lorchand

This is what made Motown great. Artist, writers, musicians, arrangers etc. I agree Brian on Stevie. This haunting melody with the outstanding vocal is soul. But that bass line, listen to the bass. I want to say its Jamerson, but he's more lyrical. However, if it is he, he just laid in the cut of the melody and it sends the chills. Glad to hear it again. I don't want to get started on Levi. Lorraine

That's because Otis' voice is pure soul. He, 'don't need no music'. Lorraine

While I was on the internet to see who was bootlegging, I ran across What Can I Do and gave it a listen. When musicians complement a singer/melody, that unselfishness is soulful to me. Listen to Mike Terry's sax weave behind the vocal. Mike would come in and 'sweeten' a track. Those notes were not written. It was from the soul. Go Mike, may you RIP. Also, on Sandra Richardson's Stay Here with Me, can't remember if it was Johnny Griffin or Earl Van Dyke, but that piano is smokin! I love this thread, it might stick with me for a long time, especially when I hear something soulful. Lorraine

Yea! Get'um Eddie! I was waiting for this to hit! Lorraine

Hey Jelly Belly! On your 'out' days, I might have to make you my PR man! I hope you didn't hurt Dennis and Jack's feelings. Do we care? This is the book world, everyone for themselves, page by page, paragraph by, oh, I'm getting carried away... (Sing/whistle the next sentence soulfully so we can stay on this thread) Don't I first need a publisher who would know that sales could be limited but is willing to take the risk? Lorraine

Didn't see your name except for Macho, so I'll use it. Thanks for listening, the support and the compliment. It has indeed been my pleasure. Lorraine

Thanks Winnie! (all of it is the truth too) Lorraine

Mrs. Norman Maine, The jury is still out on the 'book'. It has been my pleasure to be a part of your life. Lorraine

Rob, I'm glad for your special nite. If I'm invited back again, introduce yourself and let's chat. Lorraine

Tim, It turns out to be OK! Yeah! Now let's see if it sells and I get paid... Lorraine

Steve, you are welcome. It's wonderful to hear that you have made someone else's life a little bit brighter for a few minutes in time. Thanks for replying. Lorraine

Hi Pauline, My pleasure. I'm glad and blessed to be here at the end! Thanks for replying. Lorraine

Hi Ed, You know the clich, "too much of a good thing." During that time good music was everywhere and being copied and people being cloned. If you got in on the ground floor anywhere, you stood a chance. If enough money wasn't exchanged, you might not ever hear your record outside of your living room. It was a pay to play atmosphere, or a different way of 'advertising'. RCA wanted to be in the game, but didn't want to 'pay' the game. Also, I was strictly the artist at that time and not privy to (all) the administrative/management deals being made and with whom, but basically it was the same everywhere in the record business. I would love to write a behind the scenes book but unfortunately it would only sell about 500 copies (maybe). My dream of becoming a recording star is much like everyone else's who cut a few records and tried to get a hit. During the time of my singing, my competition was Rose Bastiste, Betty LaVette, and Pat Lewis to name a few that you might know. That was just the local talent and they all were good. My story might be a little different because I pursued other avenues, writing and producing for other artist so my canvas might be wider. While my counterparts were out 'gigging' I was writing and learning how to produce. I always thought I was a better writer than singer. I am lucky to see the end result of this 'dream'. I consider myself successful because of you all. I'm here speaking with you and I've sang to you. My relationship with you is my greatest reward. Your output of gratitude is immeasurable and leaves me speechless. While not being recognized globally, you hearing me in your living room suffices for me. We have our own love/success story. Lorraine

