By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 09:59 pm:

OK here's what info. I have on Gwen's records
- it's the bare bones so hopefully some of you can flesh it out a bit with writer / producer credits.

Mel-Ady 100
LIES
RAIN

Lau-Reen 1002
MAKE HIM MINE
ONE MORE DAY

Oncore 84 1964
MYSTERY MAN
SOMEONE TO LOVE

Velgo 001 1967
I'LL BE CRYING
I LOST A GOOD THING

Velgo 002 1967
JUST SAY YOU'RE WANTED AND NEEDED (Bass - Smith)
STILL TRUE TO YOU (Bass - Smith)
Prod : Roger Bass - A Wilson

Uptown 746 1967
TAKE A LOOK
?

Josie 1009 1969
KEEP ON LIVING (G McGregor - Timmy Willis)
IT AIN'T HARDLY OVER (G McGregor - Betty Harper)
Prod : George McGregor for GeeMac Productions

Casablanca 0100 1973
YOU BETTER WATCH OUT (T Woodford - C Ivey)
EVERYBODY NEEDS LOVE (T Woodford - C Ivey)
Prod : Terry Woodford - Clayton Ivey
{probably recorded at Wishbone Studios, Muscle
Shoals, Alabama)

Casablance 808 1974
re-release of 0100 - Casablanca had probably switched distributors

From 1976 - 1978 (?) Gwen worked as part of
a trio called HOT on the Big Tree label.
I'll list their records later. She had a final
solo single before working as a session singer
and actress.

Big Tree 16133 1979
I DON'T WANT TO DANCE NO MORE
HOLD ME

film work : -

1983 RUNNING HOT

1986 SMOKEY AND THE JUDGE

Right, over to you lot ...

By John Lester (213.122.200.43 - 213.122.200.43) on Saturday, February 16, 2002 - 10:36 pm:

Am I missing somethign here...what about Hit And Run?

By david, glasgow, scotland (62.252.128.5 - 62.252.128.5) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 12:48 am:

davie
great stuff.

are any of these early releases detroit labels?

graham (on honeymoon) taped me a fantastic 45 on r.e.m., 'mystery of love'.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 06:14 pm:

All of them up to the Casablanca and Big Tree discs are, as far as I know, Detroit recorded discs.

The first coiuple are on ridiculously obscure
labels that only isuued a handful of singles
between them. The main trouble I've had researching this one is because the titles are
so commonplace - BMI lists dozens of songs called "Man of Mystery" so without the actual
discs I can't even hazard a guess at who was
involved unless I notice something obvious in
the BMI data.

Uptown was Capitol's soul label ( well, that was the original idea ) - they picked up masters from
independent producers all across the US.

The Josie disc was another master leasing deal
- Josie did very little recording themselves -
most of their releases were from indie producers.

I didn't include "Mystery of Love" because I know even less about that than I do the others.

Hopefully Graham will pitch in with some info.

By Davie G (213.251.162.249 - 213.251.162.249) on Sunday, February 17, 2002 - 06:19 pm:

All of them up to the Casablanca and Big Tree discs are, as far as I know, Detroit recorded discs.

The first coiuple are on ridiculously obscure
labels that only isuued a handful of singles
between them. The main trouble I've had researching this one is because the titles are
so commonplace - BMI lists dozens of songs called "Man of Mystery" so without the actual
discs I can't even hazard a guess at who was
involved unless I notice something obvious in
the BMI data.

Uptown was Capitol's soul label ( well, that was the original idea ) - they picked up masters from
independent producers all across the US.

The Josie disc was another master leasing deal
- Josie did very little recording themselves -
most of their releases were from indie producers.

I didn't include "Mystery of Love" because I know even less about that than I do the others.

Hopefully Graham will pitch in with some info.

John, you're right - the listing was for stuff
actually released on vinyl - I sometimes have a
mental blank spot about tracks recorded in the sixties but not released until the CD era.

I'd guess "Hit and Run" it fits in after the Velgo singles and before the Josie one.

