| Author | Message | ||
  Tony Russi (tony_russi) 4-Laureate Username: tony_russi Post Number: 100 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.18.233.89 |
Its hard to beleive but 40 years ago today "My Guy" by my favorite singer of all time, Mary Wells was the number 1 record in the country.She had turned 21 at the time(May 13th).Listening to that record today, it sounds as fresh, vibrant and soulful as 40 yrs. ago(like most Motown recordings.)Mary Wells will always be that sassy, sexy, soulful vocalist who lead the way for all the modern female soul/rock singers. | ||
dvdmike (dvdmike) 4-Laureate Username: dvdmike Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.208.234.61 |
One of my all-time favorites, recorded at Hitsville on March 2, 1964 and released 11 days later. Who did the arrangement? | ||
Vonnie (vonnie) 4-Laureate Username: vonnie Post Number: 137 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
Wow, It seems like only yesterday when this song hit the air waves. It was such a favorite of mine. I remember very vividly practicing the 'Cha Cha' with my brother to that song. | ||
GOAT (goat) 3-Pundit Username: goat Post Number: 62 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.228.134.122 |
Great song! These hits are timeless. I too would like to know who did the arrangments. Anyone know? | ||
Charise (mistrivia1) 3-Pundit Username: mistrivia1 Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
Okay, now I feel old (LOL). This song is a year older than me, but through my parents, I am able to appreciate good music when I hear it, since all Motown, Philly, Chicago music, etc, is their ERA!!!!!!!!!!! If I had been of age, I would be able to share all my experiences of seeing these great artists, along with most of you, but I still enjoy listening to everyone's cherised memories........... I hope everyone is having a BLESSED DAY  Thanks to Mary Wells!!! | ||
motown_david (motown_david) 2-Debutant Username: motown_david Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
My goodness, do I suddenly feel old too, Tony! Mary was the first Motown star I saw on stage live in England way back in 1964. I remember how great, how exotic she looked to this young Englishman in the original town of Boston in Lincolnshire. I was a great fan then and I still am now. She will always be with us because of the great recording legacy she left behind. God bless Mary. David. (Message edited by motown_david on May 14, 2004) | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 230 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.94.114 |
"MY GUY", not only a "Top 10 Motown Song" of all time, by Miss MARE-EEE WELLZ", as the N.Y.C. radio disc jockeys used to pantomine -- dragging out MW's name in a very breathy, sexy, complimentary way -- and at one point on the charts, I believe in early June of 1964 -- I saw it on Cash Box charts recently from then -- "Miss Hit Maker", as she was known, had 3 songs on the Top 10 simultaneously including: "What's The Matter With U Baby?" and "Once Upon A Time", the lovely duets with Mister GAYE, in addition to the immortal "My Guy". See Mary's "My Guy" listed at The Stonewall (the song was still in the jukebox 5 years later!): www.STONEWALLvets.org/songsofS tonewall-2.htm. ------------------------------ ------------------------------ ------------- P.S. "Wait a minute, Mrs. Postman" -- Happy Four-Oh, Charise (some 411 via Juicey)! | ||
jrlo (jrlo) 4-Laureate Username: jrlo Post Number: 85 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 169.3.74.205 |
Didn't Sister Sledge do a version of "My Guy" in the 80's?? | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 239 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.94.114 |
Yesss! In a recent SDF "Tribute To MARY WELLS" with her songs done by other artists, I listed "My Guy" there as by SISTER SLEDGE as well as the versions by CLAUDINE LONGET, also a single release, and DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES' rendition of "My Guy", previously unreleased until "The Supremes Box Set" in 2000. That file is worthwhile checking out in the SDF "Archives". | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 216 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.81.19.97 |
It doesn't sound like the Chicago recordings arranged by Riley Hampton. It must have been recorded in Detroit. Could it have been arranged by Joe Hunter or Gil Askey? | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 4-Laureate Username: luke Post Number: 167 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
It is hard to believe. I listened to Mary on that live Motown record with Marvelettes,Miracles,Supremes, etc. and there is no question how others copied her stylings, she was a star yet somehow very real and honest; and her great talent which has often been so underrated. She could go from gospel sounding to pop to r and b. She wrote and produced. Here's to you Mary! You are a very Dear Lover. | ||
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister Post Number: 443 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.156.232 |
