By JSmith (194.42.250.98 - 194.42.250.98) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 05:20 am:

Born Dwight D Turner in Beckley, West Virginnia, his family moved regularly before settling in Detroit. Here Spyder was educated and got into singing at school. He formed a group, the Nonchalants and it was at this time that he acquired the nickname Spyder and it just stuck. The group broke up but Spyder had caught the performing bug and he stayed the course as a solo singer. His first record release was on the Cha-Tok label and then in 1964 another followed on Fortune, # 570 �Ride In My 225�. A 3rd one single deal followed with the 2 part �Calling Girls� on Master.

Then, in June 1966, Spyder met Arnold Geller who became his producer and landed him a deal with MGM Records. They went into Terra Shirma Studios and, with Mike Theodore & Dennis Coffey handling arrangements, cut some tracks. �Stand By Me�, Spyder�s unique interpretation on Ben E King�s 1961 hit was soon released on a single and quickly also became a big hit. By December 1966 it was in the national charts where it went to # 3 R&B, # 12 pop. The record stayed on the national R&B chart for a period of 15 weeks in all. On his version of the song, Spyder imitated other singers and did it really well, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, David Ruffin, Billy Stewart, Sam Cooke, Smokey Robinson and Chuck Jackson all getting his distinctive treatment. Another company, Good Time, put out a single on him and MGM released an 11 track strong album. They then followed up his hit 45 by releasing "I Can�t Make It Anymore" in mid 1967. This didn�t repeat the success of his earlier 45, so they tried again with another cover version, �For Your Precious Love�.

Spyder teamed up with Miki Stokes for a release on Sounds of Soul and by 1973 he was signed to Kwanza Records who put out "Since I Don't Have You�. In 1977 Rose Royce cut his song �Do Your Dance� for Whitfield Records and it quickly became a national R & B (# 4) and pop hit. This success landed him a recording deal with Norman Whitfield�s label and 3 singles ("I've Been Waiting", "Get Down" and �Only Love�) plus 2 LPs (�Music Web� and �Only Love�) followed but didn�t garner much commercial success. In the 1980�s he teamed up with Johnny Bristol at Polydor but after that he seemed to drift out of the recording industry. Spyder however made a comeback in the late 1990�s on his own Web Brothers Productions.

It�s his MGM recordings, from over 25 years ago, that have stood the test of time the best and it is their continued popularity with British northern soul fans that has helped set up his first UK visit. J Smith

By A guy from Detroit (66.73.182.87 - 66.73.182.87) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 06:21 am:

Here we go again with a lot of info on Spyder Turner
that's incorrect!!!!!! Where are you getting your info Mr.Smith? If you want to know what really happened contact Graham Nash or CLay McMurray for the real deal.

By JSmith (194.42.250.98 - 194.42.250.98) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 06:57 am:

So what info is incorrect ??? I have talked with Clay and Dennis Coffey with regard to the details I posted. I know Clay produced the MGM sessions using the name 'Butch' but didn't add this to my piece.

By AH (63.188.33.59 - 63.188.33.59) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 08:01 am:

I hear Spyder had an absolutely gorgeous sister, what the hip hop crowd refer to as a dime piece (a perfect 10)can anybody verify this, and what's her name?

By AH (63.188.33.59 - 63.188.33.59) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 08:04 am:

I meant to say "I hear Spyder has an absolutely gorgeous sister..."

By acooolcat (67.26.12.194 - 67.26.12.194) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 10:58 am:

JSmith - most of what you've written is pretty close to the facts..... have you tried talking to Spider? I gave his number to Any Rix a while ago.
Graham

By Larry (209.245.72.246 - 209.245.72.246) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 11:18 am:

From my Uncle Sheldon Rott who still leads a band in Detroit:

"...I didn't mention it, but I recorded several sessions at Terra Sherma on Livernois at Fenkell. At one midnight session, I over dubbed all 3 three trumpet parts on a recording.