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 01:54 am:

Hi Davie
I've never heard of the Mel-Ady 45. I'll call Gwen to ask about it.
I've tracked down the owner of the Oncore label and he tells me Henry Smith brought Gwen to him. I've been searching for Henry for about 5 years! He was also involed in the Velgo 45s with Roger Bass - Roger wrote a small reord review column in The Michigan Chronicle, and also contributed to Billboard. He passed away a long time ago.
I've also managed to find out the owner of REM records so will hopefully be able to eloborate more in the future.
BTW - asked Rose about "Hit And Run" and she didn't know anything about the Goldmine CD notes.
Gotta dash.
Cheers, Graham

By Ralph Terrana (209.240.222.130 - 209.240.222.130) on Monday, February 18, 2002 - 02:13 am:

Graham,
When Tera Shirma Studio B opened it was given a very nice write up in Billboard Magazine by Roger Bass.He even came to the studio to meet me. It wasn't until I read your last post that I realized that the Roger Bass name I've seen on the forum from time to time was THAT Roger Bass.I'm sorry to learn of his passing. He was a very nice guy.

By GLO (63.208.237.156 - 63.208.237.156) on Friday, March 01, 2002 - 04:10 am:

Hi Graham,

I got your post card from Thailand. Did I here correctly? You got married. Congrats! I guess you've heard by now about my dear friend and heart Ruby Robinson. What a talent. By the way, "Mystery of Love" I believe was recorded on New Mystical Recording company's label. "I lost a good thing" I wrote. If you find a copy of the record you will see A. Wilson also as writer. Huh! Enough said about that. you know the business. You can reach me if necessary the usual way, however e-Mail me at boe1800@prodigy.net or www.hollanddozierholland.com Talk at you later. Gwen

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Friday, March 01, 2002 - 04:48 am:

Is this Gwen Owens? Gwen, you are a goddess! Welcome to the forum!

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By acooolcat (211.72.121.66 - 211.72.121.66) on Friday, March 01, 2002 - 07:39 am:

Hi Gwen,
Yes, I got hitched - my third attempt; so hopefullly I'll be luckier this time around. Actually I'm living in Taiwan - not Tailand - but many people make that mistake. I often wake up in the morning and wonder where I am!
How's you mom doing? Please send her my regards; I popped to see her in Sept when I was in Detroit but she wasn't at home, so I just left my card.
I was obviously very sad to hear that Rudy had passed away. He was a one-off.
I think Henry Smith (where is that guy?) took you to meet the owner of the REM label; that's the label your "Mystery Of Love" was issued on. A song called "Mystery Man" was on the Oncore label and maybe it's the same record.
I spoke to Pat Meehan recently - do you remember him?
I saw an address in a 60's Yellow Pages for "New Mystical Recording" being on Dequindre. Did you ever go to a place there - not far from your mom's house.
So, how's life in Cal'? I hope it's swinging - what are you recording now?
Love as always, Graham

By acooolcat (211.72.121.66 - 211.72.121.66) on Friday, March 01, 2002 - 07:44 am:

Gwen, PS- what can you remember about the 45 (Lies/Rain) on the Mel-Ady label that's listed above - the first posting? I've never heard this one before. Is it a 60's Detroit recording?
Graham

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.124.52 - 213.122.124.52) on Friday, March 01, 2002 - 08:47 am:

hi gwen

it is a delight to hear from you on soulfuldetroit. please stay tuned.

'just say you're wanted and needed'

By Ian W (213.122.73.220 - 213.122.73.220) on Sunday, March 03, 2002 - 09:22 pm:

Hiya Gwen

We'd better watch out!

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.164.254 - 68.80.164.254) on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 12:47 am:

Hi Gwen this is Weldon A. Mc Dougal III,we mat in Philly years ago, and I produced LIES and RAIN on you, I don't know how mel-ady got it. I will have to look into this.I have not hard from you in years, I hope all is well.your friend.
WELDON

By acooolcat (211.72.121.66 - 211.72.121.66) on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 03:32 am:

Hi Weldon - Can you remember when you recorded those songs with Gwen? I'd love to hear them.
Best wishes, Graham

By phillysoulman (152.163.204.179 - 152.163.204.179) on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 03:34 am:

And guess what? I played guitar on that stuff early in my career thanks to Mr. Mcdougal, my mentor!!! Great session too.

