I Love Detroit - Sonny Munro - Falcons Interview
Conversations with Americans can run the full gamut of human intelligence, understanding and thought. On a recent trip to Detroit I encountered a white bar tender in his late 20s, working at a renowned restaurant in the city, who seemed fascinated by the sight of a sterling five pound note I was showing a fellow patron. As he inspected it a couple of questions sprung forth. “Who is this woman?” he inquired. I politely responded that it was t
LARRY PAYTON, CHICAGO.
This post is an incomplete file with which I have two choices; leave it to gather dust no doubt never to see the light of day again or to share it as it stands with you guys in the Soul community. I can’t envisage receiving any more relevant information unless this post prompts some memories from out there.
Larry Payton first came to my attention while researching the life and times of Jerry Murray aka Jerry O for my book about him published last year. Due to Larry
I frequently have a tendency to delve into researching a particular subject, only to find myself veering off course after about a month or so, leaving some interesting facts sat on my computer’s desktop. Some might attribute this behaviour to ADHD, but who knows?
Navigating the soul and R&B scene can be a labyrinthine journey, unbelievably it’s a small world where boundaries can blur effortlessly. Delving into research often leads to a mass of discovery, and you can easily lose track of
From 1971 before Northern was even called northern this account of his trip to the sea side is a fascinating look back to those far off days, cover ups, pillheads etc all feature and to me a tribute to a place which nowadays doesn't get the recognition it deserves.Thanks to Katie and Chris for sending the scanned original in. Read on for a piece of living history and one of the best written articles on site............
site note - article reformated
From Blues and Soul - 1971 - Dave G
We are now hitting issue #36 of this very long running informative 'Northern Connections' series from ken Brown aka @Kenb
Northern Connections # 36 Deception
Today (2023) it would hardly be considered the crime of the century to operate a 'near victimless mail scam' or cause a deception for the benefit of a few 45 records. However, not so in Virginia 1972. Back then, defrauding a record club and stereo tape club carried a U.S. District Court indictment. Some still may say t
FOOTIE AND 45s WEEKENDS By Dave Moore
As lifelong Burnley Football Club fans, I am so chuffed that Bev, my Grandkids, (who are also season ticket holders) and the club, play a central role in this tale. We left Burnley in 1985 but as a family we still attend most home games and quite a few away games which, when your grandson plays grass roots football on Saturday and Sundays, can be a challenging programme at the best of times, as even the home games result in a 300 mile round trip for
The Tempos Story by Rob Moss
The TEMPOS Story
The lineage of vocal groups, male and female, in the 1950s and 60s can be as difficult to establish as any family tree. Line-ups would frequently change as individual members came and went, group names could be dropped and replaced completely or entirely different personnel brought in to replace decampers. On a few occasions in the 1960s several different groups, with the same name, managed to co exist. An entire book, devoted to the variou
The Just Bros Story by Rob Moss
Site note - this article was originally published on Soul Source in full back in 2006, it was clipped approx 2012 at the author Rob Moss's request. Rob here in 2023, has just given us the ok to revive and re-publish this and others in full.
This is the first revived one and the plan is to revive the others on a weekly basis.
The Just Bros Story by Rob Moss
As a Northern Soul anthem, "Sliced Tomatoes" by the Just Brothers stands alone. It re
Site note - this article was originally published on Soul Source in full back in 2006, it was clipped approx 2012 at the author Rob Moss's request. Rob here in 2023, has just given us the ok to revive and re-publish this and others in full.
This is the second revived one and the plan is to revive the others on a weekly basis.
Famed Detroit producer/songwriter Clarence ‘Clay' McMurray once stated "...there are only two real voices in Detroit of any consequence - Emanuel Laskey and James Ep
Now at #35 in the long running informative 'Northern Connections' series by @Kenb.
Northern Connections # 35 - Child Of Friendship, Train Robbers
The eagle-eyed amongst you will have spotted two different addresses on the 2 versions of Natural Records 1516. 1516 25th Ave versus 1510 16th St. The latter being a small room and the location for Black Unity, Inc-at least from 1971 to 1974. Black Unity, Inc was incorporated in 1967 and was essentially founded to raise the political conscio
Introduction
For over 15 years I wrote a monthly column in the now defunct Manifesto magazine, latterly under the editorship of Mike Ritson. This was a premier, glossy monthly publication that in my opinion surpassed everything since Black Music and hard copy Blues & Soul went under. Most of my submissions were record reviews interspersed with articles on labels and artists. My many box files contained information from various sources from old copies of the Detroit Free Press to heart f
MD 117 – Blinded by Pride / I Found A Love – The Sensations
At MD Records, our main mission has always been to ensure that the music we release is handled fairly and ethically. We put a significant amount of effort behind the scenes to ensure that all legal requirements are met before we make a release public. Sometimes, this task can become challenging when dealing with tracks that come with limited information. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when many of the people who contri
The Music Society of Detroit works to give the artists the recognition they deserve by Alex M. Franquet.
