Really looking forward to this, has anybody mentioned, or discussed Simon Soussan appearing soon on the Charley YT Channel?

Heard all the stories, bought loads of his pressings in the past, heard about the acetates he would send to the DJs at the casino, and the lush White carpets at his place in Leeds, I guess in the early 7ts, and of course the madness that ensued around records he sold, but never supplied...

BUT, other than on Soul Train, I’ve never seen him in discussion, so this is to be an interesting interview...

Had dealings with SS, love to know about it...

 

 

 

A few likes, but very few wiling to put their toe in the water... lol

Maybe we should keep this thread on ice till the interview comes out, then you can have your say. I would state though, for allot of us on here, Simon Soussan is just a name from the 7ts, I'm too young to have dealt with, or met him, but I know allot of you older guys did.. 

Christ sake I'm 55 and there are older guys!

I hope it isn’t a token gesture or a nod to the good SS did, I hope it gets to the nitty gritty and dodgy stuff he got up to as well. It would be good to get the truth about Soultown, Mirwood etc.  this could be one explosive superb interview, he clearly has a story to tell and hopefully it will be told. 

I only dealt with him once, I ordered and paid for Hank Jacobs "Elijah rockin with soul" and I received Dave Mitchell "The Trip" with a note Sorry Hank Jacobs sold I hope this is okay instead as it's going to be played at the Mecca.

35 minutes ago, Chalky said:

I hope it isn’t a token gesture or a nod to the good SS did, I hope it gets to the nitty gritty and dodgy stuff he got up to as well. It would be good to get the truth about Soultown, Mirwood etc.  this could be one explosive superb interview, he clearly has a story to tell and hopefully it will be told. 

With KR at the helm I doubt very much whether there'll be any mention of the "dodgy stuff" that went on , just the usual rose-tinted waffle ... 

54 minutes ago, Woodbutcher said:

With KR at the helm I doubt very much whether there'll be any mention of the "dodgy stuff" that went on , just the usual rose-tinted waffle ... 

exactly

It should be very very interesting; looking forward to it. He certainly had a dodgy side, but I’d say this. I was lucky enough in the early 80’s along with Ian Clark, to be invited to Les McCutcheons home to view Simon Soussans collection, which was being sold through Les. What a sight that was! That haul of records all together like that, would blow most collectors minds; it blew mine!! Rarely do any of us see that many rare original records, all in one place in this country. It was phenomenol, amazing. Everything was for sale, and the pricing was amazing (Cheap!!)but thats a whole other story.

Anyway, my point is, whatever retrospective judgements we feel inclined to make about SS, I think we shouldnt  lose sight of the fact that he found, discovered, loved, and collected these records a long time before most of us here did,  in a country where there was no other collector interest, and no Rare Soul Scene, as a context for doing so. That he was also clearly a bootlegger, along with everything immoral about that is not in doubt though.

Whats also clear to me though,  having seen and bought (extensively) from that collection, is that he really did love Northern. Somehow bootlegging and collecting the same music seem irreconcilable facts I guess, and Im not defending anything he did; depriving artists of what theyre due is just plain wrong. But somewhere in there is a man who loved what we do, and discovered and collected a lot of it before us, so for that I’ll give him credit. 

2 hours ago, Colouredman said:

It should be very very interesting; looking forward to it. He certainly had a dodgy side, but I’d say this. I was lucky enough in the early 80’s along with Ian Clark, to be invited to Les McCutcheons home to view Simon Soussans collection, which was being sold through Les. What a sight that was! That haul of records all together like that, would blow most collectors minds; it blew mine!! Rarely do any of us see that many rare original records, all in one place in this country. It was phenomenol, amazing. Everything was for sale, and the pricing was amazing (Cheap!!)but thats a whole other story.

Anyway, my point is, whatever retrospective judgements we feel inclined to make about SS, I think we shouldnt  lose sight of the fact that he found, discovered, loved, and collected these records a long time before most of us here did,  in a country where there was no other collector interest, and no Rare Soul Scene, as a context for doing so. That he was also clearly a bootlegger, along with everything immoral about that is not in doubt though.

Whats also clear to me though,  having seen and bought (extensively) from that collection, is that he really did love Northern. Somehow bootlegging and collecting the same music seem irreconcilable facts I guess, and Im not defending anything he did; depriving artists of what theyre due is just plain wrong. But somewhere in there is a man who loved what we do, and discovered and collected a lot of it before us, so for that I’ll give him credit. 

Indeed Tim, underneath all the clouds over him is a collector and lover of the music.  He discovered and introduced to the scene many of the great records this scene has to offer.  He must have countless stories of what he got up to over there, before anyone else really, both positive and negative and its one story I'd love to hear warts and all.  I somehow doubt we will hear all about the negativity though.  In doubt the interview will have enough time to cover everything chapter and verse.  I\'m still looking forward to hearing what he has to say though.

Has it been done yet / when is it out?

