By cl (204.38.7.42 - 204.38.7.42) on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 05:35 pm:

I visit this forum infrequently. But today I heard Major Lance, Dee Clark , and Billy Stewart on the radio. Which was just what I needed. Because for those who visit the Detroit discussion you might have read of my watching the mtv awards and remarking on the irony of a musical award show wherein a majority of the singers can't sing; mr.'s Lance, Clark and Stewart could sing........exceedingly well!!

By Ritchie (62.254.0.7 - 62.254.0.7) on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 05:40 pm:

Wow, sounds like a great radio you have. Can I borrow it?

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4 - 209.100.86.4) on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 06:54 pm:

Dee Clark! I heard what must have been a re-mastered, stereo version of "Raindrops" on the radio recently. The sound was lush & out of this world.

Actually, I think Major Lance is closer to MTV than you might think. He had a pretty average voice, but he was a boxer and could do all the dance steps. If you listen to Major Lance, you can always hear the Impressions carrying the chorus and doubling his lead vocal at points. Kinda like Paula Abdul, I suppose. I never saw Major Lance in person, but I did see a live clip of Monkey Time on a Shindig video and I didn't think too much of his voice.

By Julian (205.188.208.135 - 205.188.208.135) on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 02:31 am:

I notice a lot of those Chicago people like Major Lance, even early on, sounded like or seemed to be emulating Curtis Mayfield when they sang. Was he making that big of an impression (no pun intended)on them even that early on?

I have the Curtis Mayfield's Chicago Soul cd and the Major Lance 2cd set. Can anybody recomend(sp?)any more to me?

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.105 - 195.219.7.105) on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 08:51 am:

Dee Clarks Hot Potato on Constellation records,an absolute stomper.(just blew my speakers,playing it).I still have Major Lances L.P. The Rhytmn on (uk)columbia also most of his columbia singles.But check out the flipside to his Okeh recording of you dont Love me anymore,titled Wait till I Get You In My Arms.MEL.

By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4 - 209.100.86.4) on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 06:39 pm:

Julian,
Curtis Mayfield wrote several hits for Major Lance, and I'm sure he sang on quite a few also.
Look at all the artists through the ages who have done an Impressions knock-off song: "Voice Your Choice" - The Radiants, "When I Die"-Motherlode, "Gypsy Queen"-Van Morrison, and "Electric Ladyland"-Jimi Hendrix. Don't forget very early Bob Marley and the Wailers who were heavily influenced by the Impressions also. I think the Impressions style of singing did influence people from the start. In addition, he was a heavy hitter & a major songwriter in the Chicago music scene in the 1960's & early 70's.

Check out the Curtom Records Story 2 CD set. I think the June Conquest songs are worth the price of the set, actually.

By AH (67.25.176.54 - 67.25.176.54) on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 06:56 pm:

Julian the Impression sang background on many, if not all, of the Major Lance tunes that Curtis Mayfield wrote. Lance voice was fuller than Mayfield's and he was a much better entertainer. Mayfield, Lance and Otis Leavil grew up together and were friends.

Check out Gene Chandler's recordings after the "Duke of Earl," Curtis Mayfield wrote some real popular soul hits for him.

The Carltons were also Impressions' clones.

By MEL&THENSOME (195.219.7.63 - 195.219.7.63) on Sunday, September 01, 2002 - 06:03 pm:

Can anyone name the members of The Mayfield Players,who cut an un-issued absolute stomper titled Dont Start None.What a dancer.MEL.

By Mark Speck (65.57.18.127 - 65.57.18.127) on Monday, September 02, 2002 - 01:50 pm:

Supposedly in the Mayfield Players/Singers/whatever were the late, great Donny Hathaway and also Leroy Hutson, who replaced Curtis as the lead of the Impressions.

Best,

Mark

By MEL&THEN SOME (195.219.7.67 - 195.219.7.67) on Monday, September 02, 2002 - 02:52 pm:

Mark,the track i mentioned is a instrumental,would Leroy & Donny be involved .As this track is a frantic uptempo mover.I dont doubt your word,Im just used to these guys sounding so in control,as the inst. is so frenetic.(is that a kosher word?)MEL.

By Marilyn (65.148.88.194 - 65.148.88.194) on Monday, September 02, 2002 - 06:36 pm:

I spent today at the Laborfest in Detroit. Appearing were The Latin Counts, Kenny Martin, Joe Weaver, Stanley Mitchell,and the incomparable Nathanial Mayer. They were all great,& could even hit the high notes.Outstanding!!!
Marilyn