When I started having contacts in Detroit my goal was to try to contact as many of the original artists I could to make sure their story could be told. At the start, it was not easy, but finally Francisco Frank Garcia II helped me with the investigation and the result is this series of interviews and conversations with Barbara Mercer, Carlis "Sonny" Munro from The Falcons, D'Y-Ann Marie
Rob Moss delivers his view on the recently broadcast BBC4 TV programme Motor Citys Burning - Detroit from Motown to the Stooges
I love Detroit — ‘Motor City’s Burning’
The title sounded fantastic. ‘Motor City’s Burning’ — ‘A documentary looking at how, during the 1960s, the blue collar Midwestern city of Detroit became home to a musical revolution that captured the sound of a nation in upheaval’ and ‘Detroit from Motown to the Stooges’ to quote the BBC’s own promotional blurb. Surely t
Visiting Detroit Part 7
Holidaying in Detroit is probably not everyone’s idea of an ideal vacation. Though the weather is scorching in the summer, there are no beaches or swimming facilities to speak of. No English pubs serving Watney’s Red Barrel. No ‘Full English breakfasts with all the trimmings’ and no Sky TV showing football at all hours of the day and night. In fact, you’ll be lucky to even find out the scores. You can visit ancient relics, although I’m sure they wouldn’t take kindly
That's A Nice Hat
Posted by Dave Rimmer, 13 July 2008 ·
It was with a certain amount of trepidation that I went to Bishops Wood Soul night last night. You see it was also the Catacombs Revival at Soulvation the same night, and you know what the Midlands is like for Oldies. So I was a little concerned about how busy it would be.
I was wrong though, it turned out to be one of the best night's I've had this year.
Col and Gaye Kidson, and Larry Mc have been running this venue si
Thanks to Chalky for passing on a in depth review of the recently released Falcons Cd from the Soul Junction label.
The Falcons featuring Sonny Munro (Soul Junction SJCD5000)
Steeped in the history of Rhythm and Blues & Soul Music, Detroit (forget all about Motown for a while) has given us some of the finest purveyors of the music of our choice. One of the groups that is rich in the history of Detroit Soul is the Falcons, who in turn has given Soul Music some of the finest luminari
Across The Board Soul Mix Online - Make Up Your Mind!
Posted by mattfox, 13 April 2010
Hi y'all,
there's a brand new downloadable soul mix online! Soul across the board. Pls feel free to leave feddback! Enjoy...KTF!
BTW: this Saturday at 8pm (CET) | 7pm in the UK you'll listen to the latest episode of my radio show Rare Rillen on http://soulsender.de
don't miss this one! will be a soulful one...
http://rare-rillen.de (podcasts link)
----------------------------
THE JOLSON FACTOR - The Cultural relevance of UK/US POP Covers of 1960s SOUL ORIGINALS.
If one chooses, the release of a product, albeit a record or any other commodity can always be viewed merely as a mechanical stab at a given commercial market. Were the social and political circumstances surrounding the life experiences of 1950s and 60s Black Americans on a par with white Americans, then it would be fair to apply the same framework to the question regarding the relevance of White Cover v
Gangland Shocker: Francis T
Posted by lloydee, 15 June 2009 ·
I could'nt believe it: there I was round at me Mum & Dads for Sunday tea, sat there with abeer reading the local rag; The Stourport News and Kidderminster Times. Thereon page 14 was the big story of the week that even The Express & Starseemed to have missed.
