By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 03:47 pm:

BluePower Blue Ribbon Site....Soulful Detroit!
Tue Feb 12 16:21:24 PST 2002

This site will be very interesting to those of you who are interested in the goings on from the Detroit music scene of the sixties.
The NORTHERN SOUL scene has been quite popular in England for many years. Mr. DAVID MEIKLE, in conjunction with Mr. Lowell Boileau, has put together a set of pages that will give one great insight into what's happening with the music business in Detroit today as well as yesterday.
Check it out!
Also....Stay tuned to BluePower for the show "Soulful Detroit" coming the end of February featuring THE VOLUMES, SAM BOWIE AND THE BLUE FEELINGS, BARBARA MERCER, THE SHADES OF BLUE, ANTHONY RAYE and EDWIN STARR plus many un-released masters never before heard.
A mini-history of JOHN RHYS' experiences during the hey day of musical Detroit.

By: John Rhys/BluePower.com

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 03:56 pm:

john sent me the above e-mail this morning.

in sixties detroit john rhys was a big player, as ralph will testify.

he now has his own radio show at bluepower.com
and i'm proud to say he has chosen soulfuldetroit as a backdrop to this month's show.

this will probably be archived on his website but i would still try and tune in if i were you guys and gals.

he had told me about his unreleased masters a few weeks ago - looks like they're coming to fruition.

very, very exciting!!!!!

beforehand, check out the site which has a lovely interview with the legendary harry balk, who john worked with at impact records.

http://bluepower.com/

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 04:24 pm:

David is right. John was a major player in Detroit music. I would love to see him on this forum. Hmmmmm..maybe Babbitt will go rough him up a bit just to show him we love him.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 05:55 pm:

Good Morning... I have found some interesting bits of information. Here goes:
The Pushcart on the Top Dog Label Recorded at Top Dog Studios 9430 Woodward "I've Got A Ticket to The World." This was sung by Dave Mountz The drummer from the classman.

25 miles Edwin Star..on Gordy you probably know all about that.

"Keep Searchin" by Del Shannon produced by Harry Balk (Irv Mechanic partner)

this is a classic...."Rouge Plant Blues" recorded by Stix and Stoned (Bobby Lewis) recorded at 9 Mile Music produced by Milan Bogdan, on the Bumpshop label.

Linda Rae "I'll Always remember" on Meadowbrook Records "The Detroit Sound" Produced by Ernie Stratton and John Merlino.

"So Fine" on Dode by Deck Stanford and the Teenbeats Produced by Ernie straton and cut at United Sound.

Marie, give him back" Judy and the Affections on Dode..produced by Ernie Stratton Arranged by Popcorn Wiley

Top Ten Records, Judy and the Affections produced by Ernie Stratton

Look Out World Here I come on JR Records by The Classman

"Earthquake" Linda rae Meadowborook records Produced by Ernie Stratton.

The Dynamics" "Voyage Through the Mind" on Black and Gold records Pac 3 Studios

The Young Sisters "Playgirl on the Twirl Label

"Learn About love" Linda Rae by Ernie and George Mollasis Meadowbrook records "The Detroit Sound"


U-44 The four sharps on Gale Recording Enterprises

The Capreez on Sound Label...'Over You" it just says sound, inc. Detroit Michigan produced by Bob Hodge

"Mr. irving" by Dick and The Teenbeats (written for Irving Mechanic. on Bigtop

"Just a Gigalo" by Terry and the Topics Produced by John merlino on Coral

"Look at Me Mamma" and Love The Second Time written by Popcorn Wiley produced by Ernie Stratton...DeAnne Jaimes That's me.

That's it so far...anything interesting?????

