By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 06:13 pm:

I figured that I might as well make it easy and start another thread. I am ready to answer any and all queries that may arise as long as I myself have arisen!! These days sleep is just not an option, but you know what?? I love every minute of it. I am just playing catch up for when I was down for the count.
I have working on a project for "Dominique"
who is a 14year old singing sensation from the suburbs of Philly and we feel that she wil cause a lot of teenage hearts to flutter!!
The songs for the most part are being written by Janice Mc Clain and myself and I promise you that they will knock you out.
We also did a dance version of Gladys knights Imagination and it is a smoker.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.11) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 12:38 am:

Hey Bobby,regards the other thread,any info on who Teddy and the Fingerpoppers are or were?They recorded Soul groove (pts 1&2) on the Arctic record Label.Bobby you are truly a star,because it never ceases to amaze me about the Northern/Rare Soul tracks that I have that you feature on.(Never mind all the other great things you have done/or are doing).MEL.p.s.Great to hear that Herb Johnson&The Impacts is still blowing them away.A truly great artist.Also glad to hear Jimmy Scott getting well deserved recognition,and finally my best wishes to Mr.Weldon a.MacDougal.

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 02:59 am:

Bobby,
You are a star. Did you see my message of yesturday that detailed artists who have tracks included on the new UK Expansion label Philly compilation CD. Did you ever get to work with the likes of the Invitations, tracks by them being included on the CD (a NY outfit they cut in Philly for Silver Blue in the 70's).
I also recently realised that you worked with Stan Watson on the WB cuts released on Terry Collins. Any info on this artist / sessions.

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.26) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 09:11 am:

Bobby,

There's a guy called Del Sharh whose name crops
up in the writer credits of lots of Philly records. Do you know who he is ? - I suspect
he's one of the Vibrations, maybe Carl Fisher,
but don't really know. What's the story ?

Thanks

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 10:27 am:

Bobby:
How about having Dominique cut one of your classic Philly ballads? It would be great to see a young artist introduce one of your legendary tunes to a new audience.
KevGo

By JSmith (195.93.33.10) on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 03:32 pm:

Bobby,
A few more comments on the new Expansion CD 'The Spirit of Philadelphia'. It includes the song you & Terry Collins wrote that you cut on the Joneses "Who Loves You". I always loved the Joneses Epic LP, what can you remember about these sessions ? The CD sleeve notes say that at the same time you cut tracks (unissued) on Jimmy Ruffin for Epic, what were these like ?? What can you remember about the sessions for Gold Mind that you worked on with Love Committee in 78 ? And do you remember much about Bruce Gray who worked with my friend Dunn Pearson in the duo Dunn & Bruce Street. BTW the Expansion CD also includes a cut off Jermaine Jacksons unissued Phill y cut Motown LP, " Good For The Gander" -- its a good modern soul dancer. Talking of good (great) modern soul dancers, just had to say how much I love Terry Collins "I L.O.V.E Y.O.U" track. Cheers.

By Nish (66.119.33.167) on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 02:36 pm:

That's a great idea, Kevgo. Like, it would be cool to hear a nice version of a Three Degrees tune or something.

Also what vein is Dominique's music, generally speaking, Mr. Eli?

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 03:00 pm:

Nish:
I was thinking of a Bobby Eli tune like "Sideshow", "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely","Tear It Down" - a GREAT Philly soul ballad cut by Blue Magic (as were the rest).
KevGo

By thom (209.69.165.10) on Friday, October 18, 2002 - 09:42 am:

how about one last memory. a song by impact a very beautiful ballad also written by bobby eli.

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Sunday, October 27, 2002 - 11:42 am:

I just got off the phone with Bobby. He's been busy in the studio and is also in the process of moving so he hasn't been able to get to a computer lately. He sends his regards to all and will be back as soon as he can. He sounds great and is doing very well.

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Sunday, October 27, 2002 - 06:07 pm:

Thanks for the update Ralph.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.67) on Thursday, November 14, 2002 - 02:51 pm:

Bobby,
I hope all went well with your moving and your studio work
If you get any time,I would appreciate any info on the following(if possible,I dont want to seem like Im bugging you).
LAWN/CUPPIE/SWAN Records.
Swan we all know about,
Can you recall anything about an artist called
JOHN LEACH.
He recorded put that woman down on Lawn records around 1963,a stomper(andthensome).
The Delights.
who recorded Lover on Cuppie records.
Is it true that this label was owned by Bill Haleys wife?
And did Cuppie and Lawn come out of philly like Swan records.
Many thanks.
MEL.

