By Patrick (67.38.8.230) on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 09:18 pm:

Who are some artists that made it to the top, then lost it all? I know Marvin gaye did a few times but the best example is MC Hammer. He had 36 Million dollars and he lost ever cent in a year ot two. Elvis died nearly broke ( I know, hard to believe)

By STUBASS (205.188.209.38) on Friday, February 14, 2003 - 09:59 pm:

ANOTHER "STUBASS" TAKE PATRICK!!!...MANY ARTISTS ACHIEVED SUCCESS WITHOUT THE REALIZATION OF WHAT IT ALL MEANT...AND AS A RESULT...SPENT THEIR MONEY IN UNWISE FASHION AND WITHOUT ANY REGARD TO THE CONCEPT OF DELAYED GRATIFICATION!!!...ONE THING I'VE LEARNED ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS...IT CAN ALL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU BEFORE YOU REALIZE IT...AND SOME ARTISTS TAKE SERIOUSLY THE CONCEPT THAT THEIR FANS WILL ALWAYS BE THEIR FANS...NOT REALIZING WHAT A FICKLE GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH!!!...AND SOME SUCCESSFUL ARTISTS...JUST GET STUCK ON STUPID FOR TOO LONG...BLOWING THEIR MONEY ON DRUGS, WORTHLESS WOMEN (OR MEN IN SOME CASES)...LIVING LARGE, AND ONLY HOPING FOR THEIR NEXT BIG PAYDAY!!!...FORTUNATLY...MANY ARTISTS TODAY...AND EVEN IN THE PAST, RECOGNIZED THE NEED TO MANAGE THEIR MONEY PROPERLY...FOUND COMPETENT PEOPLE TO ASSIST THEM IN DOING THAT...AND DIDN'T TRY TO SHOVE PERU UP THEIR NOSE IN ONE SITTING!!!...THAT TYPE OF THINKING CERTAINLY GIVES ONE MANY MORE OPTIONS AS AGE BEGINS TO BECOME A FACTOR!!!...STU

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 10:00 am:

THE GREAT DAVID RUFFIN,IT IS SAID THAT HE HAD A MONEYBELT WITH FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ON HIM BUT WHEN HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL THE MONEYBELT WAS GONE,MICHAEL JACKSON PAID FOR HIS FUNERAL,ALSO DEE CLARK FELL ON HARD TIMES AFTER HIS RUN OF HITS.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.8) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 10:13 am:

I don't think I'd mind being as "nearly broke" as Elvis. I'll take Graceland and put up with the hardship ;o)

By STUBASS (64.12.106.37) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 10:57 am:

HEY GUYS: LETS NOT FORGET ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS TO GO FROM THE" PENTHOUSE" TO THE "OUTHOUSE"...NOT UNDERSTANDING, AND FAILING TO PAY YOUR OBLIGATIONS TO GOOD OLD "UNCLE SAM"!!!...MANY ARTISTS...AS WELL AS ATHLETES I'VE KNOWN...RECIEVE MONEY IN SOME UNUSUAL WAYS...MONEY NOT AS PART OF THEIR NORMAL PAYCHECK OR PERFORMANCE FEE...AND UNWISELY ASSUME THAT IT'S "TAX FREE"!!!...SUCH IS NOT THE CASE, AND THE GOVERNMENT TAKES CUTS IN LINE TO GET THEIRS!!!...THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF THIS...BUT SAMMY DAVIS JR. AND JOE LOUIS ARE THE CLASSIC CASES!!!...GUYS WHO DID MUCH FOR THEIR COUNTRY...THEN FIND THEMSELVES WITH A HUGE TAX BILL THAT THEY CANT PAY!!!...I THINK THAT ISAAC HAYES ALSO WAS FACED WITH A SIMILAR DILEMA, AS WERE MANY OTHERS!!!...STU

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 11:00 am:

GOOD POINT STU,ANOTHER NAME ON THAT LIST WOULD BE REDD FOXX.

By Vandelron (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 11:13 am:

I think the aritst in this category who impacted me most was Mary Wells. Its always angered me that the head of 20th Century, I think name of Croft, said"If she was a big enough fool to believe me (about movie deals)then she got what was coming to her." Talk about a sociopath.

By DF (24.168.8.162) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 11:57 am:

In the 1980s, I believe, Henry Mancini's wife formed a organization called The Society of Singers, in order to assist vocalists (particularly those fronting big bands), who fell on hard times. There were cases of singers who could hardly eat daily, didn't get pensions from the musicians unions, and fell into welfare. Does anyone know any more about this? I learned about this on a community access program. Many artists could have (and could) use this organization for help. Peace.