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 06:11 pm:

hi deanne

thanks for digging these out.

the first one. does it say 'top dog studios'?
i knew of a top dog label at that address. but thought the studios were always known as 'artie fields productions'.

bumpshops was one of the few east side studios in detroit. bettye lavette recorded there.

i've seen a 'jr record corporation' but don't know the address. anyhing on the label deanne?

sound inc was based at '56880 north new haven'. it's outside detroit and i'll probably never get there. does anyone live in that direction?

gale recording enterprises - any address detail?

i'd love to see a scan of the jr/meadowbrook/dode/deanne jaimes 45's.

do you have a scanner deanne?

thanks again
david

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 06:43 pm:

Ok...have to fess up. I am not that computer literate. I was afraid that I posted that last message three times because I really don't know what I am doing. Yes, I have a scanner. My daughter Kelly Sheehan (an excellent vocalist) is getting a kick out of all of this. She promised that this weekend she would teach me how to scan and post the labels....oh my she just walked in. Saved!! Now, there is no address on jr records, and the Top Dog is produced by Artie Fields..no information on Gale label. I am now going to build a fire under Kelly to scan a few of these...thanks, David.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 07:50 pm:

Hi David,
This is Kelly, DeAnne's daughter. I can't seem to paste the labels on to the posting site. Is there a secret here I'm not aware of?

They are jpeg files....it should be simple!

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 08:49 pm:

sorry kelly.

this is always strange to first timers.

click on 'get fancy' at left side of your screen.
click on 'other formatting'
click on 'images, attachments, clipart'
and follow instructions.
if you make a mistake don't worry i can delete it.

images must be smaller than 50k.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 09:33 pm:

okay...I'm back...had to go to work for a little bit, and Kelly was cleaning her car...an all day operation. Anyway I found a few more obscure records.
Meadowbrook label by Jan Foreman written by John Merlino and Gerri Golden title "Your Last Chance"

Meadowbrook again by "Chico Holiday "Modesto" Ernstrat music.

Come on and Dance part II arranged by McKinley Jackson by Danny Woods.

"Turn Me On and Turn Me Off" by the Echos Ernstrat music.

Kelly is back.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 09:58 pm:

Here is Learn About Love

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:02 pm:

Here is Love the Second Time

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:03 pm:

Here's Rouge Plant Blues

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:04 pm:

Here's Give Him Back Marie

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:05 pm:

Thought you might like to see a recording log from Ernstrat

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:10 pm:

Okay...she's over me. No more record labels.

By John Lester (213.122.200.43 - 213.122.200.43) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:31 pm:

Wowee.....DeAnne..

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:41 pm:

DeAnne,
What can I say baby. You blew me AWAY. The studio log sheet was icing on the cake. Good work sweetie.
Ralph

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:43 pm:

DeAnn,
I used to have that Echos record on Dode -- it sounded like the Newbeats, the Nashville group that did "Bread and Butter".

Sound Inc. Studios is where the Lafayette & The Lasabres album was recorded. I hope Mike Valvano joins our discussions soon, since he produced their LP.

That Meadowbrook label looks so familiar -- I think I have something on it, but can't come up with it at the moment. I see it was pressed in Nashville, which was pretty common in those days.

Thanks for sharing those scans!

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 01:01 am:

deanne

what can we all say?

some of the best stuff on the forum so far.

i know everyone will enjoy the content.

please explain the 'e .holiday' worksheets. ie the role they play in the recording.

what about big john? is this john merlino?

i take it popcorn was present on your recordings.
tell us about popcorn please.

really enjoyed these posts.

thanks to kelly please!

By Deanne and Kelly (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 03:04 am:

We're playing trivial pursuit and having a great time right now. Tomorrow, I am sure I will find more! You guys are great to appreciate such an obscure era. I love it. Thanks, see you in the morning.

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 03:34 pm:

I think "Last Chance" by Jan Foreman is worth a few hundred dollars! I know someone in England who wants one if you want to part with it.
Cheers, Graham

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 03:40 pm:

trust me not to ask for it.

is it too late to upload that one too deanne?

