| Author | Message | ||
  Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 74 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
I was wondering if you guys could clear up an argument between myself and a friend of mine (one of our newest members K-Bee) about the song 'Luvbug' by Scherrie Payne & Susaye Greene featuring Ray Charles. It appears on Scherrie & Susaye's 1979 "Partners" album. One of us ABSOLUTELY LOVES 'Luvbug' and thinks that it's a great "slow burning" Funk tune that should have been a big hit! One Of us ABSOLUTELY HATES 'Luvbug' and thinks that it's one of the worst songs ever released on the Motown label! WHAT DO THE MEMBERS OF SDF THINK ABOUT 'LUVBUG'?  LOVE IT or  HATE IT? I read in the archives where Susaye Greene stopped by the forum and told us that Berry Gordy disliked the song and thought that it was a waste of Ray Charles' talents. Susaye went on to say that she and Ray loved 'Luvbug' and that the song was popular with teenagers at the time. I won't tell you who LOVES or HATES 'Luvbug' (K-Bee or myself) until a little later (after I hear what most of you think) but I will tell you that the song has been an endless source of amusement and frustration between us for several months. Thanks in advance for participating. I'M ANXIOUS TO SEE WHAT EVERYONE ON THE FORUM THINKS ABOUT 'LUVBUG'! (Message edited by Rodmann on April 23, 2004) | ||
Greg C. (greg_c) 1-Arriviste Username: greg_c Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 165.247.35.2 |
I love "Luvbug!" I used to play that selection so often that my brother, who I was living with at the time, threatened to throw it out the window (and we lived on the tenth floor). Seriously, it was a great song. It was earthy, different, with a chunky, chugging beat. Susaye wailed on it and Ray Charles vocal fills were a real treat. I loved it near the end when Susaye breaks out into that high octave range. A very rare album and a serious collectors item! Thanks for the memory! I'm playing the "Partners" album as I write this... | ||
Greg C. (greg_c) 2-Debutant Username: greg_c Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 165.247.35.2 |
ADDENDUM Berry Gordy did not like Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On" album and initially refused to release it until Marvin Gaye put his foot down and said it it wern't released, he'd never record for Motown again. The album came out and we all know how that story turned out... So much for Berry's "Musical Ear." "Partners" and especially "Luvbug" were great! | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
Thanks for participating Greg. I had no idea that Marvin had to go through so many changes with Berry just to get one of the GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME released! LOL. You defiantly made your point about Berry's "Musical Ear"! Rick James has also said that Berry didn't care for his first recordings for Motown including 'Mary Jane' and 'You & I', two of the most popular Funk records ever! LOL. Go figure! | ||
DRIVINGWHEEL (drivingwheel) 1-Arriviste Username: drivingwheel Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.144.179.189 |
I really like this song! I can certainly name many "others" by various Motown artists that were "stinkers".......LuvBug is not one of them, by far! | ||
Edgar (edgar) 2-Debutant Username: edgar Post Number: 12 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 200.46.13.209 |
I like it too. | ||
Shawn1 (shawn1b) 3-Pundit Username: shawn1b Post Number: 46 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.26.97.112 |
I really like LoveBug from the moment I heard it !Shawn | ||
K-Bee (kbee) 2-Debutant Username: kbee Post Number: 21 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 129.142.211.170 |
OMG ROD!!! You did post this topic after all. Since we been argueing over this song for at least 6 months now, It's nice to hear other people's opinion about this. LOL it seems that I'm alone here! I might as well come out now and sayit then - I'm the one who really can't stand it!! | ||
Randy Russi (randy_russi) 2-Debutant Username: randy_russi Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 169.139.180.100 |
I thought it was different and ok for an lp cut, but didn't think or don't think it had potential as a single. | ||
Michael/Cleoharvey (cleoharvey) 1-Arriviste Username: cleoharvey Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 206.216.48.250 |
I like the song and others on Scherrie and Susaye's album. But I am going to have to agree with Berry Gordy about "waste of Ray Charle's talent." If you have the genius Ray Charles in the studio and the talents of Scherrie Payne and Susaye Greene, you do not come up with LuvBug. Although Berry Gordy has made mistakes over the years with regards to records, he was more right than wrong. The impressive Motown catalogue of hits bears this out. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 79 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
