Hank Hodge & The J-Note Orch – Eye For An Eye / Since You Said Goodbye 45 (Soul Direction) 7″ Vinyl

Initially brought to the attention of the rare soul scene by Mark “Butch” Dobson in some of his first ventures into his DJ career covered as “Lancaster Johnson”. A 45 that has always been very elusive for the years after its initial plays and still commands a king’s ransom to own.

After some initial research into Willie Henry Hodge (Hank to his friends and family) and sadly finding his obituary, further searching lead us to his brother “Larry Hodge”. We contacted Larry, and we had a couple of conversations about Hank and the two releases for the “Eye” Label. He did recall that Hank had already been with the “J-Notes” for a while before the two releases and that both were released locally but were only minor hits in the area, and “Eye for An Eye” being played the lesser of the two, so with no commercial success came no financial rewards.

This led Soul Direction to propose a re-release of “Eye for An Eye” and a chance to at least give something to the family for what was an inspired piece of rare soul on vinyl.

Larry spoke with the family and anyone else connected with the initial release and agreed this would be a fitting tribute to his brother and the rest of the J-Note Orch. (sadly according to Larry have all but passed away).

Backed with the Joel Bernard Ledbetter song “Since You Said Goodbye” it seemed a perfect double sider.
So, this release is dedicated to Hank “Wille Henry Hodge” and all the J-Notes Orch along with his brother Larry, whom without his help would have never been possible.

A native of Calhoun County, GA, Hank resided in Jacksonville, Florida, where he received his early education graduating from Stanton Senior High School-Class of 1957. Furthering his education, he earned his Barber License from Jones College. He helped form the J-Notes Band which were managed by Joe Giles and featured vocalists Evelina Smith and Henry “Hank” Hodge as lead singers with Ray Love on tenor sax and flute; Ron Tooley on trumpet, John Sanders on guitar and vocals, Ed Coley on bass and vocals and Dick Curtis on drums and vocals.

The band played many of the local dances at the Women’s Club of Jacksonville in Riverside as well as other venues like the Southside Women’s Club and more. His brother Larry recalls the tracks recorded on Hank’s own label Eye with fondness and did play on some of the sessions but could not recall if he took part in the final recordings.
They only recorded 2 records on the label, and both have continued to be elusive to collectors and DJ’s alike. Unfortunately, they never made a huge impact on their release but did stay popular songs around the community Hank lived in. The J-Notes did record one album of classic covers named “Versatility” on their own label which again is rare itself. He later became a self-employed Carpenter and Owner/ Operator of Interior Design with 40 years of dedicated service.
Mr. Hodge was a dedicated member of the church until his passing.
Mr. Willie Henry Hodge, age 74, passed away July 16, 2012, in a local hospital with his family around him.

Licensed Courtesy of Larry Hodge & the Hodge Family – Soul Direction Records