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 05:08 pm:

We'll have to wait for Kelly..I think she is stopping by later today. This time I will make her teach me how to do it. I tried following the directons but apparently, I am doing something wrong. Yes, I would propobably part with that record, because it really doesn''t have any sentimental value. I didn't know the singer, and I have sooo many other 45's that were created by people that I worked with. Those records are special. David, I believed that you asked about the log. Chico Holiday was a great guitarist and singer with Ernstrat at that time. The log was something I found among old sheet music. I thought Ralph would get a kick out of it, and he did. The log keeps track of the takes, and if they were good or not. It also logs the time it took, etc. Ralph could really explain a lot more in that department.

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 05:16 pm:

deanne
would you mind if i added it into the tera shirma story?

ralph
would you be able to create some text to describe the 'goings on' on the worksheet?

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 05:26 pm:

Of course you can do that. I am thrilled to contribute anything that seems meaningful.

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 05:27 pm:

David,
As DeAnne mentioned, it looks like a take sheet of sorts. I've been trying to make some sense out of it also, but it is somewhat confusing.That's not unusual however. Generally take sheets only make sense to the producer or engineer. Great little artifact DeAnne came up with though.

By Ritchie Hardin (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 06:35 pm:

Ralph

Going out on a limb and sticking my neck out (as usual?) the evidence suggests it's a multitrack session, on 3-track perhaps? The 1965 date suggests anything more than 4-track is unlikely.

It's a 15 i.p.s. master on 1/2 inch tape. But I'm a little puzzled by "tracks: 2 (3 over)"
What we have is apparently
Track 1: guitar
Track 2: voice
Track 3: bass

Could this be a demo or rehearsal session?
"Track 3 over" might possibly mean nothing more than distortion on the bass track.

Maybe I'm reading it all wrong, but that's what the sheet suggests to me. I used fill in all the "tracking sheets" at our studio, and they were certainly only written for in-house consumption.

I suspect this one was no different - just a kind of shorthand note for later reference, and not meant to explain everything to "outsiders".

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 07:14 pm:

Here is the label obviously kelly is back

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 08:00 pm:

Ritchie,
It was 4 track. Other than that, your assessment of content could be accurate.Generally engineers are notorious for keeping " funny " log sheets. Sometimes though when a session starts heating up they lose track of notating things properly and I ca certainly understan that.In fact Motown L.A. had an asistant with the engineer that did nothing but keep all session info accurate. At TS Neica Lee would get exasperated with the guys at times because of their sloppy notating of session time.This is how she billed. What....the engineers were thinking their paychecks came from the Record Fairy?

By Ritchie Hardin (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 08:21 pm:

Ralph

Thanks for the endorsement - after all these years, I suppose some things are carved in your memory for eternity! And I wasn't too convinced about "3-track" myself. But I can verify your comment about funny studio logs - ours were, as no-one "outside" ever saw them.

Please forgive my reminiscences here:
Our musical director was a black guy from Sheffield (incidentally, a former schoolmate of Joe Cocker) and he frequently used to kid the punters that he was born in Detroit. He handled all the arrangements and played rhythm guitar, which I usually logged as "Mel's Banjo".

(I'm now tempted to tell the story about the surprise midnight visit from the engineer's policeman friend, and Mel's "stash" being hurriedly flushed down the toilet - but I won't!)

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 08:39 pm:

OK Ritchie...now you got out interest. The rest of the stash story please. You made me laugh regarding keeping log sheets in the studio by the way.

By Ritchie Hardin (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 08:48 pm:

Ralph

OK, you asked for it! (But, I'll start a new thread so we don't take this one too far off the original topic.) Anyway, hopefully there should be more "relevant" stories to follow from other posters Stateside!)

