By rockfan (67.24.157.251) on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 10:57 pm:

I was not lucky enough to see Martha and The Vandellas in person. Did anyone out there see them? I was wondering because I've read where The Andantes sang on a lot of their recordings. Did they sound like their studio recordings?

By TonyRussi (68.18.49.228) on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 08:01 am:

The Andantes did not sing on much of their recordings until after 1966 when it was financially advantageous for Motown to only fly back the lead singer(Martha) to Detroit while the group was on the road.Their personal appearances always drew rave reviews.Per Martha, the group was appearing in Baltimore for several shows and after a late night show, Martha, Rosalind and Annette were flown to Detroit to record many of the songs for the "Heatwave" LP.They were then rushed back to the airport for a flight back to Baltimore to finish the engagement.They had to take some kind of shots to keep their voices from wearing out.Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were always one of the most exciting in-person acts of the 60's.

By 1Motownfan (208.4.27.140) on Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 02:15 pm:

The Vandellas sounded very good live but very early on songs like "darling I Hum our song" and "a tear for the girl, "wild one'" and quite a few more did have additional vocals by the Andantes. Ros and Annette or Ros and Betty were there but they were blended in with the other vocalist.

By shawn1 (65.56.150.171) on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 06:16 pm:

Come Get These Memories is all Vandellas .Most people don't know that Martha is in the background of all those songs.Thats Martha hitting the high notes in the bridge of Heatwave .To really hear Vandellas harmony you should hear their version of "Time Changes Things".Shawn

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 07:22 pm:

I was fortunate to have seen Martha, Annette, and Rosalind, perform live, singing their greatest hits, last summer at the MotorCity Casino.

By stephanie (64.63.221.103) on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 09:21 pm:

I thought that was Roz hitting those high notes thanks Shawnie...
Stephanie

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 10:21 pm:

At least since the 90s Ive been disappointed/somewhat bored with Martha and Vandellas as its more like Martha and 2 backupsingers-on PBS Roslyn and Anette stood behind her to the sides and not one close-up of them-u wouldnt know who they were--and I think they and Betty(and Lois and Sandra) have been superb harmonizers and have stage presence, and some interplay at least would make it much more intersting and exciting.

By motown_david (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 06:51 am:

I have seen Martha Reeves and the Vandellas so many times over the years and I have never been to a show where their performance has been nothing less that brilliant. Of course, Martha is the dominant presence in these shows but the back ups by Rosalind and Annette, Lois and Delphine and even Carolyn Crawford and Karen Pree are absolutely first class. I have to say that I have a particular soft spot for the original Vandellas and their harmonies are particularly good behind Martha.
Perhaps we've been luckier in England than you fans in the States as these are the only combinations of Vandellas that we've seen for the last 15 years or so and Carolyn and Pree were only on one tour.
Ros and Annette deserve their moment in the spotlight as they are so integral to the hit sound that Martha and the Vandellas made to make my life that much brighter.
Big fan of the girls? Bet your life I am!
David.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Saturday, March 29, 2003 - 06:10 pm:

From one motown david to another--when u saw the Vandellas in person did Ros and Anette have more to do?

By motown_david (205.188.209.38) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 04:50 pm:

Yes, they sure did, David.
Martha was and is the centre of attention but the girls had a set patter with her and joked and larked about a lot. Ros did great versions of the Swim and Pony but Annette is much quieter and more content to let her harmonies do the job for her. There are dance routines to every song for the Vandellas that add to the ambience and excitement.
Martha's the star but the Vandellas have their part to play.
The other david who's a Vandellas fan too.
P.S. Martha emailed me to say that there's a chance that she'll be appearing in England in September. I'll be there.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 06:07 pm:

I bet u will b there David. Do Ros and Anette ever have solos? Do u think Betty will ever join?David

By shawn1 (67.74.21.249) on Sunday, March 30, 2003 - 09:28 pm:

No that is is Martha hitting the high notes in Heatwave .I have a concert where she breaks down the harmonies and demonstrates by having Annette do her note then Roz do hers and it is Martha who comes over the top .Martha told me she is on the top note of most of their harmonies but sometimes I hear her in the middle too.Shawn

By StingBeeLee (68.43.129.202) on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 01:50 pm:

I've read in several places that Martha Reeves states that she hired the Vandella's and not Motown. If it's true, why would Motown agree to such an arrangement? Additionally, if they were hired by Martha, did they share in the settlement of royalties that Motown had to pay to them?