By STUBASS (152.163.206.204) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 12:05 pm:

DF: ACTUALLY...THE GREAT HENRY MANCINI'S DAUGHTER IS QUITE ACTIVE IN THE CAUSE OF WHICH YOU SPEAK...AND IS AN OUTSPOKEN ADVOCATE FOR MUSICIANS AND SINGERS CAUGHT UP IN THIS DILEMA!!!...STU

By douglasm (68.113.15.28) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 12:07 pm:

Stu....
....isn't there a blues society (Bonnie Raitt has something to do with it, I think) that does essentially the same thing?

By Eli (152.163.204.46) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 12:45 pm:

Lee Dorsey was working as an auto mechanic when he died.
Flo Ballard on welfare
Wanda Rogers
Paul Robeson
Billy Holiday
Sonny Till
Karl and Roland Chambers of MFSB
Little Sonny of the Intruders

By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 03:38 pm:

The cases stated here are well documented, but let us not forget that though the general public hears about these huge $$$ contracts & sees an artist at the top of the charts....these contracts often only benefit the label. They
could be working for virtual "chump change" !Yeah...those recoupable expenses and unique accounting practices. If you don't have the "right" people looking out for your best interests and *you* don't sign your own checks, it's easy to live beyond your means because you DON'T KNOW YOUR MEANS.

My cousin was VP of Hammer's "Bust It" Records...and (according to him) Hammer's rapid decline can be attributed to two major points: Too much too fast and his huge entourage....the people from his neighborhood he was trying to employ (even if they brought nothing to the table). Truly a worthwhile cause.....but not one he could afford long term.

By douglasm (68.113.15.28) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 03:40 pm:

I keep wanting to add Arthur Alexander to this list, but I'm just not sure. Would he qualify, or was he just unlucky?

By Nikki (24.46.200.124) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 04:48 pm:

Maybe not really so famous, but Gerald Gregory (Spaniels bass) whom I think to be one of the best bassmen of ALL times, died penniless! From what I understand, there was NO $$$$ for a proper buriel & head stone! Ronnie I (UGHA founder/president) raised money thru his members to buy a head stone for his grave! Gerald has given us so much good music and many awesome bass leads, that he shouldn't go forgotten

Nikki

By Sue (152.163.207.59) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 06:03 pm:

I believe Bonnie Raitt's work is with the Rhythm & Blues Foundation. They will pony up for rent, etc., if they find out someone's having trouble.

Lee Dorsey -- the Clash had him open their U.S. tour in gosh, '79 or '80?

I was following the Clash around for a story and got to take part in a late night singalong with the band and Lee D. at the now-departed Sheraton Southfield. Bless Lee, and Joe Strummer for getting him a great gig.

There is also now the Gwen Gordy Foundation for musicians connected with Motown or Universal who are in need ...

Of course if life were fair they all should be comfortable in their older years already ...

By fayette (64.12.102.27) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 06:10 pm:

maybe they rely too much on others to handle
their business. not keeping up with what they make or not investing

By Mark Speck (65.56.223.233) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 08:28 pm:

Re Lee Dorsey: I believe he was working as a body repair man even while he was a recording artist.

Re Arthur Alexander: I don't think it was that he'd fallen on hard times. He'd quietly slipped out of the music business and came up here to Cleveland, where he drove a school bus for special needs kids. He was rediscovered just prior to his death and signed to Elektra/Nonesuch, who were then tracking down cult heroes and cutting new music with them. Arthur cut his comeback album, "Lonely Just Like Me", but sadly passed away shortly after the release of the record.

Does Joey Dee still have that foundation to help the singers of the '50s and '60s who need assistance?

Best,

Mark

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 08:59 pm:

Another sad commentary in this stark chapter, involved the eventual passing of JACKIE WILSON.

This (destitute) legendary R&B 'great' was interned, was buried without any headstone, let alone not even a marker was found over his grave, for many, many years.

And as I remember it now, I believe a radio DJ, in Florida (and this was many years after Jackie's internment) had heard of this 'derelect'(and of this outrageous) grave 'desolation'.

As I recall having read (somewhere), the particular DJ in question then went on the air for many days, and 'begged' of the public for the necessary cash needed to buy a permanent grave marker that was never there, for Jackie Wilson's grave.

Was this story correct? And can anyone shed more light on this story as well?