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 10:24 pm:

Good story Ritchie. I read it on the new thread

By Ian W (213.122.29.90 - 213.122.29.90) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 11:54 pm:

DeAnne and Kelly

These scans are ... wow! I've never heard of the Meadowbrook label. If you've got any twicers on any of the above, I'm sure we'd all fight to the death for them! It's awful when we realise that there are more records out there that we've never heard! Next time you're on the Forum, please let Kelly find some way to let us hear you both singing 'Love The Second Time'.

Ian

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 01:09 am:

Hi DeAnne, thanks for all the info that you've given.
Here are some 45s I have listed on various record labels and I'd be really ecstatic if you could add any info'.
Dode label
release #? - Royal Playboys - Arabia / ?
The above 45 is worth a lot pf cash!
1004 - DeAnne James - Love, Second Time Around/Look At Me Mama
What are the master numbers on these 2 sides - they could be something like SK4M 1234 or ZTSC 1234
I note that you've typed "Deck" Stanford, but I thought his name was "Dick" - am I wrong?
Could you please send me the titles and label/master numbers for "Earthquake" and the flip side that you have on the Meadowbrook label?
Another valuable record that you may have is "Head and Shoulders" by Patti Young on the Ernstat label. This will be snappped up by record collectors if you want to part with it. I'll get my UK friend to contact you about the Jan Foreman 45.
I think the Dode, Dynamic, Evvy, Ernstart and Top Ten labels were all run by Ernie Stratton.
Thanks again for all the details.
Cheers, Graham

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 04:00 am:

Yes, it is Dick Stanford. It's too late now so I will work on things tomorrow. Yes I have "Head and Shoulders"...I will also check on those numbers tomorrow. Thanks and goodnight...DeAnne

By John Lester (213.1.128.65 - 213.1.128.65) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 07:07 am:

DeAnne.......so you have Head And Shoulders...

Hmm.....so it's drinks on you for the next 100 years then!! HAHAHA!!

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 05:45 pm:

okay, I'm awake and ready to start looking again..it's my day off. The Number on "Look At Me Mama" is 1004..I never noticed that before. Judi and The Affections.."Pretty boy Pretty Girl is TT2001 Head and Shoulders 495 A "Casanova Brown 45-2001 "I'll Always remember" Linda Rae on Meadowbrook Arranged by B. Hendricks skm5412 and 927M 5412. I have a "Barbara George" that I am not sure was done in Detroit..A.F.O Records. Earthquake No. 1002. Anything intesting?

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 05:50 pm:

P.S. The Top Dog label just says "Top Dog" not TopDog studios.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 05:57 pm:

Okay...something just came back to me. Back in 1964, I went to the home of Joe and Betty Revaz. Joe was a writer and Betty Jean was a very good vocalist. I remember that she sang "Going to The River..gonna just overboard and drown" an old blues song. I forgot all about that. Anyway, Betty Jean cut "joey or Jim" which I have, on the J Records R. The number is 5001 ztsc 87996. Credit for writing is Joe Revaz. That's JR Records.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 06:25 pm:

Hi DeAnne,

Thanks for all the info.

I think the label for Betty Jean's record is
actually J R Records - I've been wondering if
J.R. just might be certain Mr. John Rhys

John ??

The Barbara George record is probably from
New Orleans - A.F.O. was an early attempt by a
group of NO session men led by Harold Battiste
to own and run their own label on a co-operative
basis. Ssdly it collapsed after about a year
mainly because their only hit artist, Barbara
George. signed direct to Sue Records in New York
who were initially the distributors for A.F.O.
Without s hit sct they had problems getting
money out of the distributors - the usual story

Davie

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 06:31 pm:

I'm sure that you are right about John Rhys..I really have no idea. I just remember Joe and Betty Jean. What about "I'll Always Remember" I have a few copies of that record.

By Ian W (213.1.168.204 - 213.1.168.204) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 07:55 pm:

Hi again DeAnne

When the rest of them finish fighting, please save a copy for me! I'll even enclose my right arm (as the saying goes) for part payment! Otherwise I'll have to make do with the label scan!

