsky & Hutch. While his acting career, particularly in Starsky & Hutch, cemented his place in popular culture, David Soul was also a dedicated and accomplished musician. This exploration delves into the musical side of David Soul, celebrating his songs and albums that showcase a different facet of his artistic talent.
Alt text: David Soul portrait in a black and white close up, highlighting his signature blond hair and blue eyes, promoting his musical legacy.
Born David Solberg, his initial foray into the entertainment world was through music. Long before he became Hutch, David Soul appeared on The Merv Griffin Show as “The Covered Man,” a masked singer aiming to be recognized solely for his vocal talent. This early move reveals his deep commitment to music, a passion that would run parallel to his successful acting career. While Starsky & Hutch became a cultural phenomenon, even boasting a memorable theme song that resonated with audiences, Soul’s personal musical journey was taking shape.
His debut self-titled album in 1976, released under Private Stock Records, offered a glimpse into his songwriting abilities and musical collaborations. Intriguingly, he co-wrote several tracks with Gardner McKay, known for Adventures in Paradise. Among these collaborations was the catchy tune “Black Bean Soup,” a song that even made its way into a Starsky & Hutch episode, showcasing the seamless blend of his acting and musical worlds. Another noteworthy track from this album, “Seem to Miss So Much (Coalminer’s Song),” co-written with actor Bruno Kirby, displayed a softer, more introspective side to his music. Early versions of the album included “One More Mountain to Climb,” penned by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, before it was later replaced by one of his burgeoning hit singles.
Alt text: A collection of David Soul vinyl records, showcasing his albums “David Soul” and “Playing to an Audience of One”, highlighting his discography for music enthusiasts.
It was in 1976 and 1977 that David Soul achieved significant chart success with songs penned by the prolific songwriter Tony Macaulay. Macaulay, known for hits like “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” and “Baby, Now That I’ve Found You”, crafted “Don’t Give Up on Us” for Soul. This ballad soared to the top of the charts internationally, including the US, UK, and Canada, a feat many iconic artists have never achieved on the Billboard pop charts.
Alt text: Two vintage David Soul 45 rpm records, featuring his hit singles “Don’t Give Up On Us” and “Silver Lady”, emphasizing the retro appeal of his music collectibles.
The following year, 1977, saw the release of his album Playing to an Audience of One, which produced another UK Number One hit, “Silver Lady,” also written by Tony Macaulay. This uptempo track further solidified Soul’s presence in the music charts, even replacing Elvis Presley at the top spot in the UK. Macaulay took on a more significant role for this album, producing it and arranging the rhythm tracks, recorded at the renowned A&M Studios in Los Angeles. Soul continued his songwriting partnership with Gardner McKay on this album, adding two more collaborative tracks to his repertoire.
While David Soul continued to release music, these later works didn’t reach the same commercial heights as his earlier hits. However, his approach to music remained genuine. He avoided relying on celebrity collaborations or covering popular songs, choosing instead to create music that was true to his artistic vision. His albums are characterized by their sincerity and listenability, showcasing a distinct singing voice that was separate from his speaking voice. This dedication to his craft earned him respect as a musician in his own right.
Alt text: David Soul in his later years, a warm smile and relaxed demeanor, reflecting on his long and varied career in both acting and music.
Beyond his music and iconic TV role, David Soul also pursued stage acting in England later in his life, finding further artistic fulfillment. Despite personal struggles with alcohol and health issues, including COPD and lung cancer, he lived a full and multifaceted life.
In conclusion, David Soul’s legacy extends beyond his portrayal of Hutch. His foray into music produced memorable songs like “Don’t Give Up on Us” and “Silver Lady,” showcasing his musical talent and dedication. While Starsky & Hutch made him a household name, his music offers another avenue to appreciate the artistry and enduring appeal of David Soul. He was, in many ways, a cool and understated artist who left a lasting mark in both television and the world of David Soul Songs.
Alt text: A classic shot of David Soul and Paul Michael Glaser as Starsky and Hutch, leaning against their Ford Gran Torino, symbolizing the iconic duo and their enduring television legacy.