And it is well said and in one sentence. Lorraine

What a wonderful discussion and so appropos. And guess what, everyone will have the correct answer! This is like discussing religion. If you believe in a higher power, it's whatever it is you you and you alone. For example, Etta James' At Last is the most soulful song I know, while Gladys Knights/Pips, Midnight Train to Georgia is sung with so much soul (emotion). Eddie Parker's Love You Baby, while danceable and sellable doesn't touch I'm Gone on the soul radar. When I hear the Four Tops' Sugar Pie Honey Bunch next to Baby I Need Your Loving, no comparison. There are voices that stop you in your tracks. When I hear Johnny Mathis, recorded or live, it's just a gift. Michael Jackson live was unforgettable and rates in my top ten for putting on a show. He takes you there, leaves you there and you have no idea of how you are going to get back. Your John Barrowman's voice is incredible. While I've never heard him live, his recordings are superb and makes me shake my head and say 'yeah'! Patti LaBelle is incredible, she can sing anything and to hear her live is something to behold. Early Al Green would make me want to moan. The artist that I've mentioned above have soul and are soulful in their own way. We are so lucky to record soul and relive those soulful moment over and over again. Having soul or being soulful, stirs your very being and gives you definition for a few moments in time. It's not black or white, it is the color of emotion, a mind and body massage that takes your breath away. Every artist or song will not elicit those soulful feelings out of you, but when they do, you know it. That's my two cents/pence on the subject. Lorraine

Dante, As promised, I stopped by the record store and he has a wonderful place there. Thanks for turning me on to it. They treat the records like gold! Dusting, vaccuming and such. (No fingerprints there!) I need to have him come to my house! Have a good time in July. Lorraine

Thanks Bridgey, I better check to make sure it's still there. My relatives have sticky fingers (even though they cannot fit into it). They've been admiring it for years! Bridgey, what is your real name? My sister's name is Bridgette, emphasis on the 'ette' part. Lorraine

Steve, ...bought in 1980, size 12!!!!! ...2011, size ???? (I'll never tell!) Lorraine

Silly me. I'm too Motown. I thought you all were talking about Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops at first! Although I do have a Denim/Leather pant outfit that's never been worn (size 12) bought in 1980! It still has the price tag on it. I haven't found a family member deserving of it yet. Lorraine

Love You Baby is faster than I'm Gone. Lost a few pounds on the Love You Baby Session! Lorraine

Almost like hitting the lottery! Well, almost. Glad it was you who found it because you appreciated it. It was a fun session all the way around and its still fun to sing today. Thanks for replying. Lorraine

Ms. Vicki, (Post 398) Just to clarify, that incident happened 35 years ago! My jumping over anything days been over! Lorraine

Ian D, Isn't today an 'out-patient day?' Have a good one! Lorraine

No Carms, Not personal at all and I agree with your assessment of life. I wouldn't change a thing. It is what it is/was and I love being loved! The bad things made me stronger and more appreciative of the good things. Although my diabeties is challenging, I was one of the last to get it in my generation and it runs rampant on both sides of my family. Five years ago, I was on medication (diabetic) that blew me up to whale size (any excuse will do) and my friends notice I was gaining (more) weight. Eventually one of them told me to change medication and the pounds are now starting to come off, s-l-o-w-l-y. I'm now down to walrus size! But it's all good. Life is wonderful, cause I'm still here! Lorraine

Ms. Vicky (post #390), Get that QUOTE button fixed! One quickie: Me, being a healthy girl always went for the brawny type (like the muscles but I always, and I mean always fell/fall for the intellectual type or the intellectual looking type). Here's this famous football player (6'4", 220 pounds, 46" chest, 33/34" waist at a glance) and quite handsome. He is the epitome of health. We kinda just met (last week) and we're at lunch and the only thing keeping us from jumping one another right then and there is the table setting. Chemistry like that only happens once a decade, if you're lucky. His personality wasn't that great because he thought he was the Love God, but who cared? I thought I was the Goddess! That's when I learned about the true Love Gods. I kept my composure. No I didn't, the waiter brought the menus. After eating, nothing happened (I was too full). I had to leave to catch a plane and that was that. About the Love Gods. That man today. Poor baby, that chest went into his waist. His height declined due to a curvature in his back. He had to take steroids for an infection that left that once strong jaw bone looking like he had stuff nuts into each of his jaws. Not that I'm a prize now mind you but...I (we) dodged a bullet! Now was that really interesting??? Lorraine