Magazine
Soul Source music magazine feature.
Latest Updates
Modstock 2 - Info
The hand of Mod has spread its wings all over the World and is truly a global phenomenon in 2004 as this event will show with pilgrims from all 4 corners of the Globe heading for London, the birthplace of Mod. And this is the reason why.
We have an amazing 3 day program of events planned for you which you will discover as you read on.
The headline bands speak for themselves and need no introduction. Hugely popular with the Mods throughout our history and influencing a whole new generation of Yardbirds, Creation, Action and Prisoners wannabes. Other bands confirmed to appear who featured at the original event are scene faves The Aardvarks and Germanys Apemen. From Japan and playing their 1st UK show Les Cappuccinos. From London featuring the talents of another Modstock veteran from the Clique, Jon Paul Harper with new band Fur Delux and Graham Day and Alan Crockfords new band the Solarflares. Visit our website for profiles on all the bands and DJs appearing at MODSTOCK. An amazing line-up of talented DJs from all over the World have been booked as well as many familiar fave scene DJs, with three rooms of music covering all aspects of the Mod spectrum from the past to present this will give you a chance to check out sounds from around the globe from many people who chances are you never heard play!
These DJs are prepared to wear the souls from your dancing shoes from sunset to sunrise so bring a spare pair! There is a fashion show including a short film that will take us through a journey of enthusiasts, collectors and professionals that have either influenced or been influenced by Mod fashion. We will also have in our fourth room a huge market area which will be full of stallholders from around the globe again selling clothes, records and memorabilia etc at daytime events until the early evening.
Daytime events will again feature some great scene bands and new DJ talent. There is also a courtyard that will be open where we will have BBQ available throughout the day. Add to this art and photo exhibitions, and a scooter competition and run taking in all the spectacular sights of Central London. The Rocket is the perfect venue for an event like this with a capacity of 1000 + with four rooms of entertainment including a courtyard for daytimes and excellent travel links to all areas of the City. The Rocket is on the A1 with great links to the rest of the UK including airports.
Cheap accomodation is available through the International Students House opposite Regents park as well as numerous local Bed and Breakfast and small hotels offering good deals in the Kings Cross, Finsbury Park, Russell Square areas plus the Ibis Hotel in nearby Euston The Mod Phenomenon has touched the hearts of so many people all over the World. It is still influencing fashion, music and culture to this day. This event is a celebration of 40 YEARS of MOD not from its mysterious birth but from when it swept across the whole of Britain. Since then it has re invented itself time and time again in keeping with the original spirit of its forefathers. This event will be filmed for a future video and TV documentary and the bands recorded for a second live album so make sure youre part of this historical event!
Rob Bailey
Prestatyn 2004 - Limited Accommodation Avail
Salvation Wigan All Dayer -yesterday
A Free night out in London..March 15th
The boys are back in town....New Allnighter! SHOTGUN
Cody Black added to Prestatyn 2004 Lineup
Lifeline Niter - Thanks from Mick H and Andy D
Andy Dyson&Mick H like to thank everyone who attended last weeks lifeline allnighter for your support&help for making it such a great night
Special thanks to
Chalky for all his hard work.
Mandy&Wendy. Heather&Clare for there lovely smiles on the door &
Chris&Rodz. All the plastic spinners res djs
The next lifeline allnighter will be 17th april
This will again be a all ticket event and expect tickets to go quick as a 250 capacity .So dont be disapointed and miss out .
They will be on sale from thursday 4th march at the Prestatyn weekender from
Andy Dyson or Mick H 07968030464
Moving Forward Real Deal Real Soul Lifeline.
Lime Street Line up tonite
REALSOUL.NET - RARE SOUL 45 REVIEWS
Eastbourne Town Hall - 28th February 2004 (review & plays)
Url Link: www.SouthCoastSoulClub.co.uk
What a huge success, as this was our first venture here at the Town Hall and although it clashed with Crossfire (boo - I wanted to go!!), we had around 80 people through the doors.