By motown_david (152.163.188.68) on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 01:58 pm:

I've never known any Vandella sing a solo at a show that I've ever attended,although Rosalind did sing about 2 lines of Heat Wave when Martha's microphone packed up momentarily.
The only time I've heard Annette and Rosalind sing a song as opposed to back ups was when they did a couple of sides for Ian Levine back in the early 90s.
I've heard Martha talk about Betty but have never heard her say that she might one day become a Vandella again. The only time that I know Betty has sung with them recently was when they were inducted into the R'n'R Hall of Fame (think that was the show).
David.

By shawn1 (65.58.54.106) on Monday, March 31, 2003 - 08:11 pm:

When Motown was in need a singer on the mike when the union came in Martha called her two friends and they did the sesseion when Gordy like what he heard he signed the group but it was always Martha's group and if Martha didn't like what was going on are wasn't gettin along with the ladies they had to go Martha was boss thus that is what Martha means about hiring and firing the GIRLS .They weren't a vocal group like the Supremes were you had three lead singers it's was always with Martha and The Vandellas Martha was lead and that was all their was too it .Shawn ps From what I understand Betty has a hearing loss in one ear which causes her to sing off key so she can't very well do the backgrounds right anymore

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 01:10 pm:

I wonder how Martha automatically became the leader/employer as they originally had another name and Gloria Williams was lead. Im sure Roslyn and Anette and Betty could hold their own and dont see why their evolution(i.e. Martha ONLY front and center--Mary got a lead in Supremes live shows) so different from Supremes and Marvelettes and Velvelletes--any ideas?

By Scratcher (65.132.79.95) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 01:26 pm:

Vandelron when Gloria Williams was in the group she (Williams) was the lead singer. I've always believed that Martha mimicked Williams' style. Williams led the first version of "There He Is At My Door," but if you didn't know that, you would think it was Martha.

By shawn1 (67.74.23.85) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 11:49 pm:

I don't hear any likeness to Gloria's lead except Martha matched her fire but when Gloria was lead they were not Martha and The Vandellas they were the Del-Phis.Shawn

By RD (63.188.32.64) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 12:57 am:

Shawn, if I may jump in here, they recorded a couple of sides with Gloria Williams on Melody (a Motown label) as the Vells. If nobody had told me about Gloria William being in the group, I would have swore the lead singer was Martha. Gloria led both sides.

By Promises Kept (12.227.139.195) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 09:56 am:

I have to admit RD, that I was also fooled when I heard those early sides. Gloria and Martha sounded quite similar on those early recordings.

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.125) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 10:13 am:

Gloria did not posess the determination nor the natuarl charisma of Martha Reeves.It was apparent to Berry Gordy and William Stevenson that it was MARTHA who was the "star" of the group.Martha reads music(that was very rare in the early days).The Vandellas(Martha,Rosalind & Annette)had been recording with Marvin Gaye due to Marthas'involvment with all sessions(She was Mickey Stevensons' assisstant).Motown let her pick & choose her Vandellas, she knew what Motown wanted.

By Scratcher (65.132.79.159) on Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 10:38 am:

Tony, Gloria Williams quit singing to do something else for awhile. Her leaving Martha and the others had nothing to do with her talent. She wasn't booted. They had made three records together (no royalties) did some gigs and were still stuck in the mud. It was more parental pressure than anything that persuaded her to get involved in something more traditional than carving out a singing career. When she was with Martha, Annette and Rosalind she was the lead singer. I agree that she lacked the determination (wasn't as serious about singing) but she had the charisma and definitely had the singing skills.

By shawn1 (65.57.26.136) on Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 10:56 pm:

I don't see Gloria and Martha sounding anything alike to me .I thought Gloria was good but Martha blows the roof off .Shawn ps Gordy says from the time he heard Martha sing their was no dispute who was gonna be the lead singer ...

By RD (63.188.32.210) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 01:35 am:

If Gordy said that then why did Gloria lead the two Vells sides, Shawn? Why didn't Billy Davis and Gwen Gordy let Martha sing lead when the Delphis recorded for their Checkmate label? When did Berry say what you said? What's your source? I've never heard that statement before. I don't think you ever heard the Vells' recording, if you had you would see the similarity.

By shawn1 (67.74.16.67) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 10:06 pm:

I have their recordings !I talked to Mr.Gordy on his book tour and we talked about Supremes and Martha and The Vandellas .Berry also knows my Uncle who is a camera man in LA.Like I said Gloria was good but upon hearing Martha sing their was no dispute who was going to lead Martha and The Vandellas while Gloria was with the group Martha was like a second string lead Gloria was already leading before Martha joined the Del-Phis.Shawn

By RD (63.188.33.74) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 11:07 pm:

Could be why Gloria left Shawn. Maybe she didn't want to play second fiddle to Martha. Who knows.

By StingBeeLee (68.43.129.202) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 11:48 pm:

I would find it hard to believe that Motown would tell Martha to choose and pick her other singers. I believe they came in a package together as the other groups did. Why would Berry Gordy ask Martha Reeves, who wasn't far from the beginning of her career, to choose her other singers?

