THE VELVELETTES - LONELY LONELY GIRL AM I

Ho Hum...Yet another glorious Motown girl group single!

The Velvelettes released a brilliant run of 45's on (mostly) the Motown subsidiary label VIP from 1963 til 1967. Their biggest hit was "Needle In A Haystack" (a past 45 of the day and one of the hottest girl group song of all time) and this group was overshadowed by the likes of the Supremes and Martha And The Vandellas in the Motown stable. I guess when there is as much amazing talent on hand as Motown had, certain groups were bound to be overlooked.

The Velvelettes certainly haven't been overlooked by the Northern Soul/ girl group crowd, though. The Velvelettes have been one of the most popular groups on that scene for ages.

from 1965...


THE VELVELETTES - LONELY LONELY GIRL AM I

INELL YOUNG - THE NEXT BALL GAME

Being as it is Mardi Gras and all, I couldn't resist posting another 'Nawlins record. Imagine that! I can't imagine you mind...

Remembered as being a troubled soul, Inell Young released precious few recordings before dying of a drug overdose sometime in the early '70's. Here we find her incredible vocals matched up with producer/ keyboardist/ genius Eddie Bo and the incredible drumming of James Black. Unfortunately the production is kinda murky on this record, but it still bursts out of the mud.

from 1969...

INELL YOUNG - THE NEXT BALL GAME

PROFESSOR LONGHAIR - GO TO THE MARDI GRAS

The 'Fess is a New Orleans legend, and his Cajun piano style was a massive influence on Fats Domino, among others.

Today's offering is one of the ultimate party anthems for the world's ultimate party. I wish I was there in that amazing city of New Orleans RIGHT NOW!

from 1959...

PROFESSOR LONGHAIR - GO TO THE MARDI GRAS

ELVIS PRESLEY - MYSTERY TRAIN

Elvis' recordings for Sun records are some of the most mind-bogglingly great recordings of the 1950's. Producer Sam Phillips achieved a massive sound through his use of echo with the simple line up of acoustic guitar (which Elvis played like a drummer!), electric guitar and standup bass. And of course Elvis' incredible voice.

I love it when a record sonically achieves what it says lyrically, and "Mystery Train" has the chugging rhythm of the train plus it catches the spooky sound of death...

What a record!

from 1955...

ELVIS PRESLEY - MYSTERY TRAIN

BILLY STEWART - WHAT HAVE I DONE

From Washington DC, Stewart got his start singing gospel with his mother as a teen. He eventually got into secular music by performing in the Rainbows, which also featured soul legend Don Covay. After crossing paths and working with Bo Diddley and Marvin Gaye, Stewart was eventually signed to Chicago's Chess records empire and cut a series of wonderful records with genius producer Billy Davis (although this one was produced by Chicago/ Gary, IN legend Gene Barge).

Stewart was a very large man with a very unique vocal style and had a number of songs cross over into the pop charts, the biggest of which was his outrageous version of "Summertime".

His life was cut short in 1970, shortly before his 33rd birthday in an automobile accident while on tour.

It's a rainy day in northern California, and this song sounds absolutely sublime.

from 1968...

BILLY STEWART - WHAT HAVE I DONE

THE EMPIRES - PUSH PUSH (pt. 1)

I can't find ANY info about this group or this record. Seems too good to be a one off. Any info would be greatly appreciated. It's a hot one!

from 1965...

THE EMPIRES - PUSH PUSH (pt. 1)

ARTHUR ALEXANDER - SOLDIER OF LOVE

This incredible southern soul artist (from the deep south of Alabama) was a huge influence on the British invasion (his songs were covered by the Beatles, Stones, Hollies and was a huge influence on John Lennon's vocal stylings). He recorded regularly up until the mid 70's, then drove a bus until he recorded a comeback album in 1993. At the same time, much of his music had been reissued for the first time. Sadly, Arthur died of a heart attack shortly after his comeback album was released, at only 53 years old.

Yet another incredible artist who never got the respect and adulation he deserved during his lifetime.

from 1962...

ARTHUR ALEXANDER - SOLDIER OF LOVE

ZZ TOP - SALT LICK

While I'm not a fan of much '70's rock, I must say that ZZ definitely stands outside of the pack of plodding arena anthems with their driving uptempo jams and were always entertaining.

This, their first single, captures the psychedelia of Moving Sidewalks (Billy Gibbons pre-ZZ band) and also hints at the driving blooze that made this lil' ole band from Texas such a sensation.

from 1969...