I hope that people enjoyed themselves, and Stuart and I will definately look to put on further nights here in Eastbourne - at the moment we are looking at May as a possibility.
I must give out a massive shout of appreciations for our 'guest' DJ's for the night, Steve Csordas (Southern Soul Movement - Portsmouth) and Jok Evans - THANKS GUYS, YOU REALLY DID A FIRST CLASS JOB.
For those interested, I have listed the plays for the night below (apart from the last hour, as I couldn't even lift a pen let alone write with it, and everything was starting to get blurry... )
Stuart Trevelian (7:00pm – 7:30pm)
1. Supremes – He’s all I got (Motown)
2. The Cooperettes – Shing-a-ling (Brunswick)
3. Gladys Knight & The Pips – Just walk in my shoes (Motown)
4. Rita Dacosta – Don’t bring me down (Mohawk)
5. Nancy Wilson – The end of our love (Capitol)
6. Betty Everett – Unlucky girl (Uni)
7. The Carstairs – It really hurts me girl (Red Coach)
8. The Cheers – Take me to paradise (Okeh)
9. The Little Foxes – So glad your love don’t change (Okeh)
10. The Opals – I’m so afraid (Okeh)
11. Edwin Starr – I have faith in you (Ric Tic)
12. The Falcons – (I’m a fool) I must love you (Big Wheel)
13. Maxine Brown – One in a million (Wand)
14. Betty Everett – Getting mighty crowded (President)
Steve Woolston (7:30pm – 8:00pm)
1. Irma Thomas – What are you trying to do (Imperial)
2. Beverly Ann Gibson – A three dollar bill (Josie)
3. Cody Black – Too many irons in the fire (D-Town)
4. Tobi Lark – Sweep it out in the shed (Topper)
5. Marvin Gaye – Lonely lover (Test press)
6. Brenda Holloway – Keeps on rollin (Test press)
7. Garland Green – Girl I love you (Revue)
8. Maxine Brown – One step at a time (Wand)
9. Mary Love – I’m in your hands (Modern)
10. The Parliaments – Heart trouble (Golden World)
11. Gene Chandler – Mr big shot (Constellation)
12. Patti Austin – Too much a part of me (Coral)
13. Tommy Payton – Mountain of soul (Staff)
14. Danny Moore – Somebody new (All Rite)
Jok Evans (8:00pm – 9:00pm)
1. Rubin – You’ve been away
2. Carrie Grant – Take all of my life
3. Bobby Bennett – You’re ready now
4. Superlatives – I still love you
5. The Drifters – You’ve gotta pay your dues
6. Brenda Holloway – Where were you
7. Fashioneers – Without you
8. Moses Smith – Girl across the street
9. The Epitome of Sound – You don’t love me
10. Bobbie Smith – Walk on into my heart
11. Billy Prophet – What can I do
12. Cindy Scott – I love you baby
13. Sly Johnson – Do you know what love is
14. Esther Phillips – Nobody but you
15. Soul Communicators – These lonely nights
16. Bobby Sheen – Something new to do
17. Doug Banks – I just kept on dancing
18. Ronnie Forte – That was the whiskey talking
19. The Dialtones – If you don’t know
20. Big Frank & The Essence – I won’t let her see me cry
21. Jimmy Holland – Baby don’t leave me
22. Lillie Bryant – Meet me halfway
23. Billy Arnell – Tough girl
24. Kenny Carter – I’ve got to find her
25. The Supremes – Ask any girl
26. The Gospel Classics – More love (that’s what we need)
Steve Woolston (9:00pm – 9:30pm)
1. Sharon Scott – Could it be you (RCA)
2. Bobby Reed – Caldonia Brown (Shrine)
3. Two People – Stop, leave my heart alone (Revue)
4. The Constellations – I didn’t know how to (Gemini)
5. The Isonics – Sugar (Kammy)
6. Jo Ann Garrett – A whole new plan (Chess)
7. Dena Barnes – If you ever walk out of my life (Inferno)
8. Roy Roberts – I know what to do (to satisfy you) (Tina)
9. Gwen Davies – My man don’t think I know (Sound Stage 7)
10. Danny White – Keep my woman home (Atlas)
11. Mayfield Singers – Don’t start none (Mayfield)
Stuart Trevelian (9:30pm – 10:00pm)
1. Linda Jones – I just can’t live my life (Warner Brothers)
2. The Ethics – Look at me now (Vent)
3. Lou Johnson – Unsatisfied (Big Top)
4. The Montclairs – Hung up on your love (Paula)
5. Rock Candy – Alone with no love (Dontee)
6. Ace Spectrum – Don’t send nobody else (Atlantic)
7. Larry Houston – Let’s spend some time together (HFMP)
8. Sister Sledge – Love, don’t you go through no changes on me (Atco)
9. Five Stairsteps – Stay close to me (Curtom)
10. Edward Hamilton & The Arabians – Baby don’t you weep (Mary Jane)
11. Tony Middleton – To the ends of the earth (MGM)
Steve Csordas (10:00pm – 11:00pm)
1. Velvets – Gotta find me somebody (20th Century)
2. Luther Ingram – If it’s all the same to you (Hib)
3. Vonettes – Touch my heart (Cobblestone)
4. Paul Sindab – You dropped your candy in the sand (Hype)
5. Stewart Ames – Angelina, oh Angelina (J & W)
6. The Dynamics – I need your love (RCA)
7. Silky Hargreaves – Keep loving me (Dearborn)
8. Ballads – I can’t see your love (Vee Jay)
9. Parisians – Twinkle little star (Demon Hot)
10. Vibrations – Cause you’re mine (Epic)
11. Wade Flemons – Jeanette (Ramsel)
12. Helen Troy – I think I love you (Kapp)
13. Big Daddy Rogers – I’m a big man (Midas)
14. Dee Dee Sharp – Deep dark secret (Cameo)
15. Lonnie Lester – You can’t go (Nu-Tone)
16. Ted Taylor – Somebody’s always trying (Okeh)
17. Cliff Nobles – My love is getting stronger (J-V)
18. The Metros – Since I found my baby (RCA)
19. Sammy Ambrose – Welcome to dreamsville (Musicor)
20. Carol & Gerri – On you heartaches look good (MGM)
21. The Majestics – I love her so much (it hurts me) (Linda)
22. Joannie Summers – Don’t pity me (Warner Brothers)
23. Bobby Day – Pretty little girl next door (RCA)
24. Freddie Houston – If I had know (Old Town)
25. Bobby Hutton – Come see what’s left of me (Phillips)
--------------------
Steve Woolston
EASTBOURNE
www.SouthCoastSoulClub.co.uk
Bolton - New Monthly Event and Easter Sunday All Dayer
Broughton Review and Plays - Feb 03
Broughton Review Feb 03
Once again another packer at the Wings Club, with standing room only. Dance floor was busy; this month we had a West Midlands influence in North Wales in the shape of guest DJs PEP and Gary Powell.
Usual mix of connoisseurs of the soul scene, a large group of regular Broughton soulies and number of people getting back to thescene and hearing records for the first time. Interestingly we are starting to get a small group of much younger people attending and getting in to northern, crossover and (particularly) the modern records being played at Broughton.
Music policy is liberal with a range of current floorfilling monsters, big oldies and rarest of the rare trying to keep as many people happy as possible (which is not always the easiest job in the world on the northern scene!!).
