Jaibi
Encyclopedia
Jaibi was the stage name of the American
soul
singer Joan Banks (February 6, 1943 - September 4, 1984).
in 1967, co-written and produced by her second husband Larry Banks
, previously the husband of singer Bessie Banks
. Joan and Larry married in 1965; they also wrote songs together. Her records were not successful in terms of sales and, after a few more recordings up to 1968, some with her husband as Lawrence & Jaibi, her musical career ended.
She and Banks later divorced, and she completed her schooling, acquiring a Masters Degree in Computer Programming. Joan continued her life as an accomplished and successful computer programmer analyst for companies such as Polygram Records, IBM
and finally reaching a high level position at the Transamerica Corporation
. She died of leukemia
, on September 4, 1984, leaving behind 4 children (Anthony Bates Jr., Brian Bates, Tracey Banks and Corey Banks).
, and Larry Banks' Soul Family Album, released by Ace Records in 2007.
Her recordings are now remembered largely due to the efforts of soul music
pioneer Dave Godin
, who regarded them as masterpieces, of "almost indescribable beauty and poignancy", the ultimate expression of Deep Soul music. He wrote:
This high opinion of her recordings was endorsed by James McKean of Stylus Magazine
, who wrote:
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
singer Joan Banks (February 6, 1943 - September 4, 1984).
Life and career
Born Joan Pulliam, and later known as Joan Bates after her marriage to her first husband Anthony Bates Sr., she first recorded with a group, the Pleasures, in 1964-65. However, she is best known for her solo records, "You Got Me" and "It Was Like A Nightmare". These were issued on Kapp RecordsKapp Records
Kapp Records was an independent record label started in 1954 by David Kapp, brother of Jack Kapp . David Kapp founded his own label after stints with Decca Records and RCA Victor Records. Kapp licensed its records to London Records for release in the UK.In 1967, David Kapp sold his label to MCA Inc...
in 1967, co-written and produced by her second husband Larry Banks
Larry Banks
Lawrence H. "Larry" Banks was an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer.-Life and career:Banks was born in New York City and grew up in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn...
, previously the husband of singer Bessie Banks
Bessie Banks
Bessie Banks is an American soul singer, best known for her original recording of the Moody Blues’ hit song "Go Now".-Life and career:...
. Joan and Larry married in 1965; they also wrote songs together. Her records were not successful in terms of sales and, after a few more recordings up to 1968, some with her husband as Lawrence & Jaibi, her musical career ended.
She and Banks later divorced, and she completed her schooling, acquiring a Masters Degree in Computer Programming. Joan continued her life as an accomplished and successful computer programmer analyst for companies such as Polygram Records, IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
and finally reaching a high level position at the Transamerica Corporation
Transamerica Corporation
Transamerica Corporation is a holding company for various life insurance companies and investment firms doing business primarily in the United States. It was acquired by the Dutch financial services conglomerate AEGON in 1999.-History:...
. She died of leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
, on September 4, 1984, leaving behind 4 children (Anthony Bates Jr., Brian Bates, Tracey Banks and Corey Banks).
Legacy
Since the 1990s, her recordings have been included on several compilations, including two volumes of Dave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures: Taken from the VaultsDave Godin
David Edward Godin was an English fan of American soul music, who made a major contribution internationally in spreading awareness and understanding of the genre, and by extension African-American culture.-Biography:The son of a milkman, Dave Godin spent his early childhood in Peckham before...
, and Larry Banks' Soul Family Album, released by Ace Records in 2007.
Her recordings are now remembered largely due to the efforts of soul music
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
pioneer Dave Godin
Dave Godin
David Edward Godin was an English fan of American soul music, who made a major contribution internationally in spreading awareness and understanding of the genre, and by extension African-American culture.-Biography:The son of a milkman, Dave Godin spent his early childhood in Peckham before...
, who regarded them as masterpieces, of "almost indescribable beauty and poignancy", the ultimate expression of Deep Soul music. He wrote:
"No matter if you have only ever made one record, or written one book, or made one film, if that work is a great work of art then your name deserves to be remembered and your memory thanked equally as if you had produced dozens. For, in the creation of a masterpiece, even if it only touches the lives of a few, you have enriched life itself beyond measure, and in this respect, those who benefit in this way have been given a precious jewel of experience to add to all those other magic moments we collect as we journey through life."
This high opinion of her recordings was endorsed by James McKean of Stylus Magazine
Stylus Magazine
Stylus Magazine was an online music and film magazine launched in 2002. It featured long-form music journalism, four daily music reviews, movie reviews, a number of different podcasts, an MP3 blog, and a text blog....
, who wrote:
"Were it not for a slightly clumsy fade-out I would try to make a case for this ["You Got Me"] being, quite simply, the perfect record. Although well under three minutes, it is by no means a pop song—it didn't jump out and grab me, and it might not grab you. But give it your full attention and you’ll come to cherish how the voice soars, becoming both the loved and the love, capturing perfectly the point between strength and vulnerability, pulling the two together ‘til they meet as one. The stately pace, the way the horns swell slowly and with such grace behind the melody, the way the bass starts boiling over when she sings "I try to fight this burning desire", the swirling keyboard licks, fuck, even the drums are bursting with emotion. This is the shit. This is AWESOME. I love this song!"