I also remember Spyder Turner recording his album with one of my songs on it called "I'm alive with a lovin' feeling" which was what developed from the original song that Ricky Dee and I wrote at Motown studios called " Standing in the Shadows of Love" which was released under Holland, Dozier and Holland."

>>I'm trying to get more info from him on the story behind SITSOL.

By STUBASS (206.135.204.2 - 206.135.204.2) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 12:28 pm:

ACTUALLY, BEFORE SIGNING WITH ARNIE GELLER, SPYDER
FRONTED THE GROUP SPYDER TURNER AND THE FABULUS COUNTS WITH DEMO CATES ON SAX, MOSE DAVIS ON ORGAN, ANDREW GIBSON ON DRUMS, AND LEROY (forgot his last name) on guitar. ARNIE WANTED TO SIGN THE WHOLE GROUP, BUT THE OTHER MEMBERS REMAINED LOYAL TO THEIR THEN MANAGER FREDDIE MCCLURE. THEYHAD A SINGLE A COUPLE OF YEARS LATER TITLED "JAN JAN". GREAT JAZZ/R&B GROUP. THEY HAVE LONG SINCE SPLIT UP AND SCATTERED TO VARIOUS PARTS OF NORTH AMERICA.

By MEL&THENSOME (195.219.7.47 - 195.219.7.47) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 01:18 pm:

Hey Larry,what an absolute cracker of a side that is,Im Alive With A Loving Feeling.One that has been a personal favourite of mine now for a good number of years.MEL.

By Larry (216.23.183.2 - 216.23.183.2) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 01:23 pm:

Mel,
I'll pass your msg on to him. He'll love to hear it. I want to get him on these boards as I know he has stories to tell.

Larry

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 01:46 pm:

I'd also like to say how much I like this song.

Credited songwriters are Drapkin and Rott.

Thanks also to Producer Butch (Clay), Theodore-Coffey and Studio Owner Ralph!

We are in hallowed company.

By MEL&THENSOME (195.219.7.107 - 195.219.7.107) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 02:25 pm:

What I Consider to be one of the most under rated and under played absolute superb northern/rare soul classics ever.To me this sound does it all,I first heard this around 1972,and it still sounds as fresh today as it did all those years ago.How it never reached greater heights on the scene,baffles me.Only the connosseurs appreciate this gem,as I had an old wheel mate of mine pulling it down,so I Threw him outside.Spyder Turner,I Cant Make It Anymore,M.G.M.Records.Just goes to say,Its Whats In The Groove That Counts.Has always stayed a good 20 odd pounds or there a bouts.MEL.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 02:40 pm:

I too, love "I can't make it anymore".

My notes may be misinterpreted however.

I am actually describing "I'm alive with a loving feeling"

apologies.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 02:53 pm:

Stubass,

The guy you're trying to remember in the Fabulous
Counts is Leroy Emmanuel. I'd heard that the
Counts were the band backing Spyder on "Stand By Me" - maybe they recorded the tracks then decided not to sign with Arnie Geller.

I really rated the Counts' later albums ( cut
for the Atlanta based Aware label) - I'd like
to hear their "JAn JAn" album which is long
overdue for a CD reissue

If you can get uncle to come on the forum that
would be great. I'll dig out my notes on Richard
Drapkin's stuff - do you know if he's still
around ?

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 03:50 pm:

This pic from Living Blues Dec2001 edition might bring him on-line.

It is probably a Joe Weaver pic but is uncredited.

Emanuel is second left. Joe is on keyboards. John Lee Hooker is on mic.

By Ian W (213.1.164.246 - 213.1.164.246) on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 - 05:10 pm:

"I Can't Make It Anymore" - if there were fewer copies around, this track would have been one of the biggest things on the Northern scene! It remains a prized possession in my collection, especially when coupled with "Don't Hold Back".

By HipHopDooWop (152.163.189.167 - 152.163.189.167) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 01:04 am:

Hey! Now I finally know where "dime-piece" came from!

