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EBay High Flyers - Most Valued Soul Records - May 2017

A new month starts, which means it's time for a look back at ebay high soul auction flyers for the month of May...
 
 Soul Record Auctions - Recent Completed Auctions [sorted by value]
Sir Joe Nobody Beats My Love Ru-jac Super Baltimore ..  $3949.00   ended 15 May   Thomas Bailey - I Need You Flintstone Shuffle Soul F..  $2915.00   ended 20 May   Court Davis Try To Think What Your Doing Original Usa 45  $2452.81   ended 27 May   Mega Modern By Ice No Carolina Private Press Hea..  $2414.00   ended 02 May   Paris Sleepless Nights Wishing Well Extremely  $2247.00   ended 21 May   The De-lites Cuppy Lover Tell Me Why Original Extr..  $2247.00   ended 21 May   Uncle Funkenstein - Together Again - Minty 2 X Lp - R ..  $2063.00   ended 08 May   Shar Habeel - Zolm Al Mondo Sudanese Killer Afro Fun..  $1900.45   ended 09 May   7th Avenue Aviators You Should O Held On Vinyl Hea..  $1835.00   ended 22 May   Rappers Funky Juice Ultra Funk Rap Mp3  $1725.00   ended 29 May   Kalima Where Is The Sunshine Modern Soul Jazz Olive..  $1712.00   ended 29 May   Crossover Soul Gospel - Wayne Barnes - Peacemakers - Sa..  $1691.00   ended 08 May   Robby Lawson - Burning Sensation - Orig Kyser Records..  $1684.88   ended 29 May   Ducky And The Glowlighters Over Over Mega Original..  $1625.00   ended 21 May   Leon Gardner Arthur Monday Farm Song Igloo Funk..  $1622.00   ended 06 May   Morris Jazzy Miller Fantastic Flight What People Say ..  $1546.00   ended 20 May   Shar Habeel - El Bambi - Impos Ly Sudanese Killer Funk ..  $1468.23   ended 09 May   The Peoples Choice 1967 Orig  $1402.77   ended 31 May   Betty Lloyd I M Catching On Alt Version Test Detr..  $1335.36   ended 03 May   Ann Bogus - Don T Ask Me To Love Again You Got It Wro..  $1330.00   ended 20 May   Unknown Acetate The Avalons I Need Time 66 East Coas..  $1326.00   ended 22 May   The Hyperions Why You Wanna Treat Me Like You Do Cha..  $1247.00   ended 30 May   Harvey Averne Dozen Never Learned To Dance Uptite Mp3  $1111.00   ended 29 May   Trial And Error Thruway 70s Soul Funk Ramrod Mp3  $1026.51   ended 29 May   Frankie The Damons Man From Soul Jcp Mp3  $1009.00   ended 29 May   The El Corols Chick Chick Funk - Mint Monster Rarity  $1009.52   ended 28 May   Little Tommy I M Still Hurt Baby Can T You See Orig..  $986.00   ended 07 May   Hareton Salvanini - S P 73 Jazz Funk Breaks Psych 197..  $979.00   ended 16 May   Aselefetch Ashine Getenesh Kebret Amazing Orig Ethio..  $965.55   ended 09 May   Blue Note 4031 - Hank Mobley - Soul Station - 1st W63 ..  $959.00   ended 28 May   Four Perfections I M Not Strong Enough Party Time 100..  $911.00   ended 08 May    
By Mike in News Archives ·

Wayne McGhie - The Love You Save (prev. unreleased) - Tramp

To be released this friday (26/5/2017) on Tramp Records
Wayne McGhie - The Love You Save (prev. unreleased) / Love Is The Answer
SALES NOTES:
This time the Tramp crew serve you with a delicious double sider by Wayne McGhie. "The Love You Save" was never released when recorded in 1972 and this long-lost track is now available here for the first time on 45!
In 1972, Wayne signed with record producer Greg Hambleton and, with former members of the Hitchhikers, recorded a couple of tracks including "Love Is The Answer" and "The Love You Save" at Toronto Sound Studios. "Love Is The Answer" was released later that year as a 45rpm single with the instrumental version on the flip, however "The Love You Save" was never released.
Now, more than four decades later, the music of Wayne McGhie has been re-discovered and his songs and musicianship are finally receiving the attention so long deserved.
 <a data-cke-saved-href="http://tramprecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-the-answer-b-w-the-love-you-save-prev-unreleased" href="http://tramprecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-the-answer-b-w-the-love-you-save-prev-unreleased">Love Is The Answer b/w The Love You Save (prev. unreleased) by Wayne McGhie</a>
You can listen and purchase it here:
https://tramprecords.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-the-answer-b-w-the-love-you-save-prev-unreleased

 
 

By pleasedtobeheard in News Archives ·

Cordial Recordings Label Launch - Mark IV Unreleased Tracks

Mark IV - Hang Ups / Give Me Just A Little - Cordial Recordings
Cordial Recordings are proud to launch the label with two unissued cuts from Mark IV that were originally recorded in the mid 70s with the uptempo 'Hang Ups' and the mellow groover 'Give Me Just A Little.'
The full release date is 26th June 2017.
The Issue copies are £12.99 and the Demo Discs are £19.99 (limited to 30 copies). 
You can pre-order the release and demo discs on http://www.5767.co.uk/product/mark-iv-2/ or via PM or email email 5767production@gmail.com.

Listen to both tracks below
Mark VI - Hang Ups

Mark IV - Give Me Just A Little


Both songs were taken from recording sessions when the Mark IV were managed by Otis Brown and Donald Shaw.

