By john lester (213.122.203.234 - 213.122.203.234) on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 07:41 am:

I am getting in the mood for June 2 to see the Originals in Manchester...got me ticket and booked me hotel. All I gotta do is find out where the venue is.....probably all I need to do is follow the music.

"God Bless Whoever Sent You" - I don't know about you guys but this is like the epitome for me of what I call perfection. The song guarantees to make me cry every time and I can't lay enough superlatives on it. CLAY..a 1000 thank you's to you.

Now here is where I get the expected Velvelettes aside into the conversation. Dot and the Velvletts (note spelling) on Teek - Searching For My Man was written by TY HUNTER and F Bosely. It has no connection with the Velvelettes according to our dearest Cal, but with a name like Eugene Neal on it (very much like McNeal), it surely should me. Graham - I think your expertise is needed here - any thoughts

By Tyrone (192.128.133.68 - 192.128.133.68) on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 11:44 pm:

Yo John,
"God Bless Whoever Sent You" is definitely my favorite Originals track. Since you are going to the concert June 2nd and I haven't gotten a response from Clay, would you please take notice of the lead singers on the song and which verse that singer sang lead on. The part of the song that really really affects me is:

'DID YOU KNOW MEN GET BUTTERFLIES
OH THEY REALLY DO
GIRL I GET BUTTERFLIES EVERY TIME I LOOK AT YOU
(HONEY WHAT I FOUND IN YOU
I AINT FOUND IN ANYONE ELSE
AND IF THE MAN ABOVE MADE ANYTHING BETTER
HE KEPT IT FOR HIS SELF)'.

Thanks a lot,
Tyrone

By Millie (166.90.227.118 - 166.90.227.118) on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 11:53 pm:

WOW! Chills upon chills!! We need more lyrics on this website!!

By Andy Alonzo (63.96.230.215 - 63.96.230.215) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 01:04 am:

Who is in this Originals group appearing in Manchester ???? Andy

By thecount (166.90.236.82 - 166.90.236.82) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 01:59 am:

hey Andy, Steve the Count here, very good question on the Originals, it has my mind on the back beat right now. I think the "Originals" formed in about 1966 as a R&B group, and all my "Originals� records give credits to,TY Hunter, Freddie Gorman,Henery Dixon, and Walter Gaines.I remember TY Hunter very well, in fact we do a Knockout version of Lonely Baby, (acapella)by "THY Hunter and the VOICE MASTERS".I yhink the lead vocal is TY on "GOD BLESS"Chills and fever indeed. It gives me visions of "Smokey Robinson" one of a kind lyrics like--I will build you a castle with a tower so high, it reaches the moon. I�ll gather melodies from birdies that fly, and compose you a tune. Give you lovin� warm as momma�s oven, and if that don�t do, then I�ll try somthin new. I�ll take the stars and count them and move a mountain, and if that don�t do, then I�ll try somthin new. Steve "The Count"

By john lester (213.122.195.223 - 213.122.195.223) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 05:43 am:

Carry on Steve...I am singing with you.....

I will take you away with me, as far as I can, to Venus or Mars, there we will love with your hand in mine, you'll be queen of the stars, and every day we can play, on the milky way, and if that dont do, then I'll have to try something new.

Hey Steve..you missed out CP Spencer. I suspect the Originals who will be touring are CP Spencer, Walter Gaines, Hank Dixon and Freddie Gorman

By john lester (213.122.195.223 - 213.122.195.223) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 05:53 am:

Tyrone.....I will make sure to check them out...I have never ever seen them so I dont know which voice is Hank's or Walter's. Freddie's, Crathman and Ty Hunter's tend to be easy to spot.

By thecount (64.152.157.115 - 64.152.157.115) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 10:08 pm:

Hey John, sorry about C.P.Spencer.Was he an Original in 66?-----------Any how lets finish our tune.Your sounding very good. I will bring you a flower from the floor of the sea to wear in your hair,I'll do anything and everything to keep you happy girl,to show you that I care,I'll pretend I'am jelous of all the fellas,and if that dont do ,then I'll try somthin new. Steve "The Count" PS,lets do some "Veto &The Salutations next time.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 10:18 pm:

C.P. was an original Original, along with Walter Gaines, Freddie Gorman and Hank Dixon. Joe Stubbs was there in the group's early days too. Don't forget - C.P. was also an early member of the Spinners, and he sang with the Five Stars, and the Voice Masters. The guy got around!