By JSmith (194.42.250.98 - 194.42.250.98) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 08:15 am:

Thanks for that info about Spyder fronting the Counts before recording his MGM tracks. It's such details (from people around at the time or their acquaintances) that make the Forum such an essential port of call.

By AH (67.25.177.163 - 67.25.177.163) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 10:05 am:

John, It's really best to talk to the artist if possible, often it's not, then check the info they give you with documentation of their recordings and release dates. If a group it's best to talk to more than one member; again, if possible.

That said, I don't see how anybody can criticize your profile on Spyder Turner. I learn more about Spyder then I knew before reading it, so what's the beef? You aren't writing his life story.

A bio I did on the Valadiers was written mainly from what their lead singer Stuart Avig told me. He was the last of the originals to join the group so he never told me their was a fifth member who sang on their first recordings who parents wouldn't let him sign the contract with Motown. I didn't know so I never mentioned the fifth member. Shoot me! In Stuart's defense, he was merely talking from his entry in the group.

I've been talking to members of the Imperial Wonders recently, quite a bit really, and what you and I didn't know about them would fill a fat encyclopedia. But then we weren't trying to write their life stories just brief profiles of their career, which people have to understand.

A couple of little tidbits about the Imperial Wonders that I discovered. There was more members than you and I knew about or could have reasonably imagined; they were started by a guy who sang with the Donations who is never mentioned as a member. The lead on "Turned Around Over You," is a singer that was brought in at the last minute because a regular member couldn't make the recording session. Again, this guys name is never mentioned in anything I've ever read about them; he was the boyfriend of one of the members' sisters; to my knowlege he never did anything else. The Donald Hargrove that Soul Harmony Singles list as a member never did a stage show or recording with the group; he only practiced with them for a short period and is more commonly known as Will Hargrove.

Lester McKenzie who was called Jelly or Jello was much older than the other Imperial Wonders and was the type of guy who could walk into a gas station or any retail establishment with $10 to his name and come back with a couple of twenties and change after fast talking the cashier. A whole chapter in a book could be written about the late "Jelly."

The story around Al Boyd's helping to co-write "Shaky Ground" is also fascinating and involves another writer from Cleveland name Fred Butler, H. B. Barnum, and a few other characters.

By Larry (64.156.147.154 - 64.156.147.154) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 12:57 pm:

John,
Here's a blip Sheldon about Spyder. Nothing new I don't think, but still.....

"Larry, Amazing, that was the session. The album was cut for MGM Records under contract with Arnie Geller. The album was recorded in a short period of time, as Spider Turners sing was getting National play and MGM wanted the album to be released as soon as possible.

Spider's single, "Stand By Me" was rejected by most of the major record companies because the beat was turning somewhere in the cut. Arnie Geller took a chance on the single and it was a big hit.

Spider was drafted by the US Army at the time of his climb to success and somehow got hurt when he fell off the stage during a concert in Toledo, Ohio (so the story goes)

By Flynny (213.1.135.122 - 213.1.135.122) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 02:23 pm:

I thought he spelt his name "DeWight" as that's how they spelt it on the Cha-Tok label..also don't forget his Good Time label 45!

CHA-TOK 1001 - DeWIGHT (SPIDER) TURNER - YOU'RE ALONE - HAPPY STORY
MASTER 65-1 - SPIDER TURNER - CALLING GIRLS - PART.2.
FORTUNE 570 - SPYDER TURNER - RIDE IN MY 225 - ONE STOP
GOOD TIME 1019 - SPYDER TURNER - I'VE GOT TO GET MYSELF TOGETHER - WHEN I SEE MY BABY (MY TROUBLES ARE OVER)
M.G.M. 13617 - SPYDER TURNER - YOU'RE GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME - STAND BY ME
M.G.M. 13692 - SPYDER TURNER - I CAN'T MAKE IT ANYMORE - DON'T HOLD BACK

*-with The Ster-Phonics & Bellhop's Band - label owned by Charles Stokes.