Bobby Eli

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.164.254 - 68.80.164.254) on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 04:18 am:

Hi Graham, Im sorry I can't remmber the year I did the session, but I will look at the master tape and let you know, I recorded three songs with Gwen,LIE'S,RAIN, and NOTHING BUT HARTAKES,I did not know that any body new about the record.
Weldon

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.173 - 62.31.40.173) on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 08:33 am:

Keep talking you guys!!

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Tuesday, March 05, 2002 - 02:27 am:

Hi Bobby and Weldon - What can you tell me/us about Mel-Ady? I have to admit that I've never heard of the company.
Best wishes, Graham

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.164.254 - 68.80.164.254) on Tuesday, March 05, 2002 - 02:00 pm:

I produced the records and have the master tapes, I don't know who mel-ady is.
I never made a deal with these records,I recorded
the track in 1970 with a group,Sharon Paige was the lead singer,about a year later I recorded Gwen Owens on the same track.
WELDON

By Who Knew (64.12.107.34 - 64.12.107.34) on Tuesday, March 05, 2002 - 04:07 pm:

It seems as though Mel-ady was a contraction much in the vain of the way B.G. used to do.
I Feel like Sherlock Holms here.
In what year did these sides surface?
Could be that "someone" got a hold of an old acetate and digitally doctored it up and made one to believe that it was a "rare find"
The "Ady" part. Could that be the bloke from Kent Records? And "Mel" could be a partner.
Just a crazy thought. Sorry to have even mentioned it.

By Carl Dixon London (62.31.40.173 - 62.31.40.173) on Tuesday, March 05, 2002 - 04:54 pm:

Well Who Knew!! That is interesting! Ady DJ's at the '100' Club Down Oxford Street. You could be onto something here..

By Who Knew (64.12.104.47 - 64.12.104.47) on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 01:09 am:

My feelings exactly, sir.
Bootlegs are obviously so prevelant in today's society that it could very well be a "glorified" bootleg.

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.128.25 - 213.122.128.25) on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 08:52 am:

it would be nice to know who you were so that we could welcome you to the forum.

By Ade (193.129.220.205 - 193.129.220.205) on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 03:14 pm:

David

Mebbes you could e-mail Ady (the other Ade) and ask him? Also ask him to chip in his tupenn'orth to this forum. I'm sure he's be as fascinated as we are by the stuff thats coming out of it.

(NB. Fancy the Grosvenor this weekend?)

By acooolcat (211.72.121.66 - 211.72.121.66) on Thursday, March 07, 2002 - 04:33 am:

The Mel-Ady label has nothing to do with Ady at Ace/Kent Records - he just told me so and mentioned Ady Pierce's name.
Graham

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.122.85.221 - 213.122.85.221) on Thursday, March 07, 2002 - 08:36 am:

thanks for clearing that up so quick graham.

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.164.254 - 68.80.164.254) on Thursday, March 07, 2002 - 03:14 pm:

Weldon here,who ever Mel-Ady records is everthing
can be worked out if thay get in touch with me,the forum is out of sight,Thanks Guys!!!
Weldon A. Mc Dougal III

By Carl Dixon London (195.153.219.170 - 195.153.219.170) on Thursday, March 07, 2002 - 11:30 pm:

Wow, this forum does the business! Who knew, knew we knew!!

By GLO (209.144.206.2 - 209.144.206.2) on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 - 08:47 pm:

Hi Graham,

Good to hear from you. I never in my wildest dreams thought that those old records I recorded in the 60's would be worth mentioning today. I do remember the name Weldon McDougal, but forgive me, I don't remeber ever recording anything in Philadelphia for anyone. If he has the masters, I wish he would make me a cassette from them to refresh my memory. My Mom is just fine. She's sorry she missed you when you were in Detroit. I think I know where to reach Henry Smith. I thought I told you how. Well, if you contact me through the other way we communicate, I'll fill you in. I heard the "Wanted and Needed" is being sold underground in England by Ian Levine. Do you know anything about that? Do you know how to reach him? You asked what I'm doing today. I'm singing Gospel music with a group called Melodious Hearts, and I am the musician for the children's choir at Calvary Baptist Church in Pacoima.
Best of luck to you and your new (and last) wife. Smile. Talk at you soon.
A big what's up to all the other guys in the forum. Later.