ZZ TOP - SALT LICK

LONNIE LESTER - YOU CAN'T GO

Coming out of Gary, Indiana (about 30 minutes outside of Chicago), Lonnie Lester released 3 hard hitting 45's ("Ain't That A Shame" was featured previously on this very blog) and still performs in Indianapolis, IN to this very day (at age 73).

This track is a masterpiece of hard edged soul and is one of my all time faves (I know, I know. I say that quite often!)

from c1967...

LONNIE LESTER - YOU CAN'T GO

LEE ROGERS - I'M A PRACTICAL GUY

Known as "The Prince Of Detroit", Lee Rogers' too-brief life was entirely spent in the music business. He cut a number of minor soul hits, then went on to work in songwriting and a&r/ promotion for a few different labels.

His own records were always rockers, and this is a fave.

from 1966...

LEE ROGERS - I'M A PRACTICAL GUY

JACKIE WILSON & COUNT BASIE - UPTIGHT

Here we find Jackie Wilson joining forces with a very swinging Count Basie to take Stevie Wonder's classic into a whole new realm of greatness.

One of the all time great covers!

from 1968...

JACKIE WILSON & COUNT BASIE - UPTIGHT

THE MAGIC TONES - THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN LOVE

This unusually mixed-sex soul vocal group from Detroit released a number of fabulous singles in the late 60's, surprisingly none of which charted ("Happy Days" was a past 45 of the Day).

Just another great group that sadly slipped through the cracks. With the amazing amount of high quality records released at this time, I guess it's no surprise. However, I can't imagine anything sounding better than this on a rainy Sunday.

from 1968...

THE MAGIC TONES - THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN LOVE

THE FASCINATIONS - GIRLS ARE OUT TO GET YOU

I thought this little gem would be perfect for this oh-so-bogus hallmark-holiday known as Valentine's Day.

The Fascinations were a female vocal group that were around since the early 60's with a few different names (and also Martha Reeves in the ranks early on). As the Fascinations, they cut some tracks with Curtis Mayfield, who released them on his Mayfield record label. Lovely stuff.

from 1967...

THE FASCINATIONS - GIRLS ARE OUT TO GET YOU

THE RAELETTS - LEAVE MY MAN ALONE

This stormer from the later incarnation of the Raeletts (the spelling also changed subtly; originally they spelled it "The Raelets") featured new singer Vernita Moss on a stunning lead vocal. She had been swooped up from a beauty shop by her cousin (and Raelett) Susaye Green, who was in the midst of a torrid affair with Ray, who Susaye witnessed myriads of lady "visitors" to Ray's room, constantly. This drama is certainly palpable on this record!

If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll remember some other great Raelets tracks, and these records are some of my faves. Not only do we hear Ray and his awesome band (dig that drumming!), but these ladies in full flight, who would sometimes practice for 12 hours a day to get it right. Also in this lineup of the 'letts was the sublime Mable John (another Daily 45 favorite who previously recorded for Stax and is the sister of Little Willie John).

from 1970...

THE RAELETTS - LEAVE MY MAN ALONE

ALAN PRICE SET - I PUT A SPELL ON YOU

It always surprises me how many UK groups "got" how to play r&b/ soul music, while white American groups just never really got it.

After leaving the Animals in mid-1965, organist Alan Price (that's him on "House Of The Rising Sun")started his own group.

I might venture to say that this is my favorite version of this song. While Screamin' Jay Hawkins original is unhinged and wild, this version is moody and magnificent.

THIS is mod, baby!

from 1966...

ALAN PRICE SET - I PUT A SPELL ON YOU

SYL JOHNSON - DO YOU KNOW WHAT LOVE IS?

This short-but-sweet track finds Chicago soul legend Syl on the cusp; recorded and released right before he co-founded Twilight/Twinight records and it is also a unique sound in his catalog. An absolutely brilliant record.

from 1967...

SYL JOHNSON - DO YOU KNOW WHAT LOVE IS?

JOE JAMA - MY LIFE

This amazing piece of Chicano soul from San Antonio singer Joe Jama is a record of legendary status to collectors, and originals sell for over $3000! (My copy is a repro and I borrowed the label image from popsike because the repro label looks bad).

Influenced by the Beatles, Elvis Presley, latino music and soul, Joe has an incredible voice, and stayed a local San Antonio hero through singing on many local commercials. He was all of 20 years old when this record was cut. A sublime record.

from 1969...