By Caleb (63.208.117.42) on Saturday, November 23, 2002 - 08:28 pm:

Bobby,did you play on the record"Put Your Hands Together"-The O'Jays.If so,can you talk a little about the session.This is a smokin' tune slash track.Thank you,Caleb

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 09:10 am:

Mr Eli must currently be quite busy but in case he finds the time to check back in here soon, here's a few more questions for him.....

Did he play on any sessions by Harrisburg's The Emperors ???
What can he remember about Billy Harner, the Brothers of Hope (Gamble Records) and the Landslides (Huff Puff Records).
Does he know anything about the outfit Big Al T Orchestra who cut a version of "25 Miles" for Virtue.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 12:16 pm:

Bobby:
I saw your comments on the Giving Thanks thread. Could you share you recollections regarding the Philly dance/soul classic "We're On The Right Track Now" by Ultra High Frequency (who were the members of that group & did they record any other tunes). Also, Blue Magic cut a version of "We're On The Right Track Now" as well. Did you record both versions? Thanks!
Kevin Goins - "KevGo"

By drums (63.242.208.176) on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 01:02 pm:

Hello Bobby Eli!

I am glad you are doing well! As soon as the semester ends(about to get that Bachelor's Degree!)I will be coming to visit!!

I will call you up during the Christmas break!

D

By LTLFTC (12.245.225.79) on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 01:41 pm:

Bobby ; thanks for the details on the William DeVaughn session ! I pulled the record out and heard it with 'fresh ears' last night. I think it's an underrated guitar classic.
Another Philly guitar classic is "Only the Strong Survive' by Jerry Butler. Do you know details on that track or does it pre-date your involvement with that whole scene?

Steve K.

By Eli (152.163.188.68) on Monday, December 02, 2002 - 03:47 pm:

Hi y'all!!

Eli here.
Let me answer some of the recent queries.
To JS, didn't play on the Emporers stuff, however
Philly Archives recently released a VINYL ONLY
Emporers album with loads of unreleased stuff.
You can reach them at www.phillymusicarchives.com
to order it.

The very first session ever recorded at Sigma and it was the day that G&H gave their approval was the Landslides We Dont Need No Music.
It was basically just us under one of our many guises including The Brothers Of Hope which was recorded shortly thereafter.
Billy Harner was a barber turned singer from Phily who originally was the only white artist on V-Tone later Open Records.
He was quite an energetic preformer and recntly did a gig at the new Kimmel Center Thanksgiving Eve.
As far as Bil Al T., I cant help you on that one.

Terry Collins was a guy whom I discovered at an oldies show in NYC while I was doing a gig with Len Barry. He was with the Marcels taking the place of Cornelius Harp the opriginal lead, who was ill. He was from Pittsburgh and was rather young at the time but had a powerful voice and charisma. I invited him down to Philly and he stayed with us until he could find a place of his own. During this time I discovered that he had a great flair for lyrics and we wrote many songs together which appeared on a lot of albums.
Sigma gave me some spec time to record some songs on him among them the afforementioned title.
Stan Watson of Philly Groove heard the stuff and presented it to Warner Bros. for their Kwanza imprint which Stan was originally part of and we struck a deal.
ater on we did a deal with Silver Blue for a couple of songs.
Terry was extremely talented but had a volatile temper which pevented him from furthering his carrer. The Joneses album was one of my favourites. The group harmony was second to none and the rehearsals at my home were magical. There was just the right amount of the doo-wop element and it was very real. The same goes for the Impact album with Damon Haris on Atco. We always had candles burning and we had tons of fun selecting the songs and cutting. I am so happy that OneLast Memory is a favorite as it is one of mine as well. But for some reason the Jonses and Impact albums were not promoted by Epic and Atlantic as the CBS/ Sony and the Time Warner regime were and are very political orginizations and it was all the way or none at all.
Paulie should have been there to "straighten it out" but he was still "on the inside", capice??

Unfortunately, Bruce ray passed away fro an asthmatic attack while incarcerated. He also had a ton of energy and we have writen songs together as well.

Kev, Right Track was originally recorded by South Shore Commission on Wand, the members of which do not ring a bell as well as the members of Ultra High Frequency. They di record another song but I dont think that it was released. I played on all the versions.
A lot of these "groups" were disposible at best or did not last long enough for one reason of another, usually bad management or ego problems.

