Some of the unsung heroes (and heroines) of music this week. Ruby Johnson is a name almost completely completely unknown these days, and probably would have been forgotten had it not been for the UK Northern Soul revival in the early 1990's and collectors discovery of her singles recorded for Stax in the mid-1960's.

Johnson recorded for several different labels before landing at Stax. And even though she got a lot of support and top-notch production, her singles failed to chart and she eventually packed it in around 1974 and changed careers. Despite several attempts from UK Soul reissue labels to get her out of retirement, she closed that chapter of her history and passed away in 1999 at age 63.

Tonight it's an alternate take of one of her singles for Stax, recorded in 1966, It's Not That Easy. It features the writing/production team of Issac Hayes and David Porter and is first class all the way.

Hard to imagine she didn't achieve a wild measure of success, but I guess that just proves how unpredictable the world of music really is.

Terry Manning is probably best known for his work as a producer, songwriter, engineer and photographer. His list of credits and accomplishments reads like a who's who in music history. But in 1970 he had the added distinction of producing his own solo album which has become something of an underground cult classic over the years, and highly sought after in its original vinyl form.

Home Sweet Home was originally released and licensed to Stax Records (a label he was closely associated with since the mid 1960's). Although it wasn't a big seller at the time, the reputation the album got as an overlooked psychedelic classic rapidly achieved legend status and tonight's track, Guess Things Happen That Way, gives you some idea of what the fuss has been all about.

Manning is still actively involved on the other side of the control room window, having teamed up with former Island Records founder Chris Blackwell in revamping Blackwell's Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. But his work as a solo artist back in 1970 certainly gives proof the man has a lot to say.