Fred Williams recorded his only single back in 1968 before disappearing from the funk and soul universe for ever. But what a single!

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It’s always been a mystery to me why Michael Jackson has remained uncancelled despite the overwhelming weight of evidence against him from multiple accusers. 

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Chris Bell’s only solo single during his all-too-short lifetime, I Am The Cosmos is now recognised as a classic.

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Stiv Bators, the Dead Boys singer, was probably the nearest thing American punk had to Johnny Rotten.

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This must rank as one of the unlikeliest musical collaborations ever – soul brother Jermaine Jackson and jerky New Wave weirdoes Devo.

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Marilyn McLeod is best known, if she is known at all, as the songwriter behind hit singles for Diana Ross and Junior Walker.

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A reunited Rilo Kiley performing their campfire singalong With Arms Outstretched as an encore at The Roundhouse in London last night.

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If this Northern Soul classic sounds reminiscent of Motown there’s a good reason for that. Sidney Barnes learned his trade with the label.

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East London rapper Ghetts creates a chill vibe for his afrobeats and amapiano-influenced tune Tumbi.

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My mellow May playlist is perfect for chilling in the garden with a glass of something – a margarita, a mojito, a vermút, perhaps a long cool tinto de verano. We’ve got equally cool sounds: blissful jazz piano, heavenly harmonies, smooth reggae, blues, soul, hip-hop and tributes to the late great Sonny Rollins, Dennis Locorriere, David Allan Coe and Beverley Martyn.