Meaning: Solomon Burke, a renowned American soul musician, made this statement in reference to his experience working with his manager, Buddy Glee, and Mike Curb. The quote sheds light on the efforts made to diversify the label's music offerings and move beyond a singular focus on artists like Hank Williams.

Buddy Glee, as mentioned in the quote, played a pivotal role in Solomon Burke's career. Glee was not only his manager but also the individual who facilitated the connection between Burke and Mike Curb. Curb, a prominent figure in the music industry, is known for his contributions as a record company executive, producer, and songwriter. The collaboration between Glee, Burke, and Curb was aimed at injecting soulful music into the label's repertoire and breaking away from the dominance of the Hank Williams style.

The reference to "the Hank Williams situation" in the quote suggests that the label may have been heavily focused on promoting and producing music within the traditional country and western genre, with a particular emphasis on artists like Hank Williams. This singular focus could have limited the label's ability to reach a more diverse audience and may have prompted the desire to introduce a broader range of musical styles.

Solomon Burke's description of the initiative to bring "some soul to the label" reflects a broader cultural and musical shift during that time. The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant evolution in the music industry, with the rise of soul, rhythm and blues, and other genres that were gaining popularity and challenging the dominance of traditional country and western music. By seeking to infuse the label with soul music, the collaboration between Glee, Burke, and Curb aimed to tap into this changing musical landscape and appeal to a more diverse audience.

The quote also highlights the importance of innovation and diversity in the music industry. By recognizing the need to "bring something different to the label," the collaborative effort sought to break new ground and expand the label's musical offerings. This willingness to embrace change and diversity reflects a forward-thinking approach that is essential for any successful record label or music enterprise.

Additionally, the quote provides insight into the role of managers and industry connections in shaping an artist's career. Buddy Glee's role as a manager was not only to guide Solomon Burke's career but also to forge strategic partnerships, such as the one with Mike Curb, that would open up new opportunities for the artist. This underscores the significance of strong management and networking within the music industry, where the right connections can be instrumental in propelling an artist to new heights of success.

In conclusion, Solomon Burke's quote encapsulates the collaborative effort to diversify the music offerings of a label and break away from a singular focus on traditional country and western music. It underscores the significance of innovation, diversity, and strategic partnerships in shaping the trajectory of an artist's career and navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry.