By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.158.60 - 212.137.158.60) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 07:10 pm:

who thought up the name,is there a real robin stone or is this a nickname for a artist etc? also whats the origin of some other well known
groups etc talking about names how come berry gordy didnt like the name the elgins ,changed it to the temptations , but used the name for another group later?

By Mark Speck (65.58.49.53 - 65.58.49.53) on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 09:24 pm:

Speaking of the Elgins, I wonder if they were aware that the Temps were previously known by that name or if they were also aware of the group on Valiant that did the brilliant "Street Scene"?

Best,

Mark

By recordboyusaq (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 01:07 am:

Robin Stone was the name of the infamous lead character in Jacqueline Susann's steamy novel "The Love Machine". It was also made into a film in the early 70s with Dionne Warwick providing the soundtrack...

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By Eli (170.115.179.106 - 170.115.179.106) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 05:41 pm:

I was about to say that. Thanks. By the way, I am going to do new Sons.. songs soon!!

By phillysoulman (170.115.179.106 - 170.115.179.106) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 06:52 pm:

By the way, I am currently in the process of putting together a Bobby Eli compilaion featuring some unreleased gems as well as some lesser known songs which should have been hits and a few surprises!! I will keep you posted.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.7 - 62.254.0.7) on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 07:01 pm:

Bobby -

Excellent news - and who better to compile it?!
Please do keep us posted. We await the news with keen anticipation!

By Phillysoulman (170.115.179.106 - 170.115.179.106) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 06:11 pm:

I have rarities and unreleased gems by The Aristocrats, The Sons of Robinstone, Free Spirit, Blue Magic, Jimmy Ruffin, The Tymes, Jackie Moore
Odia Coates,The Joneses,Harold Melvin Octavia,and many more to be announced!!

By Kevin (68.40.90.165 - 68.40.90.165) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 06:26 pm:

I talked with the lead singer of the Elgins, Vernard Plain. This is a different Elgins then the one from NYC. Plain left the group before they auditioned for Motown. I'm looking for a copy of the record, though it's impossible to find, not even he has one himself.

By Eli (170.115.179.106 - 170.115.179.106) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 06:31 pm:

There is a FAKE Elgins in Philly and they had the nerve to go on a major news show and tell about the geat tours that they did during their years at Motown in detail!!! The spokesman was one Virgil Ginyard.
What a load of crap!! They actually have people hiring them for gigs.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 - 07:07 pm:

Kevin

Which record are you looking for?

By Kevin (68.40.90.165 - 68.40.90.165) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 03:02 pm:

There should be one called "Come On" and maybe another one called "Pecos Kid." I think they were recorded on the Northern Label, but not sure. They recorded under a few different names, so it could be under the Elgins or the Distants.

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.255.48 - 212.137.255.48) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 08:48 pm:

bobby let us know when your albums out maybe you should lease those old silver blue tracks we have been talking about

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.255.48 - 212.137.255.48) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 08:53 pm:

talking about fakes there is a four tops tribute
look alike band that sign real four tops albums and sell them on their gigs here in the uk i went and told them where to stick their fake merchandise at one of there gigs

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 09:05 pm:

Kevin

Come On was a Northern 45 issued as The Distants in 1960. There was a second single - Alright - the same year.

Pecos Kid was recorded in 1958 by Otis & the Siberians but was probably never issued commercially. No-one appears to have ever seen a copy of this record, so I suspect it may only have existed as an acetate.

The group were never recorded under the name "Elgins". There were at least two other different groups (aside from the later Motown outfit) who recorded as The Elgins. Hope this helps.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 09:16 pm:

On the subject of fake groups - there's a whole page of info abouit this on the Motown Alumni site, and they're not afraid to name names! It really is quite scandalous the way some no-name outfit will masquerade as a "name" group, especially when the real McCoy is still in existence. (Check out "Martha's Vandellas" as an example!)

By Eli (170.115.179.117 - 170.115.179.117) on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 - 05:15 pm:

Dave Brown amd I had a meeting with the Sons.....
and we discovered more rehearsal tapes which are gems and will appear on the afforementioned c.d.
We may do a few "New" cuts as well.
Stay posted.

By john lester (213.122.203.185 - 213.122.203.185) on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 - 07:53 pm:

We will Bobby, we will..

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.131 - 63.96.230.131) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 04:13 am:

Where and who are the Originals, I hear they have a gig in England.??

By john Lester (213.122.196.95 - 213.122.196.95) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 07:35 am:

The Originals of "God Bless Whoever Sent You", "The Bells" fame.....are appearing in Manchester on June 2nd.........

I shall be there!!

By Milie (207.148.197.36 - 207.148.197.36) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 09:16 pm:

Hey Andy!

The Originals were a Detroit group who recorded for Motown in the early 70's. I just called Gordon Prince who worked "Singles Promotion" back then and asked him for the names of all their hits...the only one I can think of is "Stay In My Corner"...I'll let you know the others...once you hear the songs, you'll certainly remember the group!

