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Book - I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars - Gilly

My forthcoming book

By Gilly in Soul Music News
Published 12 Jul 2020

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My forthcoming book.

I Searched For Soul and Found The Stars.

Well at last I can announce that this much anticipated book will be available for your pleasure in November 2020.

It tells of the 5 trips I made to the States (85-94) and along with others, what we got up to, record finds, and more importantly who we met and the quality time with those people 'The Stars' that we met along the way. In most cases a first for anyone outside the USA.

From day one it has always been my intention to put into words these talented peoples legacy, and for their families going forward to know just what an impact they had on peoples lives here in the UK. Their musical creations, from singer, backing bands, label owners, and studio engineers, not only formed our lives but some could claim, gave us our lives.

This music that was sadly ignored on the day of it's creation in the States has stood the test of time, interest has grown world wide, and in part has found it's way back to the States.

Here are a few prominent features from each trip that I made

Trip 1 in this myself, Guy Hennigan, and Chris King, spent time with "Popcorn" Wylie and his wife Gloria. Pat Lewis held a party for us three, and in attendance were George Clinton, George McGregor, Don Davis, Belita Woods, Sandra Richardson. (Dance Fever) In this trip we spent time with Lorraine Chandler, Gino Washington, Casablanca,(James Stanford) Edward Wolfrum, Artie Fields, Barbara Acklin.

2nd trip, on my own. I stopped with "Popcorn" Wylie and his wife for a week. He took me over to meet Dave Hamilton, which eventually led through ACE/KENT a massive amount of unreleased stuff. Spent a few hours with Barney "Duke" Browner. Met "Popcorn's" mother his brother, and his cousin who was in the Superlatives.

Trip 3 myself and everyone' s favourite Andy Tats Taylor, on this trip we spent a week with Melvin Davis, found at the time the biggest mystery of Richard Searling's c/up the Rose Valentine and the Sisters Three song 'When He's Not Around' the now familiar name of Little Ann Bridgeforth 'What should I Do' spent quality time with Bettye Lavette, and meeting Tony Johnson of Tony and Tyrone.

Trip 4 myself, Tats, and Rob Wigley, spending a day with Johnnie Mae Mathews, her daughter Audrey (Kaiya) and Chuck, Johnnies son, of the ADC Band and drummer on the Black Nasty 45s. (you must have seen the video footage of 'I Have No Choice' taken that day)

Trip 5 myself and John Kingan, spending time with the owner of the SVR, Ranger, and FGS label, provisionally arranging the deal on Dave Hamilton's master tapes that eventually yielded up names such as James Lately, OC Tolbert, and so many more that got released through Ace.

There are a few UK stories involving the stars, I tell.

 

OK that's the run down on what to expect, it's an easy book to read (I know, I wrote it) Hoping to retail this at around £25-27 and from that I want to donate a modest amount to the Kettering General Hospital (stroke unit) something close to my heart, and something that might be a million years away from anyone's thoughts, right up until it happens.

 

For now I have set up a dedicated email address; gillybook@btinternet.com

I'm not looking for deposits, just a number indication for the final product which will be a hard back edition only. Containing about 60k + words and photos of which most won't have seen before. 



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Gilly

from me, just an update in saying thank you for all the responses, make sure you send any requirements to the dedicated email address.....  gillybook@btinternet.com   cheers 

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Gilly
On 01/09/2020 at 00:49, grouse said:

One for me please Gilly. I always said you needed to write a book, this will be great.

thanks mate, just place your interest in the form of an email to gillybook@btinternet.com  cheers 

 

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Gilly
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                                              'I Searched for Soul, and Found the Stars'

 

OK, just an update to let everyone know things are running nicely, and still on for November delivery. For those who are unsure what this book is all about, here is a brief rundown.

It tells of the 5 trips I made to Detroit 1985/8/90/92/94 with various people from the UK and what we got up to. Its not about the facts of the musical world of Detroit, a lot of that information can be read on the internet. Rest assured though it does contain facts that most wont know, and told to me 'from the horses mouth' as they say. I and my traveling companions were for the most part the very first to meet these Stars outside of the States, but not only that we spent quality time also, and it has always been my ambition to credit, put into words in the form of a book, something that the history of Detroit music has omitted to date. Their story needs to be told, they and their children need to read just what an impact they had on our lives.

