In an era where auto-tuned hooks and viral trends dominate the charts, Jamal Roberts is proving that pure soul still has a place in the spotlight. The rising vocalist, whose rich baritone and emotional storytelling recall the golden age of R&B, has recently captivated audiences with his heartfelt cover of Johnnie Taylor’s 1980 classic, “Last Two Dollars..
Originally penned by songwriter George Jackson and immortalized by Taylor’s bluesy, gospel-tinged voice, “Last Two Dollars” tells the story of a man down on his luck—but never down on spirit. Roberts’s take on the timeless tune is both a tribute and a revelation. It honors the grit and gravitas of the original while infusing it with a fresh urgency that speaks to modern struggles.
The performance, which quickly went viral after Roberts shared it on social media and streaming platforms, is earning praise for its authenticity. Dressed simply, microphone in hand, and backed by a minimal instrumental arrangement, Roberts lets the lyrics speak for themselves. But it’s his delivery—equal parts aching and defiant—that makes the song hit home.
“I wanted to pay homage to the storytellers that shaped me,” Roberts said in a recent interview. “Johnnie Taylor wasn’t just singing about being broke—he was singing about survival, dignity, and the fight to hold onto joy. That still means something today.”
For Roberts, a native of Memphis—the very city that gave birth to the Southern soul movement—“Last Two Dollars” is more than a nostalgic throwback. It’s a bridge between past and present, a reminder of where soul music comes from and where it’s headed. His roots in gospel, honed in local churches, shine through in his phrasing and vocal dynamics, lending the performance an almost spiritual weight.
Music critics have taken notice. “Roberts doesn’t just sing the song—he lives it,” one review noted. “You feel the pain, the perseverance, and yes, even the laughter in the face of hard times. That’s real soul.”
This cover is not Roberts’s first brush with viral acclaim. Over the past year, he’s built a growing online following through intimate, stripped-down renditions of R&B and soul standards. But “Last Two Dollars” may mark a turning point in his career, signaling his readiness to step from behind the covers and into the spotlight with original material.
With industry insiders already whispering about a potential debut album, Roberts seems poised for a breakout. Yet for all the buzz, he remains grounded. “At the end of the day,” he says, “I just want to make music that makes people feel seen. That’s what Johnnie did. That’s what I aim to do.”
In a world full of fleeting fame, Jamal Roberts is betting his “last two dollars” on soul—and judging by the reaction, it’s a gamble that’s paying off.
