Steve W

Thats an interesting one. Never heard or read anything but guessing it could be the breakaway Dramatics formed by Wee Gee Howard. There were two groups recording as The Dramatics at that time until Ron Banks won the court case giving him naming rights.

There are a few Motown moonlighting stories Rick, George Kerr told one at Blackpool Soul weekender a few years ago about recording 'I have faith in you' with Edwin Starr. They were waiting for a Funk Brother to come back from a Gig (I cant remember which one) and eventually arrived at 3 in the morning to do it in one take with The Andantes present as well. it then got put on the B side. The famous one is the Jackie Wilson Higher and Higher - the Funks didn't get paid that day so had to travel from Detroit again to pick up their money the next day.

I find its a pretty interesting topic when you find out how many talented singers did actually do back ups. The Masqueraders did loads while at American sound - Joe Simon, Wilson Pickett, and Roosevelt Grier 'C'mon Cupid on Amy were some of the recordings The Blossoms featuring Darlene Love and Fanita James were on loads of Goldstar Recordings and Cher was on Righteous Brothers 'lost that lovin feeling'. The Originals and The Spinnners were prolific at Motown as they waited to get a chance to do their own recordings Interesting story of when the Ojays wanted a choir for a track on their Emotionally Yours album in 1991 they put out a plea on a few New York radio stations. Who turned up ?.... Glenn Jones, Towatha Agee , Keith Sweat, Evelyn Champagne King and there were at least 10 more top class soul singers if you ever get the chance to see the film 'Twenty feet from Stardom' it will explain and actually show much more than I could ever explain. I was riveted

Very sad news. A true soul fan whose record choices on Piccadilly Radio in the early seventies such as Denise Lasalle 'Here I am Again, Lamonts 'Fish aint Bitin' and Originals California Sunset album lit up the airwaves and were halcyon days for NW soul fans. RIP to a great broadcaster

Greg Perry - One for the road had to be bought for - "Will she still meet the train in the rain." just love the title - "Come on Down" is the track though

a few I have enjoyed over the years Top of the Line - Phillip Mitchell Rare stamps - JJ Barnes & Steve Mancha This is Eleanor Mills - Eleanor Mills Could it be Magic - Anthony White Wounded Woman - Sandra Wright Sweetest piece of the Pie - Bobby Thurston Caviar & Chitlins - The Exciters Whats Going On - Marvin Gaye Ship Ahoy - the Ojays Standing Oviaton - The Mighty Dells and last but not least Mighty Love - The Spinners

Personally thought it was good. I think guys like Paul Riser and Jack Ashford would have been in their element hearing that orchestra in full flow. Tad disappointed not to hear "Crying over You" with all those strings. But hey I get excited when Snake Davis performs

Very sad news - Gamble & Huff had no hesitation going into his Sigma Sound Studio on Broad Street in the late sixties - the music that proceeded to come out of those studios was mind blowing - RIP Joe Tarsia and thanks for the tunes

absolutely brilliant magazine - pity when he got it to full colour and professionally laid out on issue 25 - he had to stop as previous posters have said record lists contained some bargains - early soul essence Yarmouth reviews were entertaining

Thank you for the above info. I can't stop smiling at Johnny Jenkins Pinetoppers -

Just reading an OLD NME online from 66 and our Mr. Taylor wasn't impressed with Otis. Nothing worse than going to a live act and the artist has a off night. Just wondering if any wheelites was at this concert?? CHRIS TAYLOR _(Rochdale, Lanes.): I went to see Otis Redding appear with the Alan Price Set and the St. Union at Manchester Odeon last week. I sat in the front row at the first performance. Despite the depressing state of the attendance, Alan Price and the St. Louis gave splendid performances, Otis Redding was, how- ever, poor. His singing was really bad and he cut his songs and shortened his act. The last straw was when he strutted offstage halfway through his last song. His band was left there utterly bewildered. One by one they stopped playing and the curtain was brought đown.Surely he should done this to the few loyal fans who came to see him, even though he was playing to an almost empty house.

I wish I had, December 74 - I think Edwin said there was a fault with the sound system and he started his act all over again. Betty Wright was another act I caught but again I wish I could see photos, apparently she was full of Flu the night she appeared, really sorry about her passing early this year, ever the professional she was still good when appearing at Band on the wall in Manchester a few years back.

"You made me 3 times happier that the law allowed me to be" with your Music Mr. Ragland. Condolences to your loved ones and may you RIP. A great Soul Artist

So sorry to hear about Clay McMurray passing. Had a good talk with him at Prestatyn a few years ago and thanked him for various tracks especially a couple on the great Ruffin CD from 2004. Definitely up there with other great producers like George Kerr, Van McCoy etc.

I wish Channel 4 would have a trawl through their vaults and broadcast Soul programmes from middle 80s. I remember interviews with Bobby Womack and Greg Perry, plus who remembers Jeffrey Daniels introducing Soul train in a wrap round skirt? I am sure there are more gems to be found

Well Roburt, BBC managed to tape over many episodes of TOTP so don't hold your breath, but to be fair "Motown at the BBC " was aired a few months back and it was very good. The Newspaper clips that stood out for me were the appearances of Lou Johnson and Joe Tex on "Scene at 6-30" a Granada news programme which aired after the main news in the 60s. I wonder if Granada still have any of those programmes in their archives?

Very sad at this news. His opening guitar Intro to "Its a Shame" at the Funk Brothers UK Tour was very special. RIP Eddie and thanks for a great memory.

Don't buy much music nowadays, its all about to change with this fella, cant wait for this LP to come out September

Good shout this, would not have hesitated years ago, but a Motown songbook is not up my street. If he is doing "Fish aint biting", "Cant get off till the feeling stops", etc etc, then I am in.

Jack Ashford recalled in his book that the "Funks" turned up for work to be met by a notice on the door stating "no session today". Can you imagine that? I would have thought the major players like The Temps, Diana Ross, would have been in the know, but very few on the production side after that. Like the previous poster said, Gordy would have kept his cards very close to his chest.

Great pics, great memories, have been in print for 40 years sadly no more

I don't know what it is about Brenda Reids voice but it reaches every bone in my body. I can't remember if i have seen her live during mid seventies in the "reaching for the best period" but even in my youth full state I am sure I would have remembered that voice. I'm not sure if she was there then but I know Herb Rooney was. Fantastic post.

I think another book is coming out soon after called "MEMPHIS 68", should be interesting as well, been pretty busy as Mr Cosgrove. Will need to get them both methinks

RIP to the last great soul man. Thanks for the music.