By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 01:00 pm:

Any info on 'Sure Shot' records? I have a couple of them and the Kurtis Scott one intrigues me! I do not think it is a Detroit label.
Kurtis Scott/No,No Baby:

By Ian W (213.122.180.34 - 213.122.180.34) on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 09:03 pm:

Hi Carl! Sure-Shot is a Houston, Texas label and a subsidiary of Duke/Peacock labels! There were a couple of Detroit artists recorded on it, including Bobby Williams. There is a pretty good instrumental version of 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' called 'Grapevine' by the Quality Controls. I've never heard your record though. What is it like?

By Mark Speck (64.158.98.129 - 64.158.98.129) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 12:48 am:

Stuff worth having on Sure-Shot:

Bobby Williams--"I've Only Got Myself to Blame"
Malibus--"Gee Baby I Love You"
Bell Brothers--"Tell Him No"
Little Mr. Lee & the Cherokees--"Will My Baby Come Back"

All of the above are great! Anyone else wanna add to the list?

Best,

Mark

By Mark Speck (64.158.98.129 - 64.158.98.129) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 12:50 am:

I can read the credits on that label scan. I would guess that Sure-Shot licensed this record as the credits are clearly New York people: Robert Banks, Johnny Northern, and Ralph Bailey.

Best,

Mark

By Soultwine (195.93.33.179 - 195.93.33.179) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 07:05 am:

Guys
That Kurtis Scott record is in my all time top records but
for the flip, "No place like home" -(neither side has detroit connections)- its a great atmospheric ballad with harmonica giving it an almost country music feel...its a totally convincing story & performance by all concerned about learning about things that matter eg "...to respect one another and mankind.. ".
Phil

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 07:27 am:

That's great everybody! Thanks. I was offered a handful of 'Sure Shot, Duke and peacock' stuff years ago. It was all mint, by the look of things and most were 'bluesy' stuff. The Kurtis Scott one is about 128bpm, and is excellent. I cannot understand why I have never heard anything about it. I wish we could post media files on here - I would post a sample! It is what Northern Soul is all about - catchy lyrics and a driving beat, but only 2 mins long. I must try playing the other side!!!!

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 06:04 pm:

We had some Miami artists on Sure Shot as well, such as the Bell Brothers and E. Lois Foreman.

They seemed to have acts from all over!

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.85 - 195.219.7.85) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 04:09 pm:

THERE WERE ABOUT 40 RELEASES ON SURESHOT RECORDS,WHICH WAS BASED AT 2809 ERASTUS STREET,HOUSTON,TEXAS.CHECK OUT J.J.DANIELS-MR. LONESOME(ACAG10034)A GOOD DANCER. MEL(AND THEN SOME)

By Greg (192.147.58.6 - 192.147.58.6) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 04:22 pm:

Kurtis Scott and Kurt Harris (Diamond) are one and the same person. Kurtis also cut a version of "Moon river" in the 70s on a blue label (can't remember what it's called). My information about him came from Mark Barkan, co-writer of "Emperor of my baby's heart".

Duke/Peacock/Sure Shot had a NY office in the 60's.

Greg

By keith hughes (195.92.67.74 - 195.92.67.74) on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 06:04 pm:

Play a sad song / Try love by Bobby Williams on Sureshot 5003 is nice. A side is by Don Davis/Robert West, B by Willie Schofield/Wilson Pickett, both published by Don Music/Lu-Pine/Correctone. I wonder what the tie-up between this Texas label and Detroit was ...

By Keith Herschell - London (195.92.67.66 - 195.92.67.66) on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 11:58 am:

I would add the wonderful "Baby I need your love" by Bobby Williams, which also came out in the UK on the much loved Action label.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.15 - 195.219.7.15) on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 02:40 am:

SURESHOT RECORD LISTING. 5000-E.LOIS FOREMAN-TWO FOR ME TO LOVE/STOP,LOOK&LISTEN(CB10/05/63)-UV1000. 5001-VERNA RAE CLAY-HE LOVES ME,HE LOVES ME NOT/IVE GOT IT BAD(CB11/09/63)-UV10001/10003. 5002-MR.LEE&CHEROKEES-PARTY TIME/WILL MY BABY COME BACK(05/02/64)-UV10004/10005. 5003-BOBBY WILLIAMS-PLAY A SAD SONG/TRY LOVE-UV10006/10007. 5004-MIGHTY MUSTANGS-FIRST LOVE/A CHANGE-UV10008/10009. 5005-BOBBYWILLIAMS-KEEP ON LOVING ME/YOU WAITED TOO LONG-UV10010/10011(1965). 5006-MR.LEE+CHEROKEES-TAKE YOUR TIME/COME CLOSER-UV10012/10013. 5007-LISA RICHARDS-MEAN OLD WORLD/TAKE A CHANCE-UV10014/10015. 5008-MALIBUS-A CHANCE FOR YOU&ME/STRONG LOVE-UV10016/10017. 5009-NORMA RUDD-HES MINE/SOMETHING KEEPS TELLING ME-UV10018/10019. 5010-MIGHTY MUSTANGS-BELIEVE I DO/OUTSIDE-INSIDE-UV10020/10021. 5011-RUTH MCFADDEN-DO IT UP RIGHT/ILL CRY-UV10022/10023. 5012-BELL BROTHERS-DONT YOU KNOW,SHES ALRIGHT/NOT YOUR KIND OF LOVE-UV10024/10025. 5013-BOBBY WILLIAMS-WHEN YOU PLAY(YOU GOTTA PAY)/ITS ALL OVER-(CB05/22/65)UV10026/10027. 5014-MALIBUS-TWO AT A TIME/I HAD A DREAM-UV10028/10029. 5015-MR.LEE&CHEROKEES-I DONT WANT TO GO/YOUNG LOVER-UV10030/10031. 50016-BOBBY WILLIAMS-ILL HATE MYSELF TOMORROW/THE LAST TIME-UV10032/10033. 5017-J.J.DANIELS-MR.LONESOME/DEEP DOWN INSIDE(1966)ACAG10034/ACAG10035. 5018-AL HASKINS&THE MASTERTONES-YOU GOT ME/TAKE ME-UV10036/10037. 50019-TROY MARRS&THE DYNAMICS-RHYTHM MESSAGE(PTS1&2)-UV10038/10039. 5020-KURTIS SCOTT-NO,NO,BABY/NO PLACE LIKE HOME-UV10040/10041(OLD STOMPER FROM AROUND 73/74,STILL MAGIC). 5021-RICKY RICKS-CHAINED&BOUND/WHY DID I-UV10042/10043(I THINK THIS WAS A WHEEL SOUND). 5022-BUSTER JONES-BABY BOY/YOUVE GOT TO LEARN-UV10044/10045. 5O23-BELL BROTHERS-LOOK AT ME/PITY ME-UV10046/10047. 5024 5025-BOBBY WILLIAMS-BABY I NEED YOUR LOVE/TRY IT AGAIN-GW10050/10051(ANOTHER WHEEL SPIN I THINK). 5026-RHONDA WASHINGTON-SWING TOWN U.S.A./WHAT ABOUT LOVE-UV10052/10053. 5027 5028-MALIBUS-GEE BABY I LOVE YOU/WHATS THIS COMING(1967)LRS10056/10057.(YET ANOTHER OLDIE). 5029 5030-LEE MITCHELL-WHERE DOES LOVE GO/YOUR GONNA MISS ME-UV10060/10061. 5031-BOBBY WILLIAMS-IVE ONLY GOT MYSELF TO BLAME(SUPERB)/ILL HATE MYSELF TOMORROW(CB02/11/67)UV10062/10032. 5032-TORNADOES-LITTLE SALLY WALKER/ROAD MAN-LRS10063/10064. 5033-BUSTER JONES-YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO/IM SATISFIED-LRS10068/10065. 5034-LAVELL KAMMA-TRY TO KEEP YOURSELF UPTIGHT/BEGGING-LRS10066/10067. 5035-KIM TOLLIVER-IN RETURN FOR YOUR LOVE/GET A LITTLE SOUL-LRS10069/10070./5036-BOBBY DAY-SPICKS&SPECKS/SO LONELY(SINCE YOUVE BEEN GONE)LRS10071/10072./5037-MALIBUS-SUMMERTIME/TEN TIMES A DAY(1968)LRS10073/10074./5038-BELL BROTHERS-TELL HIM NO/THROW AWAY THE KEY-LRS10075/10076./5039/5040-QUALITY CONTROLS-GRAPEVINE(PTS 1&2)-COL10079/COL10079X. SURESHOT WAS A SUBSIDARY OF DUKE RECORDS,AND WAS BASED AT 2809 ERASTUS STREET,HOUSTON,TEXAS. MEL(AND THEN SOME). D