By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.164.254 - 68.80.164.254) on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 - 09:26 pm:

Hi Gwen; if you e-mail me your address I will send you a tape of the songs,don't fill bad a lot of peaple forgot me (smile)
WELDON A. Mc Dougal III

By david, glasgow, scotland (213.107.27.25 - 213.107.27.25) on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 - 10:10 pm:

gwen
graham told me yesterday that he may be off-line for a couple of days, so keep checking in.

when i was in detroit in september, with graham,he gave me a tape with one of your early 45's on it...'mystery of love'.

the bass line on that record kills me...as do your vocals. whenever i hear it now i think of the streets of detroit. it's such a sensational record and is now firmly installed as one of my favourite records of all time.

i wonder if you can remember anything about this recording.....or even when the last time was that you heard it.

By Ian W (213.123.47.180 - 213.123.47.180) on Wednesday, March 13, 2002 - 11:10 pm:

Gwen

It's good to know you're still singing! All the best!

Ian

By acooolcat (211.78.0.219 - 211.78.0.219) on Thursday, March 14, 2002 - 01:40 pm:

Hi Gwen,
Ian Levine? I believe he's in England - started running a soul nightclub/event in London called The Rocket. I don't know the guy, but I'm sure someone from the site can put you in touch with him. Did you ever get a copy of the video from him?
I don't know anything about your "Wanted & Needed" being sold underground (bootlegged?). Nothing would surprise me though. The original copy on Velgo is valuable. Didn't you tell me it was a highschool band on that - the horns are a bit out - but it really drives it along!
TTYL, Graham

By recordboyusa (208.61.5.193 - 208.61.5.193) on Friday, March 15, 2002 - 01:30 am:

Hi Gwen,
I have Ian's e-mail and will be glad to pass it on to you, if you contact me off list:

jeff@limestonerecords.com

By the way, I was just listening to your song "Lies" the other day. A lot of us really love your records!

Jeff Lemlich
http://www.limestonerecords.com

By Sandy D (65.59.31.161 - 65.59.31.161) on Tuesday, May 07, 2002 - 12:54 am:

I heard somewhere that Gwen Owens was once considered for the lead singer of the Debonairs. Word has it that her voice was too strong. The Debonairs had really sweet voices. I don't remember who they eventually got for that part. I remember hearing Joyce Vincent, Elsie Baker, and Dorothy... can't remember her last name, were original members. Can anyone shed some light on that?

By Flynny (213.1.132.254 - 213.1.132.254) on Monday, May 13, 2002 - 12:05 pm:

Mel-Ady Records.
To clear this one up, this was a one off (300 copies only) press by Adey Pierce in the 80's, and was done officially with the help of both Weldon and Gwen, according to the press release sheet at the time. It also states that full BMI and artist royalties were paid in full on it. The "Mel" part is simply Adey's wife's name.
"Lies" shares the same backing track as the Four Larks "I still love you" on Uptown, and with the unissued track (maybe Sharon Paige as mentioned by Weldon?) that Richard Searling used to play in the late 70's/early 80's as "Carletta".

Flynny

By acooolcat (61.222.95.58 - 61.222.95.58) on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 02:39 am:

I've been told that Gwen's "Lies" is the same song as a Brenda and The Tabulations song called "Lies, Lies, Lies" released on the Top & Bottom label. Right?
Graham

By John Lester (213.1.133.33 - 213.1.133.33) on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 07:34 am:

I got a CD by Brenda..... I can check it out...who wrote the Gwen Owens song ......

Is Gwen's version on CD, cos I dont have it on vinyl

By acooolcat (211.78.28.80 - 211.78.28.80) on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 - 08:32 am:

Hi John,
According to David Flynn (May 13) it was released in the UK by Adey Peirce. Did Weldon have a hand in writing it?
Graham