You spilled the beans K-Bee! LOL. I fell in love with 'Luvbug' immediately as soon as I heard it! I was somewhat taken aback when you told me that you hated the song because we usually have the same taste in music (sort of). Greg, I know where you're coming from! 'Luvbug' has an addictive beat that I got hooked on the first time I heard it. The beat and tempo of this song can best be described as thick, fat and chunky. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised that Scherrie & Susaye had recorded something so soulful. THIS AIN'T NO SUPREMES TUNE! No sir! Susaye wailed on this song like a madwoman and still managed to sound sexy! If Deniece Wiliams or Minnie Ripperton had recorded 'Luvbug' it would be considered a classic and the R&B crowd would've ate it up! Michael, I agree that Ray Charles is a very talented man but I'm not exactly sure what you think Scherrie & Susaye should've recorded with him? An overblown Pop version of 'Georgia' done 'Endless Love' style? A corny disco version of 'Night Time Is The Right Time' perhaps? I love Brother Ray to death but I feel that after the 50's he began to lose touch with what was happening in Black music. In the 60's and 70's he was far more interested in recording Big Band Jazz, Country & Western and MOR ballads swamped in strings than Soul music. (Although he did make a handful of fine Soul recordings). The fact that Scherrie & Susaye included Ray on something that would appeal to young Soul fans in 1979 is PURE GENIUS! I also think that it was very clever how they used Ray's voice. Instead of the typical and boring male/female duet, Ray's vocals were used to portray a character, The Luvbug. I thought that 'Luvbug' came off really well and that it could've been a hit single if it had been given a promotional push. Michael, I do agree with your point that Berry Gordy was more right than wrong when it came to hit records (his track record speaks for itself) but like you said he has made some mistakes over the years. One of those mistakes IMO was the lack of promotion for 'Luvbug' and Scherrie & Susaye's "Partners" album. With excellent tunes like 'In The Night', 'Storybook Romance', 'I Found Another Love' AND 'Luvbug', Motown had a hit on their hands but they fumbled the ball! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 3-Pundit Username: luke Post Number: 62 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
I have heard pretty much 2 opinions on Parnters-great and horrible--any objective thoughts? | ||
Boynextdoor (boynextdoor) 1-Arriviste Username: boynextdoor Post Number: 8 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.165.171.40 |
It only makes me wonder why Susaye wasn't a bigger star? I saw her with The Supremes and she blew the roof off! Why didn't Berry Gordy use her more wisely?? | ||
Greg C. (greg_c) 2-Debutant Username: greg_c Post Number: 12 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 165.247.24.137 |
Because she wasn't glamourous. She was small and petite and not what you could market as a "beauty", but the woman was talented, very talented and you could not take that away from her. Her contribution to the Supremes near the very end of their legacy was superb and quite memorable. | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 3-Pundit Username: luke Post Number: 68 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
I think there was more to it--Scherrie is petite too and Diana isnt that tall. Susaye looks quite glamorous to me in many pics, tho I repect your opinion. I think Berry wasnt interested--look at Thelma Houston's talent;his indifference to Martha etc Mary crossed him with the Jean/Syreeta thing and he was so focused on Diana. | ||
Flynny (anoraks_corner) 2-Debutant Username: anoraks_corner Post Number: 27 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 213.122.37.145 |
I love the 'Luvbug'...in fact I love all the Herbie movies...VW Beetles rule OK! Can someone pass me my coat... | ||
Shawn1 (shawn1b) 3-Pundit Username: shawn1b Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.26.97.112 |
I LOVE Susaye's Love Bug on the Scherrie Payne tip I just don't think she was star material lovely lady ,nice voice but she didn't do much for me .Shawn | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 113 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
Jimmy, it looks like hardly anyone here at the forum has heard 'Luvbug' or the "Partners" album to tell whether they like it or not! | ||
SDF (handsome) 3-Pundit Username: handsome Post Number: 44 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Hi Rodmann. I remember this album, and didn't buy it..Damn. I've only heard 2 songs from the Partners lp, and that's only because it was on my 70's Supremes Rare Hits & Classics. I'll tell you what those songs were in a moment..I do know that it was just Scherrie. Rod, check out the Glasshouse cd with Scherrie Payne on it. This was her pre-Supreme days. Handsome | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 4-Laureate Username: wonder_b Post Number: 129 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.53.221.239 |
Susaye...hmmm let me dig in the pics... How about that one??? Ouch! LOL  Wonder B If you mess with the 'fro, you gotta go! | ||
Boynextdoor (boynextdoor) 2-Debutant Username: boynextdoor Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.165.87.66 |