Caleb,
Put your hands together was one of the most energetic sessions next to Bad Luck and Ten Percent. Engine #9 was another one.
Only the strong survive did not pre date me. I was on it. Norman did that main guitar figure though.
Thefirst two Jerry Butler featured some different additional personell insofar as the femalebacking vocals and percussion was concerned.
The females were Mikki Farrow and Jean and Tina Thomas (The Mello-Moods/ Swans)
Percussion was Robert "Rogie" Kenyata and "Abu"
Larry W. wasnt on the scene as of yet.
Same with the Dusty Springfield stuff and Pickett as well.

Mel, Cuppy was owned by Tony Messina who owned a small studio not far from where I now live and Sonny Cassela who first made the connection for Jacques Morali to record in Philly with the Ritchie Family. I actually got the call first. I wonder what the group would have been called if I were the producer instead of Ritchie Rome??
I have a pic with Tony and myself in that studio.
I forgot the name of thae place, but it will come back to me.(a senior moment)

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 02:24 am:

Eli,
Many thanks for once again taking the time to answer all of our questions.

By the sound of things, listing all the names that you MFSB guys played under would fill a book on it's own, never mind including all the details surrounding the sessions & info on the singers you worked with.

I don't think there are any books yet on the market that detail the Philly soul scene from an insiders (musicians) point of view. With all your knowledge, you would seem the ideal guy to tackle such a project.

By Caleb (65.59.107.67) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 08:51 pm:

Bobby,how about the record,"I'll Be Around"-The Spinners.Is that you on those backbeats?That must of been one memorable session.That record is pure joy!!Thanks for the info on "Put Your Hands Together"-I love that record too. Caleb

By Nish (170.224.224.38) on Tuesday, December 03, 2002 - 09:24 pm:

Yeah, I think a Bobby Eli penned book is in order! You are an encyclopedia!

How about "To Be Happy Is The Real Thing" by the Intruders? Are you playing the main guitar figure on that? I really love that song. Little Sonny is one of the great ones, God rest his soul.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.102) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 12:06 am:

Many thanks for taking the time to answer
my questions Bobby,
much appreciated.
Mel.

By PhilH (203.220.97.146) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 03:32 am:

Hi Bobby,

Were you on Clyde McPhatter's WELCOME HOME album on Decca (1970), produced and arranged by Ronnie, Norman & Earl? One track from that, "Book Of Memories" has just turned up on a British CD of Clyde's called "The Essential Collection".

Thanks,

Phil

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.26) on Wednesday, December 04, 2002 - 02:48 pm:

Hi Bobby,

You mentioned Sonny Casella as being one of the owners of the Cuppy lable. Is he the guy that
produced those Dooley Silverspoon records on
Cotton, "Bump Me Baby" etc. ?

It's probably got overlooked but could you tell
me who Del Sharh is ? I think he might have been one of the Vibrations but I don't know for sure.
He gets co-writer credits on many Philly records from the late sixties including tracks by the
Vibrations and the Showstoppers.

While on the subject of the Vibrations their
final album, on Bob Gallo's Mandala label, has
recently been issued on CD in the UK.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.16) on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 03:42 pm:

Merry christmas and a happy new year
to you Mr ELI.
mel.

By dvdmike (12.84.12.99) on Friday, December 20, 2002 - 05:04 pm:

Hello Bobby,
Mike from Chicago here. My good friend Tom Tom 84 (or 99 these days) told me he knew you. I had a conversation with Alfie Pollitt and Eddie Holman, Jr. a couple of days ago and they mentioned that Yvette Benton had passed away. When was this, I knew Barbara Ingram had died some years ago, but I was not aware that Yvette had as well. What happened?

By Eli (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 11:49 pm:

Hi Mike,
It's been ages since I spoke to Tom Tom.
Please tell him hello for me and give him my e-mail address which I have enclosed at the appropriate place.

I do not know where the Yvette rumour started as she is indeed alive.

By Eli (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, December 21, 2002 - 11:54 pm:

Davie, Del is indeed Carl Fisher of the Vibrations who are one of the most underrated acts of all time. In fact the Temps borrowed a lot of their "shtick" from them.
For some reason the just did not get their due.

By dvdmike (12.84.8.158) on Sunday, December 22, 2002 - 01:19 pm:

I remember the Vibrations since their days on Checker. They had a hit in '61 called "The Watusi" which I think Ralph Bass produced at Chess on 21st & Michigan. Carl Davis produced them at Universal Recording for Okeh and had some nice stuff that was arranged by Riley Hampton. I liked the stuff that Gamble & Huff did, namely "Love In Them There Hills" which the Pointer Sisters later covered. They had a nice slowed down version of "Expressway To Your Heart" on Neptune which is impossible to find these days.