Scan of Hang Ups Side

By Mike in News Archives ·

Soul Music News Feature

What it is...
As you may be aware Soul Source has a long running active and popular front page soul news and articles feature, that has been set up to pass on word of soul and beyond music related news and articles
How to submit news...
To pass on news all you have to do is use the 'contact us' that shows at the bottom of every page.
This will then pass on your news to the site news/articles team
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/contact/
 
News Guidelines
News content really needs to be worthwhile, informative and enjoyable and fits in with what the thrust of what Soul Source is about
Reviews/lookbacks - worthwhile unique reviews on releases be it vinyl, cd, dvds etc and event lookbacks are more than welcome
Timing/Approval - the timing and approval of any publication will depend on factors such as other items and other news, availability of site team, balance and so on
Event related news
There are many events every weekend and while understand that people are passionate about their events , unfortunately we can not feature every item of event news as if we did it will quickly swamp this feature
We may feature news on major national events such as weekenders and major nights/allnighters and then only news on events which are one offs eg special one off events, annual events, closures or launches etc
Regular national events are welcome to submit news but to try and ensure fair coverage ask that observe a once every 9-12 months round up type post following the above guidelines
Articles relating to Events  will be closed for comments after approximately a week or so. Any further comments or information about these events will then need to be added via the Event listing in the Event Guide
End word
The idea is to provide a news feature where members can read and share worthwhile/informative soul music related news.
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Tanika Charles - Endless Chain - Record Kicks

Here's a  right old #fridayfeeling thing 
Out today Tanika Charles new single on Record Kicks - Endless Chain 
May know if from the 2016 release but still sounds good and is now available on a fresh limited clear 45 and digital releases
Listen below
more via info  http://bit.ly/EndlessChain45 
<a data-cke-saved-href="http://tanikacharles.bandcamp.com/album/endless-chain-soul-run" href="http://tanikacharles.bandcamp.com/album/endless-chain-soul-run">Endless Chain / Soul Run by Tanika Charles</a>
By Mike in News Archives ·

Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life - Kindle

Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life 
Already featuring in bestseller charts the Kindle version of this recent published book is now available both to purchase and preview
The release blurb follows below, and the Kindle preview after
The long-awaited, definitive biography of The King of Soul, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Redding's iconic performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.

In Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life, Jonathan Gould finally does justice to Redding’s incomparable musical artistry, drawing on exhaustive research, the cooperation of the Redding family, and previously unavailable sources of information to present the first comprehensive portrait of the singer’s background, his upbringing, and his professional career.

In chronicling the story of Redding’s life and music, Gould also presents a social history of the time and place from which they emerged.  His book never lets us forget that the boundaries between black and white in popular music were becoming porous during the years when racial tensions were reaching a height throughout the United States. His indelible portrait of Redding and the mass acceptance of soul music in the 1960s is both a revealing look at a brilliant artist and a provocative exploration of the tangled history of race and music in America that resonates strongly with the present day.
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 46694 KB
Print Length: 546 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0307453944
Publisher: Crown Archetype (16 May 2017)
Reviews
'Nuanced and well-researched.... [Otis Redding] belongs in the hands of anyone who cares about soul music in the sixties.' 
Booklist

'In his biography of Otis Redding, Jonathan Gould summons up the teeming cast of hustlers, visionaries, and eccentrics who fed Otis' supernatural talent. It's a thrill to see Redding brought back to life in all his raw, flashing glory!' 
David Dalton, founding editor, Rolling Stone, and author of Who Is That Man?

'A music biography with the depth to do its subject justice. Otis Redding (1941-1967) ranks high in the pantheon of 1960s musical luminaries, so it's fitting that [Otis Redding] ranks equally high among such work focusing on popular musical artists.... Better late than never, the soul master receives his considerable due in this superbly researched and written biography'
Kirkus (starred review) 
 
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Detroit A Go Go - Oct 18-23 Oct 2017 - 5 Day Soul Event

Word from Phil Dick @phildof an upcoming event that is being held in Detroit USA over 5 days this October 2017
Event blurb follows...
A five day once in a lifetime event celebrating the best in Northern Soul and Motown Music. In the place that gave birth to "The Sound Of Young America" - DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Located at the iconic Hotel St Regis in Detroit. With live music at Bert's Entertainment Warehouse from Detroit Soul and Motown legends,and featuring Top DJ';s from the UK, Europe and the USA, meet and greets, guided tour of Detroit featuring the locations of all the famous motor city labels. Special exclusive visit to the Motown Museum "HITSVILLE U.S.A", where so many great hits were created, with an extra special guest. Additionally there will be a Detroit Record Fair on the Saturday morning / afternoon!   Confirmed artists so far are include:

The Elgins, Pat Lewis, Melvin Davis, The Velvelettes, The Contours, Kim Weston, Willie Kendrick, Ronnie McNeir, The Capitols, Yvonne Vernee, JJ Barnes, Tobi Lark, Gino Washington, Spyder Turner, Diane Lewis, The Adorables, Lorraine Chandler, Betty Boo, Carl Carlton, The Professionals, The Tomangoes, The Fabulous Peps, Fantastic Four, The Dynamics, Carolyn Crawford, Tobi Legend, Dennis Edwards and more to be added   More info via  Soul Source Event Guide https://www.soul-source.co.uk/calendar/event/44849-detroit-a-go-go/
Detroit A Go Go Event Site http://www.detroitagogo.com/ Event Brite for Tickets  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/detroit-a-go-go-tickets-28505186781 Email info@detroitagogo.com       Detroit A Go-Go  Hotel St. Regis Detroit
3071 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
By Mike in Event News ·

