Goldsoul

Eddie- Perfectly understandable theory due to B&S articles but Van McCoy was a man of mystery when recording and he taught Chris Bartley well. I’m not in any way trying to muddy waters, but I have spent time with Bill Downs(co-owner of Right On) and Chris Bartley. Returning to an earlier posting whereby I said ‘Downs didn’t know of a Marke Chris Jackson…….well I have an update……nether does Caesar Berry of the Tymes……he just messaged me. Now his memory(like all us) could be fading, but they had a Top 10 with ‘You Little Trustnaker’ and he doesn’t know him! Clearly a matter of opinion, but it easy to divert attention to others when under contract. Ron Dunbar was also a friend and he happily took the plaudits for Freda Payne’s multi million seller , in contrast to the heavy rumors H-D-H wrote it. Dave Godin was a great journalist with an imagination who could easily have had to play along with whatever scenario he was faced with at the time. Best if we keep an open mind and keep looking for clues

The article is flawed! Bill Downs he means not Barnes. As mentioned before Bill Downs was a friend of mine.

Yet Bill mentioned to me ‘he didn’t know who Jackson was. Could have easily been Van or Bartley on lead with a stooge brought in for a photo shoot. Bill at the time was arranging press/publicity for the ‘Fantastic Puzzles’……..i doubt they were the same group as the image, more Pat Adams and Greg Carmichael. Bill was a creative and talented guy. I still don’t believe the vocalist is ‘Chris/Marke Jackson on ‘I’ll Never Forget You. Chris Bartley lived near me in New Jersey in 1981 and continually mentioned the amount of sessions he did for Van and others.

I doubt there is a Chris Jackson. Bill Downes(RIP) was a friend of mine. He managed the Ad Libs, Chris Bartley and the Jelly Beans. He had never heard of Jackson. I agree…….they do sound similar. So, sticking one’s neck out……figure on Bartley or McCoy as Jackson. I thought that in 1975 and still do.

Julian- Are we sure there is a ‘Chris Jackson’? Regardless of the image of him, my moneys on Chris Bartley or Van McCoy. Both had strong falsetto voices. Soul Junction recently released one of my discoveries by Van- April/Blackwood acetate. Unless someone categorically prove there is a ‘CJ’………I go with CB or VM as the recorders of ‘Since There’s No Doubt’

Karl- I think he means…..as there are so many gigs these days, it’s doubtful many would not have an original to play.

Sammy lived in Plainfield. NJ. Jamie Gayden(Harold Lipsius) signed him as Tyrone Ashley in 1968. Blackwell did have a notorious name for ‘leaning on’ competitors. The argument was a regular occurrence in the business. George was asked to help and finance the new single ‘Job Opening’ which he did……but does that give him a financial interest? Following a period of zero sales, Sammy and the group decided to go it alone omitting Blackwell from any future dealings. George clearly didn’t agree. Back to the light blue reissue……..the wording on the label that Sam supplied ie Tyrone Ashley, could have been some sort of smoke screen, but it wouldn’t have made any difference, apart from 10 copies I gave to Stan Krause(Catamount/Journal Square) the rest were distributed in the UK……..without much success.

Well fellas…………it’s totally and utterly legal. Ian Levine hooked me up with Sammy Campbell in 1975 and he pressed 500 copies. Remember Ian was already dealing with Sam(Tyrone Ashley). I continued a friendly relationship with Sam over the years, topping off with an appearance by the only 3 surviving members(at the time) in 2006 for a Soultripusa appearance at the Hilton, New Brunswick, NJ. Ironically Sammy was nervous at the time of manufacture, citing George Blackwell as an interested party but also as a hostile one. Apparently GB had manufactured the initial promo and failed to do anything with it, leaving the band to fund their own release in late 1965.

He didn’t but Dave Newman, born David Nunez did.

FREDDIE CHAVEZ. RIP https://youtu.be/ah1-N22b3Yw Freddie appeared at Soultripusa Las Vegas 2018 The New Mexico Music Awards 3d · Marco Nunez tells us that a New Mexico legend passed last evening. Freddie Chavez has died at the age of 76. Freddie was the little engine that could. He began his career in 1959 at the age 11 and never looked back. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Freddie loved his town and the Duke City loved him back. He played in a band all through high school, performing at high school sock hops and weddings on the weekends. His bands, The Freddie Chavez Foundation and Spinning Wheel were the most popular bands in the state for many years, so in demand that they would often be booked for two or more events on the same day. In the 60s, Freddie was best known for the Northern Soul anthem, 'They'll Never Know Why'. Freddie was not afraid to change with the times. While he loved playing Spanish music and corridos, he would also adapt to the newer funk, psychedelic rock and soul of the late 60s and early 70s. When everyone else was showing up with a 4 piece rock ensemble, Freddie was touring with a full horn and rhythm section, dressed in a tux and making sure his band was also appropriately dressed. If you weren't, you got fined a dollar. The Foundation always had the best gigs at hotels and opening for giants in the music industry. As the years rolled by, Freddie wanted to spend more time with his family. He married his high school sweetheart and raised three girls. He downsized his band, but the demand for his music always kept him on stage. Eventually, it was just Freddie and Sal Garcia (on saxophone) playing small lounges and finally just Freddie as a solo act, his audience following him wherever he went. He played every weekend until his health prevented him from doing so. Freddie was a human jukebox. You could ask for anything, from country to blues to rock to your favorite polka and he could play it. His voice was incredible and he could bring you to tears or make you stand up and cheer. Freddie was inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame in 2005, well before other New Mexico legends like Al Hurricane or Glen Campbell were so honored. The music of New Mexico and the industry we know today was built on a solid foundation of people like Freddie Chavez. He will truly be missed. Freddie(Left) (John Wagner owner of Look right)