From the category archives:

Motown Covers Pop

“It’s Your Thing” Performed By The Isley Brothers (1969)

February 25, 2010 · 0 comments

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There are  more 1969 Grammy Awards left  to discuss then there is month left in February  :-) .

I had a hard time deciding which award winning song to close the month out with, but finally decided on one of my favorite dance tunes of the Sixties -sung by one of my favorite tenors of all time — The Isley Brothers “It’s Your Thing”  which won the 1969 Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance By a Group or Duo.

The brothers had been around as a gospel quartet ever since the fifties.  The group was made up of brother Ronald Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Jr., Rudolph Isley and Vernon Isley. When Vernon passed  after a bicycle accident in 1955,  Ronald became the new lead singer.

From the RCA label with their soulful sounds (“the classics “Shout” and “Twist & Shout”),  to their own label T-Neck, to Motown’s Tamla label, and finally back to T-neck the brothers had their hard-knocks on the road to  Grammy Gold.

Like many others in the Motown stable, The Isley Brothers were tired of the neglect they received at Motown while Gordy concentrated on making The Supremes, The Temptations and Diane Ross the superstars of the label.

They were released from their contract and almost immediately the brothers co-wrote “It’s Your Thing” and released it on their own T-Neck label.  The funky “IYT” topped the R&B charts at #1 and the Billboard Top 100 at #2 , then went on the win the first Grammy Award for any former Motown artist.

Everyone covered the song including many Motown artists.  I am especially partial to The Temptations’ psychedelic cover: the vocals harmonies are awesome! The J5 version is pretty great too IMHO. Check them out right now and let me know what you think.

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The Temptations 1960 cover version

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This is the original vocal from the J5 cover but it is a current extended Remix that I have been listening to a lot lately. Hope you enjoy it.

Trivia. This is the first song on which the then 17 yr old, baby brother,  Ernie Isley,  played bass on a song. Of course brother Ernie would go on to become an integral part of the third generation Isley Brothers renamed  Isley Brothers 3 +3 — one of the most successful self contained family funk units of the seventies.

The Isley Brothers first charted in 1959 with “Shout -- Part 1″ ( #47 billboard top 100)

The Isley Brothers next appearance on the music charts was in 1962 with  “Shout -- Part 1″ (#94 Billboard top 100)

Musically Yours,

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Filed under: Grammy Gold, Guy Groups, It's Your Thing, Motown, Motown Covers Pop, Pop/R&B, Pop/Soul, R&B/Motown, R&B/Soul, Ronald Isley/ O'Kelly Isley Jr/ Rudolph Isley, Sixties, T-Neck, The Isley Brothers, The Jackson Five, The Temptations

“Blowin’ In The Wind” Performed by Stevie Wonder (1966) and Bob Dylan (1963)

November 5, 2009 · 0 comments

Stevie Wonder - Uptight

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Stevie Wonder & Clarence Paul -- Blowin’ In The Wind (1966) #1 R&B; #9 Pop

The teenager Stevie Wonder began producing and composing songs with his album releases in 1966. The first release “Up-Tight” included this cover of the great Bob Dylan classic “Blowin’ In The Wind.” The Up-Tight LP charted #2 R&B and #33 on the Billboard Top 200 lists in 1966.

The anectote goes that Clarence Paul had introduced the socially aware Wonder to this folk song and that he liked it so  much that he performed it in his concerts. Stevie forgot the lyrics to the second verse during a performance and Paul coached him along. From that day forward Steveland always sang the song with Paul as a duet and it is Paul’s voice you hear on the single that was made after fans insisted it be put on wax after two years of performing it on stage.

To this day I can recall the Tuesday after school that I bought the 45 rpm and played it on the relatively new record player that grandmother had purchased for the living room. I loved Stevie’s spin on the song and actually listened to it and understood the meaning. You gotta admit that Dylan’s voice wasn’t a crowd-pleaser — so being a youngster I never really stopped to listen to what Dylan had written about until Stevie’s rockin’ re-make. Then I understood every word and I took Paul’s harmony parts when I sang it aloud ion the sofa in front of the stereo. ;-)

Covered by folk artists, rock artists, country artists, pop artists and soul artists alike, the song even inspired Sam Cooke to write another classic of the rock era on the same subject matter, “A Change Is Gonna Come.”  Cooke loved “Blowin’” so very much and said he should have written that song! He covered it in concert and on wax.

the freewheelin bob dylan

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Bob Dylan -- Blowin’ In The Wind (1963)

Bob Dylan wrote this classic masterpiece and first performed in 1962. It finally appeared on a Dylan album in 1963 titled “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, that establish this man as an iconic songwriter. The LP peaked at #22 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.