Listen in full - The Como Mamas New Daptone Album Move Upstairs

Word via Daptone that people can listen to The Como Mamas' new album Move Upstairs  in full via the NPR Music website.
The Daptone gospel group The Como Mamas have been mention on here in the past, for this their 3rd Daptone album they are backed with Daptone house musicians Jimmy Hill, Thomas Brenneck, Homer Steinweiss and Daptone label founder Gabriel "Bosco Mann" Roth under the title the Glorifiers, which adds a different but subtle dynamic to this album compared to previous releases.
The album titled Move Upstairs is due out in a week  9th May 2017
Can listen in full via the link below and read the full article.
Well worth the walk over...
http://www.npr.org/2017/05/11/527785072/first-listen-the-como-mamas-move-upstairs

By Mike in News Archives ·

C4 Doc - I Was There When House Took Over The World

News and preview of a mini (2 part) documentary available to watch online in the UK on C4s All 4 Service (link at end)
I Was There When House Took Over The World 
Nile Rodgers and more on how disco's death gave birth to the most iconic sound in dance on how disco's death gave birth to the most iconic sound in dance
Episode 1
House Was Born
How social unrest and Chicago's underground gay clubs led to a global dance movement
23 mins
Episode 2
House Went Global
How young black entrepreneurs created a music empire that eventually topped UK charts
18 mins
Trailers/Previews
Link to C4 page

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/i-was-there-when-house-took-over-the-world/
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

EBay High Flyers - Most Valued Soul Records - 10th May 2017

The latest list of ebay most valued soul auction results for the month of April and up to 10th May
Ebay high flyers as at May 10th 2017
 Soul Record Auctions - Recent Completed Auctions [Sorted By Value]
    
Lester Tipton This Won T Change Go On La Beat  $3700.00   Ended 18 Apr  
    
70s Soul - Seville - Show Me The Way - Kayo - Vg Mp3 -  $3227.77   Ended 16 Apr  
    
45rpm Gene Toones Simco 30 000  $3161.00   Ended 18 Apr  
    
Daybreak - Everything Man - Original 1977 Soul - Pap ..  $2685.00   Ended 03 Apr  
    
Mega Modern By Ice No Carolina Private Press Hea..  $2414.00   Ended 02 May  
    
Joe Wilson I M Her Only Man New Orleans Hear  $2377.56   Ended 19 Apr  
    
The Dogs Soul Step Treasure Records Garage Rock Funk ..  $2197.00   Ended 05 Apr  
    
Soul Incorporated Michigan Grail My Proposal Coconut ..  $2175.00   Ended 29 Apr  
    
Uncle Funkenstein - Together Again - Minty 2 X Lp - R ..  $2063.00   Ended 08 May  
    
- The Grey Imprint - Do You Get The Message - Clear..  $1975.00   Ended 23 Apr  
    
Charles Brown Mood Music Aladdin 702 Red Wax Mono 10 V..  $1913.70   Ended 17 Apr  
    
Shar Habeel - Zolm Al Mondo Sudanese Killer Afro Fun..  $1900.45   Ended 09 May  
    
Sweet Soul Funk - The Scorpion - Keep On Trying - Sbp -..  $1725.00   Ended 17 Apr  
    
Crossover Soul Gospel - Wayne Barnes - Peacemakers - Sa..  $1691.00   Ended 08 May  
    
Leon Gardner Arthur Monday Farm Song Igloo Funk..  $1622.00   Ended 06 May  
    
Modern Soul - Chocolate Buttermilk Band - Head Games - ..  $1527.00   Ended 17 Apr  
    
The Lovers Without A Doubt Frantic Hear  $1525.00   Ended 24 Apr  
    
Shar Habeel - El Bambi - Impos Ly Sudanese Killer Funk ..  $1468.23   Ended 09 May  
    
Don Varner Tear Stained Face Mojo Mama Quinvy 8002 Vtg  $1460.00   Ended 27 Apr  
    
Betty Lloyd I M Catching On Alt Version Test Detr..  $1335.36   Ended 03 May  
    
Harvey Averne Dozen Never Learned Uptite 007 Mint  $1334.00   Ended 05 Apr  
    
Chico Lamarr What Do You Think I Am Monster-Fuller ..  $1299.99   Ended 22 Apr  
    
Ascots Holy Grail Mir-A-Don Love Another Day Garage  $1275.00   Ended 19 Apr  
    
The Faces Wake Up Today Mega Monster Afro Funk Psych Ni..  $1225.00   Ended 24 Apr  
    
Boulevard The Feeling S Stiill There M B C Label Rpm  $1137.00   Ended 09 Apr  
    
The Beatles Rubber Soul Mega Orig 65 Capitol Mono 1st..  $1136.00   Ended 16 Apr  
    
Latin Funk The Modern Sound Of Al Escobar - Tighten Up ..  $1136.00   Ended 16 Apr  
    