Jackie Wilson is interned at Westlawn Cemetary, in Westland, Michigan.

The public can view the WILSON grave-marker there, or go online, for a quick view of the JACKIE WILSON headstone at the link below:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/famousSearch.cgi?FSfirstname=jackie&FSlastname=wilson

Upon completion of view, the public is encouraged to leave of their own personal sentiments, or expressions, if they so desire.

Therein, you'll find a small 'inserted box' on the right side of the page that will read:
"Leave a flower and note for this famous person"

I've viewed, the many expressed (and beautiful) comments and condolences, left by so many people who had 'visited' the graves (on this website) of other R&B 'greats' as well,
such as those of DAVID RUFFIN; FLORENCE BALLARD; SAM COOKE; JUNIOR WALKER; MARY WELLS, etc., and, of many others who have passed on, to name a few such as BUDDY HOLLY and RITCHIE VALENS, so forth, and so on.

Again, the website is:
http://www.findagrave.com
Sadly, they are gone... but they will never, ever be forgotten.

By Jim Feliciano in Detroit. (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 09:25 pm:

More on JACKIE WILSON....
Here's just one of many, many links found... The Jackie Wilson Page:

http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Jackie%20Wilson.html

By Fred (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 10:49 pm:

I've worked with several of the organizations mentioned in this thread and thought I could fill in some of the blanks.

The Society of Singers (S.O.S.) was founded in 1984 by Ginny Mancini, one of the most gracious and tireless people I have been honored to meet. They raise money through memberships, donations and charity events, primarily the Ella Award dinner every spring. Membership is open to anyone who has made their primary income as a professional singer for five years or more. It essentially started as a big band singer group but has expanded to include all genres. Their main project for a number of years has been the construction of a retirement home in Las Vegas, but they also have funds available for singers in dire emergencies. They do a good job, and because of their very active and visible board, are very influential in California.

Joey Dee's organization, The Foundation For The Love of Rock and Roll is essentially just Joey these days. He has plans for a retirement home/hospice in Massachusetts, but little has been done to raise money for the project in ten years or more.

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation grew out of the Atlantic 40th Anniversary Concert when then-current Atlantic performers met veterans like Ruth Brown, Lavern Baker, Sam Moore and others who explained how badly the label had done in meeting their royalty obligations. An impromptu "strike" was averted when Ahmet Ertegun agreed to contribute $2 million to fund a foundation primarily to resolve old royalty problems and see to the needs of the older artists. Ertegun also got Warner Brothers to pledge $2 million, but they subsequently welched.

The initial Board of Directors included Ruth Brown, Bonnie Raitt and Dave Marsh. Unfortunately, the board also included representatives from all the major labels, who effectively thwarted any organized effort at royalty reform, although Atlantic did subsequently raise all their catalog artists to a 10% rate and wipe out a number of debit balances (it was hard to believe they claimed that after 40 years with the label with all her recordings still in print that Lavern Baker still supposedly owed them over $40,000, but that's what they claimed.)

Increasing frustration with the inability to "set the record straight" led a number of the artist advocates to resign from the Board, although Bonnie remains active. The Foundation has become a way for record executives to show they "love the music" while ignoring the artists who made it, and who made them rich.

Over the past 15 years, the Foundation has been dogged by poor financial management. Besides Warner Brothers backing out on their promise, there has been little funding coming from the labels. The money that has come in, like the Gwendolyn Gordy and Universal funds, are earmarked for specific groups of performers. This set up was necessary to keep the Foundation from using those funds to pay their ongoing expenses.

The annual RnB Pioneer Awards dinner, usually held during Grammy week, was intended to be their main fund raiser, but consistently loses money.

The RnB Foundation has two general funds. The Pioneer Award was intended to recognize artists who had made substantial contributions to American culture, but because it also carried a $10,000 stipend ($20,000 for groups) it was also intended as a dignified way to get money to artists in need. Unfortunately, the Foundation decided that they had to give awards (and a stipend) to big names in order to get a crowd at the dinner, so some artists, like Smokey Robinson and Ashford & Simpson, who are not desperate for cash, have been recent winners.

Weirdest Pioneer Award incident - In 1995, Fats Domino refused to come onstage to accept the award because it was not in cash.

The other RnB Foundation fund is the Doc Pomus Emergency Fund, named after the RnB songwriter who was an original board member until his death. The Pomus Fund makes smaller emergency grants to artists for everything from a pair of shoes to a suit of stage clothes to a new sax to a headstone. I have heard the Pomus Fund is almost broke itself these days.

