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#24 Pop, #15 R&B
This blast from my high school past was (and still is) the perfect song to do the “Temptation Walk” to. Can you dig it? 
Composed by Daphne Dumas, Ronald Dunbar and Edith Wayne, the tune “Westbound #9″ was recorded on the band’s Hot Wax label which was owned by Holland, Dozier and Holland formerly of Motown.
The band had first recorded for the Ric Tic label (distributed by Buddah) as the Flaming Embers, before dropping the “s” and joining Hot Wax.
The band members included Jerry Plunk on drums and lead vocals; Joe Sladich on guitar; Bill Ellis on keyboards; Jim Bugnel on bass guitar (replaced Mike Jackson in 1966); and Larry Gregg on drums.
The group, hailing from Detroit, later changed its name to ” Mind, Body and Soul” and continued to play in and around Detroit during the Seventies.
Trivia: When Ric Tic was purchased by Berry Gordy the Embers opted not to go along for the ride. Please read Jerry Plunk’ s detailed explanation in the comment section below.
Please enjoy this video of the group’s biggest hit for as long as it lasts on YouTube.
Musically Yours,
Updated 3/27/09 to correct Trivia. The Flaming Embers elected not to go with Motown when Gordy bought their record label -- it wasn’t Gordy’s decision not to take them as I found explained elsewhere on the web. Thanks so much for telling us the real deal Mr. Plunk!
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Filed under: Bands, Blue Eyed Soul, Daphne Dumas/Ronald Dunbar/Edith Wayne, Flaming Ember, Hot Wax, Pop/R&B, R&B/Soul, Seventies, Westbound #9
