By David Meikle (81.135.64.232) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 05:48 am:

I am going to create yet another thread relating to our fantastic visit to the United States.

The welcome we had in Philadelphia and Detroit was truly amazing. We didn't meet anyone we knew in New York City but that didn't stop us from making many new friends, especially on 125th Street, in precious Harlem.

Firstly I would like to give thanks to my mate Harry Dhesi, who unselflishly gives his time by driving us everywhere. He doesn't post here too often but his contribution to the site is immeasurable.

Secondly I would like to thank Carl Dixon for giving me days of endless laughter. What a character he is!

Finally to everyone Stateside...we truly love you all!

It will take a long time to get through all the mail I have received but I will get there within the next fortnight.

Many new actions will come from our latest visit.

One will take priority however. That will be to commence plans to put in place a plaque at the grave site of Darrell Eubanks (Darrell Banks).

This will happen.

I will never forget the sight of James Norman, of Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery, digging for his marker.

Six inches beneath the surface he found the three inch diameter stone which is imprinted with the number 539.

That is all there is to identify the guy who gave us one of the greatest songs in Soul Music History.

By David Meikle (81.135.43.224) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 06:57 am:

Special thanks to Bobby Eli and Weldon McDougall the Third who gave up their day to share their experiences of sixties Philadelphia.

Bobby has had a particular tough time recently but this did not stop him for ensuring that we would have a day to remember. Bobby you're a great guy!

Weldon, you treated us like Lords. You too are a great guy. We are truly thankful.

We received a guided tour of Philly and were introduced to Frank Bendenelli, Bunny Sigler, Lee Andrews and many others.

Mike McLean also appeared at Bobby's house and confirmed what a character he is! More on Mike later.

Thank you Philadelphia.

By David Meikle (81.135.43.224) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 07:02 am:

Special thanks to Harry Weinger.

Harry allowed us to sit in on new mixes of "Ball of Confusion".

We also heard latest finds from the vaults of Barbara Randolph and Brenda Holloway.

World, be ready from some great new releases from Universal.

The Motown and Golden World vaults are in special hands. Mr Harry Weinger...no one else can take your place.

Thanks also to all your staff who made us feel so welcome.

One of the most memorable days of our lives!

By David Meikle (81.135.43.224) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 07:09 am:

Special thanks to the people of Detroit.

I would say we met and talked to over a thousand of you.

Our reception, as ever, was second to none. No matter where we went.

This time we covered 700 miles. Approx 450 within the city limits, gathering more detail for this story.

It will be impossible to give special thanks to the many people who made this latest visit so incredible.

I will try this evening.

By David Meikle (213.122.57.155) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 08:21 am:

Special thanks to the people of Harlem.

Especially those working at the Apollo Theater who made sure that we would gain access to same.

Also to the staff at Manny's Soul Food Restaurant.

Not forgetting the staff at the studio above Bobby Robinson's Record Store, who let us look around same.

To Troy at Iridium Jazz Club, thanks a million for giving us a guided tour of the former Allegro/Adelphi studio site.

To the dancers who let us into the building at the former Bell Sound Studio premises...you took a chance...but we did manage behave ourselves!

To everyone else... thanks...and what a great city you have!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 11:02 am:

David:
THANK YOU, my friend, for making this Soulful Detroit event happen.
The next time you come to NYC, you and the gang are more than welcome to come by my office to check out the releases we're working on.
Also, thank you for allowing me to join you, Carl, Harry & Marc through the many haunts we visited in Detroit.

Keeping the torch lit,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 01:07 pm:

DMEIKLE - I know a lady who is employed for Detroit Memorial who sell headstone markers. Let me know when you are ready, I will get you in touch with her. I will call her today and get a feel for the process.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 01:14 pm:

That will be fantastic Sis.

Thanks
David

By Eli (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 05:42 pm:

Hi David,

It was a real thrill being with you guys for the day. If only it could have been for a fortnight!!
Philly has so many more sights and music people to meet so hopefully next tim4ewill be soon!!

Vonnie and I really wanted to go to the events in D town but circumstances have proven otherwise.

We will make it up on the next one!!