This song has been written about ad-finitum so you can probably Google it until your heart is content --  so there is not much more I can say other than giving you a link to the lyrics and letting you listen and enjoy!

For as long as it lasts on YouTube here is a piece of history -- Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary and Stevie Wonder performing “Blowin’ In The Wind!”

And this YouTube gem is an awesome clip from the “Glen Campell Goodtime Show” that I mentioned in my previous post. Stevie Wonder guests  in this episode and he and Glen duet on “Blowin’ In The Wind.”

Musically yours,

sondanyr2

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Filed under: Blowin' In The Wind, Bob Dylan, Bob Dylan - Composer, Capitol Records, Motown, Motown Covers Pop, Pop/Folk, R&B/Motown, Sixties, Stevie Wonder and Clarence Paul

“Wichita Lineman” Performed by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1969) & Glenn Campbell (1968)

November 2, 2009 · 0 comments

Time Out For SRATM

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Smokey Robinson & The Miracles  – Wichita Lineman (1968)

Glen Campell, the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” was one of the greatest Country-Pop Stars of the Sixties and Seventies. He even had his own TV show –  which I was a big fan of.  Every Boomer reading this post remembers his million selling version of the Jimmy Webb penned classic along with the hit follow-up “Galveston” and the hit predecessor “Gentle on My Mind.” Oh and my favorite Campell tune was “By The Time I Get To Phoenix.”: then  when Isaac Hayes covered the song it took on a whole other level of greatness for me.

Obviously Smokey Robinson and The Miracles knew a great song when they heard it.  “Lineman” is one of  some other covers that were on their 1969, #25 (Billboard Top 100) album “Time Out For Smokey Robinson and The Miracles.”A great song stands the test of time,  as both songwriters  Smokey Robinson and Jimmy Webb can attest too.

I think SRATM did a fine job on the cover.  Now here is Glenn’s original.

Glen Campbell Witchita Lineman

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Glenn Campbell – Wichita Lineman (1968), on Capitol Records, sold over two million copies, staying at number one pop for five weeks.

“Wichita Lineman” – Composed by Jimmy Webb.

I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main road
Searchin’ in the sun for another overload
I hear you singin’ in the wire, I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

I know I need a small vacation but it don’t look like rain
And if it snows that stretch down south won’t ever stand the strain
And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line

”Time Out for Smokey Robinson And The Miracles” is still available as a 2-for import combined with the 1970 follow-up LP “Four In Blue” #3 R&B & #78 Billboard Top 200.

And I almost forgot to announce — November’s Motown Theme is obviously  “Motown Covers Pop!”  It wasn’t something they did often, but it did happen on once in a while. Sometimes they even hit it big,  as you will find out later on this month!

Now I am curious to know which rendition of “Wichita Lineman” floats your boat? ;-)   Please vote below.

Musically yours,

sondanyr2

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Filed under: Capitol Records, Country Pop, Glenn Campbell, Jimmy Webb, Motown Covers Pop, Motown/Tamla, R&B/Motown, Sixties, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Wichita Lineman

"I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (1966 – 1969)

November 24, 2008 · 0 comments

Delia Mae Warrick (1945-2008)

Delia Mae Warrick (1945-2008)

[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4157186_rc3qp/09.%20Dee%20Dee%20Warwick%20-%20I%5C%27m%20Gonna%20Make%20You%20Love%20Me.mp3] Dee Dee Warwick – I’m Gonna Make You Love Me (Charted 1966 #88 Pop & 1967 #13 R&B)

The glorious love song “IGMYLM” was first released in 1966 as a single and also appeared on Dee Dee Warwick’s first of three Mercury albums, “I Want To Be With You,” released in 1967. Miss Warwick, who started her music career singing gospel as a teen,  was a talented session singer who’s Pop career was unfortunately overshadowed by her sister Dionne just as her original version of this song was overshadowed by the “Motown Machine.”