Below is an extract from last week's paper:
Reports are coming in that a local Gangland or Mafia style'hit' was carried out on a local business man la
All Danced Out
Posted by Ganche, 16 June 2009
I knew by the glorious sunshine on the way to Cleethorpes that the weekend was gonna be a blinder. I wasnt wrong. Kylee and I had a pretty easy journey to Lincolnshire and in fact, chatted so much we were there before we knew it. After the usual shinnanigans of who was sleeping where we got to the venue about halfway through Sue Brick's and Amanda's set. That started us off in great style, fantastic set girls Friday night is great for "sett
Of The Way We Were
Posted by coops, 21 May 2009 ·
This is the nighter, where we danced in our teens
To records by Foster, Parker and Sheen,
tunes from the 60s, the 70s and more,
We'd thumb it to Wigan, hundred miles from our door
Passing through Knutsford, taking our gear:
Our heads soon a-buzzing, singing tunes we shall hear.
Past sleepy towns, pubs closing for the night
Their punters are pissed and ready to fight
We smile at these mortals,
There is an opportunity to celebrate Lea Manor and meet up with friends on 23rd September 2023. The promoters are Martyn Bradley, Kev Spittle, Sharon Spittle and Kev Bodley.
Martyn has been out and about over the last year or so and had many folks asking for a Lea Manor meet-up. So, finally, it’s happening!
As many of you will be aware, Martyn, Kev and Sharon were also promoters of the popular United Sounds of Soul (USoS) events. These were also nights with a loyal following and reputa
End Of School Report ...part 2....
Posted by nubes, 14 August 2008
Well...a bit late with this...but i have had time to reflect on Naim's first year at Secondary school...last year this time...although elated by our success to get him into a school of our choosing....I was also very apprehensive as well...worried about how he would settle...had my expectations been too high...etc etc...
Well i am pleased to say that he has more than made me very proud....not only has his school w
Alldayer At Chesterfield Sunday 24 Th
Posted by RICTIC, 21 August 2008 ·
hiya soulies. northern soul oldies all;dayer at the phoenix club chesterfield ,chester st. s40 1dl.come and dance to some old fav & classic tunes .so get your dancin shoes on because this is gonna be a goodun .it starts at 3 till 12-00 cheap beer cos its in a welfare and it as a nice wooden dance floor to strut yur stuff .the oldies djs for this dayer are ,carl piper /ian gee /gray weaver/ doug hall ]& coo
48 Years Later, A Singer Finally In Demand
The Washington Post website features an article on Loraine Rudolph. Written by Marc Fisher it concerns itself with the story of Lorraine Rudolph finding out that 48 years later after leaving Detroit she is "in demand"
A few clips from the article are highlighted below, a link to the full article and sound clip follows at the end
In 1960, Loraine Rudolph became a cog in the hit music machine later known as Motown. She sang back-up for one
Soul Masters 2008
Long time members may recall how a few years ago an ground breaking series of rare soul video dvds were out and about. These dvds entitled Soul Masters Vol 1-3 featured a wide range of little seen or even known about video clips from the 60s and 70s. Featuring a wide range of soul artists and both familar and rare soul tracks, these dvds caused quite a stir at the time.
In those far off days before youtube most of such archive footage was in the hands of
Part Four
Posted by Trevski, 04 November 2008
(The ultimate Accessory)
Accessories
With accessories, subtle, stylish and subdued is the way to go. Flash is not cool, not attractive, not anything but naff!
Neck chains, sovereign rings, bracelets, Urrghh! Horrible. A good quality, automatic watch such as Breitling, Rolex, Philipe Patek etc is not only a sound investment, but also a thing of exquisite beauty.
Keeping things simple, plain, unfussy cuff-links, suc
A end of the year view from Rob, includes info and background of Tokays, Buddy Smith, Tony Clarke and more
I love Detroit December 2008 by Rob Moss
In the Chinese zodiac 2008 is the Year of the Rat. It is supposed to be a time for hard work, activity and renewal. A time to begin a new job, get married or start new enterprises. What a load of tosh. In reality, the only good thing to have happened this year, that even slightly resembles these predictions, is the election of Barack Obama
Is It Meant To Be? // Downloadable Soul Podcast Online
hi y'all, there's a brand new downloadable podcast online...soul across the board!