Ian

By Ian W (213.1.168.204 - 213.1.168.204) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 08:04 pm:

Graham

It says on my database:

DoDe 111 - Royal Playboys - Arabia/Bring It Back

It's got a £500 tag alongside it but I guess this is from a list of many years back. Wish I'd have bought it.

Ian

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 08:18 pm:

I truly don't know where to post this information but, I have a page of Record World dated December 31, 1966 with a singles review on Just a Gigolo and Where's My Pusscut by Terry and the opics (62059 with a four star pick and I also have a sheet from record reviewCashBox giving them a B+ as a best bet. I dug out an old Norman Sands entertainment contract that I signed for a gig in 1971...that's a hoot. I also found an old picture of Danny Woods and one of McKinley Jackson..do you care about any of this? If you don't that's fine...just let me know.

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 08:26 pm:

DeAnne...it's not even necessary to ask on this...Post it ALL!!!!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 08:40 pm:

DeAnne

Haven't you sussed yet...? WE SURE DO CARE!
Post the lot and sit back waiting for the gasps of amazement and gratitude....

(I'm surprised you can't hear them from right over there!)

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 08:49 pm:

okay...Here is one

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:04 pm:

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:20 pm:

Let's try one more

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:24 pm:

And one more

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:27 pm:

and Norm Sands shortly before he died at the Townehouse

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:37 pm:

well i asked who norman sands was, but i wasn't expecting an answer.

next thing we have a photograph!

this forum IS in the fast lane.

long may it continue.

thanks deanne, yet again (and mr kreiner)

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:38 pm:

Here is the cashbox review

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:40 pm:

Here is the cashbox review

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 09:54 pm:

The picture with me and Paul Anka is not clear...the cake that they are cutting is for the grand opening of the Roostertail. That's Russ Sweets and Dave from the Four Sharps (the opening band that I sang with. That was taken from the Roostertail magazine that they used to put out monthly. Well, what better way to spend my day off. I could have been out gambling and drinking..oh my wild ways!!

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 10:43 pm:

Okay, I am going through my albums now, and you won't believe what I found. I'm not sure exactly what it is. It's a 33rpm On one side is "Pretty boy-Pretty Girl, Went to a Dance, Ain't Gonna Hurt My Pride, Learn About Love, love the Second time, and I'm So Lonely...On the flip side is He's not that kind of boy, Go Together, Gimmie Jimmie, Teenager, Earthquake and Wintertime. It looks like it was cut at Variety Recording Service in New York. It must have been some kind of demo for Ernie Stratton. It is an audio disc. Anyway, I also found one by Johnny Kay cut at 138 Duffield, Detroit, Mi. on Special Recordings. The original (overdub and remix) of Look at me Mama. What is all of this stuff?

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 10:50 pm:

deanne
the item on special at duffield is interesting.

special eventually moved up to east grand blvd near to d town records.

the duffield building was demolished as part of the fisher freeway project.

it sat just behind motown on woodward.

By Ian W (213.122.0.14 - 213.122.0.14) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

DeAnne

Can we all come round to your house and listen to your records? We'll bring all the food and drink!

Superb photos and cuttings! Could the 33rpm thing be an acetate? I'd keep hold of that one too!

I've just spent a couple of hours helping my daughter with her homework project but now I'm back and I'm glad I did. Wow! Keep 'em coming!

Ian

ps I think DeAnne needs a topic of her own on this Forum!

By phillysoulman (205.188.198.44 - 205.188.198.44) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:46 am:

I SECOND THE EMOTION!!!!!!!!

By phillysoulman (205.188.198.44 - 205.188.198.44) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:48 am:

I SECOND THE EMOTION!!!!!!!!