By RD (63.188.33.74) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 11:51 pm:

Yea, why would Berry do that Shawn?

By westwinds (67.24.159.228) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 01:03 am:

I wonder why Martha wouldn't consider recording with the original Vandellas again, as there's such a fan base out there? Since she's doing her own records these days, that seems a possibility. I wish she'd consider it. Most people remember Martha AND the Vandellas. I think Roz and Annette could give some punch to some new stuff!

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.125) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 08:54 am:

Martha, Roz & Annette were the Vandellas.Upon cutting THEIR first single they became Martha & the Vandellas.When Annette's husband didn't want her traveling anymore Martha "found" Betty Kelly cause the Velvelettes weren't doing too much at the time and she was about the size of Annette.I think Martha covers the situation with the Vandellas in her book pretty truthfully. She was/is the boss,she did the hiring/firing/paying etc.

By RD (63.188.32.217) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 09:21 am:

Before Martha, Roz and Annette were the Vandellas on Gordy they were the Vells on Melody (another Motown label) with Gloria Williams. This same lineup was also previously the Delphis on Checkmate Records. When Gloria Williams was around she was always the lead singer. Why didn't Billy Davis and Gwen Gordy, who owned Checkmate Records, think that Martha was so much better than Gloria? Why didn't Berry or anyone else at Motown think she was better when the Vells recorded their single at Motown? It was only after Gloria Williams left this grouping of girls that Martha became the lead singer and then they had to woodshed first as background singers first. I do agree that when they became Martha & the Vandellas that Martha was in complete control, infact, she might have been the only one actually signed to a recording contract with Motown. Annette and Roz possibly were only signed to management contracts. This is not a knock on Martha just trying to get the history straight.

By TonyRussi (68.210.2.125) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 09:40 am:

The Delphis & The Vells were Gloria Williams'groups.Martha came in and sang with them but Martha had been singing solo when approached by Mickey Stevenson before she went down to Hitsville and started helping out in the A&R Dept.Then when they needed some backgrounds Martha called Annette and Rosalind to come down.They almost became Marvin Gaye & the Vandellas.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 09:53 pm:

I still see something missing. It seems there could b more to the story. Berry didnt give that kind of control to David Ruffin or Levi Stubbs. Why was Martha different?

By rozzie43 (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:02 am:

Hi I have just found out about this site and I find it very intresting, by the way my name is Rosalind Holmes of the original Vandellas. I find some of your questions to be untrue. First lets set this record straight, give credit where credit is due. I sang the high notes on all our recordings not Martha, also on the live preformances. There are also a lot of other things discussed that are not true. Gloria was always the lead singer, Martha only became the lead singer because Gloria left the group because of not wanting to put her job in jepordy. Once she left Martha became the lead. We Annette and I wew not employed by Martha, I started this group
Martha came into our group. We all signed contracts with motown as a group not as employees of Marthas. We all get royalties from the recordings, most all of our recordingd we the Vandellas sang on without the help of anyone else.
There are a few recordings which there are other voices on, but I can get into that at another time.
As I said there are still a whole lot of issues that was discussed that are not true. Gloris was a big part of our group she tought Annette and myself how to harmonize and do it right, along with my music teacher while in High school.
There are a lot of things said that need to be set straight. When it comes to giving credit I fell sometimes we the Vandellas don't get much of
it. I am not being bitter or anything but I fell after putting so many years of our time into being on the road and preforming we as a group should be recgonized. When we started out years ago we were always a group, we were a group when we went to Motown. We were not hired by Martha as background singers. There is so much more I want to say in amswer to some of the conversations I was reading but I don't have the time right now but would love to finish this later. I am sure Annette would also have some input. Thank you.

By Scratcher (65.133.219.15) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:06 am:

Hi Roz,

That rumor that the Vandellas were not signed by Motown and paid out-of-pocket by Martha has been circulating for years, glad you cleared that up. I always believed that Gloria Williams was a big part of the group and that Martha became the lead singer by default when she left. As another poster said, did Martha also emulate Gloria's singing style?

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:21 am:

Roz,
A very warm welcome to Soulful Detroit. We are extremely honored to have you here. Many thanks for setting the record straight. Please stay with us.

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:29 am:

WOW,TALK ABOUT SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT,FROM MS ROZ HERSELF!WOW!!!

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 12:26 pm:

Wow--so great to hear from u Roz. I felt you and Anette and Betty have been sensational on record and wish we heard some solos from u. Do u ever sing solos in your shows?I think the background vocals on Heat Wave are THE best on any record record-ever. Thanks for telling it like it is! - and keep telling us.