Posted by mattfox, 16 February 2012
northern, crossover, modern
listen to it:
http://www.mattfox.podomatic.com
PLAYLIST:
01. Bobby Cutchins - Intro
02. Ozz & His Sperlings - Can You Qualify
03. Maurice & The Radiants - Baby You've Got It
04. Volumes - I Just Can't Help Myself
05. Connie Questell -
A collection of great 45 reviews written by the late Frank Jackson
site note
In the early days of the internet, one day I stumbled on a no fuss webpage, that simply featured clips of 45s and one persons brief words on each 45. Over time the writing and the selection of 45s made this site a regular revisit. Sadly as many will be aware Frank Jackson is no longer with us, however thanks to Frank Jr and Carms can revisit just some of his past reviews
I was so touched when Frank Jnr c
Prestatyn Starts Here, Well It Does For Me And Harpo Anyway
Posted by sandi, 11 March 2009 ·
Endless mountains of ironing now eventually come to an end,and all this in preparation for Prestatyn weekender.
We are really looking forward to the weekend and having a great time with our many ,many friends, and hope to make many more.
Paul started to get all excited on tuesday,god knows why !!!!,we still have 2 days to go yet before we set out on friday morning, so all being well
Conversations That Bring A Smile To Your Face.
Posted by sandi, 05 October 2009 ·
There is only 1 Smokey
I think that many of us on the soul scene know the name Smokey from Wolverhampton, he never fails to disappoint, he's larger than life, and a real character, up and down the country Smokey has entertained and enlightened many of us, he's had us rolling around in stitches, he has been known to hold court with many a captive audience. His tales/stories are that far fetched that
From Chalky an informative write up of Kell Osborne soul output including scans and clips
The Kell Osborne Story
Kell Osborne (Born in 1939 on the 12th March) was raised by his deeply religious stepfather since the age of two and he wanted Kell to become a minister of the church, something Kell had set his sights on until he came across secular music. Kell had to make a decision to either go into the church or sing, luckily for us he chose the latter but it was something
The End Of This Era: Promoting A Soul Event
Posted by Sharon Cooper, 27 March 2009
People used to ask us "how's it going?" There were many answers to that question. Sometimes at the core of the question was either "is it a success," or "do you think it will be a success?"
In some ways I feel it was very successful and then there are times when I doubt if it will ever be enough of a success to keep going. So what is success? How do you define it?
Is success measured financial
Crossfire 12.04.09
Posted by rugbysoulgirl, 14 April 2009
Wow, this place was hot!
We queued for 20 minutes to get in, and when we finally made it down the stairs we could see that the place was absolutely rammed! Found some friends & set up camp near the stage on the right. Managed to get onto the dancefloor once or twice but the air con wasn't switched on & it was just too darn hot!
Had a wander round, the r'n'b room was buzzing (& cool!) & the pysch room wa
Brand New Mix Online - Great Soul & Funk Choons!
Posted by mattfox, 22 April 2009 ·
hi guys,
a brand new mix by Kristian Auth and me (Matt Fox) is online and ready to download - 3h filled with great soul & funk choons! this set was selected for Jamie Lidell's after show party in Cologne last year!
tune in and enjoy!
http://rare-rillen.de (podcasts)
cheers, m.
-----------------------------
PLAYLIST: MIX FOR JAMIE - A Wonderful Winter Night In Cologn
The latest issue of the fine magagine "In The Basement " was a fairly solid hefty affair. One of the many artitcles in this latest issue was a lengthy feature on Philadelphias Ronnie Walker, who am sure many on here will remember him from not only his past soul outings but also from his two recent visits to the UK under the New Century banner.
Ronnie Walker - In The Basement Feature
The latest issue of the fine magagine "In The Basement " was a fairly
Soul For Heroes A Soul Sisters Thank You
Posted by sister dawn, 09 May 2009 ·
Well seeing as it's nearly a week ago now since that the inaugural event happened its time to hit the keyboard and offer my personal take on the events leading up to, during and after the first dayer.
Soul for Heroes was the brainchild of ex forces personnel Pete Watkins who in December last year decided to help those in the forces whom many felt had been let down by the government, highlighted and repor
The Road To Addiction............
Posted by Russ Vickers, 20 February 2008 ·
It's the Spring of 1977 & my whole life was about to change forever..........working class family, Comprehensive School education, small town or should I say village upbringing in a typical Midlands semi rural setting. I was 15 years old & for almost 10 years the sound of the Rare Soul Underground had been pounding in the hearts of the 'In Crowd'..........to which I was completely oblivious !!!.
I
On The Soul Side - Loft Bar@bournemouth Uni - 16th Feb 08
Posted by Dave Morris, 25 February 2008 ·
Well time certainly does fly.It seemed only like yesterday that we were at the December do.Lots of usual things to do.All flyers have been put out at venues visited.Sorted out when I could get in to set up.All dj's confirmed they'd be there.Only difference was new venue at same place but different way in.
