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Simon Soussan Found

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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......

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    • Ady Croasdell
      Ady Croasdell

      I think it's very interesting he's around and I'd be glad to hear some genuine true stories but it's going to be incredibly hard to know if anything he says will be true. Unless he's had a major chara

    • Amsterdam Russ
      Amsterdam Russ

      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 d

    • Steve S 60
      Steve S 60

        Was that the time they popped into the motorway services for something to eat on their way to Manchester?  Ike was so incensed by the standard of food that he was moved to pen a ditty wh

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    The two syllable pronunciation was exactly what I was trying to get across… See-mon.

     

    Simone is also two syllables, hence my point! 

    Think he was on about stress but got waylaid by all the buckin' venom. In Spanish it's Simón, the stress falls on the second syllable as indicated by the accent absent from the French version. File under bollocks. 

    That's not what you said in your posting....

    The "e" at the end depicting feminin is pronounced ....

    As in Simone de Beauvoir? She was a rum 'un... 

    That's not what you said in your posting....

    The "e" at the end depicting feminin is pronounced ....

    Don Cornelius used two syllables in his dodgy pronunciation and he was definitely trying to say it en français in my book. My comment was based on that.

     

    Let's move on to something a bit more interesting such as Soussan's second coming… What do you know?

    Nonsense I have met plenty of northern / midland folk who were well into it in the 70s, then left it completely….."Oh yeh when I was young I loved NS, went to Wigan, got the sounds bla bla…..then I stopped going in 1976…". These days they're squabbling over tickets to see Cliff Richard at Wembley. :yes:

    I know what you mean Steve but lets not forget, 2 million people reckon they went/ were members of Wigan Casino but I think some might be fibbing. :ohmy:  :ohmy: 

    Spot. :shades: 

    I have to give him credit for this though. Locating a Lovin' Spoonful instrumental track on an obscure album and re-christening it as the Golden World Strings takes some bottle........ :lol:

     

    "Supertime" - The Golden World Strings

     

     

    Ian D  :D

    Ian do you mean Total Eclipse - 6 O'Clock?

     

     

     

     

     

    :g:

    Did you really need to use five examples, Steve? On my way to A&E now because my ears won't stop bleeding!

    Did you really need to use five examples, Steve? On my way to A&E now because my ears won't stop bleeding!

     

    That last one - can't think why anyone would even make a record that bad let alone listen to it

    That last one - can't think why anyone would even make a record that bad let alone listen to it

    Sounds like an act from working mans club in Hull

    We all like a loveable rogue, unless they are ripping you off personally.

    Only problem I've got with SS is that he drove standards down in my time at WC.

    Experimenting with non soul with Russ as his puppet.

    Not the biggest problem in the world as most people knew that the soul didn't start till Russ got off the stage and he had zero kudos anyway.

    I'm talking about my time, 79 onwards really.

    Things may have been different earlier I'm sure.

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    The worst thing he did was come up with those awful synthesizer instrumentals, and tailor mades. I've mentioned it before in another thread that I was in Russ's shop in Wigan when Soussan was over, and he was in there spinning his new stuff on the shop decks. I was looking though the record stock(Russ did sell loads of originals in the shop. Soussan put on his Thumb a ride version. You should have seen the hurt look in his face when I said "what the f*ck is this sh*t, get it off for gods sake" I thought he was going to burst into tears. I also remember Richard telling me about this brilliant new version of Bob Relf "Blowing My Mind To Pieces" that he had. of course it was the SS sh*te!

    Paul

    Orthodox Jew!

     

    Could be a case of ss joins ss to talk about ss

    Orthodox Jew!

     

    Could be a case of ss joins ss to talk about ss

    Don't think orthodoxy has actually been confirmed so far.  From being secular, there are all sorts of directions he could have gone in. He could have turned to liberal progressive or reformed Judaism.  He'll probably be mystified as to why people's interest in this question goes beyond his relatively brief though controversial tenure on the NSS.  

    I don't understand the continued pointless speculation in this thread , or even the thread itself ...  :huh:

     

    So Ian Levine and Kev Roberts are "allegedly" back in contact with Soussan , neither of them are going to offer up a phone number , e-mail address or any other details regarding his whereabouts so why does everyone keep on about him ... ?

     

    SS himself is hardly going to just sign up on here to answer all your 'polite' questions either is he ... ?

     

    Best you can hope for is an autobiography , to be published in the not too distant future , no doubt available exclusively through Goldsoul ...  :wicked:

    • Author

    I don't understand the continued pointless speculation in this thread , or even the thread itself ... :huh:

    So Ian Levine and Kev Roberts are "allegedly" back in contact with Soussan , neither of them are going to offer up a phone number , e-mail address or any other details regarding his whereabouts so why does everyone keep on about him ... ?