For more details go to page 1 of this thread. Thank you  Richard 'Gilly' Gilbert 

103980123_259852661745687_2980239093379321803_n (2).jpg

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Winsford Soul
11 minutes ago, Gilly said:

                                              'I Searched for Soul, and Found the Stars'

 

OK, just an update to let everyone know things are running nicely, and still on for November delivery. For those who are unsure what this book is all about, here is a brief rundown.

It tells of the 5 trips I made to Detroit 1985/8/90/92/94 with various people from the UK and what we got up to. Its not about the facts of the musical world of Detroit, a lot of that information can be read on the internet. Rest assured though it does contain facts that most wont know, and told to me 'from the horses mouth' as they say. I and my traveling companions were for the most part the very first to meet these Stars outside of the States, but not only that we spent quality time also, and it has always been my ambition to credit, put into words in the form of a book, something that the history of Detroit music has omitted to date. Their story needs to be told, they and their children need to read just what an impact they had on our lives.

For more details go to page 1 of this thread. Thank you  Richard 'Gilly' Gilbert 

103980123_259852661745687_2980239093379321803_n (2).jpg

Thanks for the update mate  👍 

Ste 

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Lionelonthevinyl

Boom!!!! Will be an amazing read...can't wait....Thank you for taking, i  would imagine a long time to write, sort, publish etc...you have mentioned a few bits while having a ciggie at places I see you...good luck and thank you matey....kind regards....Rob

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Pga1

Hiya Rob, fully agree. Should be a great read. Previously read some stuff and yep some great stories told while having a cig or two. A must buy, cheers

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Gilly
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Hi everyone, we are still working hard to get this book out in November, it's scary times as we all know so lets hope it doesn't delay the release and intended November delivery to your door step. Come on, what else are you going to do at Christmas except that is drink far too much on Xmas eve, eat too much on Xmas day, eat too much cold turkey on Boxing day, have a row with her indoors, the neighbors, you've shouted at the dog, you've kicked the cat (we know a song about that) and because you've kicked the cat ended up having another row with her indoors. So the moral of the story is buy this easy to read book of mine, (I know it's easy, I wrote it) it will make you laugh, cry, and tell you things you didn't know, and some photos that haven't been seen before.

With this book I can now tell you is a free CD because a fair chunk of my stories link back to Ady Croasdel and ACE/KENT in that most of the Dave Hamilton masters got the release's long overdue through that company as I and others started the whole thing off from day one. Some of these songs you will know and some you will have never heard before, and they are not likely to ever be released onto CD again, trust me. And if you don't like the 'free' CD have another row with her indoors, not me. The CD is for the first 1000 books sold only, we are up to 800 at the moment.

Last thing, I still plan to donate a modest sum of money to Kettering General Hospital (stroke unit) and I have said before, having experienced a stroke, its the last thing on your mind, right up until it (and i hope it never does) happens. That donation will be for those wonderful people, the people on the front line, not the Hospital manager's, something for them to benefit from. (maybe a microwave or similar, i'm open to suggestions) 

If you do want a book, (more details at the beginning of this thread) make sure you have emailed to gillybook@btinternet.com (if you have already done that, please don't repeat) it's all noted.

Please don't have a row with her indoors on Christmas day, she can read it after you!

                                  I love my music, and I love my friends

                                                               Gilly 

103980123_259852661745687_2980239093379321803_n (2).jpg

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Lionelonthevinyl

I can't wait!! It will arrive when it's ready, no rush. This will be a fascinating read from a chap who has been there and knows. A really nice man as well, which goes a long way...Thank you....Rob

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Kev Cane
2 hours ago, Gilly said:

Hi everyone, we are still working hard to get this book out in November, it's scary times as we all know so lets hope it doesn't delay the release and intended November delivery to your door step. Come on, what else are you going to do at Christmas except that is drink far too much on Xmas eve, eat too much on Xmas day, eat too much cold turkey on Boxing day, have a row with her indoors, the neighbors, you've shouted at the dog, you've kicked the cat (we know a song about that) and because you've kicked the cat ended up having another row with her indoors. So the moral of the story is buy this easy to read book of mine, (I know it's easy, I wrote it) it will make you laugh, cry, and tell you things you didn't know, and some photos that haven't been seen before.