By John Lester (213.1.133.115 - 213.1.133.115) on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 09:10 pm:

Tyrone

This is from Clay McMurray.....


As for the Originals it was CP singing those 1st 5 lines above and Freddy G
sang the last 2 lines. I sort of mixed it up earlier with Walter G starting it out and CP and Hank doing most of the rest. Tell Tyrone Thanks for the
kind words, I really appreciate him.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.107.27.25 - 213.107.27.25) on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 09:12 pm:

To John

Glad to see Davie G(ordon) back on forum. Thanks for asking for him a few weeks ago.

By hitsville45 (195.93.33.154 - 195.93.33.154) on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 09:29 pm:

The Originals that will be on in Manchester will not include C.P.Spencer, Crathman is suffering from an inner ear problem and as far as I know does not sing with the group. The group performing will be as far as I know Freddie Gorman, Hank Dixon, Walter Gaines and one other who I'm not sure of, it won't be Ty Hunter as he passed away a few years ago. Crathman was the lead singer on the awesome un-issued "Suspicion" or "Baby have mercy on me" whichever title you prefer.
Regards
Alan Pollard

By john lester (213.1.133.115 - 213.1.133.115) on Monday, May 20, 2002 - 09:52 pm:

I am four days behind.......so I haven't seen davie G yet.....but I am glad he's back.....

Manchester is a great place to be for music....I bought Bobby's CD too.......I really like that James Bounty track...I hadn't heard it before...but these David Morris tracks are the ones that make it for me...

By Nish (152.163.195.176 - 152.163.195.176) on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 12:07 pm:

The Originals must come over to the States, I love them. My favorites are "Don't Stop Now," and "Just To Keep You Satisfied." I just want to know who is singing "Baby baby in the midst of my loneliness, you're the only one to caress." That's a pretty nice tenor, there.

By John Lester (213.1.131.193 - 213.1.131.193) on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 06:57 pm:

The Originals in concert at Manchester Ritz on June 2/3 2002


Wow......absolutely wow.........we are surely not worthy.........

Although you guys will not see this message until a few days later, I am writing this after having just returned from the Ritz at a time when the
little hand on the clock is somewhere between the 5 and 6 - my eyes are not able to focus at this time of a morning with no sleep. However, for this one off event, it was worth it and I'd do it all again if I could.

The concert started at about 12:50 am when warm-up group Snake Davis and the Suspicions (!) came on stage to warm the crowd with 4 numbers which they performed exceptionally well and the crowd showed their appreciation.

The Originals were then introduced by (a clearly very emotional) Richard Searling and as the guys walked on stage, the crowd's reaction was eafening. Hank Dixon, Walter Gaines and Freddie Gorman were joined by Hank's daughter Terri (?
spelling) who replaced singing C P Spencer's parts (it was mentioned that CP was suffering
with a medical condition and best wishes come from everyone to you CP).

Performing most of the songs that we all know and love including I Like Your Style, I'll Wait For You, Suspicion (as on the Very Best of CD and not the Northern Soul Debutante release), I'm Someone Who Cares, We Can Make It Baby, The Bells,
God Bless Whoever Sent You, Don't Stop Now, a tribute to Marvin Gaye on Distant Lover, Baby I'm For Real and Down To Love Town. Freddie also
announced that his first ever visit (!!!) into the recording studio was for his solo Ric Tic outing Take Me Back which he then performed - even the remaining Originals hadn't heard Freddie perform that live! (BTW, Andy Rix later asked Freddie about is REAL previous
outings in the studio and he was truly amazed that anyone had even read about "I Couldn't Dance", let alone heard it..........Freddie then
proceeded to sing it to Andy - NICE ONE!).

The shower of love from the Ritz crowd was overwhelming and I have to say I was choked emotionally with tears to be there to experience it first hand. Each time, that Hank Dixon let rip with his powerhouse of a voice, the crowd ROARED with delight.....as they did with Freddie Gorman.....and also later with Walter and Terri. The guys were clearly surprised at the STRONG and
LOUD audience delight at their performance. People from the crowd were constantly shouting WE LOVE YOU and COME BACK SOON PLEASE.....and you could see that the Originals were more than overcome with the sincerity. One guy screamed for Green Grow The Lilacs..to which Hank
Dixon just took hold of the mike and without music, just sang the words solo - it was hard for some to hold back the tears of motion ........Hank
then told us all that "Lilacs" hadn't been rehearsed by the band for the show but that didn't stop the crowd being overwhelming delighted with Hank's unscheduled performance. "Maybe next time he said" - NO HANK, HOPEFULLY NOT A MAYBE, A DEFINITE!