I said that I would produce a playlist from the DJ spots and below is a comprehensive listing from each DJ:
Soul Sam - Early Spot
James Spencer The blues are out to get me
Aura Follow me
Broomfield Jam Stop
Eugene Cartwright Born Again
Halo Do it
Masqueraders Listen
Robert Ruffin Cruise
Wee Try me
Toby King I just want to love you
Coral Anderson I found love
Rhythm Machine Put a smile on time
Beres Hammond Don't wait too long
Rance Allen Everybody's Talking
Morris Can we melt the ice
Brian Ellis - Early Spot
George Jackson I don't have the time to love you
Bessie Banks The best is yet to come
Brand New Thousand Years
Tearra Just loving you
Richard Caiton Where is the love
Jimmy Burns Can't get over (Dispo)
Satin Your love's got me
Ty Karim Lightin' Up
Soul Communicaters These lonely nights
Willie Dee It looks like rain
Artistics This heart of mine
O'Jays I'll never forget you
Bobby Hutton Come see what's left of me
Gary Powell
Brenda Holloway When I'm gone
Marvin Gaye Come get to this
Garland Green Girl I love you
Futures Party time man
A Way of Life Trippin' on your love
Aretha Franklin Integrity
Frank Popp Breakaway
Brown Sugar The game is over
Benny Troy I'm gonna give you tomorrow
Tommy Neal Going to a happening
Rita and the Tiaras Gone with the wind
Amanda Love Calling her name
Garland Green Ain't that good enough
Alfie Davison Love is serious business
Dee Dee Sharp Standing in the need of love
Mr Day Soul on Wax
'PEP'
Lennie Williams Gotta lotta love
Clarence Carter Messing with my mind
Ace Spectrum Don't send nobody else
Constellations I don't know about you
Gene Woodbury Ever again
Harold Melvin Get out
Jesse Johnson Left out
Lenny Curtis Nothing can help you now
Dells Run for cover
Lee David Temptation is calling my name
Larry Laster Go for yourself
Gene Chandler I can take care of myself
Impressions You've been cheating
Joy Lovejoy In orbit
Bobby Womack Home is where the heart is
The Brothers Are you ready
Mandrill Too late
Yvonne Baker You didn't say a word
Sam Cooke Sugar Dumpling
Brian Ellis - Main Spot
Jackie Wilson Because of you
LaVern Baker I'm the one to do it
Darrell Banks Open the dor to your heart
Bobby Sheen Something new to do
Kenny Thomas Crazy world
Driza Bone Real love
Sean Oliver You and me
Tan Geers Let my heart and soul be free
Seven Souls I still love you
Joseph Moore I still can't get you
Epitome of Sound You don't love me
Carla Thomas I'll never stop loving you
Richard Caiton I like to get near you
Gayle Adams Baby I need your loving
We the People Making my daydreams real
Charisma Band Ain't nothing like your love
Mel Williams Sweet girl of mine
Soul Sam - Main Spot
Bobby Kline Say something nice to me
Joseph Webster My love is so strong
Angie Stone Wish I didn't miss you (alt. mix)
Ultimates Girl I've been trying
Ron Carroll Back together
John Gary Williams The whole damned world is going crazy
The Mark IV If you can't tell me something good
Eddie Foster I never knew
Checkerboard SquaresDouble Cookin'
Jimmy Ruffin He who picks a rose
Four Tops There's no love left
Dennis Taylor In the mood
Bobby Patterson I'm in love with you
Isley Brothers My love is your love for ever
Martha Reeves No one there
Next event Saturday 27 March 2004 (Tot Johnson and Chico)
Special Connoisseurs Crossover and Modern Saturady 17 April with rare gems from the collections of Barry Maleady, Phil Blacknell, Soul Sam and Brian Ellis.
Hope to see you there soon, if youve not already been before.