Yes, there are the Hammers and the others like him who went through the money they got without a thought for tomorrow, or were cheated by managers or just made bad decisions, and it is a rare artist who started saving for a rainy day right from the start, but many more played the game with the deck stacked against them.

All these groups, and the others like them, are noble efforts to correct decades of ill treatment of artists by their labels. To a great degree, if the labels had kept their contractual promises, many of these artists would not need the charity.

As music fans, we have all seen performances of artists who should not be working because of age or illness and who should be comfortably retired. A lot of them would be out there whatever their financial situation is, simply because they live to perform, but I truly wish it was a matter of choice and not necessity. As it is, we can still see a lot of veteran performers singing for their supper because somebody else ate their lunch.

By stephanie (199.183.163.198) on Saturday, February 15, 2003 - 11:23 pm:

My cousin was VP of Hammer's "Bust It" Records...and (according to him) Hammer's rapid decline can be attributed to two major points: Too much too fast and his huge entourage....the people from his neighborhood he was trying to employ (even if they brought nothing to the table). Truly a worthwhile cause.....but not one he could afford long term. >>>>>

Im glad you said this I am so upset with the people that talked bad about Hammer and they said that he made them work 14 hour days. HE took them off of the streets and gave them a job when they didnt have anything and he went back to help his own which few people do!!!! I dont think Hammer is out and out BROKE but he himself admitted he was spending too much money and didnt really keep track of things. I NEVER heard Hammer blame anyone else for what happened to him other than bad management. I know we cant save the world but when it comes to the RandB and Rock and Roll greats there is enough money floating around out here for these folks to get a decent grave or have a couple of thousand in the last years of their life.
Steph

By TonyRussi (68.18.34.90) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 08:47 am:

Hey Vandelron, I always thought Morty Craft was trying to make himself look like a real big shot that he fooled Mary Wells by not putting the movie deal in writing.Being close to Ms. Wells for 25 years before her death,she says that movies were never discussed and to me & my brother she said "Ya'll know I don't care nothing about being a movie star." She did have a lot of business people take advantage of her.

By Vandelron (152.163.207.203) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 11:25 am:

Thanks for input per Mary. He sounded like a mean idiot! I read that Mary had started an autobiography before her death. I guess she didnt finish it in time.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.8) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 11:43 am:

"I'd come in off the road and do a little body and fender work in shops around town to make some extra money. See - I went through a few bucks. I never had any trouble getting body and fender work. I had the tools and I knew the work. I love it. I never knew if I was a better body-and-fender man or a vocalist."

Lee Dorsey, interviewed by Jeff Hannusch.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 12:08 pm:

Tony & Vandelron:
I knew Morty Craft personally through my work here in NYC. Whenever he would talk about the "great work he did" in the industry (granted he produced his share of hits for the Halos ["Nag"] & Connie Francis) I would bring up his signing of Mary Wells to 20th Century-Fox and, all of a sudden, he would become silent. When I asked him why he was quiet, he said "Oh, nothing - just thinking."

Go figure.

As for artists who were ripped off, my list would sadly be too long.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By TonyRuss (68.18.34.90) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 12:28 pm:

Hey Kevin,that's interesting about Morty Craft being also connected to Connie Francis.When Mary Wells left Motown ,George Scheck became her manager.The only other artist he managed was Connie Francis.George Scheck was not hurting for money.He really only answered the phone for bookings for Mary and often overbooked her with gigs she knew nothing about...until she was sued for not showing up.She said she did not really know how he became her manager.Some really shady areas in her story about leaving Motown getting involved with 20th Century & George Scheck.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 01:02 pm:

Tony:
Morty was a producer for MGM Records in the 1950s and had worked on Connie Francis' recordings until he was fired for allegedly being caught "chasing Connie around his desk" by her father.

Again, go figure.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 02:16 pm:

Are we talking about Morty Craft or Morty Croft of the early 1960s Warwick records,or are they the same person?