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 04:24 am:

You guys are great!!! I'm home now. Went out and I was Bad....isn't that my m.o. I wish I could have a party here for all of you.. you would not forget it. The last one we had lasted twelve hours...too much music around this place. Kelly thinks that I should have a website for either the Townehouse or Terry and the Topics...we had so many musicians in that band it would be fun. Maybe the 60's club scene is something I should look at because it is not exactly what is going on here with all the great studio stories, et. There were two different worlds in Detroit in the 60's It was the best of times and the worst of times who said that??? Someone in history. But, honestly it was. There was a black world and a white world..how sad...has it gotten any better? I'm not sure. Anyway..I am so glad that you liked my crazy stuff..Detroit was my life...and I still love it.

By detroit gal (205.188.195.42 - 205.188.195.42) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 04:57 am:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" -- Dickens, a Tale of Two Cities, wasn't it? Yeah that's apt for Detroit in the '60s -- and '70s for that matter. I was a kid in the '60s but it was pretty obvious. The thing I find funny in retrospect, is we just expected all this great music to keep coming ... I thought every 10 to 17-year-old got to do their homework with great stuff on the radio, as we did, much of it locally-produced.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 05:06 am:

Thanks, Detroit gal..I guess anyone who was there at that time got something so special...an understanding of life that stayed with us forever. Please tell me more about yourself...It's rare to find someone that understands those trying times and that torn city that was so great that it didn't even know it. Yes, we had Motown...but there was soooooo much more there. A culture that few people really understood or felt. Detroit was magnificient.

By acooolcat (211.72.121.66 - 211.72.121.66) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 05:19 am:

Hi DeAnne
Thanks again for the information. Have you now mastered the art of scanning, or is your daughter being very cooperative?
Here's another request... Could you post a scan of the "I'll Always Remember" 45 too?
Your own 45 on DODE - any idea what "dode" stood for? Also the label number is 1004 - the master numbers are in tiny print - on the right side of the label. Can you remember where you recorded this record?
JR Records is obviously Joe Revaz, not John Rhys. The only 45 I had listed on JR (#5003) is by The Hilites - "Man On Shelf" - do you know anthing about this one or the group?
Can you tell me the title of the B side to "Joey Or Jim" and also the ztsc # please? I wonder if there's a JR release #5002 I don't know about?
I think that's enough from me. Thanks again for being so obliging.
Cheers, Graham

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 03:04 pm:

Have to go to work this morning...aren't you proud of me...those lousy scans were mine. My husband said that I need to learn to crop them better. Tonight I will answer all the above questions, and I will scan those labels. got to go....Thanks, DeAnne

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 02:50 am:

After reading all the new posts today on the site...I too tired to work on the scans, etc. tonight. I'll be back. Great to see some of the new names on the Forum. The B side to Joey or Jim is "I want to Be Your Girl". That was easy enoug. "Look at Me Mama" is 50 or So 2189, and Love the second time" is 2190. The Number on Joey or Jim is 5001. As Far as recording "look at me Mama"...I think I went to Chicago. I know that they brought in an arranger from Nahville named Bob??? All my musicians on the session were Motown guys and that was cut at United Sound. It's been so long, I'll have to think about it. Talk to you Later!

By detroit gal (64.12.102.37 - 64.12.102.37) on Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 04:54 am:

We'll all have to have a "Soulful Detroit" get together when our Northern Soul leader hits town this spring.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 03:13 pm:

Detroit gal, I'm in Las Vegas..I get back once in a while. This year's trip is in September. By the way, I found another record "You Better Get In Line" written by Berry Gordy Jr.on the Gordy label G 7012 flip side "Shake Sherry" probably nothing important...I remember the Contours...there is no year on the record. acoolcat...did the numbers on those records help you identify them? Also, I can't remember what Dode stood for However, I will talk to Dick Stanford this weekend, and I'll bet he'll remember.

By Ian W (213.122.26.19 - 213.122.26.19) on Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 11:27 pm:

DeAnne

'Shake Sherry' was late '62.