With this book I can now tell you is a free CD because a fair chunk of my stories link back to Ady Croasdel and ACE/KENT in that most of the Dave Hamilton masters got the release's long overdue through that company as I and others started the whole thing off from day one. Some of these songs you will know and some you will have never heard before, and they are not likely to ever be released onto CD again, trust me. And if you don't like the 'free' CD have another row with her indoors, not me. The CD is for the first 1000 books sold only, we are up to 800 at the moment.

Last thing, I still plan to donate a modest sum of money to Kettering General Hospital (stroke unit) and I have said before, having experienced a stroke, its the last thing on your mind, right up until it (and i hope it never does) happens. That donation will be for those wonderful people, the people on the front line, not the Hospital manager's, something for them to benefit from. (maybe a microwave or similar, i'm open to suggestions) 

If you do want a book, (more details at the beginning of this thread) make sure you have emailed to gillybook@btinternet.com (if you have already done that, please don't repeat) it's all noted.

Please don't have a row with her indoors on Christmas day, she can read it after you!

                                  I love my music, and I love my friends

                                                               Gilly 

103980123_259852661745687_2980239093379321803_n (2).jpg

Great stuff Mr Gilbert, like a whole bunch of folk, can't wait, btw, loved your 45 minutes set on mixcloud, great music (as expected) and banter 😀 

Kev x

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Gilly
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5 hours ago, Shsdave said:

Looking forward to it Gilly, free CD ? Fantastic 😃

When do we pay you ?

Cheers

Dave

Very shortly before i receive the printed books i will email everyone for their addresses and for payment. Its gonna be a massive task to get them out pre Christmas, but we will. Thanks for your interest, means a lot x 

 

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Gilly
21 minutes ago, Speedlimit said:

Marvelous mate can't wait to get my teeth into it 😂😂 well probably be better reading it. 

Not doing flavors Steve, 'food' for thought though x 

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Andy Rix
On 20/10/2020 at 23:26, Kev Cane said:

Great stuff Mr Gilbert, like a whole bunch of folk, can't wait, btw, loved your 45 minutes set on mixcloud, great music (as expected) and banter 😀 

Kev x

Do you have a link to Mixcloud for this ?

Andy

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Gilly
2 hours ago, Andy Rix said:

Do you have a link to Mixcloud for this ?

Andy

no i dont mate, they may be one but it was a Facebook The 45s ran by Steve Green 

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Gilly
Just now, Andy Rix said:

Thank you

That will make a cloudy day fill with sunshine

Andy

 

I hope so mate, too many clouds all round right now. enjoy x 

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Gilly
17 hours ago, Happy Feet said:

Hi Gilly,  so pleased for you mate, would be a pleasure to read and an honour to own, may I book a copy please (pardon the pun) , worth the wait all the best DaveW 

Hi, important you send an email to gillybook@btinternet.com thats all you have to do for now, cheers 

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1 hour ago, Shinehead said:

Email sent , something to look forward to  , more so now as we are now in lockdown tier 3 in my area. 

think we all should buy War and Peace, this shit aint going away for a long time yet, more so with these thieving bastards in power 

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Andy Rix
On 22/10/2020 at 19:34, Gilly said:

I hope so mate, too many clouds all round right now. enjoy x 

Just listened Gilly ... pure class .. thank you for sharing your sounds

Andy

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Phathom Janitor

Hi Gilly hope all good with you thanks for the laughs with yr good self & Rob MARRIOTT Esq at Mansfield (shirebrook "something different "Where good people go )put me down for a copy hope see u soon 

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Gilly
9 minutes ago, Phathom Janitor said:

Hi Gilly hope all good with you thanks for the laughs with yr good self & Rob MARRIOTT Esq at Mansfield (shirebrook "something different "Where good people go )put me down for a copy hope see u soon 

send email to gillybook@btinternet.com  thats all you have to do cheers mate, yes great times x

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Shsdave
On 22/10/2020 at 09:06, Gilly said:

Very shortly before i receive the printed books i will email everyone for their addresses and for payment. Its gonna be a massive task to get them out pre Christmas, but we will. Thanks for your interest, means a lot x 

 

Cheers Gilly, it means a lot to folk out here mate that you've done this👍

All the best Dave

 

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Gilly
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I Searched for Soul and Found the Stars.