JOE JAMA - MY LIFE

LORRAINE ELLISON - STAY WITH ME

As legend has it, this song was cut because a Frank Sinatra session was cancelled at the last minute, and the orchestra was already booked. Also it's been said that after this record went out of print it would sell for $50 in New York record stores in the late sixties. Not sure if either of these legends are true or not, but producer Jerry Ragovoy achieved an epic production on this track.

From Philadelphia, Lorraine Ellison had a relatively small discography, but what a voice!

from 1966...

LORRAINE ELLISON - STAY WITH ME

NORMA RUDD - HE'S MINE

About the only info out there on this one is that it seems to be the only record she cut (a shame!).

A great, rocking performance. Sure Shot Records was a Texas based label, so perhaps she was a Texas artist (or perhaps New Orleans? the record has a bit of NOLA sound to it).

A fantastic, mysterious record!

from 1965...

NORMA RUDD - HE'S MINE

daily email list is BACK!!!

After a long break, due to popular demand the daily mailing of "45 of The Day" is BACK! Simply send me a note (dereksdaily45@gmail.com) and I will add you to the list. I will NEVER trade, sell, or give out your email address and I always use bcc to ensure everyone's privacy.

MAJOR LANCE - THE MATADOR

Listening to this song makes me wonder about what kind of dance moves the folks used to do to this song!

Featuring one of the coolest intros in all of the great Chicago soul tracks, it goes right into the Curtis Mayfield groove for yet another feel good Major Lance track that we can't get enough of!

Usually the backing vocals on Major Lance records were provided by the Impressions; however, this single features Billy Butler and The Chanters on backing vocals.

from 1964...

MAJOR LANCE - THE MATADOR

CHUBBY CHECKER - YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DO TO ME

This is an interesting one.

Chubby Checker cut a hard hitting soul record, but inexplicably it was released as a promotional only record on the west coast only (??????)

NO, I don't have the original (which sells for between $1000-1500!!!!)

Thanks once again to our good friends in England for releasing a nice repro copy of this killer song on 45.

from 1966...

CHUBBY CHECKER - YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU DO TO ME

EYES OF BLUE - HEART TROUBLE

In keeping with the English tradition of finding an obscure American r&b tune and reworking it, this Welsh group hit a high note on this, their very first 45.

"Heart Trouble" is the rarest of all of the pre-Funkadelic Parliaments 45's (this song was also re-written a few years later as "You Can't Miss What You Can't Measure" by Funkadelic); how they got a copy of this in the UK at the time, who knows. Legend has it that sailors brought the records over, but I almost would venture to say there were ultra-hip record store stocking desriable imports even at this time.

The Eyes Of Blue released one more soul-based single, then went prog.

from 1967...

EYES OF BLUE - HEART TROUBLE

BUDDY HOLLY - WORDS OF LOVE

In one of the most tragic losses in music, 50 years ago today Buddy Holly (along with Richie Valens and the Big Bopper) were killed in a senseless airplane crash in the middle of a miserable, grueling tour that Buddy was undertaking because his former manager had basically ripped off royalty and publishing money that was due to Buddy. An utter tragedy.

The music of Buddy Holly was so advanced and ahead of its time and he was THE true gentleman of fifties rock n roll. Coming from bigoted Lubbock, TX, Buddy made great strides for equality (in fact, when he brought Little Richard home for dinner, his mother said "no way is this man coming into our home", to which Buddy replied "if you don't allow my friend inside, I will stop coming here", not to mention his interracial marriage to Maria Elena that made waves almost everywhere.)

In this track, Buddy overdubbed his vocals on top of one another in harmony (another innovation) and in the sound and feel of this track, became the beacon of the British Invasion (the Beatles truly picked up Buddy's torch). I make it a point to, every day, if not listen to some of his music, pick up a guitar and play one of his songs.

I can only imagine the brilliance he would have achieved had he lived.

of special note to record geeks- Notice my scan is from the British pressing. I sought out a UK pressing because I wanted to have the same issue that the Beatles had!

from 1957...

BUDDY HOLLY - WORDS OF LOVE

SHIRLEY ELLIS - SOUL TIME

This second-to-last release from NYC based singer Shirley Ellis (of "Name Game" fame) is a real banger! Seems as though she was finally able to show off her smooth vocals in a way that wasn't novelty oriented, then poof, she was gone off of the scene. Too bad, but this track (as well as the amazing "Clapping Song") have been played consistently on the soul scene since the beginning.

from 1967...

SHIRLEY ELLIS - SOUL TIME