Millie

By john lester (213.122.201.46 - 213.122.201.46) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 09:53 pm:

Millie

That was the Dells!!! who sang that

The Originals did

Baby I'm For Real
The Bells
We Can Make It Baby
God Bless Whoever Sent You
Good Lovin' Is Just a Dime Away
Down To Love Town

In the UK, there would be a string of others like "Why'd You Lie, Goodnight Irene, Dont Stop Now, Hearts And Flowers....I'm Someone Who Cares, Keep Me, Come Rain Or Shine

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.107.27.25 - 213.107.27.25) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 10:28 pm:

Never mind Millie, thanks for mentioning it...one of the greatest soul records ever made.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, May 08, 2002 - 10:42 pm:

Too right, David - a truly wonderful record. I wonder how many other singers could hold one note for 12 seconds?!

By john lester (213.1.132.169 - 213.1.132.169) on Thursday, May 09, 2002 - 07:47 am:

Honey Cone did a wonderful version of Stay In My Corner too...Edna Wright has a voice to die for!

By Bassman (64.157.181.73 - 64.157.181.73) on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 11:20 pm:

thanks to bob eli and dave brown the Sons of RobinStone will be releasing our new CD very soon. We hope all you folks are ready for it, hold on to your hat,cause you ain"t heard nothing yet-------Fran Flynn Bass singer S.R.S.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 07:50 am:

I am standing by for the Sons - long overdue. Are the track listings available yet? I am pleased to say I have the happy memory of 'Got to get you back' filling the dance floor every time when played at Bailey's, in Hull, which never seems to get mentioned, but was totally responsible for me finding out about Ric Tic records and my early relationship to 'unheard' soul records from the States!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 08:06 am:

As Carl says, GTGYB was well-loved and is well-remembered over here. We'll look forwared to the new CD with eager anticipation. (Big thumbs-up to Messrs Brown and Eli!)

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 08:18 am:

Fran Flynn

There is a picture of The Sons down at the seaside in the seventies - The Steel Pier it was called. I have just taken another look and the url at: http://www.steel-pier.com/newpage1.htm

Which one are you Fran??

Just below is a photo of The Dovells and on one of the other pages a photo of Ernie Terrell, the heavy weight champ: http://www.steel-pier.com/Morepics2.htm,

Have you ever seen this photo before Ludi??

For Welsh fans there is also a photo of 'Badfinger' somewhere.

By David Flynn (213.122.196.198 - 213.122.196.198) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 08:23 am:

Richie,

You mention a second Distants track called, "Alright"...what label is this on? I'm aware of their other Northern label release and also the Harmon/Thelma "Answer me", but not "Alright".

Flynny
-p.s. When the Elgins were part of a Motown tour in the UK in the early 90's, Yvonne (Vernee) Allen was awesome!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 09:16 am:

Hi Flynny

The Distants' second single was also issued on Northern, and again licensed to Warwick via Harry Balk.

The "Answer Me" 45 - released on both Thelma and Harmon - featured Richard Street, but the other "Distants" on this disc are as yet unknown. (I'm still hoping Richard Street will answer this one for me!)

By Daddy E (170.115.179.118 - 170.115.179.118) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 05:09 pm:

This is the Sons of Robinstone long lost DADDY.
I guess the support payments are long overdue!!!
I am so proud of my sons. I knew that they could do it!!!

By David Flynn (213.122.195.112 - 213.122.195.112) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 06:22 pm:

Any catalogue number/b.side details on this second Northern label disc, Richie.....or anyone?

Flynny

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 07:01 pm:

Hi Flynny

I have not been able to trace a number for the second Northern 45, but the Warwick number was: 557. The titles were, Alright b/w Open Up Your Heart, according to my sources and Otis Williams' book. The second single is listed in a few discographies as "Always" - i.e. the same title as the B-side of "Come On" but I'm assured the second single was "Alright".

I'm sorry to be vague, but this period is the most confused and contradictory in the group's entire history!

By David Flynn (213.122.195.112 - 213.122.195.112) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 07:16 pm:

Good enough excuse to ask for any additions on the Northern label -
3727 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - DREAMER - INDIAN JOE
3729 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - MR.FINE - SOME DAY
3730 - SKIP & FRUIT - OH BABY - ?
3732 - DISTANTS - COME ON - ALWAYS
3732 - POPCORN & HIS MOHAWKS - PRETTY GIRL - ?
3735 - DON DAVIS & HIS GROOVERS - LET'S DO IT - ?
3736 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - OOH WEE - GIVE ME TRUE LOVE
3738 - EDWARD HAMILTON & THE ARABIANS - HEAVEN SENT YOU - SHACK
3742 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - SO LONELY - HELP ME
3748 - MAIDEN SISTERS - THE CLOCK ON THE WALL - ?
4736 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - MY DESTINATION - NOBODYS BUSINESS
10039 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - IT'S GOOD - COME ON BACK
10040 - JOHNNIE MAE MATTHEWS - I CAN FEEL IT - CRAZY ABOUT YOU
O1002 - GENERAL ASSISTANCE - I'M LOOKING FOR MY ROOTS - ?

TIA
Flynny

By Eli (170.115.179.117 - 170.115.179.117) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 07:24 pm:

Carl,
Re: Sons...

