Original Memphis soul singer Solomon Burke [ tickets ] brings his comeback stateside with solo shows in October and two November gigs opening for the Rolling Stones.

Though Burke has worked steadily and in relative obscurity since he helped launch the soul genre as part of the early-'60s Memphis scene, he is newly poised for popular success upon his return from a European tour. Due in part to contributions from acclaimed songwriters like Tom Waits, Van Morrison, Brian Wilson and Joe Henry (who also produced), Burke's July 2002 release "Don't Give Up on Me" (Fat Possum) has enjoyed stellar critical response.

The two November dates opening for the Rolling Stones have unique significance because the Stones covered two Burke tunes, "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" and "Cry to Me," early in their career.