By Vickie (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 12:37 pm:

Thank you, thank you Roz,
what you are saying is what I sift through with Tammi Terrell's Book..
once it's out there it's very hard to change that dang rumor mill..
I am glad you are here and very happy that you posted here..
I hope you come back and talk with us more..
You are a legend and loved here by many..
Setting the record straight is so very important..
Welcome and Thank you for talking here with us..

Please, Please, come back

Vickie

By Scratcher (65.132.76.98) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 12:43 pm:

I think the rumor got started after Annette than Roz left the group and Martha brought in new Vandellas. Roz, is it possible that the Vandellas, after you left the group, were indeed employees of Martha Reeves and not Motown?

By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 12:48 pm:

ROZZIE: THANKS FOR THE INFO AND FOR SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT!!!...THE VANDELLAS ARE AND REMAIN THE FAVORITE FEMALE MOTOWN VOCAL GROUP OF MANY MANY MUSIC FANS...AND MANY OF YOUR RECORDINGS...PARTICULARLY THE MATERIAL FROM THE MID-60'S...*IS* THE MOTOWN SOUND!!!...I HOPE THAT YOU ALL ARE RECIEVING A FAIR SHARE OF THE ROYALTY PIE...AS YOU DEFINITLY DESERVE!!!...STUBASS

By motown_david (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 02:26 pm:

Hi Scratcher,
I was interested that you said that Gloria made 3 records with the group and yet I only know of 2. There's the Del Fis "I'll Let You Know" on Checker and The Vells "There He Is (At My Door)" on Melody but what was the third? I do have several records where the Del Fis perform backing vocals for other artistes (JJ Barnes,Mike Hanks and Lee Allen).
I'm anxious to know because I'd like to search for it as I'm a huge fan of Martha, Ros, Annette and Gloria.
Best wishes,
David.

By Marvel (65.42.94.247) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 02:41 pm:

The other was "You'll Never Cherished A Love So true"(until you lose it)

By Scratcher (65.132.78.147) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 03:31 pm:

"You'll Never Cherished a Love So True..." was the flip of "There He Is (At My Door)," the Vells' Melody single.

"I'll Let You Know" b/w "It Takes Two" also dropped on Checkmate Records (the Delphis).

I believe "Worthless Love" (Mah Records) was Gloria, Martha, Roz and Annette. If so, it came out before the Checkmate/Checker single.

Another Delphis recording on Cadette "No More" b/w "The Magic of Your Love" (1962) is often linked to them but I think it's a different group. Correct me if I've wrong Roz.

By Kegtapper (65.58.39.150) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 03:48 pm:

Hi All-

If I am too late let me know... Because Martha 'hired' the Vandellas is that why they had also recorded with Saundra Mallet on SOUL 35010 -"Never Say No To Your Baby"

Were there any publicity pic's of Saundra Mallet & The Vandellas.

I wish I had listened more closely as a child, to what my Detroit relatives were talking about.

EC Mayo
[aka Kegtapper]

By Stephanie (64.63.221.56) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:10 pm:

You go Roz!!! I want to hear from you and Annette
and what your favorite records were and what record do you feel should have made it and didnt.
I always felt that Wild One should have charted much higher.....my brother loves your voice by the way.
Steph

By RD (63.188.33.169) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:28 pm:

Roz, thanks for the Gloria Williams input. When I heard the Vells recording I just knew it was Martha singing lead. From magazines I knew the Vandellas were previously the Vells. I was flabbergasted to learn years later that the lead voice was not Martha but some lady name Gloria Williams...from that moment on I knew where Martha copped her styled from.

My favorite Vandellas' record--"A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knocking Everyday)," which was huge in black communities.

By Kegtapper (63.208.186.125) on Saturday, April 12, 2003 - 11:34 pm:

Disregard previous POST...

Sorry...Lost and confused..and apologies to ROZ got things twisted.

Just one question- did the group realize how many teenage boys used to dream about the Marvelettes singing to them??

By motown_david (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 12:07 pm:

Can anyone provide me with information about the Mahs label and/or a scan of the label of the Del Fis "Worthless Love"? I'd also love to know what the b side of the record is.
Many thanks,
David.

By RD (63.188.32.18) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 12:27 pm:

Mah' was Mike Hanks label.

By Scratcher (65.132.79.141) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 04:23 pm:

MotownDavid: There's appear to be some lost or uncataloged releases in Mah's discography. The Delphis' single was supposedly either 101, 1001 or both. Mah's numbering system started from 0001 to 00015 than changed to 1014 for one Mike Hanks' release before jumping to 1037, 1037A and 1038 for three Magictones releases.