By STUBASS (152.163.195.198) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 02:27 pm:

JUST A TAKE: WORKING IN THE AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP BUSINESS FOR THE PAST NEARLY 20 YEARS IN LOS ANGELES...I HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH MANY FAMOUS PEOPLE IN THAT CAPACITY!!!...PART OF MY JOB IS TO DECIDE WHETHER AND HOW TO "ROLL" A CAR WITH THE PERSONS FINANCING YET UNSECURED!!!...YOU ALL WOULD BE AMAZED AT THE CREDIT REPORTS OF SOME OF THE STARS WE TALK ABOUT HERE...AS WELL AS OTHER FAMOUS PEOPLE (NO...I WILL *NOT* MENTION NAMES ON THIS FORUM)...BUT BELIEVE ME...YOU WOULD BE QUITE SURPRISED AT SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO IT SEEMS NEVER PAID A BILL ON TIME IN THEIR LIVES...DESPITE HIT RECORD CAREERS AND ONE TIME SUCCESSFUL TV AND MOVIE CAREERS!!!...I'M CERTAINLY NOT TALKING ABOUT EVERYONE THAT I'VE COME INTO CONTACT WITH...OR EVEN THE MAJORITY...BUT SOME OF THE NAMES WOULD SURPRISE MANY OF YOU...BUT I'M KEEPING MY MOUTH SHUT...PROFESSIONAL ETHICS!!!...STU

By Scratcher (65.134.147.143) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 03:02 pm:

STU, I sold cars at at Porsche/Audi dealership so I know what you speak is true. People you think would be ok had terrible credit. The experience salesmen know this beforehand and avoided them like the plague unless they played professional sports.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 03:44 pm:

Lynn:
Yes, this is the same Morty Craft of Warwick Records.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Ritchie (62.254.0.8) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 03:45 pm:

I won't mention her by name, but back in the seventies I was working on a play with a very famous British actress. After rehearsals one day she invited me and my assistant out to dinner at a new restaurant she'd heard about. It did not bode well for the meal when, perusing the menu, she grunted, "humph! This is bloody expensive!" My assistant gave me a worried look. We carefully chose the cheapest dishes we could find. Our hostess insisted we had wine - the house plonk of course.

We "enjoyed" an excellent meal, though the conversation was a little forced. When it came to the dessert, the trouble began. "She" shovelled down three-quarters of her lemon sorbet, and pushing the dish away, called the waiter, and asked for the bill.

When it arrived she demanded to see the manager. "I'm not paying this!" she cried. "It's the worst meal I've ever had... Don't you know who I am?" The manager spluttered apologies. "I've performed before royalty, you know!" she bellowed, as he cowered. In the end, the hapless manager bowed to the pressure, as the whole restaurant was now gaping, goggle-eyed at our table.

"I do apologise, Miss -----." he cooed. "There will of course be no charge...." I caught the manager's eye while "she" wasn't looking and gave him an apologetic shrug. He nodded back with a look of pained resignation.

The lady could not understand why we were always "busy" each time she extended another invitation to dine out.

By john dixon (63.101.17.207) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 04:33 pm:

c'mon Ritchie, could you ,like, spell her name backwards or in in pig latin?

By Lynn Bruce (65.60.200.153) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 04:56 pm:

KevGo,thanks,I thought as much.He had Warwick when Johnny and the Hurricanes were hot in the late fifties& early sixties.After the Hurricanes broke away from Johnny he recorded us under a different name.He seemed nice at the time,invited us to his penthouse for a party,his wife at the time was from Traverse City Michigan, so we got along great. Now I can see why the royalties kind of got stuck in limbo.Maybe he had old Paulie three shoes driving the truck with the royalty checks. lol
Lynn

By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 05:21 pm:

Yeah Stu....I'm in the same business (FnI Guy in the 'L.A. 'burbs)) and I've witnessed the same thing. I was once shocked...but not anymore by "stars of stage and screen" that as my Granny would say "Don't have a pot to p*## in or a window to throw it out" and never even bothered to pay attention (let alone a creditor). On the up side...I did meet a well known Italian actress from the 60's...and she was probably more beautiful 30+ years later than I ever thought she was in her heyday....(LOL) (Oh...she was quite "liquid" and financially stable !)

BTW Stu...isn't it fun trying to get employees of The Spearmint Rhino, Fritz (That's It), etc. down ?? LOL, LOL

By Leoscasino (66.72.206.120) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 05:23 pm:

What about Jr. Walker. Died alone in a trailer park. Jerry Butler, who was president of the Blues Foundation at the time, got the money from the foundation to bury him.

By Scratcher (65.134.147.163) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 05:26 pm:

Correction Leoscasino, Jr. Walker lived in a trailer behind his sister's house on her property and not in a trailer park.

By Scratcher (65.134.147.163) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 05:27 pm:

I meant his daughter's house not his sister.