1 hour ago, Chalky said:

Indeed Tim, underneath all the clouds over him is a collector and lover of the music.  He discovered and introduced to the scene many of the great records this scene has to offer.  He must have countless stories of what he got up to over there, before anyone else really, both positive and negative and its one story I'd love to hear warts and all.  I somehow doubt we will hear all about the negativity though.  In doubt the interview will have enough time to cover everything chapter and verse.  I\'m still looking forward to hearing what he has to say though.

I was at Chris Tipping's (he financed Simon's trip to New York) apartment just off Weetwood Lane in Leeds when Simon arrived back with his brown leather suitcase filled with 45s! I did manage to snag a few before he put out his sales list!  Great days

Back at the Casino record bar area when I first started collecting around 75/76 - although I never knew SS his name along with a major record dealer got the blame for every new pressing , bootleg etc.  A new sound would be played by a DJ and bang the following week pressings we’re getting knocked out at £5 a shot - and everyone would go effing SS again or the other guy - the feeling I always got was  they weren't welcome, with people mumbling the usual - “if they come down here, there’ll get it”.

Looking back I am sure they got the blame for  some pressings and bootlegs - that had nothing to do with them - very convenient for other people to pass the blame 🤔

 

18 hours ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Has it been done yet / when is it out?

Not showing yet Chris, just says coming soon, and a short message fron Simon.  Is he a Simon, or a Simone? French?

Cheers Malc, French style by the sound of it 

1 hour ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Cheers Malc, French style by the sound of it 

I worked with "Howard Hewet" of Shalimar recently and he referred to him as "Simone" French style, he wasn't very complimentary about him and knew virtually nothing about the first single "Uptown Festival" which Simon recorded to be fair he wasn't in the first line up.

The b side of that track is called "Simón's Theme (Instr.)"  ! musicians on that it included  Eddie "Bongo" Brown and Jack Ashford so he had some contacts.

 

22 hours ago, Colouredman said:

It should be very very interesting; looking forward to it. He certainly had a dodgy side, but I’d say this. I was lucky enough in the early 80’s along with Ian Clark, to be invited to Les McCutcheons home to view Simon Soussans collection, which was being sold through Les. What a sight that was! That haul of records all together like that, would blow most collectors minds; it blew mine!! Rarely do any of us see that many rare original records, all in one place in this country. It was phenomenol, amazing. Everything was for sale, and the pricing was amazing (Cheap!!)but thats a whole other story.

Slightly off topic, for which I apologise, but did Iain Stewart end up with the rump of this collection, about 10,000 records so I was told at the time? Or was it the rump of Ian Levine's collection that ended up with Iain Stewart?

1 hour ago, Mal C said:

Not showing yet Chris, just says coming soon, and a short message fron Simon.  Is he a Simon, or a Simone? French?

He was always known as Simon back in the day (and that's what he called himself!)

25 minutes ago, Julianb said:

He was always known as Simon back in the day (and that's what he called himself!)

Was / is he French then?

1 hour ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Was / is he French then?

I understand he is Moroccan.

1 hour ago, Mick Holdsworth said:

I understand he is Moroccan.

He always said he was a Moroccan Jew

There is a long history between France and Morocco, it used to be a French protectorate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France–Morocco_relations

7 hours ago, Markw said:

Slightly off topic, for which I apologise, but did Iain Stewart end up with the rump of this collection, about 10,000 records so I was told at the time? Or was it the rump of Ian Levine's collection that ended up with Iain Stewart?

I dont honestly know. I know others went through that stuff after Ian Clark and I, but what was left after that, and who ended up with it, I have no idea. 

5 hours ago, Thinksmart said:

There is a long history between France and Morocco, it used to be a French protectorate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France–Morocco_relations

Morocco, although legally, a protectorate, was treated by France for most of their hegemony, like a colony.  There were many French citizens living there, and, as in Algeria,  Moroccans could become French Citizens.  That process is how Soussan's family (or he, himself) became French citizens, and were able to move to France.  And, of course, Simone (Simón) resided in France for quite a few years before moving to England. He grew up there.

9 hours ago, Chris Turnbull said:

Was / is he French then?

He was a French Citizen of Moroccan extraction.  Had he ever become a British citizen?  Does The UK allow new citizens to keep their existing citizenship as a dual citizen?

5 hours ago, Colouredman said:

I dont honestly know. I know others went through that stuff after Ian Clark and I, but what was left after that, and who ended up with it, I have no idea. 

Didn’t Ian’s collection end up with Bernie Golding 

29 minutes ago, Mark B said:

Didn’t Ian’s collection end up with Bernie Golding 

Yes ,ended up on a farm I believe .A lot of future records ( Stafford etc ) came out of there 

5 hours ago, Mark B said:

Didn’t Ian’s collection end up with Bernie Golding 

Ian Levines’s did

20 hours ago, Robbk said:

He was a French Citizen of Moroccan extraction.  Had he ever become a British citizen?  Does The UK allow new citizens to keep their existing citizenship as a dual citizen?