It may have been scheduled for release and pulled back or came out and quickly abandoned. Artists sometimes don't know of their releases. A small Detroit label lists a single by Cornelius Grant & Group (ex Temptations guitarist) that he never knew came out; he remembers the label's owner and writing and recording the song but not of its release.

By TonyRussi (68.18.50.144) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 12:42 pm:

Hey Roz, Thanks for coming on here.We miss you & Annette.I Haven't seen you since a concert in Ft. Lauderdale.I know you have a lot of pix.You should write your book.I know that you & Annette & then you & Betty & Lois sang on all the records.I think Martha meant that after you left is when Motown basically turned over the administration of the group to her.Hopefully I will get up to Detroit May22nd & get to see you that weekend.We have a pix of you holding my neice on your lap backstage at a show in Sarasota Florida about 1990.Hope you're happy & healthy.

By acooolcat (210.200.105.243) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 10:11 pm:

Scratcher
The Cornelius Grant (and The Blenders) 45 came out on a label owned by James Hendrix - in 1981 - called Carrie. But it's obviously a very early 60's recording - Do you know if it was also released at the time?
I've never heard of a MAH'S releases/recording called "Worthless Love" either. One MAH'S label release that I have which credits the Del-Fi's is "When True Love Comes To Be."
The flip is an instrumental called "The Hawk" - MAH'S label number 000.3

Graham

By Scratcher (65.132.79.253) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 10:28 pm:

Graham, Cornelius doesn't remember the record coming out either. You're right, it was credited to Cornelius Grant & the Blenders, CG remembers recording it but doesn't remember its release. But this isn't unusual, what actually does releasing a record mean? You're making it available for sale and hopefully sending out promo copies. If nothing happens few people even know the record was "released," sometimes even the artist. CG also said James Hendrix was an older guy at the time, so he's probably deceased now.

Don't get me lying about the Del-Fi's and "Worthless Love." I saw it in a couple of Vandellas' discographies and passed it on. Never seen a copy, never heard it. It's a shame you can't believe much of what you read in these reference books anymore. Where (no names) did they get that info from in the first place?

But, it could be true, I don't think all of Mah's releases have been uncovered. Maybe it was a demo or a DJ copy that left the DJ's cold and it was aborted.

By acooolcat (210.200.105.243) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 02:58 am:

Scratcher,
The Blenders were actually The Arabians and you're right - James Hendrix is dead.
I hope you don't think I'm saying you're a liar - that's absolutely not the case. It's just that I like to see proof of a 45 before I believe it really exists. Call me skeptical.
I think The Del-Fi's are credited on another Kable label 45 by Leon Peterson, called "Together Just We Two / Silver and Gold."
Graham

By motown_david (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 02:17 pm:

I emailed a certain lady who should know and she is adamant that the only Del Fis 45 to have been issued is the one on Check-Mate.
She has no recollection of the song or of the recording session for Mah, so maybe that one can be laid to rest.
David.

By TonyRussi (68.18.50.144) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 02:48 pm:

I think the storys about the Andantes singing on Vandellas' records started after the release of the double CD "LIVE-WIRE" the singles as in the booklet it would list a song & then have "additional background vocals The Andantes" & most of those songs were just the Vandellas.

By Scratcher (65.133.219.143) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 02:58 pm:

Motown David, you should relate that info to the writers of Soul Harmony singles that list it as a single on Mahs. Maybe you can ask them where they got the info from. I'm sure they didn't just didn't dream it up one day. It's also listed elsewhere but I can't remember where right now.

Motown did a whole album on Linda Griner, I had a promo or DJ copy, but you won't find it on any Motown discography as being "released." Yet, I got my copy from a guy who got it from a radio station. Smokey produced the album. It appears they were going to release it then held back. Maybe this is what happened to the Del Fi's record on Mah's. But I wouldn't just dismiss it out-of-hand as Mah's and D-Town Records both have holes in their catalog numbers.

By Scratcher (65.133.219.143) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 03:21 pm:

Below is a paste from a Japanese Website.

MAH'S
0002 BILLY KENT & THE ANDANTES TAKE ALL OF ME / YOUR LOVE (61) [-]
0003 MIKE HANKS & THE DEL FI'S WHEN TRUE LOVE COMES TO BE / THE HAWK (61) [-]
0004 MIKE HANKS & THE DEL PHIS I THINK ABOUT YOU / PART 2 (61) [-]
1001 THE DEL FI'S WORTHLESS LOVE / [-]
1037 THE MAGIC TONES TOGETHER, WE SHALL OVERCOME / FUN TO BE YOUNG (68) [B]
1037 THE MAGIC TONES TOGETHER, WE SHALL OVERCOME / IT'S BETTER TO LOVE (68) [C]
1038 THE MAGIC TONES THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN LOVE / LET'S LET OUR LOVE ROLL ON (68) [C]

