Lou Rawls is
 

Lou Rawls, has been an inspiration for many who followed, you have to listen to where it has come from to see what happened and where it might go.

I know it's ages since you posted this but i just want to say that i've always thought that Lou Rawls was highly under-rated. He has such a distinctive voice and if you've ever heard Let's Clean up The Ghetto by The Philadelphia Allstars he does the intro and it's brilliant.

I`m totally with barbarella. I hope there will be an unsung episode about him

I have always loved Lou Rawls and believe that he is seriously underrated too. His live album and particularly his version of 'Girl From Ipanema' is a big favourite of mine.

There's something about Lou Rawls that either you love him or you don't.
No one disputes his talent , that's for sure.
When I was growing up, I thought he had a great voice, but for some reason,
he didn't capture my imagination.
I don't know why.

Jazzpig... you hit it right on the head.
Either you love him or you don't.
I like his voice... but you expressed it well... he didn't capture my imagination.
He didn't draw me in... and I can't say why either?
Funny that.