supremes-temptations 1969

[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4157187_0dhbe/11.%20I%5C%27m%20Gonna%20Make%20You%20Love%20Me%20-%20with%20The%20Temptations.mp3] Diana Ross & The Supremes and The Temptations – I’m Gonna Make You Love Me (Charted 1969 #2 R&B & #2 Pop)

Released in November 1968 on the  Motown LP “Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations”, this cover version bested Miss Warwick’s cover by reaching the top ten on both the R&B and Pop Charts. Just listen to it and you can understand why.

I prefer to hear my dear Temptations sing this love song, composed by Kenny Gamble, Jerry Ross & Jerry Williams, without DR&TS.  Eddie Kendrick does a superb job on the tenor solo and the rest of the group’s exquisite harmonies can be heard in this live vintage performance from The Ed Sullivan Show: apparently  everyone in the group has a live mike and Miss Ross is not there to drown out the other voices (LOL). I can recall swooning when this came on tv and I still swoon when I see and hear it forty years later or my DVD player.

I am really anxious to see which version you prefer on this song so I hope you  vote below.

For a final treat here is a video of “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” performed as a live duet, by Diana Ross (DR&TS were the guest hosts) and 19 year old Stevie Wonder, on episode #6.22 of the “Hollywood Palace” variety show in 1969.

Keep a song in your heart and the oldies alive.

sondanyr2

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Filed under: Dee Dee Warwick, I'm Gonna Make You Love Me, Kenny Gamble/Jerry Ross/Jerry Williams, Mercury, Motown, Motown Covers Pop, Pop/R&B, Sixties

"California Soul" (1968 & 1969)

November 20, 2008 · 2 comments

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The 5th Dimension – California Soul (1969 Charted #49 R&B & #25 Pop)

Recorded in 1968 for their “Stone Soul Picnic” album on Buddah records, “California Soul” was the third hit single released from the LP after “Stoned Soul Picnic” and “Sweet Blindness”. This classic set charted #10 R&B and #21 Pop and showcased the fabulous harmonies of the group.

250-px-marlena-shaw

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Marlena Shaw – California Soul (1969)

Jazz vocalist Marlena Shaw covered this Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson song for her 1969 “Spice of Life” LP on the Cadet label. I could find no record of the song or the album charting but BOTH the song and the LP are classic IMHO. Don’t you think so too?

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Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – California Soul (1969)

This Motown cover is from the duo’s third and final LP “Easy.”  It’s highest rating was only #184 on Billboard’s pop album chart but I still love this set and the “CS” cover.

It wasn’t until very recently that I learned that, since this LP was completed during Miss Terrell’s illness, some of the vocals on some of the songs were sung by Valerie Simpson. Upon closer listening I can hear the difference, but nevertheless I like the entire album and this song is definitely blessed with the Motown sound.

Please enjoy the music and then vote on which you prefer below.

sondanyr2

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Filed under: Buddah, Cadet, California Soul, Marlena Shaw, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Motown Covers Pop, Motown/Tamla, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, Pop/Jazz, Pop/R&B, Sixties, The 5th Dimension

"These Eyes" (1968 & 1969)

November 17, 2008 · 0 comments

the-guess-who-2

[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4109847_uxfpw/Guess%20Who%20-%20These%20Eyes.mp3] The Guess Who – These Eyes (1968) #6 Pop

This is one of many American hits for the rock group “The Guess Who” from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. This song has become a standard love song covered by many. It appeared on the group’s second LP “Wheatfield Soul” on RCA Records.

It was not until I sat down to do this post that I learned the group was from Canada. I love their songs; “Laughing”, “No Time,” “No Sugar Tonight,” and “Share the Land” and have ever since they were first released. But when you have a hit song such as “American Woman” — well who knew they were not American (LOL). I guess I never really paid attention to the “AW” lyrics.

