This may be a merger from the 'Will the real' thread.....but breaking news on Simon Soussan, the notorious, creative and often misunderstood character from the 70's.

He is alive and well. Ian Levine disclosed information to me a short while ago and it's pretty conclusive. I too have exchanged emails with the man.

Updates as we get them......

Soussan obviously had an uncanny ability to win a person's confidence ... even that of Soul Train's Don Cornelius who deemed Soussan important enough to interview him on stage following Arpeggio's performance on Soul Train on 17 March 1979.

 

Edited April 21, 201510 yr by sunnysoul

….and some got booted before they'd even taken off Nat T Jones Movin Forward springs to mind here. 

 

I always cite stuff like Lou Courtney, Didi Noel and Richie Adams as records that I hadn't even heard played when they were bootlegged. "Serenade" by The Sounds Of Lane???? What the hell was that....?

 

Ian D 

"Serenade" by The Sounds Of Lane???? What the hell was that....?

 

Ian D 

 

Probably a studio job? But Ian who really cares? Theres been 40 years of soul scenes since then. Get with the groove man.

Thanks to Mr. Soussan, so many of the scene's best and most iconic records got booted so quickly that they were sometimes only played for a few weeks and then dropped.  I can't think that was a good thing.  We burned up a lot of great stuff so quickly.

Could it not equally be said that those same iconic records have been hammered to oblivion this last couple of decades, which kind of blows your argument out of the water? But then that is probably a debate for another thread.

….and some got booted before they'd even taken off Nat T Jones Movin Forward springs to mind here. 

Very true Steve though it's hardly hurt the disc's credibility and certainly not the value.

Has he still got his synthesiser and did he play it on the Sandy Golden 45?

Could it not equally be said that those same iconic records have been hammered to oblivion this last couple of decades, which kind of blows your argument out of the water? But then that is probably a debate for another thread.

 

Can't deny that either, but the turnover of big records in the heyday of the scene was insane and many of them dived horribly in value after the pressing came out.  We could have, or perhaps should have, enjoyed those great records for much longer at the time when it really mattered.

It's sounds promising for a Kings Hall Special. SS & Ian Levine for one all nighter only, plus signings of book and double CD package for this historical event. ( Signed photos NOT included in the price )

Can't deny that either, but the turnover of big records in the heyday of the scene was insane and many of them dived horribly in value after the pressing came out.  We could have, or perhaps should have, enjoyed those great records for much longer at the time when it really mattered.

True. A few mistakes from the man.......counter balanced by the discovery of Double Cookin, I'll Always Need You, You Didn't Say A Word, I'm Not Strong Enough, You Don't Love Me, Dance Dance Dance, Love Runs Out......... Fair trade off?

Edited April 21, 201510 yr by The Golden 101

It's sounds promising for a Kings Hall Special. SS & Ian Levine for one all nighter only, plus signings of book and double CD package for this historical event. ( Signed photos NOT included in the price )

Now why didn't I think of that

It would be like watching Elton John & Russell Brand on stage backed up with Take That!!

True. A few mistakes from the man.......counter balanced by the discovery of Double Cookin, I'll Always Need You, You Didn't Say A Word, I'm Not Strong Enough, You Don't Love Me, Dance Dance Dance, Love Runs Out......... Fair trade off?

 

Admit those are stellar finds that most of us could only dream of, but surely those records would have been discovered sooner or later anyway, Kev?

Edited April 21, 201510 yr by Dayo

Born again Christian and an Orthodox Jew?

 

Bootleg Christian?

It would be like watching Elton John & Russell Brand on stage backed up with Take That!!

Or possibly-Take This!(oo-err!)

And here's the Alton McClain & Destiny record we think he wants the MP3 of.......

 

Alton McClain & Destiny "Ninety Nine & A Half Won't Do"

 

 

Ian D 

Admit those are stellar finds that most of us could only dream of, but surely those records would have been discovered sooner or later anyway, Kev?

Of course, but let's thank him for the finds instead of constantly kicking the dude.

I'll second that. Some of those Selectadisc pressings were out before we even knew the records in some cases.....

Ian D

And some Northern 'fans' got to know The Dynamites-Ain't No Soul before Major Lance/Ronnie Milsap

When Simon's collection came up for sale years ago, according to Tim Ashibende there was "everything" on the list, not talking boots here, we are talking his own collection.

This reflects the man's taste of soul music, as for the darker side that so many wish to dwell on, here is a few facts to take in.

1 Doni Burdick only got paid once for bari track- via Simon, not a penny from sound impressions.

2 Sidney Barnes got a credit and royalties for Love & desire, yet zilch from stronger than her love.

 

I am sure there is more to follow, but one thing for sure, is one hell of a night if you took him out to dinner and heard some of his tales from the 70's.