    SS himself is hardly going to just sign up on here to answer all your 'polite' questions either is he ... ?

    Best you can hope for is an autobiography , to be published in the not too distant future , no doubt available exclusively through Goldsoul ... :wicked:

    No interest in any book or financial gain from Soussan whatsoever. Goldsoul are in the events business and no other. You are correct that his personal details are not going to be shared because that's his wish.

    As for the 'allegedly' remark, what do Ian Levine and I have to gain? If interest wains on this important character of the 70's via this this platform I will happily lock the thread. Fair enough?

    So why start the thread in the first place Kev , it just comes across as a carrot dangling exercise that will never offer up anything more than a teaser ... ?

     

     Goldsoul are in the events business and no other. 

     

    You appear to have ten pages of books for sale ... ?

    So why start the thread in the first place Kev , it just comes across as a carrot dangling exercise that will never offer up anything more than a teaser ... ?

     

     

     

     

    A lot of people obviously think its an interesting subject (me included)

    All part of the scene's history

    • Author

    So why start the thread in the first place Kev , it just comes across as a carrot dangling exercise that will never offer up anything more than a teaser ... ?

     

     

    You appear to have ten pages of books for sale ... ?

    1. I felt it was of interest to anyone even loosely connected with the scene. Let's see who wants the thread locked and leave it that. OK     

    2. Amazon have 10 pages of books and more on our site..NOT US! They are one of our affiliates.

    Edited by The Golden 101

    No interest in any book or financial gain from Soussan whatsoever. Goldsoul are in the events business and no other. You are correct that his personal details are not going to be shared because that's his wish.

    As for the 'allegedly' remark, what do Ian Levine and I have to gain? If interest wains on this important character of the 70's via this this platform I will happily lock the thread. Fair enough?

     

    Its not immediately obvious what you have to gain, but I'm sure you'll find a way,

    you usually do, that's if, Soussan doesn't rip you off

    in the process.  :thumbsup:  :thumbsup: .

    Edited by Kegsy

    Why all the negativity ??? the scene never used to be like this.   :(

     

    carry on doing what you're doing Kev.    :hatsoff2:

    A lot of people obviously think its an interesting subject (me included)

    All part of the scene's history

     

    Fair enough , but there's a long running thread on the subject so why the need for another running concurrently ... ?

     

    • Author

    Fair enough , but there's a long running thread on the subject so why the need for another running concurrently ... ?

     

     

    Its not immediately obvious what you have to gain, but I'm sure you'll find a way,

    you usually do, that's if, Soussan doesn't rip you off

    in the process.  :thumbsup:  :thumbsup: .

    There's nothing to gain! Ian found him and has he's banned from this site he asked me to post up the interesting news.

    Would we not be interested in say Jeff King coming on and saying 'Anyone interested in discussing the Soul Sounds label or The Yorkshire Ripper speaks from his jail cell about his love of Northern Soul ? :D

    • Author

    Fair enough , but there's a long running thread on the subject so why the need for another running concurrently ... ?

     

    If Mike wishes to merge it......no problem with me. As for your cynism towards the topic....look away and chat on other threads.  :yes:

    Its not immediately obvious what you have to gain, but I'm sure you'll find a way,

    you usually do, that's if, Soussan doesn't rip you off

    in the process.  :thumbsup:  :thumbsup: .

     

    Is there really any need for this sort of statement!

     

    Regards.

    Drew.

    There's nothing to gain! Ian found him and has he's banned from this site he asked me to post up the interesting news.

    Would we not be interested in say Jeff King coming on and saying 'Anyone interested in discussing the Soul Sounds label or The Yorkshire Ripper speaks from his jail cell about his love of Northern Soul ? :D

     

    Not a bad combination, when talking about Mr Soussan  :D

    Its not immediately obvious what you have to gain, but I'm sure you'll find a way,

    you usually do, that's if, Soussan doesn't rip you off

    in the process.  :thumbsup:  :thumbsup: .

     

     

    Is there really any need for this sort of statement!

     

    Regards.

    Drew.

     

     

    Its called humour my dear fellow.

    If Mike wishes to merge it......no problem with me. As for your cynism towards the topic....look away and chat on other threads.  :yes:

     

    I'm as interested in the topic as anyone on the scene , just couldn't see the point in two running together , as for cynicism and looking elsewhere ... I found something to be cynical about , live with it ... 

