Chalky

Don't think it was a Stafford play. I don't recall hearing it at all back in mid to late 80s early 90s anywhere.

The same can be said for the big classics mentioned, big at mainstream Goldsoul type event but not necessarily at other allnighters. The likes of the Tomangoes aren't big records for me, they were once but they just show a lack of imagination now because so many are playing them. Butch's exclusives still pack the floor including Kings Hall when he was a resident. Granted he doesn't DJ much here now but he still has a following, still packs the floor with many of them. I look at it this way, what makes a top DJ? Is it to do something others can't do like it is in other walks of life. Or is it like the so called top Djs do and play the same that many others can do and often do. That's why I still prefer to hear something I don't know or don't hear to often rather than records I have heard at nights for 30 odd years.

And it is more often than not those who are on the rare angle who supply tomorrows biggie. All those you mention found favour first and foremost in the clubs that specialise in the rarer stuff, Pow Wow, Lifeline, 100 Club to name three. Without these clubs the rest would be listening to just the classics pre 1981 and the mainstream scene would be even more boring than it is.

I would have thought the first run was the hit to warrant a second press! Unless the second was done to satisfy or cash in on the UK NS scene? Also Jerry Reed has told Uk collectors he didn't press the Larry Allen but someone with access to the masters clearly did. When and why?

Constellations was big when it was cheap 20 years plus ago. Joe Jama massive for Tim 12 to 15 years ago everywhere too. JT Parker was Lifeline first although it was known by some years ago but never had plays.

It would appear L. Allen was first. I wonder when the Larry Allen were pressed. How long after the first press? I wonder if he pressed them after contact with a dealer/collector from the UK and tried to earn a few bucks? He wouldn't be the first. Anyone ever compared the discs side by side, paper, vinyl etc? I remember at Peterborough one night some kid came in with a box, everything a quid, this was in there alongside some other rarities. Think he had been away for a while from the scene.

There is no "U" in Kell's surname. It was Kell who got Eddie and Paul their jobs at the Majestic and they performed reguarly as the Cavaliers. It was Milton Jenkins who spotted their potential, became their manager and persuaded all three of them move to Detroit, promising better futures, he also gave them the name the Primes (and the Supremes their early name the Primettes).

But if Butch wanted to I have no doubt he could better all the top oldies Djs as well. He isn't just about exclusives, he was a resident at Kings Hall at one time. But back to question, its subjective as everyone has a different idea of the biggest records dependant on the venues they attend. I would have a completely different top 10 to one who frequents the mainstream nighters and soul nights.

Another one of Lou Ragland’s releases heavily imported by Soul Bowl.

Keele more or less been oldies orientated since it first began and nothing has changed.

Hi Larry I'm not privy to your email but my email is chalky@karlwhite.me.uk If you wish to contact me we can get the story down in an article, it would be great to get it out there. Fabulous group with some quality recordings. All the very best Chalky

Hi Larry I was in touch with James Bailey up until recently, he though the rest of you had all passed so great to hear another of you is still alive. James was in a nursing home but they moved him somewhere else and they wouldn't tell me where due to daft data protection laws so was unable to get the full story. All the best Chalky

For sure Kev, same over here, we don't really know what is tucked away in collections. I was referring more to the scene and what we think is out there. We know what is rare and what isn't. Chalkster

There shouldn't be a supply of test pressing Carl, at least not on a commercial basis, the same for promos.

Be amazed working here

Depends, if you've been buying and selling, been around the record bars for many years you get some idea what is out there, not exact but some idea. There will always be copies not known about but for many of what we collect we know what is rare or not and in many cases a good idea of quantity or not. Some will always know more than others so in that respect it could be subjective.

One or two seem to be missing the point. I fully understand the need for test presses, quality control and all that, they are necessary. But some dealers (recordshack for one) are issuing 50 records prior to the issue with a test press label. Now if these are genuine test presses why the need for 50 when the norm would appear to be throughout the decades half a dozen. These 50 are advertised as test pressing and as a Dj tool. They are not promos, they are sold at a higher price. Some of these test presses are stil available online bit are sold by other parties marked up again. Surely this is just exploitation of the market?

Record prices no longer reflect rarity in most instances.

You don't need 50 test press's though to check the quality though.

it was in every dealers boxes. Guy got stock of Lorraine Rudolph, it was his cover up. He'd sell one and another would come from under the table.

That is the idea of promos and the right way. I've seen examples of sales with 50 run test press and I've also seen labels advertise the same themselves. I've also seen labels sell plain white labels for a decent mark up before the issue...again it is simply exploiting the scene IMO. Not sure if it is an attempt to give a Johnny come lately Dj some sort of kudos?

Anyone who has been around records, selling, collecting etc knows there is decent quantity of Jack Montgomery. I must have seen a copy for sale from a different seller every week for years. But I think you know that yourself and know what is meant by quite common.

Much of the stock of Shrine 45s were lost in a fire at the distributors during the riots.

Wade Flemins - Jeanette Dottie & Millie Ringleaders