Felix Hernandez is playing a tribute to Mary's birthday right now! WBGO 88.3 "The Rhythm Revue"! Happy Birthday Mary Wells!!!!!! S.S. | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 252 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
"Dear SDF-ers", U can visit or re-visit "MARY WELLS Top 5 Favorites (Motown)" simply by hitting "ARCHIVES" above on the header and going to the "Ending April 16, 2004" link. U will find that M.W. file in seconds. Oh, although it said to name 5 songs, I did 10 (5 Motown; 5 non-Motown + a bonus song)! Enjoy. P.S. - On Motown 45 this Monday eve, Mary will be very missed. Remember, she "came back to Motown" in 1983 to be on Motown 25, where she sang "My Guy". "No muscle bound man can take me away from My Guy...." That's only because I'm already going with one! Miss Wells inadvertently gave me great advice! Some of the many people who have met him include the late MARY WELLS herself, MARTHA REEVES (who loves him and had dinner he cooked), MARI WILSON who exclaimed, "Wow!"), JIMMY RUFFIN, RONNIE SPECTOR, DARLENE LOVE, LUTHER, et al. Wanna see a picture? | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 5-Doyen Username: luke Post Number: 171 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
PS--I thought Sister SLedge's version of My Guy was just dreadful--they seemed to try to make it as bland as possible. | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 254 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
Hey, Jimma -- now tell us what U really think! And, rite U are. SISTER SLEDGE's version of "My Guy" was so bland it should have been left on the album! All four of them must have been single at the time. How bland was it? I was considering going strait! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 5-Doyen Username: luke Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
Hey Stonie--youre a pip--if Gladys ever decides on a reunion...; it's hard to believe the group who did Love Dont Go Thru No Changes on Me recorded My Guy--did I tell u I hate that? How's everyone's speeling today? | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 256 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
Oh, Gymmie, the speeling cud be betta. Go look at the Tamla file with the spylin' of "Tamye"! I had to go vomit. Now, Gym, U were okay for awhile (not long) butt U are back into your confused mode. As Little Arnold said: Whatchutalkinabout? GLADYS who? WHORE-TEN? And what else do U hate now, Gyma? It's not clear to the normal reader. Of course, I understand as I'm thankfully -- praise be to Almighty God in Heaven above -- not "normal" (whatever dat means). Anyway, pleaze explain in 50 words -- or less! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 5-Doyen Username: luke Post Number: 174 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
Poor poor Stoney--wrong side of bed?There once waz a group called GN and the Pips--u can do it!!Who is Tamyie?Y r u spelling like that? Methinks thou art procjecting. Take a nap. Work out with your pardner. Get your Diana wig ready for Mon. Look for your Knormal Heart. You are starting to be like the scizo in Marys top 10 hit. | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 264 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
Poor, poor, poorest, Lukey Mack, U sound looped! "Wrong side of the bed"? I don't tink so, Jimma, I haven't even gotten outta it, yet! It's too early in the day for a Sat-ur-day. That "work out with your pardner" line is a good one, JM. In fact, it's a great one. That's exactly why I'm still in bed! Besides serving me my brunch in bed, he also brought my laptop, if U know what I mean. "Oooooooh, we've got Honey, honey, honey, honey Love"! Oh, I'm not coming to my M-45 party as DIANA (not this time). I'm coming as MICHAEL JAX so that I don't have to change my skin color. I want U to come as another former Motown artist, Gymmaye. Hmmmmm. Can U guess who it is? I didn't tink so. Lawanda Page. P.S. If anyone cums as "Kellie Ayne Ho-land", they will not be allowed entry! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 5-Doyen Username: luke Post Number: 175 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
I love Lawanda tho had planned to come as Irene Ryan?Who is Kelly A? | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 265 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
P.S. Miss Mack, widow of Jimi who is M.I.A. (no wonder), U implied that G.K.P. did "My Guy"? Newz to me. Which PIP did "lead"? Mussa been BUBBA. Bi the way, 39-minutes-from-Manhattan Ho, I heard it thru the Gay grapevine that Bubba is.... Well, we'll see on M-45. I'm sure bi now we can ask -- and tell! | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 219 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.81.19.92 |
I believe Gladys Knight & Pips DID record "My Guy". Most of the Motown artists recorded MOST of The Motown hit songs (as well as a large portion of the non-hit songs). I saw "My Guy" by Gladys on master tape. There were many THOUSANDS of unreleased Motown recordings. Liz Lands, Linda Griner, Mabel John, Sherry Taylor, Raynoma, Labrenda Ben and The Lewis Sisters are just about the only female Motown artists who didn't record "My Guy", (and any other female artists who left Motown before it was written). (Message edited by Robb_K on May 15, 2004) | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 266 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