 

It's 2015, and Ian has tracked him down, well done & I for one will be very interested in what Simon is up to, i really hope he is well & happy.

 

Lot's of water has passed under the bridge since the 70's.

And here's the Alton McClain & Destiny record we think he wants the MP3 of.......

 

Alton McClain & Destiny "Ninety Nine & A Half Won't Do"

 

 

Ian D 

Frank Wilson involved i think Ian ??

Wonder how many on here have happily sold 'reissues' from the topic of conversation for plentiful sums on Ebay and to new fans.....Just sayin'

I find it rather funny that people want to stigmatise someone for acts committed several decades ago when the scene - and indeed this forum - is awash with stories of criminal acts that include drug dealing, drug taking, breaking into pharmacies, stealing cars to go to nighters and all sorts of other jolly "capers".

 

Oh, what larks!

 

In fact, there are numerous well-supported and well-read threads here that celebrate these "adventures". Why, because good or bad, like it or not, they're part of the very fabric of a scene that emerged on the borders of both "normal" society (the very thing everyone was looking to escape from, allegedly) and legality.

 

It just seems a bit rich that some actions are lauded as great fun and "just part of the scene" while others bring out the Witch Finder General in people. The strange world of Northern Soul!   

 

I find it rather funny that people want to stigmatise someone for acts committed several decades ago when the scene - and indeed this forum - is awash with stories of criminal acts that include drug dealing, drug taking, breaking into pharmacies, stealing cars to go to nighters and all sorts of other jolly "capers".

 

Oh, what larks!

 

In fact, there are numerous well-supported and well-read threads here that celebrate these "adventures". Why, because good or bad, like it or not, they're part of the very fabric of a scene that emerged on the borders of both "normal" society (the very thing everyone was looking to escape from, allegedly) and legality.

 

It just seems a bit rich that some actions are lauded as great fun and "just part of the scene" while others bring out the Witch Finder General in people. The strange world of Northern Soul!   

 

 

a fair point..maybe because some northern soul followers broke the law against those outside of the scene its deemed less awful...while someone who broke the law on a wholesale basis and who ripped off people within the scene is much bitter pill..and i dont think the selling or reselling a 45's (reissues) as long as that is clear, can be compared to mass bootlegging, inc the retitling of songs credits etc ..once upon a time the name Soussan was a dirty word..nothing much has changed..alls fair in love and records..i enjoy reading the humorous stories of 73-76 but wouldn't have wanted to be on the receiving end..a classic case of some hero worship despite the seedy side..

Just think if he came back, we'd be subjected to loads of new discoveries that we've known about for years   

And here's the Alton McClain & Destiny record we think he wants the MP3 of.......

 

Alton McClain & Destiny "Ninety Nine & A Half Won't Do"

 

 

Ian D 

 

 99 1/2 by Carol Lynn Townes was another version of the record 

Just think if he came back, we'd be subjected to loads of new discoveries that we've known about for years

Steve- Understand the humorous side swipes, but he along with Ian Levine were the sound of 73-75. Those of us who were very active during that period revel in those incredible song finds.

Give us older guys a break.......ta

First a london issue of Darrell Banks .......Now Simon Soussans been found........just needs Elvis to turn up and my lifes complete

what  , elvis is dead 

When Simon's collection came up for sale years ago, according to Tim Ashibende there was "everything" on the list, not talking boots here, we are talking his own collection.

This reflects the man's taste of soul music, as for the darker side that so many wish to dwell on, here is a few facts to take in.

1 Doni Burdick only got paid once for bari track- via Simon, not a penny from sound impressions.

2 Sidney Barnes got a credit and royalties for Love & desire, yet zilch from stronger than her love.

 

I am sure there is more to follow, but one thing for sure, is one hell of a night if you took him out to dinner and heard some of his tales from the 70's.

 

It's 2015, and Ian has tracked him down, well done & I for one will be very interested in what Simon is up to, i really hope he is well & happy.

 

Lot's of water has passed under the bridge since the 70's.

Doni Burdick was a backing track from a 1965 recording so he had ball all to do with it and didn't deserve a cent. Love And Desire's Billy Page, nothing to do with Sidney if you're talking Patrice Holloway. Writers and artists don't get paid for the original releases unless they sell in reasonable quantities

Appreggio love and desire, based on the flirtations Ady, as for Doni you may be correct, but it's his name on the record ! Fully appreciate it was a Detroit backing track in 65 that rose batiste added the vocal to become I miss my baby.

My point is that Simon didn't always do things dodgy !

what  , elvis is dead 

 

Can't be...there's a guy that works down the chip shop who swears he's Elvis

Its fascinating for me to see how someone who was so infamous and in operation long before I got into the music can still,even after all these years, be so divisive for so many. I guess, for me, i'd personally love to hear all these tales from the man himself but then,if all the stories are true from people who actually knew him way back ,could you actually believe him anyway ?  