By medusa9e (66.73.15.237) on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 08:46 pm:

Hello Everyone,
Now that I think of if, do any of U suppose we should've Nformed the Media here N Detroit B4 or during the 'Event'? I mean we had people from the other side of the world here. Then again, it really wasn't my calling...what I'm saying, is maybe some media person could've done an interview. Like I said B4, this Forum would make a great SPECIAL...how we all got 2gether, Our purpose and our goal is 2 never let SoulfulDetroit die...Just keeping it LIVE,
Medusa9e

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 08:03 pm:

Special thanks to Ken Sands who gave several hours of his time week past Wednesday to educate us on Magic City and his experiences of sixties Detroit.

Sitting in the car listening to Thelma Lindsay's "Why weren't you there" and Ken's reminisces of the recording was priceless!

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 08:32 pm:

Ken is a good guy David. Without a doubt one of the real pros in the business.

By the count (65.60.201.174) on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 10:35 pm:

Hey David,it was a real pleasure to be able to spend some time with you at the CLAWSON and rap about whatever came to mind,mostly the music,and thank you so much for the kool lable booklet.
Jack Daniels one more time man.
So DAVID,go ahead and---"TELL IT LIKE IT IS"
"COUNT"

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 03:12 pm:

Hi Count

Thanks for your company at the Clawson. It was fun.

Just as well the bar was closing however!

David

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 03:21 pm:

More special thanks.

This time to Jim Gallert and Laars Bjorn who lined us up with 2 great concerts in Michigan.

First off was Lonnie Smith and his wonderful trio at Bakers Keyboard Lounge on Livernois.

Owner James Colbert also did us proud by providing complimentary tickets for the show.

Next up was a real surprise. Joe Hunter, Uriel Jones, Frank Bryant and Marcus Belgrave live on Saturday afternoon at Ann Arbor Public Library. Vocalist and SD forumer Tonya Hood provided fabulous vocals too.

Thanks a million to the Library Management for putting on such an amazing show. It was free too....incredible.

Jim and Lars, you are both too much!

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 03:24 pm:

Special thanks as ever to SisDetroit who made us feel so welcome in her fabulous city.

Sis took us to the home of Victoria Hawkins who gave us some background to the MotorCity's Gospel roots.

Perhaps one day we can present a webisode on this essential part of the Detroit Story.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 03:40 pm:

Thanks also to Fred Bridges who gave us an enthralling couple of hours in his home in the heart of the city.

Fred then took us on a mini tour of some of the locations which were significant in his career.

I learned a lot from Fred and am pleased to say that we will soon be working on a new webisode together.

It will be a cracker!

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Monday, June 02, 2003 - 03:44 pm:

On Friday we met up with two of our American friends from the forum.

Mark Speck from Cleveland and Kevin Goins from Harlem.

I would just like to thanks them for their company over the next couple of days.

We had a great laugh together.

BTW their knowledge of our music is incredible!

Thanks lads.

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 02:41 pm:

David:
You'll be getting a more detailed email from me soon, but I want to say thanks again for including me in your travels through Detroit.

The next time we're there will be when we place the proper tombstone on the grave of Darrell Banks.

Be well, my friend.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.155) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 04:33 am:

David, now I know why you always had a pen in your hand. Thanks for recording all the names of the people we met. In future, I shall also make notes. I must confess though, this is the first time I have ever done anything like this and excuse myself. I have sent a few thank you's here and there, hopefully not forgetting anybody. It was truly overwhelming and dare I say, a big 'downer' returning to work! I must remain positive and you were right, I now look at all this with a greater perspective. It is a magical story, which I hope one day will be captured on film for generations to enjoy and learn from. Thank you David. You are unique. You have started something so important and it is almost incomprehensible. We have only scratched the surface,,,
I am sure there is more to come and I look forward to that, and the webisodes too.

By Ralph Terrana (ralph) (209.240.198.62) on Monday, June 09, 2003 - 11:41 am:

Carl,
I have always maintained that David is the " Berry Gordy " of Soulful Detroit and we are forever in his ( and Lowell's ) debt for putting all this together.

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170) on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 04:47 pm:

Ralph, could not agree more! He has set the wheels in motion for many things. His positive love for this music opens creaky doors and lets the sunshine beam through. I am sure we will see more things to come.