Regards
Brian
Still Tops after 50 years
Well this year the group is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and this article is to honour their contributions to Black history and music culture. In 1954, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Abdul "Duke" Fakir, and the late Lawrence Payton was asked to get together at a neighbour’s birthday party, and after they hit their first note, they decided to form a group and pursue a singing career. They called themselves the Four Aims (that stood for aiming for the top) and started performing at local talent shows, but were forced to change their name to avoid confusing with the Ames Brothers, so they renamed themselves the Four Tops, and though they recorded great records for Chess and Columbia Records, they didnt score any hits. They started receiving praises for their live audiences showing their abilities to sing Pop, Soul, Jazz, Standards and Broadway tunes. In 1964, Berry Gordy signed the group to Motown Records, and started recording a Jazz album, but with Motown reaching a young audience, shelved the album, and teamed them with producers and songwriters Holland-Doizer-Holland and released their debut single "Baby, I Need Your Loving." The following year, the group scored their first chart topper with "I Cant Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" which was named the song of the year. Columbia records tried to cash in on the groups success by re-releasing their single "Aint That Love," so HDH rushed the group into the studio to record "Its The Same Ole Song." In 1966 The group released their second chart topper "Reach Out, Ill Be There" which became an instant classic and gained them European fans. The song featured the use of an orchestra, flutes, and Arabian drums and stayed on the charts for three months followed by "Standing In The Shadows Of Love," "Bernadette," and "7 Rooms Of Gloom," but their hit winning steak came to a halt when Holland-Doizer-Holland left Motown over royalty disputes. Producer Frank Wilson stepped in and produced "Still Waters Run Deep" which was dubbed the first concept album. They also recorded three hit albums with the Supremes and their single "River Deep, Mountain High" reached number 16.
In 1972, Gordy had moved Motown to Los Angeles and like most artist, The Tops didnt want to leave Detroit, and after a dispute with former president Ewart Abner, the group signed with ABC/Dunhill records where they hit big with "Aint No Woman (Like The One I Got)" and "Keeper Of The Castle." In 1981, they signed with Casablanca Records and scored with "When She Was My Girl" and their first ballad "I Believe In You and Me." Two years later, The Four Tops battled The Temptations on the Motown 25 anniversary special and joined the group the single "Im The One (The Battle Song)" and on a successful three year tour. They also resigned with Motown and had moderate success with "Just Cant Walk Away." In 1988, they signed with Arista Records and scored with "Indestructible" a song recorded with Smokey Robinson that was used as the theme song for the Olympics along with "If Ever A Love There Was" with Aretha Franklin and "Loco In Acapulco" for the Buster soundtrack. Stubbs portrayed the talking plant in the film "Little Shops Of Horror" and earned a Oscar nomination for the song "Mean Green From Outer Space," but he never thought of going solo.
In the 1990s many young acts started covering the groups songs including Rappers Jay-Z & Foxy Brown, who sampled "Aint No Woman" for their hit "Aint No N***a" while Whitney Houstons rendition of "I Believe In You And Me" helped pushed "The Preachers Wife" soundtrack up Gospel charts. The group started receiving many awards including being inducted into both the NAACP Image and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame until Payton, the groups vocal arranger died of liver cancer on June 20, 1997. Over 10,000 family, friends and fans attended his funeral to say goodbye, and his partners continued to perform in his memory by dedicating each show to his memory. "Lawrence can never be replaced on stage or in our hearts" they said and called themselves The Tops, but the following year, they recruited Theo Peoples, a former member of The Temptations.
Levi Stubbs and Motown’s legendary vocal group are being honoured today in Detroit, February 25th, for providing fans with their inimitable harmonies for the past half century. The celebration is entitled: "It’s all the way live with Levi - 50 Years & Still Going". Stubbs, who has not been performing with the group since 2000, is home recovering from a mild heart attack and a stroke. This event will mark the first official event Levi has participated in since his recovery. In attendance will be The Temptations, The Contours, Mary Wilson, Dennis Edwards, The Miracles, The Marvelettes, The Spinners, The Dells, Ollie Woodson, The Satin Tones, The Supremes including members Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Sherry Payne, and a very special appearance from the world’s most renowned king and queen of soul music. Hostess for the evening will be Claudette Robinson. Proceeds of the event will benefit The Gwendolyn B. Gordy Fuqua Memorial Fund for Motown artists of the 60’s and 70’s in need of medical and financial resources.