One clear difference with the Originals over many other groups is that each member had solo parts. That enabled us to clearly identify the voices
with the person. Many people are not aware of the different voices so let's try and deal with this and take, one of the most wonderful songs ever put out....and chosen cos I was thinking about "Soulful Detroit's" Tyrone when it was sung!!

God Bless Who Ever Sent You

The intro is from the group

Walter Gaines starts
You're much to beautiful to be part of the human race..................so please don't let me down

Group do chorus

Hank Dixon
Whoa, you could take a sinner and turn him into a saint.............girl, you're just too much

Group do chorus

Terri subbing for CP (and I have to say I was choked with tears at this point, just wishing that Tyrone and producer Clay McMurray were there too)
Did you know men get butterflies..........haven't found in anyone else

Freddie Gorman
And if the man above made anything better, he kept it for himself

Chorus from the group


Hope that helps.

The guys were called back for an encore - the reaction was so deafening, to the point that there was no way that they could not have come back. Unusually for a Motown act, they seemed unprepared for an encore of a new song and they
repeated Suspicion.

Later the guys, clearly tired and still on US time, took time to autograph, album sleeves and to pass time with devoted fans queuing patiently to pay their respects to this top class Motown act.

But for Richard Searling, DJ and now promoter, a heart felt thanks from all of us punters for making it possible to see and hear one of the finest shows ever and, more to the point, for ME, to experience the Manchester love and enthusiasm.

Oh and by the way.........HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY!!! There can't be many who have had the Originals sing (Stevie's) Happy Birthday on stage!

Apparently the BBC recorded the concert but I am not sure about the visual performance. So watch out for it on the radio.

As a postscript, and I suspect this gesture might get omitted from any concert reviews, - the DJ's offered to donate their wages for the evening to
a charity that helps children with cancer. Nice one boys!

John Lester

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.32.130 - 62.31.32.130) on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 07:13 pm:

John - what a fantastic review of this great great musical treat you had. I can't wait for them to return, as I want a ticket! I think we both shared tears that evening, me in London watching Martha, Edwin and Freda and you in Manchester watching The Originals. I am sorry I could not make it this time, but it sounded like one hell of a night you had, and I will make it next time. Richard Searling must feel so proud to accomplish all this and with great fans around, I see no reason why we cannot look forward to more of this?

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 07:35 pm:

John

Thanks a million for sharing your memories of what could only have been a great night.

Yes, as I said recently, Manchester is one helluva place. It absolutely oozes soul music..which really is quite remarkable.

When you get your breath back I'd love to hear about Jimmy Conwell aka Richard Temple who is apparently excellent on stage too.

By harryweinger (12.110.192.128 - 12.110.192.128) on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 08:48 pm:

goodness - extraordinary... thrilled for the guys and only wish they could get the same back home

By John Lester (213.1.128.214 - 213.1.128.214) on Wednesday, June 05, 2002 - 10:10 pm:

David...
Jimmy Conwell had an incredible voice and I was more than impressed with his performance. He did about 4 songs which were not known to me but the Northern crowd there obviously knew them - remember I only a poor measly southerner! Apparently Jimmy has a new single coming out in 2 weeks time which hopefully does well for him. Jimmy was really appreciative that he was invited to the Ritz...I gather that he had performed for the Northern Scene only a short while ago. It was a great show...in fact the whole evening was a chance in a lifetime. Loads of people were there and I got to see a whole load of people, that I had only previously read about in books.


HW......It would be nice to believe that The Originals DO get a similar thrill back home - we all know that they deserve it......but I have to say that there is something about the Manchester crowd that night that seemed to make it all seem so natural to shout out appreciations and not give a monkey's hoot if anyone saw you with tears streaming down your cheeks.....I felt SO proud, honest I did....music seems to be ablt to reach parts of my body that even I struggle to come to terms with in normal circumstances! A very emotional concert and a time for binding together as people with a love for the music. I feel honoured to have been part of it.

......and it's Cleethorpes in 10 days time!!

By Greg C. (209.71.79.178 - 209.71.79.178) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 01:03 am:

The Originals were so underrated at Motown! "Green Grow The Lilacs" and "The Bells" were my favorite tunes by them. I wonder if anyone knows that Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops, brother Joe sang with the Originals. He's on the cover of the recently released Originals UK greatest hits collection. He didn't stay with the group very long. He ended up singing with the Hot Wax group, 100 Proof Aged In Soul.