Funk Psych - Burning Star - Trip Horns - Wow - Mp3  $1136.00   Ended 16 Apr  
    
Mod Latin Manny Corchado Pow-Wow Decca Original Booga..  $1136.00   Ended 30 Apr  
    
Virginia Thelma Skaggs Great Big Circle Curtis Poole ..  $1025.00   Ended 12 Apr  
    
Mega Columbus Ohio Funk J C Davis On New Day Label ..  $1025.00   Ended 27 Apr  
    
Willie Makkit All My Love Timeless Paradox 777 Texas ..  $1000.00   Ended 21 Apr  
    
1968 The Masqueraders Do You Love Me Baby Dj Promo Ex..  $999.99   Ended 30 Apr  
    
T S U Toronadoes - 7 - A Thousand Wonders - Funk - ..  $999.88   Ended 30 Apr  
    
Little Tommy I M Still Hurt Baby Can T You See Orig..  $986.00   Ended 07 May  
    
Detroit Martha Star Love Is Only Solution Hear  $966.99   Ended 25 Apr  
    
Aselefetch Ashine Getenesh Kebret Amazing Orig Ethio..  $965.55   Ended 09 May  
    
45rpm Little Joe Hinton Arvee 5029  $960.00   Ended 26 Apr  
    
Funk - Derrick Erni - Come Home Baby - Erni - Mp3 -  $938.00   Ended 16 Apr  
    
Crossover Soul - Sherrell Bros - The Price - Currison ..  $925.99   Ended 16 Apr  
Login/Join Soul Source for up todate 24 hour highlight listings on forum pages
All can view Ebay 24 hour highlight page here...
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/ebay-listing-24hrs/
By Mike in News Archives ·

Soultrip USA - Las Vegas - March 2018

Early 2018 see's the return of Goldsoul's popular Soultrip USA Package. This time around it's being hosted in Las Vegas over the period 15th - 22th March 2018. Long time readers will no doubt remember the popular Soultrip Usa trips from past years. Los Angeles (2004), New Jersey/Philadelphia (2006), Chicago/Detroit (2009) and Orlando (2012).
Here's the blurb on the return...
A stunning 5th Soultrip USA in LAS VEGAS, Nevada,  March 15th-22nd, 2018(Thursday-Thursday) with option to stay longer.
Join MC's KEV ROBERTS & RICHARD SEARLING plus DJ's Ginger Taylor, Ozz, Mick H, Andy 'Tats' Taylor, Mark Freeman, Sam Evans, Gene Meredith and many more to be announced. Guest hosts JODI MATHIS & LOU RAGLAND  plus Special Guest MC's & DJ's from the UK, USA and Australia with 7 nights of Classic Northern, Motown, Modern and SOUL Classics  at the legendary TROPICANA Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada,
Featuring  EXCLUSIVE LIVE Show featuring BIG NAME ARTISTS plus a tremendous selection of Artists,Producers, Songwriters, 7 Soul nights for dancing, Vinyl Record convention, Continuous Greet & Meets from Classic Soul performers.
More info via the Goldsoul website
http://www.goldsoul.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=143
By Mike in Event News ·

Freddie North - What Are You Doing To Me - The Complete A-Bet Recordings Plus 

Here's the details about a most recent release from Kent Records.
Freddie North  - What Are You Doing To Me - The Complete A-Bet Recordings Plus 
Connected to the also very recent released Kent records  'Bob Holmes Nashvile Soul' release (see https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/news-soul/bob-holmes-nashville-soul-new-kent-records-releases-r3601/)  this releases concerns itself with the output of the Nashboro groupings 'Head of Promotions'  Mr Freddie North. And as the title tells the album brings together all of Freddies A-Bet records along with some 'plus' extra stuff. The 'plus' stuff including both unissued and also released Mankind label era recordings 
 
As always the booklet is up to the highest standard, as you can see below

Preview of Release notes
For almost 20 years Nashville-born Freddie North was a mainstay of Music City’s R&B and soul scenes. His warm, Jerry Butler-like baritone guaranteed him steady work as a demo singer and as a live performer. It also brought him releases on a number of labels – including University, Capitol, East West and Phillips International – before hooking up with Nashboro Records in 1965, where he combined his singing career with a position as the company’s Head Of Promotion.Over the next few years...
Tony Rounce
@TONY ROUNCE
Full release notes along with photos and such can be had via the following Ace Records link
https://acerecords.co.uk/what-are-you-doing-to-me-the-complete-a-bet-recordings-plus
 
Track Listing...
01 Preview  Gotta Go Get Your Mommy (To Come Back Home)
02 Preview  Love To Hate
03 Preview  Rainy Night In Georgia
04 Preview  Thank That Woman
05 Preview  I Loved Another Woman
06 Preview  From The Blind Side
07 Preview  Sun Comes Up
08 Preview  Oh Lord, What Are You Doing To Me
09 Preview  I Have A Dream
10 Preview  Don't Make Me Look So Bad
11 Preview  (I've Got To) Hold Back
12 Preview  Running Back To You
13 Preview  Just Another Guy
14 Preview  A Long Hard Road
15 Preview  Follow The Lamb
16 Preview  You're Killing Me Slowly But Surely
17 Preview  Lovin' On Back Streets
18 Preview  Taking Her Love Ain't Gonna Be Easy
19 Preview  Til I Get It Right
20 Preview  Remember What I Told You To Forget
21 Preview  That's How Much You Mean To Me
22 Preview  My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
23 Preview  Cuss The Wind