    • Author

    I'm as interested in the topic as anyone on the scene , just couldn't see the point in two running together , as for cynicism and looking elsewhere ... I found something to be cynical about , live with it ... 

    Well then stop making silly statements without any facts to back them up. End of.

    Serenade was essentially an instrumental version of the Electric Prunes  - I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night.

    Don't click the link if you're not a fan of 60s garage/psych :wink:

     

    About 40 or so years late, is better then never finding out what it really is. :yes:

    Books? I've got an idea. Why doesn't someone sit down with Soussan then and ghost write his story. It shouldn't take too long with a bit of effort and a few cups of tea and cake and it could be self published on Amazon. Someone like Ian Dewhirst who has an affinity with the man or even Ian L could do it?  To me that would be better than snippets of unreliable information coming out. But it would still come with a massive health warning. We've seen how good some DJs memories are of events 40 years ago (no drug convictions at Wigan / 4m etc). 

    • Author

    Books? I've got an idea. Why doesn't someone sit down with Soussan then and ghost write his story. It shouldn't take too long with a bit of effort and a few cups of tea and cake and it could be self published on Amazon. Someone like Ian Dewhirst who has an affinity with the man or even Ian L could do it?  To me that would be better than snippets of unreliable information coming out. But it would still come with a massive health warning. We've seen how good some DJs memories are of events 40 years ago (no drug convictions at Wigan / 4m etc). 

    Absolutely Steve. Ian D is the right man for this gig. It also gives me an opportunity to share a few Soussan rib ticklers with him :D  

    SS was a little before my time (pretty much), but I think a lot of us would like to have a little 'catch up' with the guy, even if it is via this site or another. 

     

    A few paragraphs would be fine, great reading im sure

    We all like a loveable rogue, unless they are ripping you off personally.

    Only problem I've got with SS is that he drove standards down in my time at WC.

    Experimenting with non soul with Russ as his puppet.

    Not the biggest problem in the world as most people knew that the soul didn't start till Russ got off the stage and he had zero kudos anyway.

    I'm talking about my time, 79 onwards really.

    Things may have been different earlier I'm sure.

    Not to different, after the Camera's  arrived that's when the decline started, Pye saw an opportunity as did SS before them and after, it was business and RW played along, up until then it was brilliant and electric and I relish those days but it was the Mecca, Cleethorpes, St. Ives and places like Unity Hall that kept us interested not Joe 90 or Men from Uncle. :facepalm:  :dash2: 

    Spot. :shades: 

    Pye International Disco Demand was well before This England, was it not? 1974 in my mind's eye. We were delivered Solid Soul Sensations from IL that same year, so it wasn't all shite by any means. From Human Jungle to Patti Jo. TSWONS. 

    I for one would love to read anything Simon or Jeff king had to say about the golden age of northern soul

    Pye International Disco Demand was well before This England, was it not? 1974 in my mind's eye. We were delivered Solid Soul Sensations from IL that same year, so it wasn't all shite by any means. From Human Jungle to Patti Jo. TSWONS. 

    Bloody hell Macca was they that far apart? Seems like I missed some of the 70's altogether then. I've checked Pye was 74 and This England 77 but you know what I mean, I think? It was mainly business for the main protagonists and there were still lots of decent music played but more and more dross, although at the time I'm sure due to other influences it all seemed good, hindsight's a wonderful thing, as they say. :rolleyes: 

    Spot. :shades: 

    You are incorrect.Simon is pronounced in French as Si mon,there are 2 syllables.

    More news about him will break soon.Pics are also circulating too.

    He was/is a very charesmatic person and exceptionally music talented.His knowledge of NS was immense.His involvment and record hunting "adventures" would make stupifying reading today,but relating that fascinating past,would serve no purpose.Better that for himself,his own interest,he not participate on Soul Source and let NS history rest as it is.The outpouring of NS venom would not contrinute to anything now.Perhaps KR or someone else can 3rd party relate some interesting stories from time to time...

    If you don't mind me saying, you seem to have more than a passing admiration for this fellow, know quite a bit about his current circumstances and to speak for him? :g:

    If you don't mind me saying, you seem to have more than a passing admiration for this fellow, know quite a bit about his current circumstances and to speak for him? :g:

    I did ask if Monsieur Uptite, who's knowledgable about the French language, if he might fill us in with some more information since he's clearly in the know…  :D 

    I for one would love to read anything Simon or Jeff king had to say about the golden age of northern soul

    I agree totally...I would love to read what he has to say....yes definitely been a shit bag to some....but it's without doubt a massive part of Northern soul history....if you read the history of our royal family, it's not the most savoury thing you will ever look at, and there the head of the bloody country!!...thank you..Rob

    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.

