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The Elgins – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) (1966)
Marvin Gaye originally released the song in 1965 and had a chart buster on it in 1965. Of course to reap the benefits of Gaye’s success there were many covers of the song released to try for more hits on the track.
The Elgins made a great cover of HSIITBLBY — don’t you agree? Hard to believe that the following year (1967) this great group disbanded.
I had a post last year on the Motown versions of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) ” made from 1964 – 1966. In it I mentioned there was one Motown cover of the song, by the Elgins, that I did not have a digital version of to share with you at the time.
I always keeps my promises (maybe latter than earlier) so here is the Elgins version and a poll so that you can finally select your favorite version of this awesome tune.
To refresh your memory here is the link to the original posting from 1/1/08 right here so that you can listen again to the other three versions before you vote.
I am so looking forward to seeing what the results of the poll will be so please vote.
The original Motown single release of Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is” was in September 1964. The song, composed by Motown’s own Edward Holland, Jr., Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland, went to #6 on the Pop Singles chart in January 1965, and #3 on Billboard’s Soul Singles chart. It was also released on the Marvin Gaye album of the same name.
According to WIKI this was Gaye’s most successful single to that point in his career with record sales well over 900,000 copies
[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/922878_rppst/JWATAS-HowSweetItIsToBeLovedByYou_.mp3] Jr. Walker & The Allstars – How Sweet It (Is To Be Loved By You) (1966)
I loved this version when it came out. I recall playing the 45rpm over and over again. The song also appeared on the “Road Runner” LP pictured above.
According to WIKI — Walker was born, Autry DeWalt Mixon, Jr, in Blytheville, Arkansas and grew up in South Bend, Indiana. His unmistakable saxophone style was the anchor for the band’s rambunctious sound. The other members of the group were drummer James Graves, guitarist Willie Woods, and keyboardist Vic Thomas.
The group was spotted by Johnny Bristol. He recommended them to Harvey Fuqua, in 1961, who had his own recording labels. When Fuqua’s labels were taken over by Berry Gordy, Jr. Walker & The All Stars became members of the Motown Records family, recording for Motown’s Soul imprint.
This wonderful version of HSIITBLBY charted #18 US Pop, #3 US R&B and #22 UK . I think it is my favorite of them all. And I must add here, that this another great group, that Motown failed to promote as much as they could have.
[audio http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/922879_86jje/3.IsleyBrothers-HowSweetItIs.mp3] The Isley Brothers – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) (1966)
While at Motown. the under-promoted and under-utilized Isley Brothers, recorded many cover tunes on the Tamla label. Their version of HSIITBLBY was recorded July 27-28, 1966, but not released until 1998′s “Motown sings Motown Treasures Vol#1″. I sure would like to know what else is in the proverbial “Motown Vault” that still hasn’t seen the light of day! Wouldn’t you?
There is one final Motown cover of this song by The Elgins (October 1966) from thier “Darlin’ Baby lp on Motown/VIPS 400. I will update this post when I get hold of the digital version of the song anda follow-up with a poll per usual.
Until then, this ends this Month’s “Motown Cover Motown” Theme. When I first started at the beginning of January, I was worried that I would not come up with enough to make posts for the entire month. Instead I have aquired a long list of Motown Covers that will be the basis for at least two more month’s worth of posts in the future.
I have come up with a new theme for the month of February so check back soon and keep on listening and loving the music.
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Update 07/09/09
The Elgins version of “HSIITBLBY” is now available for your listening pleasure along with a poll to vote on your favorite version of four as promised. Just click here.