By MEL&THENSOME (195.219.7.97 - 195.219.7.97) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 03:05 pm:

Flynny,the M.G.M.(13617)is also a good track,I had forgot about that.MEL.

By Flynny (213.122.204.193 - 213.122.204.193) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 03:21 pm:

13617 also gained a UK release at the time...great track and dare I say possibly his most "Detroit ghetto" sounding of his MGM sides.

Also forgot to put the "*" for relevant details next to the Cha-Tok disc in my previous post.

In fact, all the above 45's are great NS!

By 45rpm (207.69.162.105 - 207.69.162.105) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 04:44 pm:

Is Spyder Turner in Atlanta now? Local radio station does a Sat. AM oldies show with DJ Youngblood, who often plays Turner's "Stand By Me". Turner called in one week to correct Youngblood on the release year. I was shocked to hear him on the radio.

The Fabulous Counts connection makes this more interesting since Mose Davis plays piano at a restaurant and bar here in town. It would be very interesting to sit down with those two at the same time!

By Dave Rimmer (217.41.35.196 - 217.41.35.196) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 04:55 pm:

Spyder Turner Discography.

Can anyone confirm which Monticellos he was a member of ? and add any dates or other releases

The Glee Club and Boys Ensemble (members Dwight Turner.............................)

The Nonchalants (members Dwight Turner............................................................)

Chroma 1000 - Honky Tonk Joe / ? - ?

DeWight (Spider) Turner & The Stereophonics and The Bellhops Band (members

Chatok 1001 - You're Alone /�Happy Story�- 196?

The Monticellos

Red Cap�1-2 - I Can't Wait Until I See My Baby's Face / Don't Hold Back - ? Is This The Monticellos Spyder Was A Member Of?????????????????I Am Unsure!!!!!!!!�
Red Cap 102 - I Can't Wait Until I Love You /�Don't Hold Back�- 196?

Spider Turner / The Fortune Bravos�

Fortune 225 - Ride In My 225 / One Stop (Instrumental)*�- 1964 *flip by The Fortune Bravos.�
Fortune�570 - Ride In My 225 /�One Stop (Instrumental)*�- 1964 *flip by The Fortune Bravos.

Spider Turner

Mastersound�65-1 - Calling Girls (Part 1) / Calling Girls (Part 2) - 1965

Spider Turner

Good Time 1019 - I've Got To Get Myself Together (Before I Lose My Mind) /�When I See My Baby (My Troubles Are Over)�-�

Spyder Turner (born Dwight D. Turner in 1947 in Beckley, West Virginia. Moved to Detroit, Michigan in the late 1950's)

MGM 13617 - Stand By Me / You're Good Enough For Me - 1966.
MGM 13692 - I Can't Make It Anymore / Don't Hold Back - 1967
MGM 13739 - For Your Precious Love / I Can't Wait 'Til I�See My Baby's Face - 1967
MGM 14263 - I Can't Make It Anymore / I'm Alive With A Lovin' Feeling - 1971

Miki Stokes & Spyder Turner

Sounds Of Soul 1004 - My Troubles Are Over / Get Yourself Together - ?

Spyder Turner

Kwanza 7688 - Since I Don't Have You / Happy Days - 1973
Whitfield 8526 - I've Been Waiting / Tomorrow's Only Yesterday - 1978
Whitfield 8596 - Get Down / Is It Love You're After - 1978
Whitfield 49190 - You're So Fine / Only Love - 1980

Johnny Bristol�/ Spyder Turner

Polydor 813982-7 - Hang On In There Baby / Stand By Me* - 1983 *flip by Spyder Turner

Spyder Turner

Polydor ? - 1984
Web Brothers Productions ? - ? - 1998

Lp's

MGM E-4450 - Stand By Me - 1967 (mono) Tracks: Stand By Me / Hold On, I'm Coming / I Can't Make It Anymore / Moon River / I'm Alive With A Lovin' Feeling /// I Can't Wait To See My Baby's Face / Dream Lover / Morning, Morning / Don't Hold Back / I Don't Want To Cry / Your Precious Love.