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 12:35 am:

Hi DeAnne- the info' you've given has been great. I'm planning a visit to Detroit in Sept too - I live in Taiwan now.
Did you ever go to Mr Kelly's on Chene, The Chit Chat on 12th, The Webbwood Inn on Woodward, Phelphs on Oakland? These were all predominantly black clubs. I bet Jack Ashford remembers them; I have an ad for the Funk Brothers appearing at The Chit Chat, and also Phelphs.
Cheers, Graham

By detroit gal (64.12.102.184 - 64.12.102.184) on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 02:52 am:

Wow you guys are all over the map ...Phelps was a swinging place throughout the '70s ... was a speakeasy in the '20s, great jazz club in the '30s. People like Little Willie John played there in the '50s ...

By jack ashford (216.78.130.10 - 216.78.130.10) on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 05:47 am:

Yes I remember those clubs verywell. It brings back sooo many memories. My My My .Jack ashford

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, February 21, 2002 - 02:32 pm:

When I was with The Sunliners the first club we played was the Webwood. I thnk it was in 1962. Hey Jack...do you remember a guy named Jimmy Frazier? A tall white dude who blew harp like noone you ever heard before and sang like Jimmy Reed. He was the greatest! Good looking guy. always in a suit and reeking of English Leather. It was at the Webwood that he would first sit in with us and from that time on, wherever we were playing he would show up and sit in with us. We always played our asses off for that dude.In later years when I first had Tera Shirma I would hear one day that he was killed in an accident. When I first heard the news I was sure it couldn't be true. I remember Mike Hanks stopped in the studio that day and made some phone calls trying to verify this awful news. We finally learned it was true. Jimmy had just bought a motorcycle and was leaving the dealership with his girlfriend on the back when he hit a truck. He was killed instantly and his girlfriend was seriously injured. I'll never forget that awful day. I went home and cried like a baby.Jimmy was the greatest. I'm sure the brothers are letting him sit in these days.

By DeAnne (24.120.38.66 - 24.120.38.66) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 12:41 am:

acoolcat....I was very busy singing six and seven nights a week in Detroit from 1963-1978. I never was much for visiting other clubs because I was always working. Interesting that you live in Taiwan...I toured from May - September in 1966...on the same tour as Mel Torme, Billy Eckstine, The Ventures, Brenda Lee, and I played Taiwan, Taipai, Tinan and Tichung...(sorry about the spelling) Must be a lot different today than in those days. We played all Military bases..three shows a night. Sometimes I would arrive for the 11pm show, and I would say "Who did the 9:00 show?" and they would say Billy Eckstine...and I would be in disbelieve that I would be on the same stage as such a great....of course I was 21 at the time...and pretty good looking so the guys really didn't care if I could sing or not. What date will you be in Detroit?? I think I'm there September 5th-9th.

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:35 am:

Hi Ralph,
I wonder if that's the same guy who recorded as "Jimmy Fraser" for Columbia -- his "Of Hopes And Dreams And Tombstones" is very well regarded.

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:48 am:

Jeff,
I'm not sure, but I don't think so.

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 06:35 am:

Hi DeAnne
I'm sure you wouldn't recognise Taiwan now - it's a very busy place. Too busy!
I haven't booked a flight yet but guess it'll be early in Sept when I go; I hope to be there for a couple of weeks. We'll try to coordinate are schedules so I can buy you dinner - Ralph - eat your heart out!
Best wishes, Graham

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:17 pm:

Graham,
Wish I could eat my heart out. Unfortunately all my ex's ripped most of it and stomped the sucker flat. Whatever is left I need to keep me breathing. Enjoy your dinner with DeAnne.�She's a charmer. A married charmer Graham.

By Ritchie Hardin (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 02:36 pm:

Hey, Ralph - don't forget...

Graham's a married charmer too now!

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 04:22 pm:

Now we're getting into soap operas.

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 04:38 am:

DeAnne,
The information and all the scans have been great! If you need that Four Sharps record, let me know.

