Solomon Burke was an American singer/songwriter, entrepeneur, and archbishop of the United House of Prayer for All People. He was known as “King Solomon,” “The King of Rock 'n' Soul,” “The Bishop of Soul,” and the most unfairly overlooked artist of soul's golden age.

On Oct. 10, 2010, Solomon Burke passed away in his sleep on an airplane bound for Amsterdam, where he was going to perform with De Dijk (pronounced Day Dike), an eight-piece rhythm and blues band from the Netherlands, considered the biggest band in that country with several platinum records to their credit. Burke had recently put the finishing touches on a new album with the band, which was released on what would have been his 71st birthday last month. A more fitting epitaph could not have been conceived for this master soul man than “Hold On Tight,” in stores now.

De Dijk may be the best backing band Burke has ever had, and that says a lot as Burke has worked with the best throughout his 55-year career. The horn arrangements are tight and exciting, and the band's greatness only compliments the powerful voice of Burke. The music is classic Solomon Burke; rhythm and blues rave-ups, funky soul tunes, gushingly emotional ballads, and heart-wrenching love songs, all done with Burke's inimitable flair for the dramatic without being melodramatic. Every song on the album is co-written by Burke, and his stamp is all over them, but the Dutch band's contributions are obvious and significant.

Burke, in his opening liner notes states this is the first time in his career that he's been “an honorary member of a band” and goes on to say that the band is an example of “the blessings of unity and love music can bring.”

As is this album, a perfect end to a beautiful career of making music which has brought unity and love to millions of music lovers worldwide. Thanks, Solomon...we'll miss you.