Butt, Robb with a K -- how's by U -- where is it? "My Guy" by GKP? On an album? I don't think so. Oh, some other female Motown artists who did NOT record "My Guy" include: MARTHA REEVES BRENDA HOLLOWAY KIM WESTON TAMMI TERRELL BARBARA MERCER LESLEY GORE BARBARA RANDOLPH JEAN TERRELL VALERIE SIMPSON FLO BALLARD (solo) MARI WILSON (solo) SCHERRIE & SUSAYE BLINKY SYREETA THE VELVELETTES THE ELGINS THE MARVELETTES THE 1970s SUPREMES HIGH ENERGY THE GIRLS and so many others, dear. U shouldn't just make the unfounded, blanket statement that "everyone (female) recorded "My Guy"" as a matter of fact (pun intended). It's not like U, is it, Robb with a K? Throw in OMA PAGE, too, as ones that didn't! For example, I believe that Miss REEVES would know better than U -- or anyone else -- whether she recorded or didn't ever record "My Guy". P.S. U must be so anxious to see M-45. I am! 2 daze!! | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 220 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.81.19.92 |
No, I was not saying that most of them had "My Guy" released on vinyl-or even on CD, yet. But there are still literally thousands of Motown recordings that have not, as yet, been released. I didn't photocopy the master lists of recordings (which were also incomplete-e.g. there were more master tapes and acetates than were listed on the recordings lists). And, unfortunately, I can't trust my memory (I saw thousands on the lists on tape labels, and acetates) to remember which I saw. But, I seem to remember that Brenda Holloway, Gladys Night & Pips, Supremes and The Marvelettes all recorded "My Guy". I think I remember Kim Weston and Barbara Randolph versions also, but can't remember for sure (it was over 30 years ago). I don't remember seeing Martha & Vandellas, or Velvelettes versions, but wouldn't be surprised if they had also, as Velvelettes recorded over a hundred Motown songs. I also wouldn't be surprised if Rita Wright (Syreeta) had recorded it during her first session. Starting in 1962, Motown recorded many songs on all artists, intending to use the best ones for singles, but needing enough recordings to fill out albums if they needed to come up with one quickly, on the heels of a hit single. I don't remember seeing the list of all of Rita Wright's first session recordings-but I know it had to be more than just the two cuts released on her Gordy single, as I remember having seen a few acetates with other songs with her using the "Rita Wright" moniker. The new CDs keep coming out with more versions. Remember that Harry Weinger has mentioned that "all the vinyl-unreleased that have been released on CD haven't even scratched the surface of all the unreleased recorded material". (Message edited by Robb_K on May 15, 2004) (Message edited by Robb_K on May 15, 2004) | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 5-Doyen Username: luke Post Number: 176 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
U go robb K. Walldo didnt take his meds yet. He is upset about Irene Ryan. He aint no Laughing Boy.(he is good with spelling-so he thinks-but he has trouble with comprehenshun). Maybe M45 put him over the edge. | ||
John Lester (theboyfromxtown) 3-Pundit Username: theboyfromxtown Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.44.166.49 |
Robb K If you are sure that the Velvelettes recorded 100's of songs at Motown..please tell me where they are!! Some that Cal DOES recall were....I can't even say this word....W-I-P-E-D...like "Come See About Me", "He Doesn't Love Here Anymore" (Cal's voice might even be left in the mix on Martha's released version) and a song currently doing well in the UK from the Elgins "That's The Night That Love Died" Cal did NOT record "My Guy" at Hitsville and she doesn't sing it in concert either....Bertha does the lead on that song...and she does it really well too. | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 269 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
Hey, Jimmye, All 3 items of yours are legitimately humorous -- in a bent sort of way -- although Irene Ryan was actually a real beauty. U intended the acting character of "Granny" on the "Beverly Hillbillies". There's a big difference! Why not state what U actually mean? Anyway, I had no idea U were that short. U mention "meds" so much that it's finally apparent even to me that it's U that's on them. I could not run my business if I were drugged! U probably don't have that consideration, Gimmie. ------------------------------ ------------------- The Boy From Crosstown: I knew the "X-town" bus would make a stop on this one! Thank heavens. It's nice to get accurate reporting on CAL & THE VELVELETTES! Much as I luv Robby K's mind and his sensational "song lists" -- second only to mine, IMHO -- he failed to comment on most of the female artists whom I mentioned that did not record MARY WELLS' "My Guy". In FACT, it was verified by Diva REEVES via me that M.R.V. did NOT record "My Guy" yet Robby still persists and says that HE "wouldn't be surprised if they did". What's wrong with this picture? Robb also included The Velvelettes (again) even though Cal's close friend, JOHN LESTER, assures us -- via Cal -- that The V's did not record "My Guy" either. What's wrong with this picture? Well, I'll tell ya. It's a situation where U can't win. So, before R.K. says that THELMA HOUSTON recorded "My Guy", I think I'll have to henceforth skip this file. It was nice reminiscing about MARY -- who I knew and have pix with -- while it lasted. To quote Miss Wells in song, "My World Is Empty Without U" -- Mary! | ||