Some of the above info taken from Rhythmn n Blues Foundation website (an independent nonprofit service organization solely dedicated to the historical and cultural preservation of Rhythm & Blues music)
http://www.rhythm-n-blues.org
Latest Prestatyn Weekender 2004 News
BBC Radio 6 - Keep On Keepin On - All This Week 9pm
ASHBY ALLNIGHTER CANCELLED
Last Night At Lifeline Niter Sheridans Feb 04
Simple view - it delivered what it promised Last nite saw the much anticipated inaugural Lifeline Soul Club All Niter at Sheridans in Dewsbury over there in West Yorkshire. Now in these days of events popping up every week and a similar number failing, would think that perhaps news of yet another event kicking off should not be that important in the overall scheme of life.Well perhaps may be true for some of the events annouced, but in this case myself would beg to differ. Why? well first of all just check the dj line up out, with the likes of BUTCH, ANDY DYSON TIM BROWN, MICK H main headlining, backed up with more strong regulars and top ranked future guests lined up, it must be the hardest niter line up around.
While no need to state the policy as the dj line up should make it clear, as in the best and latest in current northern sounds, and with the venue Sheridans , this event starts to take on a very strong look.Plug in the fact that its now a regular monthly event and it does indeed all add up to something "out of the ordinary" Well thats the background of the event, looked startlingly good on paper, only thing that was left was throw some soul fans in to the mix and then see what results Well what resulted was not really suprising, it was in my view quite simply a roaring success.
After finding the car park full and being marshalled by your man Rodz, it was in thru the door, as soon walked in could pick up that this was going to be a good event. Place was packed and straight away felt that often searched for buzz, cant really describe it, but its a sort of feeling that marks the difference between a going thru the motions event, and a full on northern event. Crowd was a right mix of uk people, North West, North Wales, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Coast, Scotland, London, Kent, and all the rest of all stops down south of Birmingham and undoubtely other areas that have missed.
Sounds wise, well the ripped full dj list is at end, as said looking at the list gives you an idea of what was dished out. Covering whole range of quality like the Eric Lomax cover, still converting and getting more mentions on soul source than my car probs, Hamilton Movement, Hank Hodges, Janine Wells, Vows, James Phelps, Mello Souls, Antellects, Young Bros cover being a result of a memory trawl. From what saw floor was getting used through out, and good reaction to everything thrown at it. Other room (as in not room with floor) was busy, with floor stuff coming thru speakers so not missing out as in some venues. Almost wall to wall of dealers with loads of avail vinyl, and layout of room worked well So far all sounds good, and it stayed that way, stuff that sometimes takes shine off events, like thinning out or lulls as the hours progress, was noticeably absent, and while 7 o clock approached, place was still busy.
End of main room, but back room was still open and the annoying " get out now" approach find elsewhere was absent and with back decks sparking up it was into the after event mode. Things like the just mentioned, while not exactly major, do add to overall nite and most welcome Sheridans itself been going as a soul venue a fair while now. To be honest when it first opened its doors, paid it the infrequent visit during different northern formats it seemed to me for various reasons never to be at full steam. Last night it was a different venue, it had a vitality about it, and was running at full steam if know what I mean.
Promoters of event being Andy Dyson and Mick H certainly deserve a slap on back along with all others involved in all donkey work getting event up and running, didnt notice ought wrong which says it all Chris and Rodz the owners of Sheridans deserve a slap on back as well, spoke to Rodz and he was "well chuffed" with how it gone, and passed on that it was the first "offical" full house there. thanks to Brian, Pete and Kaz for lifts across uk and back, Julie and Steve for refreshments on way
Endview -
Had a most enjoyable time, place was buzzing, djs did the business and the sounds were top dog. Added to my personal "get to whatever" list, and good to see yet another regular quality northern event added to the ever growing list up North. Tim Brown mentioned at the end of his spot a 7am "new wave northern", and while many labels, names and tags are around, this one made me smile. All have our own views on what Northern is about, and what enjoy, this event to me was what northern is all about. Thanks to all for a great nite Djs on nite BUTCH ANDY DYSON TIM BROWN MICK H CLIFF STEELE NICK STEVENSON & GUEST MARCO
Future events Future guests to include STEVE GUARNORI, SOUL SAM, ADY CROASDELL, KITCH, DEAN JOHNSON and others TBA! Record bar with some of the top dealers in attendance. tickets in advance £9, on the night £10 (limited). Further dates: APRIL-17th, JUNE-19th, JULY-17th, AUG-21st, SEPT-18th,OCT-16th, NOV-20th.