I really enjoyed the Partners LP. I don't have a record player anymore, so, haven't heard it in years. Wish they'd release it on CD. LUV BUG was cute. I saw Scherrie Payne in the Supremes line-up and let me assure you she was glamorous and a dynamic singer in the group. She fit in with the Supremes image quite well. Susaye was a little different looks and voice-wise, but, nonetheless, she was dynamic in the group in person. By the time Susaye entered the group, the sound had changed. I saw them in their last year and they still wore the sequinned gowns and put on quite a show. It was a mix of the old and new. I think vocally, they had an interesting sound. But, then they disbanded. In looking back, perhaps it was time. You can only change memberes so much and you loose something, no matter how talented the people are. | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 54 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.21.236.203 |
Scherrie Payne is a fantastic singer. I loved her in the Glass House AND she is my 2nd favorite(next to Cindy)Non-original Supreme.I thought she fit the Supremes image perfectly and what a dynamic lead singer.I do agree with boynextdoor, you lose alot of validity by changing members too much, especially changing lead singers. | ||
Michael/Cleoharvey (cleoharvey) 2-Debutant Username: cleoharvey Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.167.241.37 |
Scherrie, Susaye, and Lynda have diehard fans. On the whole these fans appear to be younger and as a result were not heavily into The Supremes during the Diana/Jean years. They really get into angry arguments over the merits of the the "replacement" ladies. Every one of the Supremes were talented and had unique qualities they brought to The Supremes. However, to me, by time the Susaye joined they simply were not the Supremes anymore. Although Susaye, Scherrie, and Mary sang their asses off it was another group and not the one that most of us had grown to love. Scherrie's short height did not bother me until Susaye joined and it became jarring. Mary Wilson looked like an Amazon between these two ladies. For me, I loved any version of The Supremes that had the classy Cindy Birdsong in it (including w/Scherrie). If Cindy was not part of the group, something was sorely missing. Pedro Ferrer made a big mistake getting rid of her. Rodman "Michael, I agree that Ray Charles is a very talented man but I'm not exactly sure what you think Scherrie & Susaye should've recorded with him? An overblown Pop version of 'Georgia' done 'Endless Love' style? A corny disco version of 'Night Time Is The Right Time' perhaps" My friend, I am not sure why these would have been the alternatives. Corny disco, overblown pop, why would that have been the result of a great musical collaboration between three fabulous singers? All I am saying is that LuvBug is a slight song and these three could have come up with something better, especially with the wonderful Eugene McDaniels as the producer. His work with Roberta Flack is some of her best. Let the arguing commence!! LOL!!! | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 1-Arriviste Username: stonewall Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.26.43 |
I like "Luv Bug" so much that I named one of my Siamese cats after that song! However, I'm talking about the MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS hot summer of '67 song: "Love Bug (Leave My Heart Alone)". I vamped the spelling as I always spell "love" as "luv". I got that spelling from a song by THE SHANGRI-LAS, in which the girls actually spell it out that way in the song. It is, indeed, all ironic. By the way, besides "Luv Bug", I also have cats named "Quicksand" and "Jimmy Mack". Get the picture? My vote for THE Former SUPREMES' "Luv Bug" is also yesss! How did height get into this? BARBRA, CHER and BETTE are not tall -- nor was JUDY! However, DIANA is tall for a female; she's just not as tall as RuPAUL. Butt then again.... | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 138 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.222.66 |
Michael, when good singers and legends (like Brother Ray) get together the results are usually overproduced and too GRAND. It seems as if (in most cases) when a performer makes it to a certain level they feel that everything they record has to be GRAND and over the top. Look at Neil Diamond and Barbara Streisand. The same thing can be said about Ray Charles. This explains his overall lack of success on the R&B/Soul charts in the 60's and 70's. I love the song 'Luvbug' because it's creative, funky, excellently produced (by Eugene McDaniels) and above all it's UNDERSTATED. 'Luvbug' is just the type of song that was burning up the R&B charts in 1979 while the Top 40 crowd preferred corny disco and overproduced Pop ballads like 'Endless Love'. In every review of "Partners" that I've seen 'Luvbug' is always mentioned as one of the standout tracks. I'm still curious about the type of material that you think would've been more "appropriate" for them to record? | ||
LaBrenda (dotchain) 2-Debutant Username: dotchain Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 166.68.134.174 |
Anything that luscious Susaye sings on is an immediate treasure in my vast stash of soul....A warm and lovely individual with an immense talent! That Christmas ep is really worth getting to make your spirit bright this Xmas!...as is anything she records. someone please get me the tru-glo-town 45.............. |