So,on a bitterly cold saturday evening got to venue around 6'ish.James,bar ma
It All Seems So Long Ago!
Posted by Rob Glover, 07 March 2008
I first started out DJ'ing at Lodge Farm Youth Club in Loughborough way back in 1982. I remember some young chap bringing in a load of soul 45's and me picking up a copy of "10 Miles High" - David and The Giants for 50p.
A couple of years later I braved it to the Leicester Oddfellows All-nighters and first came across 60's newies and modern, blimey.
After that it was Hinckley, Notts Palais and the mighty Stafford s
Around 2004 I was running a website for Melvin Davis . It was set up to promote his short Uk tour and also a cd that had been released by Hayley Records. Am sure that anyone who met him and his son when they were over would agree with me when I say that he is a great genuine guy. So when Rob Moss asked if wanted to use the sleeve notes for this section it was a no brainer.
The sleeve notes are from the cd entitled Melvin Davis - His Greatest Recordings and though released in 2004 I think it
Soul Superman - Brand New Mix Is Online
Posted by mattfox, 03 November 2008
SOUL SUPERMAN MIX:
PLAYLIST:
1. EDWIN STARR - RUNNING BACK AND FORTH
2. THE EXCITERS - MOVING TOO SLOW
3. MEL & TIM - FOREVER AND A DAY
4. THE FIVE WAGERS - UNTIL I FOUND YOU
5. TOLBERT - I'VE GOT IT (UNRELEASED 12" VERSION)
6. NORFOLK - TOGETHER
7. LOU RAGLAND - SINCE YOU SAID YOU'D BE MINE
8. R.B. HUDMON - THIS COULD BE THE NIGHT
9. INGRAM - WITH YOU
Some background snippets on some classic recordings from The Honorable Milton Wright and a member of the Ambassadors
As to be expected over time there has been a fair few threads in the forum regarding Milton Wright and his recordings. As Box regs may be aware, nowadays he's still out there involved in music but due to his daytime job nowadays he is better known now as the Honorable Milton Wright, Judge of the Boston Municipal Court in Roxbury Massachusetts.
After reading recent discus
Some Djs Are Full Of It !
Posted by shute, 16 December 2007 ·
Well just got back from Keele niter, not as buzy as last time I went, but hey ! its that time of the year...
Been getting a few numbers etc for djs to do spots at soul night.... one dj, who shall not be named and known for along time doesnt do soul nights as they are crap and said where do you go ! even though we travel in different circles different venues and rarely at the same venue (niter wise) ... so was the reply
Been A Bit Quiet Round These Here Parts...
Posted by pikeys dog, 17 December 2006
so during the run upto xmas I'll start adding entries.
WOOF ➢
Steam June 4th
Posted by , 10 June 2005
Black Eyed Peas - Smallest Man Alive - Ultra~City
Larry Davis - I've Been Hurt So Many Times - Kent
Minnie Epperson - Grab Your Clothes - Action
Claude (Baby) Huey - Keep It To Myself - M.I.O.B.
Little Ben & The Cheers - Baby You're Mine - Rush
Johnny
The History of the Fabulous Peps by Joe ( Pep) Harris.
Although we were inevitably mistaken for Gladys Knight's Pips, The Peps were vocally more akin to The Impressions, but pigeonholing them as another opportunistic copycat group would be a mistake, their high-energy live performances defined the 60's all-singing-all-dancing groups that relentlessly toured the USA during that go-go decade.
The three of us turned professional at Thelma Records around 1962, cutting a few 45s and doing b
People who reside in the largest city, or the capital, of a country seem to have a pompous air of superiority and an apparent belief that they are, in some way, better than their fellow citizens. This is certainly true in Britain, where most Londoners appear to believe that they are life’s leaders — the special, ‘chosen’ ones who were sent to civilize and refine the rest of us. How else could the BBC ‘Soul Britania’ television series manage to attribute the entire development of black music in o
45s Still In The Customs Shed
Posted by Dave Moore, 26 January 2008 ·
Just thought I'd log the events of our move to Spain and vent a little frustration at the 'shower of s*i*e' that are/were our shippers. We've now been in the new place for 5 weeks. STILL no furniture but more of a concern than that is....no records either! The container arrived in Valencia on 8th January (12 days later than originally agreed) and has sat in the customs shed since. The US company that we contracted h