The UK allows dual nationality

I've still got the original NME advert from West Knoll Dr. where SS advertised all manner of unknowns and current big sounds. I sent a fiver for a Maxine Brown - one in a million - sold out so he sent me a copy of The Vel-Vets I got to find me somebody - 20th Century issue instead - I couldn't get a lot of action on it - Basically unknown so swapped it for the Professionals - Groove City + £12 to me - Almost the best deal I ever did - mid/late 72 - bought a few others but never met the guy. 

It's in a wallet in the loft with my 1st few weeks payslips - £12.50 a week gross - I'll find it and pic it on here - I'm heading for 72 so a snapshot in time - talk about inflation.

 

On 04/03/2025 at 08:35, Mal C said:

A few likes, but very few wiling to put their toe in the water... lol

Maybe we should keep this thread on ice till the interview comes out, then you can have your say. I would state though, for allot of us on here, Simon Soussan is just a name from the 7ts, I'm too young to have dealt with, or met him, but I know allot of you older guys did.. 

Christ sake I'm 55 and there are older guys!

Older? I am 66 and there are loads that are older than me. I was 15 when I first went to Wigan and me and my mates were among the youngest there!

I’ve always found Simon incredibly interesting! A few years ago, I did some research on him and exchanged a few emails… Unfortunately, he wasn’t too keen on discussing the Northern Soul scene. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the Charly interview. In the meantime, here are a few photos I’ve come across here and there.

27 minutes ago, Northernjordan12 said:

I’ve always found Simon incredibly interesting! A few years ago, I did some research on him and exchanged a few emails… Unfortunately, he wasn’t too keen on discussing the Northern Soul scene. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the Charly interview. In the meantime, here are a few photos I’ve come across here and there.

That original photo is in my possession, sent to me when Simon was fairly new to LA. Tim Brown used it in his Wigan Casino 76 book with relevant acknowledgement 

3 minutes ago, Julianb said:

That original photo is in my possession, sent to me when Simon was fairly new to LA. Tim Brown used it in his Wigan Casino 76 book with relevant acknowledgement 

Apologies, Julian—I couldn’t remember where I’d lifted it from! Full credit to you, and hope you’re well!

Love these stories regarding SS, was told by a good mate of mine who had some dealings with Soussan that it was like doing business with an eel. Just when you think you had got to grips with him, he would slip out of your hands and disappear. Great character we are still discussing 50 years later.

1 hour ago, Northernjordan12 said:

Apologies, Julian—I couldn’t remember where I’d lifted it from! Full credit to you, and hope you’re well!

No problem 👍

The Northern Soul Time episode featuring Simon Soussan is scheduled to air late May. It’s already recorded, so in post production shortly. 
Next from Charly - approx two weeks away……the late Ted Massey.

Thanks for shinning a light on past and present northern characters and the scene in general who contributed to the strange world of northern before they and us depart!

In the mide-late 80's Simon tried to trace his daughter. He and his wife had split up and Simon went to California.

His wife (then) was from Gateshead, and a teacher i seem to remember ( but really vague memory now).

 

1983 old write up with SS

Sunday 1st May (Bank Holiday weekend) sees the promised marathon ‘Ritz Revival’ alldayer at Manchester’s Rotters with living legends Ian Levine, Colin Curtis & Richard Searling spinning ’70s soul before at midnight switching into an allniter situation with the addition of Northern Soul pioneers Tony Jebb, Les Cokell, Kev Roberts & Simon Soussan plus two as yet unspecified US acts (veterans of the Mirwood label looking likely) — now that is one that I’ll definitely try to get to! . . . Ian Levine is currently donning suit and tie and lugging all his records across town to do “up market semi-gay” Sundays at Kensington High Street’s Gardens, kinda like New York’s Studio 54 before it became ultra-commercial,

if you excluded all the 'dodgy' stuff from the "scene", we'd be worse for it.

There was ton's of stuff going on to make a living back then in the USA alone... Gene Lawson, The Gresham Bros, Get a Job, just come to mind.

9 hours ago, Northernjordan12 said:

I’ve always found Simon incredibly interesting! A few years ago, I did some research on him and exchanged a few emails… Unfortunately, he wasn’t too keen on discussing the Northern Soul scene. That’s why I’m really looking forward to the Charly interview. In the meantime, here are a few photos I’ve come across here and there.

In the above letter from Simon I'm the "Dear Richard" and the "diddle" he refers to and denies was from when I knew him in Leeds. I used to see him , and Julian B in Jumbo Records. One time he persuaded me to sell Johnny Sayles- Can't Get Enough to him for £1.00 and then told me he had sold it for £8. Another time I swapped a Major Lance -Investigate on UK Columbia demo for Van McCoy- Sweet and Easy a week before Selectadisc had it in bulk. At the time this must have riled me a lot but now I see it as just being a smart deal for him and how things were done. I thought he was an interesting character and quite likeable although he would tell you any thing that he knew wasn't true. 

He sometimes sent records I hadn't ordered but these were always great. One I remember is Jerry Williams- If You Ask Me just before it went big. He probably sent this to others as well. 

His contribution to NS is massive so I'm looking forward to hearing what he's got to say.

Edited May 2May 2 by Rick Cooper