Every great once and a while, I've had an epiphany upon first hearing a song. The scales fall from my eyes, my heart opens, and I finally understand. William Bell's "You Don't Miss Your Water" was such a song. I finally comprehended "soul," the ability to feel deeply - to hurt, to fear, to burst with joy - and to communicate the same in art. Bell's signature song is practically a suicide note, a despondent missive to an unknown correspondent on the bitter lessons of love.

Bell was a gifted performer and songwriter, and he worked at Stax Records longer than just about anybody. His other work is just fine (pick up Soul Of A Bell and Stax's The Best Of William Bell); but that song is burned on my heart, and for that I am grateful.