Still performing today, check out their current The Official Website of the Guess Who. To brush up on the history of the group please read “The Guess Who” article at ClassicBands.com

jr-walker-all-stars

[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4109441_pqcms/19.%20Jr.%20Walker%20%26%20the%20All%20Stars%20-%20These%20Eyes.mp3] These Eyes – Jr. Walker & The All Stars (1969) #3 R&B & #16 Pop

Saxophonist Autry DeWalt II began playing tenor saxophone in high school and moved on to clubs with various group configurations, under the name Junior Walker.

“… discovered by singer Johnny Bristol, who recommended them to his friend, ex-Moonglow Harvey Fuqua. Fuqua signed the group to his Harvey label in 1961; they made their first recordings in 1962, and the following year Fuqua’s labels were absorbed by Motown.

Walker & the All-Stars ended up on their Soul subsidiary, debuting for the label in 1964. In early 1965, they scored their first big hit with the dance tune “Shotgun,” which marked Walker’s vocal debut; in fact, the only reason he sang the song was that the vocalist he’d hired didn’t show up for the session, and he was somewhat flabbergasted by the label’s decision to leave his vocal intact. Berry Gordy’s instincts proved right, however, when “Shotgun” topped the R&B charts and hit the pop Top Five. A steady stream of mostly instrumental R&B chart hits followed, …”

(Excerpt from Junior Walker Biography by Steve Huey)

“These Eyes” is one of those many great hits from the group’s Motown/Soul Label era. This was one of my high school favorites! I did not have the 1969 “Gotta Hold on to This Feeling” LP but I had the 45 rpm single (the second to come from this LP) and wore out it’s grooves!  What a winner.

Please share you opinion by voting and pass the word about the great classic oldies such as these so that we can keep ‘em alive. Won’t you please?


sondanyr2

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Filed under: Motown Covers Pop, Motown/Soul, Pop/R&B, RCA, Randy Bachman & Burton Cummings, Sixties, The Guess Who, These Eyes

"Walk Away Renee" (1967)

November 13, 2008 · 4 comments

the-left-banke

[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4073284_fhvvm/02%20%20Left%20Banke%20-%20Walk%20Away%20Renee.mp3] The Left Banke – Walk Away Renee (1967 charted #2 Pop). This is the original release of the song.

The Left Banke were a 1960s American pop-music group best remembered for their two hit singles, “Walk Away Renée” and “Pretty Ballerina”. The band often utilized what was referred to as “baroque” string arrangements, which led their music to be termed “Bach-rock”. Their use of harmonies saw them compared to contemporaries such as The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Zombies, and other British Invasion groups.  Rolling Stone has placed “Walk Away Renée” at number 220 in the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. (SOURCE)

Composed by teenage prodigy Michael Brown as keyboardist and chief songwriter, Bob Calilli and Tony Sansone, this song appeared on the group’s first album released in 1967 entitled “Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina”

You may read up on the group’s history, biography, discography, and more at “The Left Banke Fan Page”. Also of interest is “leftbanke.nu” with detailed session notes for the groups albums.

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[audio http://boxstr.com/files/4072327_4fsvl/16.%20Four%20Tops%20-%20Walk%20Away%20Renee.mp3] Four Tops – Walk Away Renee (1968 charted #15 R&B, #14 Pop, #7 UK)

The members of the Four Tops had been singing together ever since they were in high school. Their first label was Chess Records and they were called the Four Aims — but the label already had the Ames Brothers signed so their name was changed to the Four Tops.

Lead singer Levi Stubbs (a cousin of Jackie Wilson and brother of The Falcons’ Joe Stubbs), and group-mates Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Lawrence Payton remained together for over four decades as the Four Tops – first leaving Chess for Motown and then creating history and an extraordinary body of work (with a few more label changes along the way0.

The Tops “Walk Away Rene” cover is outstanding IMHO and bests the original. It is from the Tops 1967 album release “Reach Out” which contained a mix of Holland-Dozier-Holland tunes and pop covers such as “Renee”, “If I were A Carpenter”, “Cherish”, etc.

Many others have covered this great tune, but I would love to hear which of these two hit versions YOU prefer?

Let’s keep this music alive.

sondanyr2



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Filed under: Michael Brown/Bob Calilli/Tony Sansone, Motown Covers Pop, Pop/R&B, Sixties, Smash division of Mercury, The Four Tops, The Left Banke, Walk Away Renee

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