By dvdmike (12.84.8.16) on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 11:02 am:

Bobby, was the first Salsoul Orchestra album cut entirely in NYC or just partially? Which songs, what studio or studios?

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.34) on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 11:54 am:

Thanks Bobby - I'd been wondering who "Del Sharh"
was for years :-)

I wonder if part of the problem with the Vibrations was that they were around the scene
for so long that they were a bit taken for granted
with more attention being paid to newer groups.
I've read that they had an amazing stage act
which sounds as if it probably influenced groups like the Contours.

Davie

By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 08:09 pm:

Mike,
The song Salsoul Hustle was recorded in NYC at Columbia studios on 7th ave. Therewas one more but I do not remember the name of it and I don't think that it appeared on the first album.
It was Charles Collins on drums, Gordon Edwards on bass me and Norman on guitars and I forget who the keyboard player was . Thepercusion session were some hispanic guys from the bronx.

Davie,
Yes the Vibrations had a superb stage act which was a mixture of The Contoure, The Tempts and The Cadillacs. They did acrobatics, some light comedy ala The Coasters and some superb vocals.
I spent around three and one half enjoyable years playing the guitar and conducting for them.

By Caleb (63.208.116.174) on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 10:54 pm:

Bobby,I asked about the record"I'll Be Around" earlier on the thread-please comment.Thank you,Caleb

By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, December 26, 2002 - 11:15 pm:

I'll be around was originally recorded in the early months of 1972 at Sigma Sound.
The personnel were Earl Young on drums, Ronnie Baker on Bass, Norman Harris and myself on guitars, Vince Montana on vibes, Larry Washington on percussion and Thom Bel on clavinet and Fender rhoades.
It was Earl's idea to use the Al Green drum beat.
Norman did the chords and Idid the backbeats.
Don Murray was the engineer.
On the same session we also recorded Could it be m falling in love, How could you let me get away, You andme baby, and one more which eludes me at this time.
It was written by Thom Bell and Phill Hurtt in Thom's office at PIR.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.93) on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 04:06 am:

Bobby,
great to have you back.I hope everything went well work wise sir.
Can you give me any info on any of the following please.
Bobby 'guitar'Bennett
you did it again(B.Martin)
on Junior records.
The Peter Hamilton Generation
Hey Girl(inst)(Howard Baggess,Fred Bauer)
on Jamie records.
Many thanks Bobby.
mel.

By dvdmike (12.84.13.219) on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 07:30 am:

Wow, I went back and listened to the Salsoul Orchestra LP and I didn't really hear much difference between "The Salsoul Hustle" and the other tracks, even though the rest of the album was recorded at Sigma. Also, I had a conversation with Harvey Fuqua about a year ago and he mentioned that he liked MFSB's rendition of "K-Jee". The original version was cut at RCA in Chicago in 1971 with Harvey producing and Charles Hearndon arranging. What was the lineup on MFSB's version and when was it cut? If you don't remember the exact date, I understand. Studio musicians do so much stuff, it's impossible to remember everything.

By Eli (205.188.209.38) on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 07:57 am:

Hi Mel,

When I was thirteen years old while in bed suffering from a bad bout of the Asian flu, my mom caled up to me and informed me that there was someone there to see me. She said that he told her that someone had told him about me and he wanted to meet me.
Anyway, even though I was sick I said "sure send him on up". So he came into my bedroom and preceded to introduce himself as Bobby Benett and that h had just come up from North Carolina an that he was meeting people in town and that he played the guitar and sang.
So this piked my young and ill curiousity so I got of bed and we sauntered over to my"music room" and he picked up and pluged in my rather new Les Paul gold top and preceded to play Johnny B. Goode and several other Chuck Berry tunes as well as It's Just A Matter Of Time by Brook Benton. His guitar playing amazed my novice mind at the time.
He started to come over more frequently when one day he asked me if he could borrow my guitar and my Gibson amp for a gig that weekend.
I reluctantly said yes and he said that h would return it that monday.
Well, three days went by and no Bobby.
Finally he calledand said that he neded some cash so he pawned my guitar and amp!!!
My mom had a fit and persuaded to get my instruments out right then and there.
Needless to say that rubbed me the rong way and made me very wary of him.
I was not aware of the Junior record. He recorded for Buddy Caldwells V-Tone and Len labels and much later PIR.
I heard that he is now a barber and a storefront preacher.