By Mike in News Archives ·

Troy Marrs and the Dynamics

By E. Mark Windle
Texan Don Robey was an entrepreneur, community celebrity; and some report an individual who used threats and violence to get his way. But whether a man of stature, malevolence or elements of both, he followed many business avenues and was successful in most of them. Robey’s entertainment enterprises, including ownership of four of the biggest and most prolific R&B orientated labels in Texas – Peacock, Back Beat and Sure-Shot, has secured his place within web pages of the Texas State Historical Association’s hall of fame. A building carrying his family legacy, the L. Robey Building stands where his recording studios were originally situated.
Robey was born at the turn of the century to a white mother and an African-American father, in Houston’s Fifth Ward. After leaving school he honed his skills initially in professional gambling and within a few years owned his first business, a taxi company. Robey’s main interest however lay in the entertainment industry. A spell in as a manager in an LA nightclub inspired him to open his own in Houston called The Bronze Peacock Dinner Club, where Ruth Brown, T-Bone Walker and Louis Jordan would feature. The “Peacock” wetted his appetite further, this time for artist management then for setting up his own label. In 1949 the Bronze Peacock was transmogrified into the studio offices of his newly formed label. The success of artists on Peacock enabled him to merge other similar genre labels such as Duke (initially based out in Memphis) and also to create another two of his own, Back Beat and Sure-Shot.
At this stage, these labels took on their own identities. Duke remained associated with the blues and raw R&B sounds lead by the likes of Bobby Bland and Buddy Ace, while Peacock was reserved mainly for gospel acts. Back Beat and Sure-Shot, on the other hand, were where he envisaged particular commercial appeal lay for the young, in danceable R&B and soul. Sure-shot ran between 1963 and 1967. Robey was aware of what was going on up north and in other states. A lot of product was leased in from Detroit (Bobby Williams), New York (Kurtis Scott, a.k.a. Kurt Harris of “Emperor of My Baby’s Heart” on Diamond) and Miami (Bell Brothers and E. Lois Foreman). Robey, ever the moneymaker, saw potential financial rewards in song publishing rights. To this end, his ‘name’ (more a derivative of his wife’s maiden name) appeared on a number of releases credited as composer, where no actual song writing involvement existed. Previous claims abound that he would ‘buy’ the rights from the artist for a quick buck, or from song writers who were moonlighting from other labels who needed to preserve their anonymity.
Whilst Robey sought artists from many states, he did not ignore local talent. Troy Marrs and the Dynamics were Houston boys: Troy Marrs (lead singer), David Smith (lead guitar), Eddie Horowitz (piano, organ, trumpet), Jim Keen (drums), Charlie Richmond (bass guitar) and Ken Kirksey (saxophone).
Troy George Marrs (b.1938, d.1991) was the third child in a family of six children.  Originally from Warren, Troy moved to Port Neches then later Nederland Texas. Troy’s wife Bonnie Marrs Smith tells the story of his early years:
“In the years at Nederland High School, Troy took a keen interest in sport. His coach Andrew “Bum” Phillips once gave him a paddling for misbehavior. Not sure if you know, but Bum became a famous football coach. Anyhow, in 1955 Troy joined the US Navy at age 17, as a clerical worker on the USS Norton Sound. That was the Navy's first guided missile ship. When he came out the Navy six years later he was hired by Sun Oil Co. As far as music was concerned, Troy first sang in church with his sister, Shirley. He’d listen to country every day and the Billboard top 40. He was a big Elvis fan too. Troy met him backstage when Elvis was touring with the Louisiana Hayride show in the 1950s.”
Guitarist David Smith recounts how the band started:
“Troy had a real talent and sounded a lot like Elvis. He started singing professionally when he formed Troy Marrs and the Dynamics in late 1964.  I was the first person he called after he got my name from other local musicians.  At the time I was in a college dorm ready to enter my first year at Lamar University. We got together for the first time at his home about a week later after he contacted several other musicians.  We played a few current songs to see if we could ‘make music’ together and it clicked as if we had been playing for years. When the other group members from college were recruited, we began rehearsals, practicing two and three times a week.  No one had played in a band before the Dynamics. Within a month, we were ready to take our talents outside Troy’s home and show the world. Prior to rehearsals, Troy would look into what music was being played on radio and look at the listings in Billboard.  The main criteria for our music was the ‘Top 40’ but we were versatile enough to play music based on individual request and age.  He would purchase records, learn the lyrics and the band would work out the music parts. This band business was new territory for all of us but was exciting to be able to play music as a group.  I worked my way through college with a guitar hanging on my shoulder.”
“We played from New Mexico to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and throughout Texas.  Venues included night clubs, dances, frat parties and grand openings. We became very popular in south-east Texas due to Troy’s voice and the quality of the musicians he had hand-picked.  We originally booked ourselves but were eventually managed by Al Caldwell.  In July, 1966, we opened for the Dave Clark Five at a concert at the Coliseum Club in Nederland, Texas. That same year we also played at the Bamboo Hut on Galveston Island where we opened for The Coasters. Al was and still is a DJ in Beaumont. Later, Bill Stonecipher became our manager and booking agent and I believe he was responsible for the Sure-Shot contact.”
The unique up-tempo “Rhythm Message” (Sure-Shot 5019), released in 1966, was their first recording, cut at a long forgotten studio in Houston. The 45 carried a vocal on the plug side and “part two” instrumental version of the same on the flip:
“At the time of recording “Rhythm Message”, we were all in our twenties. Troy was the oldest at 28. Since we only had two horns, the horn section of the record was dub-over, twice each with different harmonies to get a full effect”, remembers David Smith.  “The clinking sound in the record is a bottle opener striking a Coke bottle! If you listen to the song closely, Troy actually sings “Rhythm Method”.  This was the way in which the song was originally written.  However, we had to change to song title because at the time it probably would not have been played and might be too controversial.  It was too late to change the song as we had already cut it in the studio.  The inspiration for our song was The Boogie Kings’ take on Harlem Shuffle.”
Troy Marrs Jr. comments: “Rhythm Message was top of the charts for a long time in Texas. I have Billboard Chart records showing Rhythm Message #1 over Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other big names for the regional charts.”
A fan letter to the KRLA 1966 edition of US Beat Magazine published in the same year of the release of “Rhythm Message” by Jo Ann Miller describes the Dynamics as “six charming men whose first record Rhythm Message was a big hit all over southern Texas. They have a very bright future ahead”. A local Texas newspaper also reported that by 1967 the track had been played on stations in Nashville, Atlanta, Washington and New York radio stations.
“Rhythm Message” made the top ten in a number of Texas station playlists. Local success perhaps didn’t extend to national level, but decades later the record was rediscovered on the other side of the Atlantic. Details regarding when the record was first played out on the UK soul scene are unclear.  According to DJ Mark ‘Butch’ Dobson it was known among a few collectors in the 1970s, but didn’t have the ‘sound’ that the rare soul crowds were tuned into at the time. There may have been some plays on the London mod scene in the early eighties. However, it has been said that the spiritual home of the record in the UK was on the Scottish rare soul scene, where it amassed a very popular following via DJ Colin Law:
“I originally turned up “Rhythm Message” when I was in Florida in 1984, record hunting with Jock O’Connor. It was found in Edna Minor’s warehouse in Miami along with some other nice finds. I hadn’t heard the record before, but I instantly thought this would be a huge record on the scene. I first played it out around 1986 at the Glenrothes YMCA all-nighters, then went on to be very popular at other Scottish rare soul venues, the Great Yarmouth Weekenders and the Blackburn Empress Ballroom nighters. The track (covered up as Willie G and the Magic Rhythm Band for a number of years) was an instant dancefloor filler. The first night I played it the reaction from the dance floor was amazing. Troy’s silky voice, those horns and sax breaks.  Thank you Troy Marrs for enlightening me and the northern soul scene with a great dancer that filled a lot of people with joy on a Saturday night all round the country!”
The Sure-Shot label closed by 1967. Robey eventually sold Peacock, Duke, back Beat and Sure Shot to ABC-Dunhill. As Dave Rimmer reports on his Soulfulkindamusic website, by the time of his death in the mid seventies Robey had 2500 ‘copyrighted’ songs under his own name. At least “Rhythm Message” was one which remained credited to Troy Marrs.
“We performed as Troy Marrs and the Dynamics for a total of about five years”, says David. “The original members played during this time but eventually one-by-one began to leave.  A change was needed, along with a few new members, and we renamed the group Crimson Tyde and later changed it again to Troy Marrs and Grand Central.”