Franny Flynn is usualy seen on the left, tall and thin with blond hair .We had somewhat of a reunion this past Tuesday down by the ocean in Atlantic City!! It was a blast. The cd will hold tons of surprises indeed.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 07:52 pm:

Bobby, I look forward to it with great anticipation.

If you could pay my respects to Roland's family it would be appreciated.They must be going through a tough time right now. He will not be forgotten.I wish I was there in person. My 'At the top of the Stairs',which is neatly hung on my wall, will have more meaning than anyone can imagine at the moment.

By thecount (64.152.157.115 - 64.152.157.115) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 09:30 pm:

From my Northern 45s collection,--'NOMADS'#503Your the only one/Heart Attack(59),"Distants"#3732Come on/Always(60),J.M. Matthews/Dapps#3729Someday/Mr. Fine(59),Dapps#3727Dreamer/Indian Joe(59),Skip&Fruit&Algers#3720Heavenly Father/Oh Baby(59). Hope this will help.Someday I'll dig through my 78's which "FRANTIC ERNIE DURAM" gave me about 200 of fine R&B.Mostly DJ copys. Steve "THE COUNT"

By Ian W (213.122.70.112 - 213.122.70.112) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 10:36 pm:

I've got listed:

#3734 Charlie Gabriel & his Sextet - Mo-Joo/Judy
#3735 Don Davis - The Groove/The Leap Frog
#???? Johnnie Mae Matthews - My Little Angel/????

The Don Davis one must be the same record as The Magnificent Seven item on Thelma!

By Frans Big Sister (151.199.242.22 - 151.199.242.22) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 12:06 am:

---Can't wait to hear the Sons of Robinstone's
new CD. I imagine they will sound spectacular.
I had some of their songs on a
tape and when I put it into the cassette player
recently, they somehow were erased. Guess I
accidently put the tape near something magnetic.
Those were great times back in the 70's when
the Group played the clubs in Atlantic City and
the Steel Pier. Many people donot know that
a tragic auto accident, while traveling to a gig at the Rainbow club in Wildwood NJ, cut short the
Group's rise to success. The Guitar player
and the sound man were killed. Joe Doc, the
Group's lead singer, had his chest crushed.
Fortunately, Joe eventually did recover without any damage to his fantastic voice.

By Darcie (12.86.111.199 - 12.86.111.199) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 04:46 am:

Played that cut that Marilyn sent us to my boys, they think it is Great.. and we enjoyed it even though got a lot of buffering on the computer. Will be great to hear one all the way through with no buffering..

I still can hear Uncle Francis, in the garage and walking around singing this low bass tunes..

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 07:44 am:

The Count,
You've an impressive collection and I'd like to verify a few of your Northern label 45s;

503- This label number is totally different to the others - I assume it's the same one, owned by Johnnie Mae Matthews. Who are the songwriters?

3727- Is this credited just to The Dapps, or The 5 Dapps? I thought it was credited to Johnnie Mae Matthews.

3729- Is this credited to "Johnnie Mae Matthews and The Dapps"?
I thought it was just JJM too.

3720- Please check this number as I have it listed as number 3730. Also, does it actually credit "Skip, Fruit and Algers" on the label?

Thanks for your help.
Graham

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 07:50 am:

Here's one that's missing off the above lists;

3744-Richard Kateo - Pink Cadillac (parts 1 and 2)

The singer is actually Richard Morris and the song sounds a lot like "Money".

The Count; Would you be kind enough to list the master numbers on the labels?
I have Skip and Fruit as C-3730-A, and B.

Graham (in anorak mode)

By acoolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 08:00 am:

Ian,
"My Little Angel" was released locally on Johnnie Mae's REEL label (not Northern). It was picked up by the N.Y. Sue label.
Graham

By Daddy E (170.115.179.119 - 170.115.179.119) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 06:23 pm:

Carl,
On the Steel Pier pic., Franny is on the far right!!
Also the Sons sing just like it were yesterday never missing a beat!!
I would love to get them some gigs in the U.K.
They would amaze the crowds with their expertise in capturing the true essence of soul!!

By BASSMAN (67.24.223.223 - 67.24.223.223) on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 07:06 pm:

YO Big Sister and Darcie,I will send you copies of our songs as soon as possible.Spread the word ,the SONS are back,and so is their DAD

By Ian W (213.122.31.97 - 213.122.31.97) on Saturday, May 18, 2002 - 08:27 am:

Graham

You're right! I have it listed on Reel too. I must sort out my database one day! What a headshrinker!

By KarenGen (64.12.102.21 - 64.12.102.21) on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 04:28 am:

A lot of memories, those summers in A.C. Watching the Sons on the steel pier. Does anyone rememeber them on the old Jerry Blavet dance show. What a trip. My favorite Sons song wasn't one of their singles. It went ...."Girl you took the best of me, come and get the rest of me" Will it be on their new CD?

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 05:18 am:

The Count,
I think my post of May 17th (above) has slipped under your rada.
The 45s you have are rare, so I'd like to take advantage of this opportuntiy; Would you be kind enough to detail the label credits on your Northern 45 for me please?
Many thanks, Graham