Never heard of Peter Hamilton but Howard Bogess was somewhat of a strange character who was the nephew of Harold Lipsius who owned Jamie/Guyden.

Every now and then uncle Harold let him cut a side or two to pacify him.
oward was very eccentric and smoked bags of dope and I dont think that anyone has ever seen him straight.

In the early eighties he rang me up and wanted to use me on a session called, believe it or not "When the s**t hits the fan"
It was recorded on eight track. Sometime later he called me again to have me play on it again on sixteen track which the stereo comp of the former on on it as well. Sometime time later I did it once again on twenty four track which had the stereo comp of the collective afforementioned versions as well. So it became this massive wall of "sound" that would make old Phil Spector go mad.
I had heard that two years after that he was still working on it!!!

Sorry to say, I heard the Howard bit the big one. Ahh, poor old Howard.
I wonder if he is still working on it.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.54) on Friday, December 27, 2002 - 09:31 am:

Bobby,
your the man(and then some)
Greatly appreciate you taking the time. I was talking to a mate of mine the other day about all the rare/northern soul tracks that we know that you have been involvd with,and the ones that we have or are aware of bobby,
and we have concluded that you are without a doubt THE MAN!!!!!
Mr guitar bennett certainly sounds a bit shady to say the least.You say hes a barber and a preacher,he hasnt changed his name to either sweeney todd or Elmer Gantry has he.
Joking aside,the track I asked about isnt bad.
Great title by the way bobby,when the proverbial hits the fan,are you sure it was only the bob hope they were on mate(hee,hee).
regards and thanks to you sir,
Mel.

By Caleb (209.245.118.189) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 12:11 am:

PhillySoulman,that's some solid information on the "I'll Be Around" session.I thank you.1)When did your association with Thom Bell begin?I heard that you went thru grade school together.Is this true? 2)Do you know if the soundtrack for the movie"The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh"is available on CD?&3)What is Thom's nephew Leroy M.Bell currently up to?I liked his writing.Thank you,Caleb

By Eli (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 05:31 am:

Caleb,
Thom and I and Phil Hurtt did in fact attend the same high school, Murrell Dobbins vocational-technical high school. Interestingly, both Thom and I both took up printing, although Thom and Phil were seniors when I was a junior who got in a year earlier due to an excellent academic report.
I do not think that the Fish.....is available on cd as of yet.
The sessions for that film were quite a lot of fun.
Leroy Bell and Casey James are stil in Seattle and I heard that they were woring in a band together with George Merrill a former M3 writer ( How will I know-Whitney) and wrting songs as well.
They are some great and talented guys.

Mel once again thanks for the accolades. I am only doing my job!!
Also, no need to call me sir!!!
There are three words that connote aging and they are veteran, legend and sir (lol)

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.100) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 07:34 am:

Gadzook's Mr Eli,
thou shall'st
then be called
Sire!!!!!!
Good day.
Mel(Jousting about).

By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 02:22 pm:

"The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh" really got no "love" from the critics...and the film was an excellent kids flick and the soundtrack outstanding ! The duets on that album showed the range of the artists involved & gave me a new found respect for them. (All I had heard them do didn't mean it was ALL they could do...so to speak.) William Hart's "Follow Every Dream" seems to be the only cut people remember....but there were other stellar songs as well. "The Fish..." is part of the "Lost Collection"...and I search the cut-out bins every time I hit the "wrecka sto's"

By dvdmike (12.84.13.81) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 05:37 pm:

Hey Bobby, I talked to Tom Tom earlier today and he said the club on 55th & State was probably The Burning Spear. Now I remember that club. He said he would e-mail you when he got a chance.

By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 07:22 pm:

Twicked,
I concur indeed!!

The Willian Hart could have flown if it were on a "regular" label. Instead it was on Lorimar which was the film company's label and it lasted for about a minute if that. and yes there were some great songs that should have ben heard andthe film is in "cult" status like the Rocky Horror Movie.

Mike, it was The Burning Spear!!! That is where I first met Tom. EWF were in the distant future at the time.
I have pleasant warm and fuzzy memories of that time of my life.

Eli

By yoyoshep (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 07:48 pm:

I just want to take this to thank Mr. Bobby Eli for his time and for all the great responses to the many many questions that people have asked in this discussion forum. It is indeed a pleasure to read this forum and Mr. Eli you have added a tremendous amount of knowledge in your answers. Thank you very much and please continue.