 I understand that if he stitched people up badly years ago then some will always hold a grudge ,but, personally speaking,I don't find it healthy to carry baggage like that around. Its so long ago now isn't it.  I'd love to know how he got into the music and went on this mission to unearth the great records he "discovered"[even if,ultimately, the motive seemed to be greed]…..Its still fascinating stuff for me and Im know many others too.

 You never know, people do sometimes change for the better in life and maybe he would be willing to tell the story of how it all happened for him once and for all,just to set the record straight

 All the best,

        Ivor 

any body remember these lists sounded so legit i guess he didnt like soul sam and dave evison strange always found them to be rather friendly

Edited April 21, 201510 yr by rhino

I'd love to know how he got into the music and went on this mission to unearth the great records he "discovered" 

All the best,

 

Ivor 

 

I'm pretty sure it was this record which kicked him off.....

 

Los Bravos "Black Is Black"

 

 

Ian D 

I've read that Los Bravos had a big impact on Simon.

  He even had Patti Brooks record it (along with "Popcorn" and "Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye") as part of 

the "Pop Collage Medley" on her first album.

I've read that Los Bravos had a big impact on Simon.

  He even had Patti Brooks record it (along with "Popcorn" and "Na Na Hey Kiss Him Goodbye") as part of 

the "Pop Collage Medley" on her first album.

 

He would have heard the Los Bravos record in France for sure. That's what hooked him on 4-4 beat big productions. It was a good record for me too as an 11 year old in blighty in 1966. It was all Motown after that.......

 

Ian D  

I've said elsewhere that Los Bravos had everything needed to be a Torch monster.  Would have sat very well with the pop-northern of Wayne Gibson, The Shakers, Guy Darrel etc.  Shame it was a hit really.

Steve- Understand the humorous side swipes, but he along with Ian Levine were the sound of 73-75. Those of us who were very active during that period revel in those incredible song finds.

Give us older guys a break.......ta

 

Ian Levine was so far ahead of the rest when discovering new records in the 70's - and I don't mean new releases - that it took until the rest of the decade for almost everyone else to catch up.

Doni Burdick was a backing track from a 1965 recording so he had ball all to do with it and didn't deserve a cent. Love And Desire's Billy Page, nothing to do with Sidney if you're talking Patrice Holloway. Writers and artists don't get paid for the original releases unless they sell in reasonable quantities

 

Ady he is singing on the other side of the record though.

Ian Levine was so far ahead of the rest when discovering new records in the 70's - and I don't mean new releases - that it took until the rest of the decade for almost everyone else to catch up.

 

True enough, and it has taken Ian the last two decades trying to catch up with what's been discovered / played since he walked out in 76. There is an irony somewhere there.

 

But must confess the Soussan letter was quite entertaining, the personal attacks were quite vicious, and Russ the hero etc. 

True enough, and it has taken Ian the last two decades trying to catch up with what's been discovered / played since he walked out in 76. There is an irony somewhere there.

 

But must confess the Soussan letter was quite entertaining, the personal attacks were quite vicious, and Russ the hero etc. 

 

Not denying that Steve but I've been reading the old Black Music magazines where Ian reviewed his new discoveries and I've been literally gobsmacked at some of the titles he was tipping in 74/75, which didn't go big for 20 years.

I've said elsewhere that Los Bravos had everything needed to be a Torch monster.  Would have sat very well with the pop-northern of Wayne Gibson, The Shakers, Guy Darrel etc.  Shame it was a hit really.

Per-so-nally......I prefer these fellas......

….and some got booted before they'd even taken off Nat T Jones Movin Forward springs to mind here. 

And almost unplayable quality !

Per-so-nally......I prefer these fellas......

 

lol - I have a copy identical to that for sale!

soussan_list_2.jpg any body remember these lists sounded so legit i guess he didnt like soul sam and dave evison strange always found them to be rather friendly

What a prick.

What a prick.

hope thats soussan and not me lol

Born again Christian and an Orthodox Jew?

 

Bootleg 

The lead singer of Los Canarios Teddy Bautista became the president of the Spanish SGAE (General Society of Authors & Editors) a few years back. This is the outfit responsible for enforcing intellectual propery rights, collection of royalties etc, He was forced to resign amid allegations of massive corruption. On his bloody knees now... 

Sorry Simsy, replied to the wrong post. I meant to reply to post 92. 

 99 1/2 by Carol Lynn Townes was another version of the record 

 

any demand for the gospel version by sister lucille pope..?

It would be like watching Elton John & Russell Brand on stage backed up with Take That!!

Now that does sound interesting!!!!    

Now why didn't I think of that

Kev I'm sure you did, could and have.    

Born again Christian and an Orthodox Jew?

 

Bootleg Christian?

Yes but it means on Planes you get served first and an extra large tray full of food, so method in his madness.