By harryweinger (68.37.251.103 - 68.37.251.103) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 01:58 am:

Joe Stubbs also sang lead for the Contours, briefly. In fact, Motown sessions with Joe Stubbs singing lead at Motown can be credited to either the Contours or the Originals, depending on how it gets mixed, since often both sets of backgrounds are on the master.

Hint: listen to "Danger, Heartbreak Dead Ahead" as by the Contours w/Joe Stubbs singing lead on 'Cellarful of Motown'... bv's are in stereo...

By John Lester (213.1.131.63 - 213.1.131.63) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 07:32 am:

Greg C

You would have LOVED the impromptu peformance by Hank Dixon of Green Grow the Lilacs. The guys were getting themselves ready for the next song when someone shouted out the title...Hank looked around and saw that the guys were busy getting mike's and things ready..so he let rip..and my gawd, he has a voice that could shake the foundations of a whole town. The audience just gawped with their mouth's wide open not believing what they were hearing...Hank, all on his own with no music.....such spontaneity was amazing. You just HAD to be there.

Let me tell you another little titbit...

The guys were performing Baby Im For Real...singing as they do to the audience into the mike's. Imagine left to right, Freddie, Walter, Terri and Hank.....however, right near the end, they sung the words ...Baby I'm For Real-l-l-l" and as they did, all of them turned to one side and carried out one of those subtle Motown dance movements - the crowd was aghast.....it was nothing elaborate, just one of those really small but subtle movements that we expect from Motown acts but it was just so quick that if you wasn't paying attention you would have missed it. Then the guys repeated the words Baby Im For Real again and yet again they repeated that movment...this time we were all watching and the crowd went APESH*T........yelled voices, whistles, screams and I was not the only one in tears..........it was one of those incredible moments in life that are all too brief but something that touches you so deeply that you know that you will remember it for all time.

I still can't get over this concert.....I think a major factor is that the guys found it hard to believe that they had such a following in a country that they had never ever visited or even had a hit record. I think the word I am looking for is sincerity.

By Greg C. (209.71.79.182 - 209.71.79.182) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 12:07 pm:

Thanks for sharing with me John. I would have loved to have seen that show. Sounds like a stellar performance. ..and Hank Dixon sang my song!!! Aww man!...

By steve.mortimer (62.7.93.24 - 62.7.93.24) on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

can anyone let me know which member of the group sang lead on You're the one, which is my favourite song by them?

By brianday@cwcom.net (212.137.136.126 - 212.137.136.126) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 11:01 am:

thanks for the great reveiw ,i was gigging in soton that day ,lets hope they come back on a full tour.and bring the detroit spinners with them

By Ritchie (62.254.0.6 - 62.254.0.6) on Sunday, June 09, 2002 - 11:46 am:

Nice idea, Brian. And maybe if CP is back on his feet, he could stage a small reunion?

By RJ Spangler (64.12.103.157 - 64.12.103.157) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 08:17 pm:

My buddy Lyman Woodard did some of the sessions with the Originals.
RJ Spangler

By Ralph (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - 08:52 pm:

RJ,
We were just mentioning Lyman on the Clawson thread. I've always respected his abilities.A great musician.

By Eugene Brown (64.7.171.14 - 64.7.171.14) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 04:33 pm:

Hello everyone. My name is Eugene Brown. I'm Program Director for WTLZ in Saginaw, Michigan. On a recent trip to California I had the opportunity to spend time with Freddie Gorman and his family. What a treat and just so everyone knows, Freddie's son Dillian has a song on the new Boys II Men cd. The name of the song is Loving You.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 05:23 pm:

Hi Eugene,

Welcome to the forum - I think you're our
first from Saginaw. That's good news about
Freddie's son - ironic that he'll probably make
as much in royalties from that one song than his
dad made in years.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 07:05 pm:

Hi Eugene

Nice to have you on th forum.

By Tyrone (12.20.58.68 - 12.20.58.68) on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 10:27 pm:

John,
Realizing I never responded to say thanks for the information on the Originals (June 5), I really appreciate all the info you posted on their show over in the UK.

Currently I am collecting as much material about the guys that I can and was disappointed that on A Cellar Full Of Motown, there was only one track featuring the Originals. Still I look forward to reading your post on the Originals and all the other topics you have insight on. Thanks again with much love!

Tyrone