In 1970 Troy went to college. When he graduated from Lamar University, he entered the oil and gas industry, working in management positions with Union Texas Petroleum. As lead singer of Grand Central he continued with performing mainly on weekends, including a appearance alongside Bob Hope in a major fund raising event for the Thomas W. Hughen School for Crippled Children in 1975. Within a few years, Troy retired from it all after a move to Midland, Texas.
David comments: “I recently made contact and met Troy Marrs, Jr. and his family and I have exchanged emails with James Keen who lives in Denver.  I have tried to find the other members but have not been able to locate them. Ed Horowitz passed a number of years ago. Slowly but surely, the band members left as we had completed college and were accepting employment outside the Beaumont area.  Troy was already working full time and well established in the Beaumont area.  By this time, I was married but continue to play for almost ten years until finally, full time work, weekly band rehearsals, travel and playing every weekend got the best of me.  I played with Troy until the mid 1970s. I worked in the engineering profession for 41 years where I retired in 2010 as president of a 2,100 man engineering company. I believe Troy remained in recording and playing for many years after I left the band.  He died prematurely in 1991, age 52. Troy loved music and sung his heart out at every event we played.  He had a real talent for picking the right songs to learn and performed each effortlessly.  How he remembered all the words is beyond me.  He may have wondered how I remembered all the right chords to play. He was a good friend and one I truly miss to this day.  After knowing Troy for all these years, one of my sincerest regrets is that I was unable to attend his funeral.”
 
(The Troy Marrs and the Dynamics story is a chapter excerpt from the book Rhythm Message by E. Mark Windle. Available exclusively from A Nickel And A Nail, the UK independent specialist bookstore for soul, blues and jazz related literature).
 
 
References / Resources
Troy Marrs (Jr.). Personal coms. September 2013, March 2014.
Scott D. Marrs. Personal coms. March 2014.
Bonnie Marrs Smith. Personal coms. March 2014.
David Smith. Personal coms. March 2014.
Colin Law. Personal coms. September 2013.
Jock O’Connor. Personal coms. September 2013.
Dave Rimmer. Don Robey and Peacock Records. Available at:
http://www.soulfulkindamusic.net/articlepeacock.htm. Accessed 1 September 2013.
Soulsource website discussion forum. Troy Marrs – Rhythm Message. Available at: https://www.soul-source.co.uk/topic/296735-troy-marrs-rhythm-message/?hl=%2Btroy+%2Bmarrs#entry1982410
KRLA Edition Beat Magazine. 5 November 1966. Available at:
http://krlalabeat.sakionline.net/issue/5nov66.pdf. Accessed 1 September 2013.
Ruth K. Sullivan. Handbook of Texas Online:  Robey, Don Deadric. Available at: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fropc). Accessed September 06, 2013. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
Andy Bradley and Roger Wood. House of Hits: The Story of Houston’s Gold Star / Sugar Hill Recording Studios. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2010.
Alan Govenar. The Early Years of Rhythm and Blues: Focus on Houston. Houston: Rice University Press, 1990.
Roger Wood. Down in Houston: Bayou City Blues. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2003.
By Windlesoul in Articles ·

Bob Holmes' Nashville Soul - New Kent Records releases

Bob Holmes' Nashville Soul 
The latest releases from Kent have just hit the streets running this weekend. First off word about a 'tie in release'....
Bob Holmes' Nashville Soul CDKEND 463
As always an informative booklet accompanies, 18 pages of photos and hard core soul info.