By Eli (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 07:57 pm:

Yoyoshep, et al,
It is my pleasure indeed to share my recollections and anecdotes.
If you go to "archives old" look under the threads entitled studio stories and you will definitely have a chuckle or two(or three, capice??)

By dvdmike (12.84.8.31) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 10:35 pm:

The Burning Spear on 55th & State was the former home of the Club DeLisa, which was the hottest club on the South Side in the '40s & '50s. Many of the top entertainers of the day either performed or partied there.

By dvdmike (12.84.8.31) on Saturday, December 28, 2002 - 10:37 pm:

Oh, in the early '70s when I was in high school, I saw Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and Billy Paul (at different times) at The High Chapparal on 78th & Stony Island here in Chicago.

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.58) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 06:13 am:

Bobby,
can you let me know which tracks you were involved with whilst with The Vibrations for the period you spoke about.
I Am a big and long time fan of the vibrations and a mate of mine saw them line in the late 60s saying how superb they were all round on stage.
Tracks I play
cause your mine Epic(10418)
end up crying Okeh (7220)
aint love that way other side to above.
gonna get along without you now Okeh(7249)
keep on keeping on Okeh(7212)
soul a go go Okeh(7257)
surprise party for baby Neptune(28)
All in all a great group(andthensome)
Were they once known as the Marathons and had a disc called peanut butter?
Carlton Fisher-Lead
Dave Govan-Baritone
Don Bradley-Bass
James Johnson-Tenor
Ricky Owens-Lead(falsetto)
Many thanks Bobby.
MEL.

By Eli (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 07:54 am:

Mel,
The only one on the list that I played on was surprise party and all the neptune stuff as well as Love in them the hills/Remember the rain on Okeh. Ricky Owens died about three years ago but his family did not tell me why.
I suspect that it was alcohol related.

BTW-Your highness would be appropriate!!!

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.113) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 09:43 am:

Hey Bobby,
just picked myself up from the floor after laughing at your last sentence.
I was only looking and playing some of the Neptune material the other week.
Theres still a lot I would like to ask you about but will leave it there as I know so many things are flying at you.
Hope to talk to you again Bobby,
Cheers
Mel.
ps
Sorry to hear about Ricky Owens.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 09:44 am:

"Surprise party for baby" is one of those tracks which sounds fresh every time.

A gift.

By dvdmike (12.84.11.29) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 11:19 am:

One of my favorite Bobby Eli arrangements was "Talking To Myself" by Blue Magic. I also liked the version by Major Harris. They really need to release those Blue Magic albums on CD, the Major Harris "Jealousy" LP wouldn't be a bad idea either.

By Eli (205.188.209.38) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 11:50 am:

Mike,

Rhino has a CD called Out of the blue, the best of Blue Magic.It has some of the good stuff even the stuff on Capitol. Unfortunately, Talking to myself does not appear.
I am happy that you like that arrangement, as it was early on in my arranging career. The first string and horn chart that I ever did was on the First Choice album with them sitting on Stan Watson's knee called This little woman written by Carl Fisher and myself.
I wonder if ol' Stan was able to stand up after that photo shoot, capice as Paulie would say!!!

There was a rumour that the Blue Magic stuff was going to be released by Rhino individually.

By dvdmike (12.84.13.224) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 01:58 pm:

I have all the Blue Magic compilations that were released on CD. The Rhino, Mirage and Collectables CDs. I also have the First Choice stuff as well. From the way "Talking To Myself" sounded, I would have sworn you were a seasoned veteran. I never would have thought you were just beginning. But I must admit with all due respect that except for a few cuts, the "Mystic Dragons" LP didn't knock me out too much, even though today it's an old school classic. I wonder if the really early PIR stuff by Gideon Smith, Dick Jensen or the Bunny Sigler/Dee Dee Sharp duet "Conquer The World Together" will ever see the light of day.

By Caleb (64.157.75.79) on Sunday, December 29, 2002 - 04:57 pm:

Bobby,thanks for the info.I've been to many record shows over the last few years trying to find The Fish soundtrack on vinyl.Every dealer I've talked with knows about it but no one has it.They've all told me alot of people ask about it and are looking for it.There's some nice tunes on there("Magic Mona"-Phyllis Hyman amongst others).What about Joe B Jefferson-what is he up to these days?

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.34) on Monday, December 30, 2002 - 03:43 pm:

HI Bobby,

"This Little Woman" - can you remember anything
about Lois Sneed, I think she did the original version (on Capitol). The other side was a version
of the Supremes' "Nothing But Heartaches"

Davie