A percentage of the takings will go to a CHARITY -EVERY TIME! we will have tickets printed anyone who would like to sell any or anyone who wants any further information can e-mail Andy Dyson @ Dysonsoul@aol.com or telephone 01302 744927 0r Mick H @ Trentsoul@aol.com or telephone 07968 030464or telephone the venue — Sheridan’s - 01924-488583
NEXT PLINSTON - FRIDAY MAY 7TH! - Trading Cards Soon
Ashby Niter Finished??
New North West Radio Soul Show on way
CROSSFIRE NEWS FEBRUARY 04
Sad News: Pete Day-Rotherham
Could you please let the soul scene know on my behalf that Pete Day from Rotherham passed away yesterday at 6.30 am. Pete was a top bloke & one of us through & through, never a bad word for anyone & out with his lovely wife Jane virtually every weekend, hell be sadly missed, in fact he allready is,
many thanks,
Mark.
Sad News: Doris Troy
I’m not sure of the causes but she had suffered from breathing problems for a long while. Born Doris Payne in New York City in 1937, she was a truly great soul singer and songwriter who shot to fame in 1963 with her top ten Atlantic smash ‘Just One Look’. She cut more soulful sides for the label; ‘He Don’t Belong To Me’ and ‘Tomorrow Is Another Day’ are personal favourites.
By 1964 she had visited the UK and enjoyed the Swinging London scene so much that she stayed (she recorded here frequently over the next ten years). In that year her ‘Whatcha Gonna Do About It’ single was a hit in the UK only and that as well as ‘Just One Look’ were covered to great commercial success by the Hollies. She then moved on to Capitol records for a great double sider, ‘Face Up To The Truth’ / ‘He’s Qualified’, and then on to Calla for the Philly produced Northern Soul classic ‘I’ll Do Anything’. Lack of commercial success Stateside saw her return to the UK where she signed for the Beatles’ Apple label for whom she cut an album and several singles. Her signing was down to the group themselves who had been big fans of hers for years, in fact the whole of the UK pop scene seemed to be captivated by her talent and unaffected charm.
After Apple she cut for the UK People label and staged concerts with gospel choirs that she had worked with throughout her music business career. In the early 90s she wrote and performed in an autobiographical play about her career called "Mama I Want To Sing". When the show came to the West End she acted her own mother’s role and Chaka Khan, Deniece Williams and Mica Paris acted her part at different times. The show ran for several months, and stars such as Prince and Stevie Wonder turned up to see it and meet the legend.
At this time I was running my fourth Cleethorpes Northern Soul weekender and had been let down by an act I had booked for it. I rang Doris cold and asked her if she could come up and help me out with a PA at the event. She agreed to straight away (and very reasonably), even if it was on the only day she had off from the show. Her presence was tremendous and of course she was great with the fans. The meeting lead to me working as her agent, when she decided to stay on in London after her show closed.
She performed many jazz and supper clubs and did a full soul show at the 100 Club where Van Morrison came down to see her as a fan, remembering her fondly from the 60s. She then appeared at another Cleethorpes weekender with full backing band and this was filmed by Channel 4 for a documentary they did about the event. Bad health forced her to return to the States where she lived in New York with her sister Vi, a top DJ over there.
Eventually her health worries forced her to live in Las Vegas where the climate helped her breathing. Doris was one of the most understanding and kind hearted people you could ever wish to meet. Her approachability often made you forget what a talented artist she was. She would treat each fan as graciously as each megastar who came to see her. And when she referred to her friends as "Baby, Baby, Baby", they always felt very special.
Ady Croasdell