MGM SE-4450 - Stand By Me - 1967 (stereo) Tracks: Stand By Me / Hold On, I'm Coming / I Can't Make It Anymore / Moon River / I'm Alive With A Lovin' Feeling /// I Can't Wait To See My Baby's Face / Dream Lover / Morning, Morning / Don't Hold Back / I Don't Want To Cry / Your Precious Love.

Whitfield Bsk 3124 - Music Web - 1978 Tracks: Get Down / Is It Love You're After / I've Changed / Stop / I've Been Waitin' / Tomorrow's Only Yesterday / You Never Had This Before / Reincarnation.

Whitfield Bsk 3397 - Only Love - 1979 Tracks: God Bless The Lady On The Radio /�Sunshine /�I Just Can't Stop /�Only Love /�Let's Rock Until We're Satisfied /�There's No Love Without You /�You Can Always Count On Me /�You're So Fine.

Collectables� Col5695 - Golden Classics - 1996 (Cd) Tracks: Stand By Me / Hold On, I'm Coming / I Can't Make It Anymore / Moon River / I'm Alive With A Lovin' Feeling / I Can't Wait To See My Baby's Face / Dream Lover / Morning, Morning / Don't Hold Back / I Don't Want To Cry / For Your Precious Love / You're Good Enough For Me.

By AH (67.25.177.204 - 67.25.177.204) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 05:02 pm:

Dave done dropped it all, what a discography.

By Fury13 (209.69.165.10 - 209.69.165.10) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 05:28 pm:

I don't know about Fortune 570, "Ride In My 225," having a 1964 release date. From the record number, #570, that would appear to be a 1966 or even a '67 release. Perhaps Fortune 225 was the original release (that's near the end of the old 100-200 series, previously reserved for country/rockabilly) and Fortune 570 was a reissue, put out after Spyder got more popular.

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 07:04 pm:

Dave R

Serious detective work and a fitting tribute to a great singer.

Thanks
David

By RJ Spangler (64.12.96.230 - 64.12.96.230) on Thursday, September 19, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

David, that photo is from Joe Weaver's collection for sure. He has it on his wall in fact. Leroy Emanuel on guitar you say....makes sense. Joe couldn't remember his name.
Lyman Woodard, who did a lot of playing with Dennis Coffey, told me he played organ on "Stand By me"....one of my favorite covers of all time.
Someone mentioned drummer Andrew Gibson. I haven't seen him in years! Great guy. Wonder what he's up to?

By Flynny (213.1.131.93 - 213.1.131.93) on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 08:06 am:

I would dearly like copies of the following two:

MGM 13739 - For Your Precious Love / I Can't Wait 'Til I See My Baby's Face - 1967
MGM 14263 - I Can't Make It Anymore / I'm Alive With A Lovin' Feeling - 1971

Can anyone help....has anyone even got them?

By acooolcat (67.25.223.174 - 67.25.223.174) on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 10:56 am:

I'm 99% sure that the Fortune 45 was Spyder's first recording, but it didn't see the light of day until he had a hit with SBM.
Jack and Devora then decided to try and cash in. I write this after speaking to Spyder and his mum... and she has the best memory of what happened.
Graham

By Fury13 (12.2.196.17 - 12.2.196.17) on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 01:09 pm:

My guess is that only a few copies of Fortune 225 were pressed up. When "Stand By Me" became popular, Jack and Devora probably reissued the record at that time, as Fortune 570... like you said, Graham, to cash in. By 1966-67, Fortune was issuing very little new material.

