GINO WASHINGTON - LIKE MY BABY b/w I'LL BE AROUND (WHEN YOU WANT ME)

My oh my this is SUCH a fantastic double sider!

Early in his career (and before he turned 20!) Gino Washington cut a handful of incredible records (most of which have been featured here) until he was drafted in 1964, just as 'Out Of This World" seemed poised to become a national hit. Many tales have been told of his legendary performances that were full of infectious energy, and his music crossed over strongly to white kids in the Detroit area and became a massive influence on the fantastic Detroit rock scene, as spearheaded by the MC5 (whose own Rob Tyner was massively influenced by Gino)

Sadly, Gino's musical career never recovered after his release from service, and it didn't help that there was an American calling himself Geno Washington that was masquerading around England pretending to be the real thing.

Even with strong national distribution (which very few of Gino's records ever saw), this record never became a hit; perhaps the raw recording and backing hurt its chances, but to these ears it only adds to the charm and power of the record. While it's not as manic as his earlier sides, it's dripping with sincerity and verve. Gino later found celebrity as a Detroit talk show host, and his music continues to be revered worldwide by those in the know.

from 1968...

LIKE MY BABY


I'LL BE AROUND (WHEN YOU WANT ME)