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 03:23 pm:

Where is C. Grant now? I first remember him
playing for Mary Wells.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 05:50 pm:

Two more from Graham

By stephanie (64.63.221.236) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 06:10 pm:

Where the heck do you guys get these records to scan? They are so rare!!!! Do you all live in museums or something.....?.....LOL I wish I had it I would live there..
Stephanie

By tyrone (192.128.166.68) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:51 pm:

Ms Holmes,
Thanks very much for joining this board. Do you have any plans in the near future to write a book, to tell your versions of what life was like in Detroit back in the 50's & 60's, Motown, Berry Gordy and the other acts, songwriters and producers you worked with. I do hope that Annette and Betty join this board. Speaking of Betty, I recall when I was a teenager, a co-worker of my father was married to a woman named Betty Kelly from Detroit. I asked her if she was Betty from the Vandellas and all she did was smile and tell me no. While asking her this question, anticipation was building, hoping she would say yes so I could ask her all types of questions about Motown.

By motown_david (64.12.97.7) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 01:09 pm:

Wow! Thanks for those label scans. It made me go back to my earlier posting and reread it. It's a little ambiguous and so I'd like to say that one of the Del Fis told me that the only record they had issued under their sole name is the Check-Mate 45. However, they did provide backups for several Motown acts - all of whom have been mentioned in this thread.
I will pursue this matter further because if there is another Del Fi 45 out there, then I must have it!! See how optimistic I am?..
David.

By motown_david. (205.188.209.38) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 02:18 pm:

Hey Mick,
Hope you've found this thread now! There have been a lot of messages tonight and so I'm bumping Martha, Ros and Annette back to the top...where they belong!
David.

By soulnharlem (205.188.209.16) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 07:15 pm:

What a great room...Martha Reeves is one of the definitive female soul voices of our time, but also one who -- for reasons political and personal -- never received the kudos due her. Like other Motown artists, she has great recordings in the vaults (many that could have been big hits), and like many artists of integrity she rubs a lot of folks the wrong way...But, having known her for nearly 30 years and having seen her perform with a variety of musicians in a variety of settings, I can say that this is one great lady.

By shawn1 (67.74.25.30) on Saturday, April 19, 2003 - 08:24 pm:

AMEN !Soulharlem I agree with you Martha is one of the GREATEST female vocalist of our time it's a shame that she has had so many obstacles in her career but something tells me this Lady will endure !HOME TO YOU!Shawn

By John Lester (213.123.135.86) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 06:28 am:

I was talking to Cal Street about Betty Kelley (notice how Cal always spells her best friend's last name)

Cal told me....Betty left the Velvelettes when the Vandellas first visited the UK. Annette's husband was not happy that Annette would have to start traveling overseas and Betty took her place from then on. The Vandellas came to the UK in 1964 and appeared on Ready Steady Go doing Heat Wave and Dancing In The Street. They returned in 1965 with the Temps, Supes, Miracles, Stevie and of course, some of the Funk Brothers

By rozzie43 (152.163.188.68) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 04:08 pm:

Hi Guys, Thanks for all your notes first of all let me apologize for some of my spelling after reading my response I notices some miss spelled
words (shame)
I read some of your questions and I want to try and answer all of them for you..
Scratcher..I don't really think Martha tried to
emulate Gloria to me they don't sound anything alike.

Ralph..Thanks for the welcome there are so many
untruths that really upset myself and Annette. If
myself or Annette can answer any questions you have we will be glad to answer them for you.

Vandelron..No we have not done any solo's truthfully we have never been given the chance to attempt any, I like singing in the background with all the pretty harmony myself. I am not a lead singer and never will be. I was forced into singing by my mother and sister anyway this was never my intentions, I don't know if you have heard the story on how we got started or how the
group got formed, so I will enlighten you on that subject later if you want to know.

Scratcher..Yes it is true after the original Vandellas the others were employed by Martha,
we Martha and myself hired Betty Kelly at first
she was on salary for a while the she eventually became a part of the Vandellas. After Betty left
Lois became a employee and all other girls that followed. The way I heard this story was that all the Vandellas were hired by Martha including Annette and myself, thats why I wanted to set that straight.

David.. I see you got your answer, good looking out you guys, yes it was You'll Never Cheris A Love So True. recorded as the Vells, as a matter of fact I did get my first short solo in that song
I had a small talking part in that song. (smile)

We the Vandellas never preformed on Worthless Love
or No More/The Magic Of Your Love. No thats not us.

We sang background on a song by Labrenda Ben and the Bellgeans called Camel Walk, and we never had any publicity pic's with Saundra Mallet. It was never Sandra Mallet and the Vandellas.