     

     

    The first night I got to L.A., I was immediately dragged out by Soussan and taken to a club called the Candy Box. I was wearing baggy trousers and kickers, felt totally out of place and was jet-lagged. The first person we bumped into was Don Cornelius and him and Soussan hugged and then I got introduced. Simon did move in those circles and knew most of the West Coast labels and musicians. I met up with him the next day and we bumped into Solomon Burke in a lift! Soussan recognised everyone and had as good a memory for faces as he did record labels and once he recognised someone, he could talk 'em to death on their history. I think he already had a bad reputation among the local dealers, many of whom wouldn't deal with him but he always got on well with musicians and music people. 

     

    With Shalamar, I almost had a deal with Motown with Tom DePeiro championing "Uptown Festival" but Susanne DePasse thought it would piss some of the acts off hearing their hits recycled, so she quite rightly passed on the track. I introduced Soussan to Tom DePeiro which led to him getting access to the library and his hands on Frank Wilson. 

     

    After Motown passed, Don Cornelius stepped in and took "Uptown Festival" as a favour to Soussan, Neil Rushton and myself I guess. I don't think anybody thought it would sell a million except me lol. Don then folded Soul Train and set up Solar with the proceeds. There was a lot of money sloshing around the L.A. music biz at that time and those were the circles that Soussan was moving within. He already knew everyone that was involved in the Shalamar recording including Jack Ashford, James Jamerson, Eddie 'Bongo' Brown, Don Hockett, Ike Turner and so on. He seemed to know everyone.

     

    Ian D  :D

    Edited by Ian Dewhirst

    Born again Christian and an Orthodox Jew?

    Bootleg Christian?[/quote

    Is it even possible to be a born again Jew?

    has anyone mentioned the ads for the blackpool mecca that were printed in blues and soul in which they apologised for not being able to list the records they were playing because of some contemptable underhand french individual from california who as soon as he found out the title pressed them up in large quantities and flooded the market with them. they went on to describe him as an evil person. Any relation?

     but Susanne DePasse thought it would piss some of the acts off hearing their hits recycled, so she quite rightly passed on the track.

     

    After Motown passed, Don Cornelius stepped in and took "Uptown Festival"

     

    Ian

     

    Just trying to understand how all this stuff works. If Motown didn't want to annoy the artists - then why would they then licence the tracks to Don Cornelius for him to release.

     

    Or am I missing something. :huh:

    Ian

     

    Just trying to understand how all this stuff works. If Motown didn't want to annoy the artists - then why would they then licence the tracks to Don Cornelius for him to release.

     

    Or am I missing something. :huh:

     

    You're missing something. "Uptown Festival" was re-produced medley of the Motown hits, so we didn't need to licence anything, we merely re-recorded parts of Motown tunes and fixed 'em into a medley and put new singers on top. 

     

    Actually just about everyone at Motown liked it but Suzanne could see potential ructions from some of the acts - probably Diana Ross in particular, so they passed for that reason apparently. Ar least Soussan got something out of em - a Frank Wilson original!

     

    Ian D  :D

    No interest in any book or financial gain from Soussan whatsoever. Goldsoul are in the events business and no other. You are correct that his personal details are not going to be shared because that's his wish.

    As for the 'allegedly' remark, what do Ian Levine and I have to gain? If interest wains on this important character of the 70's via this this platform I will happily lock the thread. Fair enough?

     

    " If interest wins on this important character of the 70's via this this platform I will happily lock the thread. Fair enough?"

    you say he is an important character but the only thing that motivated him was making money.weather it be northern to disco yes lots of great records then bootlegs he had no love for the scene or the people on it . so thats what it takes to be an important character hope he stays away in my opinion. close it keep it going kevin its your choice   

    Edited by rhino

    Jeff king, Simon soussan, ootp, green light, bjd, soul fox, soul galore, even pye bloody disco demand, all a part of northern soul history, in fact essential elements of a scene that's still strong in 2015, you cannot air brush this lot out of history ? Supply and demand met, and again listen to some of the people left from back in the 60s, there product sold, they didn't get paid sadly and these were major labels. Simon was moving and shaking in LA, yes he saw the disco boom and did it well, same as Berry Gordy made the perfect pop soul sounds and sold millions.

    For all the above over the years I'm grateful to play these records, ok not joe 90 or the Wigan joker but the discoveries, rare, not so rare, and the just bloody good soul records.

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