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Kim Weston – Helpless (1968) #13 R&B, #56 Billboard Top 100
From the very first tambourine shake, any Motown fan will tell you that this song is pure HDH (Lamont Dozier/Eddie Holland/Brian Holland). I loved it then and I love it now.
This was Kim’s second solo hit during here short tenure at Motown. So you see she wasn’t just another Marvin Gaye Duet Partner — although she did that very, very well as “Take Two Plus” proves.
The Motown label had so many talented artists that never became superstars like Lady Ross and this post is just my small way to remind the world about these wonderful ladies that should never be forgotten.
Looking forward to sharing some of my favorite songs this month by some more of Motown’s great and often overlooked female artists so stay tuned.
Here are The Supremes are singing their 1965 #1 USA & #7 UK hit single.
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The Supremes -- Stop In The Name of Love (Alternate) (1965) And here is an alternate version of the song from my cherished, now oop, Import Supremes Limited Edition Box Set of 200o.
According to Wiki: “Paul Williams and Melvin Franklin of The Temptations taught the girls the routine backstage in London, before the Supremes’ performance on the BBC television special The Sound of Motown, hosted by Dusty Springfield. “
The song was recorded in January 1965, the single released in Feb 1965 and included on the group’s sixth LP released in July 1965 “More Hits By The Supremes.” The LP went #2 R&B and #6 Pop.
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Kim Weston -- Stop In The Name of Love (1965)
The beautiful, sometime duet partner of Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston recorded “SITNOL” as a sultry ballad that was totally opposite of The Supremes bubble gum original, in the fall of 1965. It never saw the light of day until the 1998 “Ultimate Rarities” Collection of previously unreleased “vault” songs.
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The Isley Brothers -- Stop In The Name of Love (1965)
Released in November 1965, The Isleys “This Old Heart of Mine” lp contained lots of Motown covers including this one.
Trivia: Co-writer and producer of ‘SITNOL” Lamont Dozier, sang his own cover version of the song on his 2004 non-Motown release “Reflections Of.”
Before you vote on you favorite rendition of “Stop In The Name of Love” do check out this video that proves Motown and the Supremes are an integral part of the fabric of America! And see how Paul and Melvin’s choreography has become legend.