Jimmy Mack (luke) 5-Doyen Username: luke Post Number: 177 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.198.48.201 |
Oh boy--Stonie --chill out--come back to the Lovin Country. Be nice funny not hostile funny. (ect is back in vogue) | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 222 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.81.28.185 |
Hey, Stonewall, I never said that The Velvelettes recorded "My Guy". I wrote: "I wouldn't be surprised if they had". That was only a statement based on seeing so many versions of so many of the Motown songs, that logic told me there was a reasonable chance. Your telling me that Cal Gill told you they never did, changes that. I never said that I had seen it. If you tell me that Martha told you she never sang it, then I believe that, too. Did you ask everyone on your list above whether or not they had recorded "My Guy"? If you or John Lester, or anyone else who has interviewed the producers, recording staff or artists tells me they were told that individual artists didn't record a given song, I'll believe it. (Message edited by Robb_K on May 15, 2004) | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 223 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.81.28.185 |
I apologise to Stonewall and The Boy From Crosstown, and all other forum members for my comments on this thread that are phrased as if they are facts, when they were just speculation based on things I observed approximately 30 years ago. Of course saying that "most" Motown artists recorded "most" Motown hits is exaggerated, and meaningless at best. I should have left it as "I saw an awful lot of versions of Motown hit songs by a large percentage of the Motown artists." If people on this forum have interviewed artists, or other people who were involved in recordings, and they say a given artist never recorded a given song, then that should suffice as good information. As far as a list of what recordings were made by Motown, and what still exists on tape; I assume that Harry Weinger would be the best source. I should limit my statements which rely on my memory from 30 to 40 years ago to the category of "I seem to remember this-does anyone have definate information on this?". | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 278 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
Robb, it's simpler than U analyzed. I know that if no one ever heard of, let's say, BRENDA HOLLOWAY recording "My Guy", then we should presume that she did not record it whereas U were ass-uming that she did. In fact, I had someone s/w BH and my logic vs. your illogic is correct. After all, as a former president of her fan club during the Golden Years at Motown, I would know. Of course, U did not know that. Only 3 at SDF did. The point here is that U do not know all the credentials that everyone has nor does anyone have to lay them all out like a detailed resume. In this instance I only spoke for Miss MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS and Crosstown only spoke for CAL & THE VELVELETTES. WE would know, trust me. Oh, U also wrote that I spoke for Cal? U weren't criticizing or anything but U have that mixed up. U can re-read the posts yourself. That is Crosstown not Stonewall -- though the Greenwich Village "Crosstown" bus goes right by the "Stonewall"! I have never personally met Cal -- that I recall, though it's possible -- yet. I make it a point of only speaking about what I know is fact not presumption, rumour or wishing. | ||
John Lester (theboyfromxtown) 3-Pundit Username: theboyfromxtown Post Number: 43 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.167.0 |
Robb K Sometimes when you write on this board, the words don't quite sound they way they are meant to be. I hope you didn't think I was being hostile and if I did then it is me who must apologise. Brits often adopt a behavioural way of saying the opposite with a smile, meaning they are kidding. Back to business though, I do know that the Velvelettes are listed for about 55 recordings...(Ex-UK Label manager, Gordon Frewin mentioned this in his famous "Motown Legacy" article in the Sunday Times some 15 years ago)...also in the same article is the general statement that only 30% of what was recorded by the main artists, was actually released. A lot of what you said was therefore very true, in that some songs WERE recorded by many artists..take My Smile Is Just A Frown Turned Upside Down - perhaps by some considered to be an obscure Carolyn Crawford recorded song but there is (and on Motown Treasures) a version by the Temps and also being played in the Northern Soul is a version by Brenda Holloway. I have found that in my own research, your general statement about many artists recording the same song is particularly true in the early days. Having also been somewhat privileged in a similar way to you, I can understand how memories can sometimes get in the way of facts as there is just TOO much to take in. There was no need to apologise to me, I read your postings as a discussion point and I replied accordingly. I took no offence taken. Please continue to make your points as we all learn more that way....and besides, it's fun too! | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 280 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