Tyrone.. The thought has come to mind to write a book so many people have asked us and suggested that we do, it may be in the making one day.
Betty Kelly has never been married.

Hopefully I have answered some of your questions
and will be delighted to answer any more if I can.

Another thing I would like to say If you don't already know we had not preformed as the original
group for at least 15 or more years, then maybe
almost ten years ago we got back togeather with
Martha and worked as the original group they were
fun years it was a joy to be back on stage preforming as the original group and hopefully we
can continue. There are times Martha will work with us as the original group and at times she will preform with her sisters, but whatever we are always available. I can't thank you guys enough for being such devoted fans. I will keep in touch.

By motown_david (64.12.97.7) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 04:19 pm:

Ros,
I just want to say thank you for your latest email to this group. I'm so glad that I told you about us.
Yes, of course we all want to know about how the Del Fis got together and you know already that certain of us are putting together a Del Fi's history (smile! Many thanks for the help so far).
Much love as always,
David.

By rozzie43 (205.188.209.109) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 11:44 pm:

Motown David
My mistake, I guess we did record on the MH'S lable. I knew we recorded the song with Mike Hanks but I couldn't remember the lable. Thanks to Graham for the wake up. I'll have to go into my collection and see if I still have those records. roz Vandells

Thanks to accooolcat for the cassette tape.

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58) on Thursday, April 24, 2003 - 11:56 pm:

Hi Rozzie, I'm glad you got the tape... if you look at another thead here you'll see that I'm working on recording CDs (smile).
What tracks sounded famliar to you?
Best wishes,
Graham

By Net43 (12.87.104.15) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:03 am:

Hello!
This is Annette of the "original" Vandella's, and I've just finished scanning your site and find it very interesting.
Like Roz, I find there are a lot of misunderstandings about the "original" Vandellas.
I would like to make some comments, but I will have to do that at another time.
Thanks for keeping The Vandellas alive "on-line"

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:16 am:

Welcome Rozzie (Ros) and Net43 (Annette)!!

By Marv (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:26 am:

To both Rosalind and Annette I love you both and thank you here and now for all of the great music we are still enjoying today!!! Thank you ladies

By Eli (151.197.162.95) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 01:12 am:

Wow!! Two Vandellas in one day!
My little heart cannot take it.
I have been a fan since the Vels and then some.
We all met in Philly at the Uptown in the 20th century, probably with Weldon Arthur Mc Dougal III and on the glorious road when I played with Len Barry before my days as a producer etc.
Good to have y'all aboard
Bobby Eli.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 07:45 am:

Roz & Annette, Its great that you are on this site and can correct alot of the "stories".I have the videos of the performance at Wolfman Jacks club in Orlando when you did the TV show with Mary Wells & Contours.Mary was happy to see you she kept telling me "I can't beleive it I haven't seen them in years" Roz, you had a cast on your ankle from slipping on ice...I think.I hope you both get down here to Fla. soon to perform.

By Common (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 08:49 am:

Wow! A hardy Welcome to Mz Rosalind Holmes & Mz Annette! Wonderful to have these two legends posting here!

Peace!

By soulboy (213.105.242.198) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:18 am:

Rosalind and Annette
I'd just like to say with the passage of time the Music you made sounds as great as ever. What was it like working with all the other stars at motown.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:29 am:

Rosalind & Annette:
It is an honor to have you with us. Welcome to Soulful Detroit.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Scratcher (65.132.77.174) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 11:37 am:

Rosalind: I realize now why I thought "There He Is At My Door" sounded like Martha singing lead. It's because the version I first heard was off an early Martha & the Vandellas' vinyl album and a single featuring Martha singing the lead vocal. Motown recorded the song over with Martha singing the lead. I didn't hear the Vells' version until the release of the two disk CD set Live Wire The Singles 1962-1972 on which Motown used the original version with Gloria Williams singing lead.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 12:23 pm:

Hey Scratcher, I'll have to go home tonite to listen to the version on LIVE WIRE THE SINGLES as I just assumed it was the version from "Dance Party"LP and flip of 45 "Dancing In the Street".

By woppo88 (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 02:55 pm:

Hi Roz and Annette! I love Heatwave, Quicksand, Dancin In the Streets, I'm Ready For Love, and Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things. Roz and Annette is it true that you two were assisted by Marvin Gaye and the Andantes on Dancing In the Streets in the background. I have heard that Annette recorded Dancin but wasn't released till Betty joined the group. Roz and Annette you two do the best background harmonizing on Heatwave that I have ever heard! "Do Wa Do Wa heeeeeey yeah yeah yeah!"

By rozzie43 (68.74.28.83) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 04:01 pm:

Hi Wooppo88
Wrong again Mickie Stevenson one of the writers
help sang in the background on dancing In The Street along with Betty Kelly and Myself no one else

By John Lester (62.49.61.57) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 04:58 pm:

Rosalind - How wonderful to see you here with all us soulful detroiters.

