JAMES PHELPS - I'LL DO THE BEST I CAN

A stylistic disciple of Sam Cooke's, singer James Phelps of Louisiana is best known for his 1965 hit "Love Is a Five Letter Word."  But it 's the song's flip side, "I'll Do the Best I Can," that's now favored by soul collectors.  Phelps, like Cooke and Johnnie Taylor before him, briefly sang in the gospel group the Soul Stirrers.  This song was first recorded in more of a "doo-wop" style by Reuben Ford in 1961, who co-wrote it.        Real Player required.  Download Real Player here.