Release Notes Preview
'In the 60s and 70s, Nashville was a hothouse of R&B, soul and jazz. Bob Holmes was a central character.
With the publication of E Mark Windle’s book House Of Broken Hearts, the city of Nashville’s black music scene is being studied in detail for the first time since Kent issued the CDs “Uptown Down South” and “Music City Soul” in the late 90s. To coordinate with the book we are releasing another compilation of Nashville soul, this time concentrating on the work of multi-talented songwriter, producer and arranger Bob Holmes. Those earlier CDs featured Excello/A-Bet and Poncello/Ref-O-Ree recordings respectively. This new collection also draws from those sources, plus Bob Holmes’ personal tapes and other third-party licenses. The time span is 1965 to 1980.... '
Ady Croasdell
@ady croasdell
The full release notes for 'Bob Holmes' Nashville Soul' by Ady Croasdell can be read via Ace Records website and the link follows...
https://acerecords.co.uk/bob-holmes-nashville-soul
Track Listing and Preview clips
Side 1
01 Preview  Runaway Girl - The Hytones 02 Preview  Leave It Up To The Boys - Sandra King 03 Preview  Got To Get Used To You - The Avons 04 Preview  Sweet Way Of Living - Peggy Gaines 05 Preview  I Dedicate My Life To You - Roger Hatcher 06 Preview  You Must Leave Her Because You Love Her - The Paramount Four 07 Preview  Don't Make Me Look So Bad - Freddie North 08 Preview  You Never Had It So Good - Eddie Frierson 09 Preview  Girl Watching On Broadway - Little Rock Brotherhood 10 Preview  The Streets Got My Lady - Bill Brandon 11 Preview  Under Your Powerful Love - Joe Tex 12 Preview  Somebody Somewhere - Gene Allison 13 Preview  Grooviest Thing This Side Of Heaven - Wendell Watts 14 Preview  Tip On In Pt 1 - Slim Harpo 15 Preview  I Can't Love Nobody But You - Roscoe Shelton 16 Preview  Don't Let It Get You Down, Boy - Freddie Waters 17 Preview  Say Boy - The Tydes 18 Preview  Oo Gilly Baby - The Avons & The Hytones 19 Preview  I've Got My Baby - The Hytones 20 Preview  Crying Won't Help You Now - Johnny Truitt 21 Preview  Right In The Palm Of Your Hand - Jimmy Church 22 Preview  I Know (It's All Over) - The Golden Bond 23 Preview  Steady - Eddie & Freddie 24 Preview  Let's Try Love Again - Ruthie
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

One Hundred Nights at the 100 Club - Kickstarter

Just about a week left on this kickstarter project...
One Hundred Nights at the 100 Club Book
'What we are creating is a high-quality coffee table photography book. It is the first of its kind – a photographic record celebrating Oxford Street's 100 Club and the place it has in the hearts and minds of generations of music fans all over the world'
Blurb 
The idea of this book started life, like a lot of things, down the pub. We were four mates and regular gig goers, moaning about the prospect of yet another music venue being forced to close. 
And then it came to us. Two of us - Darren Russell and Kingsley Davis are regular photographers at the 100 Club. Stephen Dowling is a music writer, and Neil Pond is a publishing project manager. That meant we had an archive of photographs taken at London's most iconic venue, spanning four decades, and writing and design experience as well. The 100 Club's 75th anniversary was approaching, so we saw the opportunity to create a high-quality photographic book that would not only celebrate this wonderful venue, but also include the voices of the people who help make the 100 Club what it is.
more info/words on it all via
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/575723516/100-nights-at-the-100-club?ref=discovery
Video info

By Mike in News Archives ·

Kindle - Searching For Soul by Reg Stickings

Preview of the Kindle version of Searching For Soul: a life surrounded by Soul Music and lovely people by Reg Stickings
One of the benefits of recent soul related kindle version releases is that it allows people to revisit books in a more informative way than when they were originally first published. Here's one book that you may be aware off as it was first published in 2008 and is now on its 4th edition. If you missed the release at the time the kindle preview below now offers you a more detailed look...
Blurb
'This is a piece of social history. Highly personal, often touching, Searching for Soul is a tale of the records, the fashion, football, travel, hardship, sacrifice and above all - the people'
Reviews

"A great read for all music lovers." Pete Collins
"It's the Fever Pitch of Soul Music." David Bishop
This is the fourth and final edition with extra chapters and photos added to bring readers up to date with Reg's story.

Product details
Format: Kindle Edition
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Reggie World Publishing; 4th edition (3 May 2016)
More info via website
http://www.searchingforsoul.info/
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Sad News - Timothy Wilson has passed on.

Reported via member @Dave Thorley the sad news that Timothy Wilson has passed on.
The details, members comments and music can be read via the forum topic, link follows
https://www.soul-source.co.uk/topic/368543-timothy-wilson-rip/
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

McKinley Mitchell - My Sweet Baby Secret Stash - New 45

Presenting news of the next release from Secret Stash Records, due for release 30th July 2017, two previously unissued 60's tracks form McKinley Mitchell - 'My Sweet Baby' b/w 'Now That You're Gone' - SSR - 2008 Secret Stash/One-Derful, this is another gem of a double header taken from original master tapes under full licence from the Leaner family, Demo's will be £20.00 and Issue copies £12.00 plus £3.00 UK Postage and £5.00 Rest Of The World, to pre reserve a copy (no payment required until record is ready) contact via PM here or email bicknellmark@aol.com
We have several future new releases in the process to follow throughout the rest of the year, also looking to present the records at soul venues as sharing 'The Stash' is what it's all about so any venues/promotions who maybe interested in this showcase please contact me here via PM or email bicknellmark@aol.com - mixing in our releases, exclusives not yet available and a solid mix of Rhythm and Soul 45's from me.
CHECK OUT THE SOUND FILES HERE.
    My Sweet Baby
              Your browser does not support the audio element     
    Now That You've gone - Side B..
              Your browser does not support the audio element     
SSR-2008 - Side A COPYPROTECTEDMcKinley Mitchell - My%0D%0A Sweet Baby 1644 (1).mp3
SSR-2008 - Side B COPY PROTECTION McKinley Mitchell - Now That You've Gone 1644.wav
 
Otis Clay and The Ringleaders still available PM here or email bicknellmark@aol.com to order.
PAY PAL AS FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO AVOID FEES, INCLUDE ADDRESS WITH ALL ORDERS PAYMENTS. 
 






