Not much was known about the lead singer of this track (a mysterious northern soul favorite for many years) until DJ/ producer Ian Levine tied the story together...
Starting life as Kendra Spotswood in New Jersey, around 1963 she met a new next door neighbor, none other than Van McCoy! Van (21 years old) began working with Kendra (then 17) on songs that he was composing. He renamed her Kenni Woods and cut her first record in 1964. They collaborated on many other projects throughout the years (including a 45 released in 1967 credited as Sandi Sheldon...coming someday to this blog, as soon as I find a copy! It's a great one.)
On this storming track, what sounds like a girl group is actually Kenni duetting with none other than Van himself!
She also was a touring member of the Shirelles in 1964. So, interestingly enough, this record goes hand in hand with yesterday's entry!
from 1968...
THE VONETTES - TOUCH MY HEART
2 comments:
Nice story to this one Derek, nice 45 as well. Thx
Van McCoy. Now there is a talent that ended too soon. Thanks for the post Derek.
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