By STUBASS (206.135.204.2 - 206.135.204.2) on Friday, September 20, 2002 - 04:19 pm:

LARRY, THE STORY OF SPYDER FALLING OFF STAGE A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE HIS INDUCTION INTO THE ARMY...TRUE. ALSO, A CRASHED CADILLAC GIVEN TO HIM BY ARNIE GELLAR AND AT LEAST ONE "BAR ROOM TYPE BRAWL", STARTED BY SPYDER WHILE ON STAGE (I SAW IT) ADD TO HIS COLORFUL PERSONA. ALSO, IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HEAR FROM MOSE DAVIS. DEMO CATES BY THE WAY LIVES AND PERFORMS AND RECORDS IN TORONTO.

By Dave Rimmer (217.41.35.196 - 217.41.35.196) on Saturday, September 21, 2002 - 07:08 am:

Further to the discog, can anyone fill in the details that are missing.

By the way, it's not all my own work, John Smith started it off, I probably doubled it in size, and then Bosko Asanovic added the finer details.

Still waiting to hear about the Monticellos tracks. Was it these Monticellos that he was a member of ?

I've noted the detaisl about the later Fortune release.

By clay (66.73.181.250 - 66.73.181.250) on Saturday, September 21, 2002 - 08:12 am:

Hi Folks,
Arnie geller did not have a lot to do with Spyder getting a deal. It was Cliff Gorov of Arc/Jay Kay
distributors that sent the demo to MGM. The record
"Stand By Me " was already done by me and the guys at Tera Shirma when Arnie got in the picture. He had a show in Lansing and was a friend of Cliffs who put him in contact with Spyder and myself then made a deal that did'nt include Spyder and myself getting any real money. The Guy was a crook and I'd love to tell him to his face how he swindled us. With the proper Lawyer and Accountant I would wager that he owes us money and lots of it. Arnie Geller never made a record like a real producer does and if I'm offending anyone who may be his friend it's too bad,because as we all know the Truth often Hurts. Enough said about a guy who I feel was never a Stand Up Guy" Ask Spyder what he thinks about him!!!!! Friends of Arnie Gellers ask him why he never sent us a Statement!!!

By acooolcat (67.25.211.45 - 67.25.211.45) on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 02:48 am:

Dave R
Spyder wasn't a member of The Monticellos - they were a self-contained NY group; I have their names listed back home.
Before the Counts I think he sang with a group called The Nonchalants (sp). I think some of the members later joined/formed The Precisions (D-Town and Drew labels).... I'm going from memory here - my interview tapes are back in Taiwan. Spyder left The Counts as he'd grown tired of singing the same material so decided to go solo. SBM was a popular closing number, Clay heard him sing it live and thought it would make a good record; dead right.
Graham

By Ralph (209.240.198.62 - 209.240.198.62) on Sunday, September 22, 2002 - 10:22 am:

Clay,
What bothers me today is, for years I was unaware how badly Arnie " stiffed " you.
Maybe these things happen for a reason. It certainly doesn't make it right no matter how you look a it but I'm sure it helped make you the super smart producer you would become. I guess it's all part of the schooling. Too bad it has to be that way at times. the bottom line here though is the name Clay McMurray carries all the respect it deserves and Arnie Gellar evokes something quite different.You win Clay.

By JSmith (194.42.250.98 - 194.42.250.98) on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 08:13 am:

As the (Fabulous) Counts have cropped up various times during this discussion, I thought I would pass along details of a web site where some (!?!) info on the group is listed. This is........
www.funkvibe.com/artists/artists.shtml.
When on this page just click onto the Counts section (or the Undisputed Truth section, etc.).
Whilst mentioning the Undisputed Truth, can anyone enlighten me as to what Tyrone 'Lil Ty' Barkley had done prior to joining the UT. I just love his later solo outing "Man of Value".