By Flynny (213.1.132.155 - 213.1.132.155) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 03:57 pm:

Worth noting that Ricky Ricks is actually Jimmy Ricks.
If you're into Northern Soul, then also investigate Norma Rudd, Tornadoes (ex Stafford c/up!), Buster Jones and Troy Marrs, along with others already mentioned.
Good label!

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.108 - 195.219.7.108) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 06:30 pm:

FLYNNY,I HAVE ABOUT 25/30 OF THE SURESHOT DISCS,AND AGREE,A GOOD LABEL.THOUGH SOME,TOOK A WHILE TO HIT THE SPOT.RICKY RICKS,SAY NO MORE,ALTHOUGH NORTHERN IS MY FORTE,IM INTO GOOD RNB,HAVE YOU HEARD OL MAN RIVER,THE RAVENS WITH JIMMY RICKS ON LEAD.CUT AROUND 1947,ON NATIONAL RECORDS.THE ONLY VERSION.MEL(ANDTHENSOME). P.S.IM SURE I MUST OF MET YOU AT SOME TIME,I USED TO GO TO THE ALL-NIGHTERS (100 CLUB,STAFFORD,ETC)WITH PETE LAWSON(R.I.P.)

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 06:55 pm:

Hi Mel

I sold some of my record collection to Pete in his home in Ormskirk one Saturday morning.... many moons ago.

I was on my way to Blackpool for a week with my wife. Doreen could never understand my obsession with Soul Music, and Pete was probably the first guy she had met with the same passion. After spending about two hours in his company it left her in awe quite honestly.

I'll never forget his bedroom shrine with magazines all over the wall. He was totally committed to the music.

I also think now and again of his Mother who was a lovely lady. I wonder how she coped with his death, which was only a few months after our meeting.

Thanks for mentioning him.

P.S. If I remember correctly Dave Godin (Soul Music Journalist)spoke at his funeral?

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.112 - 195.219.7.112) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 07:14 pm:

DAVE,WHAT A SMALL WORLD,I KNEW PETE ALL MY LIFE,SO MANY GOOD TIMES.ILL MENTION YOU TO HIS MA,I COULD TALK ALL NIGHT.WE HAD SOME GOOD NIGHTS UP IN FIFE(ETC).A GOOD CROWD,COLIN LAW,KEB DARGE AND I RECENTLY MET KENNY BURRELL.ANOTHER GREAT CHARACTER,REGARDS PETES FUNERAL,DAVE GODIN DID ATTEND,AND ALSO READ A NICE TRIBUTE TO HIM.ITS REALLY GOOD TO KNOW,PEOPLE STILL REMEMBER HIM,ALTHOUGH WITH PETE,ONCE SEEN,NEVER FORGOTTEN.CHEERS DAVE,MEL(ANDTHENSOME)

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 07:26 pm:

I'm sure she will remember us.

All the way down from Glasgow that morning and they were still in their beds! I can still see him standing at the front door with his eyes half shut, saying "are you here already?"

I'm struggling to remember what year it was. I've still got a letter from him somewhere.

I also remember an "In Memorium" notice in Black Echoes Newspaper for him, 12 months (?) after his death.

He was definitely a character.

RIP

By Phil Dick (80.194.25.168 - 80.194.25.168) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 07:28 pm:

Troy Marrs - Rhythm Message is a goodie too on Sure-Shot.

By Flynny (213.1.134.136 - 213.1.134.136) on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 - 09:36 pm:

Mel,
Quite possibly have met - used to deal with Pete at Stafford etc. Can recall getting Tony Williams on Philips from him before it had it's five minutes of fame...and then there was Donald Height's "You just can't trust...", and then there was...etc :-)

Which numbers are you missing - may be able to help?

