Chicago-born and based singer known as "The Soulkeeper"
English singer and songwriter, born 29 November 1959 in Leeds, England.
Renaldo Domino @ Eccentric Soul Revue from numerogroup on Vimeo.
Named for a voice that was sweet like Domino sugar, Renaldo Domino is one of the unsung heroes of Chicago soul. Born Renaldo Jones in "The Valley," around 49th & Forestville, Domino was already on the star track by the time he got his drivers license. He linked up with the Magnificents, and manager William "Sandy" Johnson, who would stay with him throughout his career, and had his first record deal before his high school graduation. Domino's singles on the Mercury imprints Blue Rock and Smash did fine, but by major label standards he was a flop and was promptly dropped. Clearly representing paramount talent, Sandy had little trouble convincing Wright and Bedno to sign Domino and put the full weight of their influence behind him. Though the label credits Sandy as producer, Richard Pegue was hired on to infuse Domino's street corner style with an uptown sensibility. He brought in the South Shore Commission and members of the Cheers and the Voices for the sessions that would become the double-sided masterpiece "Not Too Cool to Cry" b/w "Nevermore." Domino's vocals certainly live up to the promise of his stage name, but it's Pegue's left-of-center production, complete with pizzicatto violin, triangle, castanets and mini choir that make these songs arguably one of the most most beautiful soul singles to come out of Chicago. Domino issued two more dazzling 45s on the label, "Let Me Come Within" and "You Need To Be Loved On," with both sharing "I'm A Good Man" as the B-side. "Two Years Four Days" was the original flip for "You Need To Be Loved On," but was mysteriously shelved and was unavailable until now. Despite steady radio play and constant performing, Domino failed to catch on outside Chicago. He was truly the breakout star Twinight was looking for, and their failure to propel his career was telling of the label's fortunes.