By JSmith (194.42.250.98 - 194.42.250.98) on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 08:37 am:

More web site action for the Counts. On a Blues Foundation site I found this review (of sorts) of their 'It�s What�s Up Front That Counts' LP (from 1971)..............Got turned on to this by an Acid Jazz aficionado in Chicago. Guy did us all a favor, sure enough. A Detroit band, the Counts didn�t put out enough music to suit me. Or if they did, I can�t seem to find it. We did get this though, and it�ll make you jolly. Big brassy, barrel-chested funk record. Come kickin� outcho speakers and make you want to dance. Mammoth chunks of organ. Tasty little guitar player in the left channel. Slightly Afro-Caribbean percussion. Heavy on the horns as well. Go ahead, you know you want to -- CDSEWM 063.
The group also have their own section (including a fuller bio) on the following site.....
//funky16corners.tripod.com/7_fabulouscounts.htm
None of these sites seem to know anything about the group in their pre-recording 'Spyder Turner on lead' stage. What sort of material did the ensemble perform when Spyder was with them. Motown style stuff (that Spyder would be suited to) or James Brown style stuff (that the band members must have loved). Or did they just cover any song that was a hit at the time.

By Flynny (213.122.203.247 - 213.122.203.247) on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 12:46 pm:

....and speaking of The Counts...anyone know anything about the group of that name on "Yes Records", who cut a couple of 45's of which one was a version of "Ask the lonely". I'm almost certain they're not the same group as the Detroit boyz, but am interested nevertheless!

By Larry (216.23.183.2 - 216.23.183.2) on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 07:29 pm:

Davie G.,
Sorry to get back so late re: whether Richard Drapkin (Ricky Dee) is still around. From his ex-partner Shel Rott:

Larry, Ricky (Dee) Drapkin is still around, I think he is a salesman and singing for fun. Arnie Geller moved to New York years ago and became manager to Cindy Lauper for several years.

Your aunt Carol (Vickie Carroll) recorded for Harry Balk before she signed with Decca Records to replace Patsy Cline.

Dennis Coffey arranged "I'm alive with a lovin' feelin'" for Spider Turner, but I got the impression he didn't care for the song that much.

Arnie Geller still owns publishing rights to the song.

Ricky still collects royalties for his song on the seconf Beatles Album "She's Got the Devil in Her Heart".

Oh, by the way, your aunt Carol worked with the Sunliners (Rare Earth) when they were all much younger at many events (State Fairs, Shows etc.)

I guess I do have a million stories about the record business in Detroit.

Love, Uncle Sheldon

By Ralph (209.240.198.62 - 209.240.198.62) on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 07:55 pm:

WOW!!!! Vickie Carrol. We backed her up a number of times in The Sunliners. In fact she came with our soon to be manager, Bob Brower, when he stopped in to hear the new song (Hully Gully Twist ) we had written. That night the deal was made and we would soon sign our first recording contracts. A big event in our very young lives.
In later years I would get to know Ricky Dee very well. He would come into Tera Shirma often and he was always a pleasure to have around. He was cool. If you asked him how he was doing he would say things like " Well I'm keeping my shoes shined ".

By Larry (216.23.183.2 - 216.23.183.2) on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 08:17 pm:

Ralph,
The connections just keep coming ehh? My Aunt Vickie is attractive as ever - mother of 4 grown up kids. I never knew Ricky Dee but I do have a 45 of his on Rott Bros. records! Now *that* one is a rarity!

btw, I have those Sherman pix to send you.

Larry
lrott@corpinfo.com

By Ralph (209.240.198.62 - 209.240.198.62) on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 08:55 pm:

Larry,
I just sent you an e-mail.These coincidences are incredible!

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6 - 62.252.128.6) on Tuesday, October 01, 2002 - 03:41 pm:

Larry/Davie G

Here's a disc with some great names on it, incl Richard Drapkin. Image found on e-bay.

By Larry (216.23.183.2 - 216.23.183.2) on Tuesday, October 01, 2002 - 08:45 pm:

David,
Thanks for scan. I'll be sure and pass it on to Shel. Just great man.

Larry