Merle Spears was an American soul singer active in the 1960s. He is best recognized for his soulful, gritty delivery and his work with the record producer Allen Toussaint. His most notable song, "I Want To Know," was released under Atlantic Records and showcases Spears' distinctive blend of soul and rhythm and blues. Despite his relatively short career and limited discography, Spears has made a lasting impact on the genre of soul music.