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.64 - 195.219.7.64) on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 05:35 pm:

FLYNNY,I AM AFTER ANOTHER COPY OF BOBBY WILLIAMS IVE ONLY GOT MYSELF TO BLAME.THE ONE I HAD WAS IN POOR CONDITION.MEL(ANDTHENSOME)

By Flynny (213.1.132.14 - 213.1.132.14) on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 05:27 pm:

Noted..stock copy of promo, sir...mail me direct.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.106 - 195.219.7.106) on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 06:20 pm:

FLYNNY,HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU AND WHAT PRICE ARE WE TALKING.CHEERS,MEL(ANDTHENSOME)

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 06:26 pm:

Click on the blue underlined name, "Flynny".

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.7 - 195.219.7.7) on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 06:57 pm:

CHEERS DAVID MEL

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.7 - 195.219.7.7) on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 07:07 pm:

FLYNNY,MY E.MAIL IS PLAYING ME UP AT THE MOMENT,I MIGHT HAVE TO GO THROUGH FRANK JACKSON REGARDS DETAILS,CHEERS.MEL(ANDTHENSOME)

By Mark Speck (65.56.5.245 - 65.56.5.245) on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 10:04 pm:

I also have heard wonderful things about "Spicks and Specks" by Bobby Day. This is supposedly a Northern record (not heard it, so I can't be sure).

And yes, from the guy who told me about this ("Crazy" Mike Kenyon from L.A.), it is the "Rockin' Robin" Bobby Day, and it's a version of the Bee Gees song.

Best,

Mark

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.115 - 195.219.7.115) on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 07:46 pm:

MARK,WHAT LABEL IS SPICKS AND SPECKS ON?MEL(ANDTHENSOME)P.S.I CERTAINLY KNOW THE ROCKIN ROBIN.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 07:53 pm:

Irrelevant but related.. Spicks and Specks was the Bee Gees' first UK single in 1967. It was an Aussie recording on Festival, picked up by Polydor for the UK. It got a lot of radio play at the time, but failed to chart. The follow up - New York Mining Disaster 1941 - was the one that put them on the map.

By Mark Speck (65.56.5.87 - 65.56.5.87) on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 10:48 pm:

DUH! I totally forgot about the Kim Tolliver record on this label, "In Return For Your Love". It's a great deep side (you can hear it on the Kent LP "The Deep South", Kent 75).

Kim is from here Cleveland and has cut many great records (both as Kim Tolliver and Kimberley Briggs). Sad to say, she's been in poor health the past couple of years (Alzheimer's Disease).

Best,

Mark

By rhyle (24.196.162.204 - 24.196.162.204) on Friday, August 02, 2002 - 02:40 am:

i am on tha record label

hit me up on aim detroitplaya52

By Keith Rylatt (195.92.168.165 - 195.92.168.165) on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 05:17 pm:

Don Robey, owner of Sure Shot had quite a lot to do with Detroit. He, like the rest of 'em was trying to get a bit of Motown success. His most open move was getting Bobby Bland to record the Lee Jennings track `Just keep on loving me` (Groovesville music), Star Track 101. Bobby's release was on Duke 464. Incidentally Lee's 45 was the first record I ever bought when I knew I loved Detroit soul, from Martin Koppel. Keith.

By Davie Gordon (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 03:19 pm:

Don Robey's involvemnt with Detroit goes back
at least as far as 1957. There's a single on
Backbeat by Tony Spade which Robey recorded in
Detroit (probably at United Sound)

By Mark Speck (65.57.23.67 - 65.57.23.67) on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 08:11 pm:

Robey hooked Bobby up with Andre Williams for a couple of winning singles, like "Yum Yum Tree".

Best,

Mark

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 03:51 am:

I have Bobby Day's version of "Spicks and Specks", and yes, it's a goodie. The stops and starts might be tricky for the dance floor, but it sounds great on my turntable! It's on Sure-Shot 5036. (One of many really good soul covers of Bee Gees songs -- now there's a thread!)

If any of you get a chance to interview Sam Moore, ask him about E. Lois Foreman (pronounced "E-loyz Foreman"). He has some great stories about her in the old Liberty City club days.

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com