By the way, MARTHA REEVES & THE VANDELLAS did not record "The Boy From Crosstown" either -- before anyone assumes or asks! Nor any SUPREMES' songs!! Diva Reeves also renews her longtime wish that The Supremes as a group or individually stop doing her songs, as MARI WILSON recently did at the R&R Hall of Fame -- with the two original Vandellas!! The Supremes have far more than needed of their own song catalog. Unfortunately, that reasonable Miss Martha wish has not come true in nearly forty years. | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 5-Doyen Username: robb_k Post Number: 227 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.81.203.27 |
John: I apologised to you and Stonewall, AND more importantly, to ALL forum users, not because of the tone of your (and Stonewall's)reaction to my post, but because I had used a tone in attempting to make a point, that implied that my vague memories and speculation was fact. That's already a trap I had gotten into before, was trying to guard against, and will continue to keep vigilant watch on. Proof of the need for that is my exaggeration of having seen many recordings and recordings listings for The Velvelettes, and referring to that unknown number as "hundreds". When questioned by you on that, I realised that I had exaggerated a number unknown to me, and edited my post to: "more than a hundred" (another total I was unsure of). I needed to make the apology, and I need to be careful,in future, to state clearly the source, quality and nature of the "information" I use to make points, or provide to the Forum (e.g. whether or not it is educated assumption, speculation, or second hand information through a non-official source). That is all independent of the tone of your and Stonewall's posts. I didn't feel that you overreacted, or were unkind. You just made your points (and rightly so), to provide SDF with the proper information. When I had thought that "Jimmy Mack" had stated that Gladys Knight had sung "My Guy", I assumed he had heard it. I thought back, and "remembered" that I had seen it on the recording lists. Actually I can't possibly remember all that I saw during those few years in the 1970s when I had access to that information. I do remember that several of the Motown acts recorded "My Guy", and some of them were later stars. I just found out, in reading the thread again, that Jimmy mack NEVER stated that Gladys had recorded it. Stonewall had only made a joke that Jimmy had implied that. This whole situation occurred because I didn't read carefully. But, in any case, it's just as well that it happened, to remind me that I should couch my statements to not misrepresent speculation as fact, and provide sources of information that I can't be sure is accurate (i.e. "I heard this from many big-time collectors", or "I saw this printed in X magazine", or "(fill in name) told me". The main point is that the people who don't already know that inaccurate statements are innaccurate (as well as everyone else)should not be exposed to inaccurate or false information posing as fact. I would never make an apology due to someone's tone. I make an apology because I did something that requires an apology. | ||
Stonewall (stonewall) 5-Doyen Username: stonewall Post Number: 282 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.237.10.142 |
U are getting close to the root of the other problem herein, Robb. It's J. Mack! If U -- and Crosstown and anyone else -- reads his posts above carefully, butt not too -- U will realize that all of his posts are bad jokes and laden with dark humour that only a.... well, only I really understand. "Macky" DID say that G.K.P. recorded "My Guy". Read his post of May 15, 12:45 a.m. He stated that he can't believe that the G.K. & THE PIPS group that recorded "Love Don't Go Through No Changes On Me" is the same group that recorded "My Guy". Butt, go look for yourselves. So, all of his baloney mixed with R.K. assumptions and exaggerations soon would have had SHORTY LONG recording "My Guy" and Macky would have sworn to it! In other words, Gimmy starts brush fires and runs. Additionally, on a social level, J.M. (aka Luke - I like dat name) is fuming with me that I haven't invited him to my M-45 party yet. Butt I don't know him. U don't get involved with someone that U only have their e-mail. There are SDF members where we s/w each other on the phone, we this, we that, too. Another and I will be meeting by the end of the month! |