By Mark Bicknell in News Archives ·

Sad News Cuba Gooding Sr RIP

Reported in the forums the sad news that Cuba Gooding Sr has passed on
link below for further details and comments
By ady croasdell In All About the SOUL, 10 hours ago
Mary Love's daughter Robbie just reported that Main Ingredient lead singer Cuba Gooding Sr died 5 hours ago. Beautiful vocalist  https://www.soul-source.co.uk/topic/368462-cuba-gooding-sr-passes/
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Detroit's Soul Ambassador Melvin Davis Live on TV

Detroit's Soul Ambassador Melvin Davis
Melvin Davis is live in studio!
The 'Click on Detroit' website has online a live interview/feature with Detroit's soul Ambassador Melvin Davis
Can view below the embedded interview from Alex Atwell with Melvin Davis as he... 'brings us the story about, Detroit's soul ambassador Melvin Davis has written over 600 songs and played with legends of the music industry.'
 

link to the full article 

http://www.clickondetroit.com/uniquely-detroit/detroits-soul-ambassador-melvin-davis
Event flyer
Saturday April 22, 2017 Melvin Davis & Rockmill Rhythm and Blues Band will be performing live at the Marble Bar, 1501 Holden St, Detroit, MI starting at 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

By Rob Wigley in News Archives ·

Selling Collection To Fund Medical Bills - Paul Tp

A news highlight of a recent forum post by long time soul source member Paul tp @paultp 
Paul recently posted up in the sales forum news that he was selling his record collection in order to pay for medical treatment for his terminal cancer.
As he explained unfortunately it appears that the only way he can get the medical treatment  that he wishes is by self funding.
He does have a donations page which does explains things such as the treatment in more detail and people can both read all the background and also donate via the link below
You may have already seen this but I'm selling my collection bit by bit to fund my medical bills. I'm attending a clinic in Germany to get treatment for my terminal cancer that I cannot get in the UK. And it is working! 🙂
Read about it all here:
https://www.gofundme.com/savepaulfromcancer
The treatment does seem to be working, I was at deaths door in early March but I've improved massively in the last couple of weeks. The treatment is so expensive though, £60k for the first visit then £25k for each successive one, it's the drugs themselves not the care. I've spent just short of £90k of my own money so far and I'm emptying my pensions and liquidating all my savings. I don't know if I'll have enough so I started the crowdfunding, wouldn't normally ask otherwise.
All and any help gratefully accepted.
You can view Paul sales both on the sales forums on here and on ebay, all which can be viewed via his profile (click this) @paultp
Like to wish Paul all the best with this and hope that everything goes as well as it can do
https://www.gofundme.com/savepaulfromcancer
 
 
By Mike in News Archives ·

Sweet Soul release from Symphonical Records

Mike Adame - Chicanita / This Time (Symphonical Records)
Introducing the second release from Symphonical Records - a cult Chicano artist Mike Adame began his musical career at the age of 14 when moving to Oceanside, California in the late 60s. Singing and performing Doo Wop, Soul, Rhythm & Blues Mike brought together his first group 'The Chandeliers'. Influenced by the sounds of James Brown and various Doo Wop groups, Mike showcased his talent around California and eventually performed alongside his wife Minnie & her friend Irene, known as 'The Chili-Peppers', whilst forming his 7-piece backing band 'Barrio'. Mike and his outfit entered a custom recording studio in San Diego, 1978 to record a succession of timeless ballads, dancers and covers, 2 tracks of which are now available through Symphonical as a limited vinyl release. Mike fondly recites his music and lyrics were created with Minnie, his wife, in mind. 
 
This is limited to a 500 7" pressing with hand stamped artwork by the artist, El Oms.
 
Check out http://www.symphonicalrecords.com for the sounds and please place any orders via the website. 
 
Hope you enjoy!



 
 
 
 
 
By The Milk Man in News Archives ·

New Movie DETROIT out this summer

This summer (August), the new movie DETROIT hits the screens. This has a part fictional story that deals with the 1967 Detroit riots. At the time the riot kicked off, a big soul show was being staged at the Fox Theatre in the city centre. 6 top soul acts had been booked to perform at the theatre for a week long stint, commencing on the 19th July. The acts involved were Martha & the Vandellas, J J Barnes, Deon Jackson, the Parliaments, Lil Soul Bros & the DRAMATICS.
The Dramatics had booked themselves in for a weeks stay at the Algiers Motel while they were playing the gig. Little did they know that when the riot kicked off on Sunday July 23rd, their motel would become the location of one of the most notorious events of the whole riot. 3 young black men ended up dead at the hands of over zealous National guardsmen & local police. The group found themselves on the streets in the middle of the riot that night, and decided to head straight back to their motel for safety. Little did they realise that they were heading from the frying pan straight into the centre of the fire.
 



By Roburt in News Archives ·

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