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By John Lester (213.1.132.186 - 213.1.132.186) on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 10:32 am:

Tucked away at the corner of that newspaper clip was the Small Faces "My Mind's Eye"...a UK top 4 hit which I bought....

Hmmm.....

My only excuse is that the Small Faces came from my part of the world in London!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 10:45 am:

Nothing wrong with the late lamented Steve Marriott and the Small Faces in my book - fine group. I was also intrigued by the pick of the week on that page, James Brown's BRING IT UP. (Obviously refers to that little-known dance craze called The Spew.)

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 04:31 pm:

recordboyusa. I have the four sharps U-44. I have not scaned a lot of my records. One on Meadowbook by Chico Holiday,Johnny and The Huricanes, The Young Sisters. I have been so busy with work..it's hard to keep up with The Forum. Today is Saturday so I will have time to play. Ralph, I realized that I have some pictures of Rainbow Recording and the Grand Opening. I put them in a scapbook for Kelly when George (Terry) died. Ihave to get her to bring the scrapbook over so that I can scan them for you.

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 04:39 pm:

DeAnne,
BY ALL MEANS!!!

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:26 am:

Ralph, here is the grand opening...

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:34 am:

mike theodore...here is the picture of Terry and The Topics...

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:37 am:

Ralph, here is a live piture of The Topics playing at the grand opening of the studio.

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:39 am:

Just one more...Chico Holiday who recorded on Meadowbook at the grand opening...

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:52 am:

DeAnne,
Thanks for posting these great pictures.I had never seen any of the very early Rainbow things. Very, very interesting.

On a sadder note...I talked wih Fred Saxon the other day. He had just been in contact with Ernie Stratton. Ernie was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I guess the outcome doesn't look very good at this point. My thoughts are with Ernie on this. He was my partner for a very brief time so long ago and despite the failure of that partnership I always liked and respected Ernie. He definitely was part of the Detroit music scene.

By John Lester (213.1.137.24 - 213.1.137.24) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 08:37 am:

Ralph.

Tell Ernie......all our thoughts are with him at this difficult time.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.69.22 - 213.122.69.22) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 09:16 am:

ernie is a vital part of the detroit story.

please relay our thanks and our best wishes.

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 09:35 am:

DeAnne,
Thanks for posting those great pics. What was the date of the Grand Opening?

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 02:52 pm:

Ralph...I am so sorry to hear about Ernie..where is he?? Could I call him??

I will look for the exact date of the grand opening. Think that it was the early part of 1965. I will look for more detailed information this weekend. I feel so bad about Ernie, I hope he can recover...he is such a great guy.

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:07 pm:

DeAnne,
E-mail me and I'll give you Fred Saxon's phone number. He has Ernie's number.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.89.129 - 213.122.89.129) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:08 pm:

i've never seen a picture of ernie.

now there's a challenge.

i wonder if fred could get hold of one ralph?

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 03:38 pm:

Good Question David. I'll check with Fred.

By Ian W (213.122.151.185 - 213.122.151.185) on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

Ralph

That's devastating news! He's another legend that leaps up off the record label!

DeAnne

Wonderful pictures as usual. Now we can put faces to the records! And even a mention of the Royal Jokers!

Ian

By DeAnne (24.234.119.126 - 24.234.119.126) on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 04:28 pm:

Billy...check out the old picture of the Topics about have way through this link...you look like a little kid.

By Dennis Coffey (64.12.103.33 - 64.12.103.33) on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 07:27 pm:

Hey Ralph. I remember Jimmy Frazer working with me at Rose Bar on Monday nights. That kat could sing and play harmonica! It was sad that he died so young. Bob Babbit and I went to the funeral.

Dennis Coffey

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Saturday, April 06, 2002 - 08:14 pm:

Dennis,
I have never forgotten Jimmy. He would come over to my apartment often when I first got married. We became very good friends. I took his death rather hard. You're absolutely right. Jimmy was one bad dude.