Back in September 1990 at the Embassy exhibition in Detroit, you and Annette kindly signed my Tamla copy of "Camel Walk" listed as by Saundra Mallet and the Vandellas. Have you got any memories of that session?

At the same exhibition, Ivy Jo talked about the award that HE has on his wall for "Dancing In The Street". Some early issues of that song actually list only Mickey Stevenson and Marvin Gaye as the writers. Any comment on the omission of Ivy Jo? The song is one of my personal favourites and remains in my top 5 of all time. Thanks for giving me so much enjoyment.

Can you name a few of the songs that you are most proud of or the ones that give you the best memories.

By John Lester (217.40.215.11) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 06:21 pm:

I forgot to ask about La Brenda Ben. Have you any word of her since those good old days?

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, April 25, 2003 - 07:48 pm:

I see good things happen around here when I'm away. Annette...welcome to Soulful Detroit. the Vandellas are very much respected here. We are honored to have you with us.

By acooolcat (61.58.83.13) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 01:14 am:

Hi Rozzie and Annette,
Would you please clarify who sang on the "I'll Let You Know" Check Mate 45 which is credited to The Dell-Fi's, and who is singing lead?
Also on the other Mike Hanks' and Fred Brown recordings - Can you remember the lineup on those songs too?
Many thanks,
Graham

By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 11:13 am:

Hi Rosalind and Annette and a belated welcome to the forum !

Martha has said that she joined the Del-Fis as
the replacement for a member who was leaving - can you recall the name of the member who she
replaced ?

Is there an official spelling for the group's
name ? - I've seen it as Del-Fi's, Dell-Fi's
and Del-Phi's. It would be nice to see these
"loose ends" in the story tied up :-)

Thanks for your parts in so many wonderful records
over the years.

Davie

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 07:46 am:

Hey Scratcher, I played "Live Wire The Singles" all week end, I listened to Gloria singing "There He Is" I don't think she sounds like Martha, the track does sound the same.

By Scratcher (65.134.147.209) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 08:07 am:

Tony, I explained this in a previous post. Motown recorded the track over with Martha singing lead and I was referencing the vinyl 45 and the vinyl album version, which featured Martha Reeves on lead. For years the version with Martha on lead was all I ever heard. When I read that Gloria Williams was the Vells' lead singer and they had recorded the track on Melody Records I assumed it was Glo on track credited to Martha & the Vandellas. I never heard the original version on Melody until the Live Wire the Singles box set.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 09:58 am:

I understand, I never heard Gloria sing until the LIVE WIRE-SINGLES Collection.I've been a Motown FREAK since 61 and never saw a Melody label record in stores ect.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 02:28 pm:

I heard that Martha Reeves is appearing in England on May 16th.I know she usually goes over there every year so she might be there now.I also understand that she will be at the Detroit Opera House June 18th-22nd.I do not know if she will be joined by the Vandellas .I understand that Martha Reeves & the Vandellas will be appearing at "OldiesFest'03" in Upstate New York in June.

By motown_david (205.188.209.109) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 02:57 pm:

As far as I know, Martha is appearing solo in England for one show only in London with Edwin's back up band. It's a private show although tickets are being advertised at £50 a throw for dinner and the shindig afterwards.
Such a shame that this date coincides with the Velvelettes, Contours and Ali Woodson's Temptations show in Liverpool the same night. A lot of Martha's friends and fans have tickets to see the Velvs and so will miss her. Damn! I've never missed seeing Martha on a tour ever!
David.

By TonyRussi (68.18.33.86) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 03:15 pm:

That is a shame Motown David.Are the Velvelettes and Contours only there for one show also?A long way for a one night stand.How far is Liverpool from London?

By motown_david (64.12.102.21) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 03:54 pm:

Now John Lester will put us right on this one. So how many shows are the Velvelettes doing John?
I'm sitting next to you on Row C in Liverpool but will we be meeting up anywhere else?!!!!!
I've no idea of the distance between London and Liverpool but there's no chance that I'll be able to see both shows.
The irony is that it was Martha who was booked onto the Liverpool bill initially but had to withdraw when she realised that there was a clash in schedule. The only publicity I've seen of the show has Martha's picture on it!
I have to rationalise the situation and say to myself that I'm a Velvelettes virgin and must see them perform live before I get too old to jump up and dance in the aisles to Needle In A Haystack or even The Boy From Crosstown!
Best wishes,
David.

By John Lester (217.40.224.5) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 04:36 pm:

Tony

London is about 3 and half hours from Liverpool.

Martha is also only doing one show.....