By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 05:40 pm:

1WICKED: FOR SOME REASON..."THOSE" ARE ALWAYS EASY TO GET DOWN...THERE'S ALWAYS A "SUGAR DADDY" SOMEWHERE IN THE WINGS!!!...YOU AND I *BOTH* KNOW A CERTAIN NISSAN DEALER WHO WILL SPONSOR ANY DANCER WHO NEEDS A CAR!!!...IF YOU CAN...E-MAIL ME AT STUM360@AOL.COM AND LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU WORK!!!...STU

By STUBASS (206.135.204.2) on Monday, February 17, 2003 - 05:44 pm:

SCRATCHER: ISN'T IT FUNNY...THERES ALWAYS A HIGH DRAFT CHOICE WHO COMES WALKING INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WILL GLADLY PAY 20 GRAND OVER STICKER FOR THE HOTTEST NEW PRODUCT ON THE MARKET!!!...YOU CALL THE BANK...AND THEY TELL YOU TO GIVE HIM *ANYTHING* HE WANTS!!!...WE NEED THOSE EVERY ONCE AND AWHILE!!!...STU

By douglasm (68.113.15.28) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 10:32 am:

Which is the nice part of working in a convenience store. I don't have to run a credit check on a chicken breast and a half rack of Bud.

By cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 11:18 am:

Patrick:

An even a sadder story are the people who worked their asses off and never received the money they should have due to bad contracts and basic stealing by the record companies, managers etc. Of course there are people like Hammer who had millions and lost it all, but there also many other people like Cindy Birdsong who at the height of her success with the Supremes was paid about $1800.00 a month. Due to Motown's royalty distribution she received less than in royalties. So, when the music ended she struggled mightily, even working as a nurse's aide. The lady has survived through the help and love of friends (including the much bashed Diana Ross). There are many people in the industry who are struggling like this who were once part of great vocal groups.

By Scratcher (65.132.78.63) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 11:55 am:

Someone spotted Little Eva in a rib job in SC working as a short order cook. Eddie Kendricks worked at an airport in Birmingham for years. Little Sonny (Intruders) did all types of odd jobs. Patti Hamilton (Lovelites) drives or drove a bus in Chicago.

The acts you seldom hear bad accounts about (and the above examples aren't bad except for Little Eva and Little Sonny) are those who worked 9 to 5 jobs (unbeknown to most) during their recording artist/entertaining careers and afterwards. But even they complain about not receiving statements or royalties from the many CD reissues of their work.

By 1wicked (64.32.154.94) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 12:31 pm:

Maybe not Douglasm...but if the price of "Ethyl" keeps goin' up, they'll be takin' apps for a fill up @ the local service stations....

By Tony Russi (68.18.34.90) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 12:54 pm:

Little Eva (Eva Boyd) is a real nice,down home person.I met her about 12 yrs ago when she did a TV show at the late WolfMan Jacks and at that time she said she was working part time at a Bar B Que place in her hometown of Kinston,N.C. She didn't harbour any resentment.She sang and sounded just like her records!Don Kirshner gave her an rhinstone necklace & matching ear rings when Locomotion hit#1 and the Goffins gave her luggage!She had recorded some gospel music within the past few years and my brother saw her & hung out with her when she played a casino in Atlantic City a few years ago with our friend Dee Dee Sharp.

By Scratcher (65.134.147.199) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 02:16 pm:

Thanks for verifying the Bar-B-Que gig, Tony. I still I find it odd an artist with the recording history of Little Eva, which includes two smashes: "Let's Turkey Trot" and "Locomotion" has to resort to short order cooking in a rib joint...even on a part-time basis. I wonder if she still has the rhinestone jewelry and luggage after 40 years?

By TonyRussi (68.18.34.90) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 02:31 pm:

Hey Scratcher, can you beleive it she said she still had the rhinestones!Actually she had 3 big hits..."Keep Your Hands off My Baby" reached #12 on the pop charts and R&B top 10, that was the follow-up to "Locomotion".Evas' voice can really be heard on the Cookies "Chains" and she hadan uncredited duet with Big Dee Irwin top 40 "Swingin On a Star."

By Scratcher (65.134.147.199) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 02:43 pm:

That's what I'm talking about Tony. Little Eva working as a short order cook doesn't sit any better with me than Cindy Birdsong working as a nurse aid, but you do what you have to do.

By cleoharvey (160.79.83.208) on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 04:08 pm:

Scratcher:

You are right my friend. At least Little Eva and Cindy Birdsong are alive and healthy! You cannot plan for God, so who knows what their future holds.
Michael