Please, if you wish to order a book make sure you have sent an email to gillybook@btinternet.com thats all you have to do for now. When I receive the books from the printers I will reply to your email in seeking address details and payment details. Please respect I do not know peoples 'Soul Source' names. If you have already made contact via the email gillybook@btinternet.com please don't repeat the email (unless you want to increase your purchase) With these currant cov 19 problems, things have not progressed as quick as I hoped but we are still on for a Santa delivery, even if I have to dress up myself, and pop down your chimney.

         Thanks for your time. Regards Gilly 

PS for anyone wanting to see a short clip of footage taken by Andy tats Taylor of a couple of trips 1990/2 in Detroit of a few stars we met that this book writes about, go to Facebook or go to You Tube (type The Soul Archive (you tube) and click on the picture of George Clinton (World Funk Star, and the man with multi colored hair) and enjoy this unique footage, rarely seen before.

Coupled with this we are doing a live stream book launch from London on the 5th of December in conjunction and by kind permission of Stef Jones aka 'Soho Sunday Soul' 

123766393_10157855802831569_2949653553615409648_o.jpg

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Lionelonthevinyl

WALLOP!!!!! I can't wait for the book and that video footage is absolute history of your travels and the soul scene!!! I doff my cap...and apart from being a tad grey around the jowels and temples, you haven't changed!!! And strangely, if as mentioned you deliver your book before x.mas, your one of the few who  could get down the chimney😂😂....Thank you and keep safe all....Rob

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Gilly
15 minutes ago, Woodbutcher said:

To save people getting lost looking for the video ... :hatsoff2:

 

thanks buddy 

4 minutes ago, Lionelonthevinyl said:

WALLOP!!!!! I can't wait for the book and that video footage is absolute history of your travels and the soul scene!!! I doff my cap...and apart from being a tad grey around the jowels and temples, you haven't changed!!! And strangely, if as mentioned you deliver your book before x.mas, your one of the few who  could get down the chimney😂😂....Thank you and keep safe all....Rob

That was my younger brother x 

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Gilly
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For those people who are on Facebook as well as here will know things have gone tits up

No I haven't got covid . But my poor book has. Apparently the entire publishing world is struggling, juggling book launch backlogs. Even the big boys so little old me (and lovely young you) will have to wait a bit I'm afraid. But you know what they say "A book's not just for Christmas" So looks like a early 2021 launch. But we ain't gonna let that spoil the party, see you on the 5th December(Boris permitting)

Its always been in the back of my mind that this pandemic may affect things, one of the reasons I haven't taken deposits. Please stick with me, 159 people have added words of encouragement on Facebook, god I needed that.

103980123_259852661745687_2980239093379321803_n (2).jpg

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Winsford Soul
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1 hour ago, Gilly said:

For those people who are on Facebook as well as here will know things have gone tits up

No I haven't got covid . But my poor book has. Apparently the entire publishing world is struggling, juggling book launch backlogs. Even the big boys so little old me (and lovely young you) will have to wait a bit I'm afraid. But you know what they say "A book's not just for Christmas" So looks like a early 2021 launch. But we ain't gonna let that spoil the party, see you on the 5th December(Boris permitting)

Its always been in the back of my mind that this pandemic may affect things, one of the reasons I haven't taken deposits. Please stick with me, 159 people have added words of encouragement on Facebook, god I needed that.

103980123_259852661745687_2980239093379321803_n (2).jpg

Gilly.  As long as you and Nicola are safe and well. We can wait for a book. To quote Chuck . Good things come to those who wait. 

Ste. 

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Kev Cane
On 11/11/2020 at 22:10, Winsford Soul said:

Gilly.  As long as you and Nicola are safe and well. We can wait for a book. To quote Chuck . Good things come to those who wait. 

Ste. 

2nd what Steve says Gilly my man, everything has been put on hold, manufacturing, retail, corperate and commercial, so don't stress lad, we can't wait, but we'll bloody have to 😉 😜 love to you and Nic x

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