| Author |
Message |
 
Robb_K (robb_k)
6-Zenith
Username: robb_k
Post Number: 539
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.232.133.160
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 5:30 pm: �� |   ��� |
I asked this question on the old forum, and didn't get a real answer. I'm hoping that Ron M. or Mike M. or somebody who was at Motown back then can answer this. I know that Mickey Stevenson was the producer of one side, and Bob Hamilton, the other. I have been told that Mickey was in charge of getting those cuts pressed and released. That was pretty late for Motown to be leasing product to other labels (a la Lee & Leopards on Laurie, Herman Griffin on Columbia, several early artists on UA, Cornell Blakely on Mercury, etc.). Motown was rolling already at the time the I.P.G. record was released. Why did Berry not want to put it out on one of his labels? Why did he allow it to be put out on a tiny indie label? |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 858
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.179.108
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 7:33 pm: �� | ��� |
Hi Robb K,
That's a good question. I wasn't at Motown so I can't say. Like many others have before, during and after with Motown, maybe Mr. Stevenson wanted to do some moonlighting of his own. I guess being a creative person, one always gets a sense that a song such as this ought to be released and should be a hit, and if a record company can promote it properly. So I assume he decided to put him out himself? I have heard the song and it's a gem. I just don't know why all of the sudden urgency regarding this one-off release anyhow? Can someone else explain please.
Don |
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon)
5-Doyen
Username: davie_gordon
Post Number: 226
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 212.219.250.1
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 8:48 pm: �� | ��� |
Robb, I don't think that question has ever been answered - if I remember rightly the group
themselves don't know how it happened.
Probably only Mickey Stevenson knows for sure.
Davie |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 860
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.179.108
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 9:13 pm: �� | ��� |
There He Goes has his trademark sound on it production wise. I always thought he was more creative artisticaly control out of all the other's at the company, have to give the man his due. No if's doubts about it. It's real wasteful how alot of songs weren't used at all. Too much power instead of not thinking of the product, plus it was his anyway??
Don |
John Lester (theboyfromxtown)
4-Laureate
Username: theboyfromxtown
Post Number: 138
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 81.154.167.4
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 7:15 am: �� | ��� |
I want to come in here....I repeat the words of Norma and Cal from the Velvelettes and Tom de Pierro who worked at Motown in the 70's
Whatever it says officially, Norma wrote the basic song "There He Goes" and the 5 Velvelettes (that's Cal, Norma, Bertha, Millie and Betty) put together the 4-part harmony. Mickey Stevenson promised the girls that he would get a release for that record and the girls trusted him to do whatever it took. Although they were surprised to find it was released on IPG, the girls didn't much concern themselves about it, as they were just happy it was released.
Tom De Pierro said that Mickey asked Motown to release it, but they said no. So Mickey decided to take matters into his own hands and release it anyway that he could. Mickey was friendly witht he guys at the Independent Producers Group and they agreed that Mickey could release the song since they had faith in "HIS" songwriting abilities. Mickey's name appears as a writer and he did contribute to the song but the song was really Norma's and the girls still announce it as such when they perform. |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 875
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.53.174
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 12:59 pm: �� | ��� |
Yrs ago I was blessed to meet The Velvelettes thrn Wm Mickey Stevenson. I have fond memories I dug them all.
Don |
John Lester (theboyfromxtown)
4-Laureate
Username: theboyfromxtown
Post Number: 139
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 81.154.167.21
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 4:11 pm: �� | ��� |
Well Don..if you come along to Hemsby in England in late October, you will be able to meet them again....
There, how's that for an offer you can't refuse!! |
Robb_K (robb_k)
6-Zenith
Username: robb_k
Post Number: 542
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.232.148.206
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 4:45 pm: �� | ��� |
Thanks John. I finally get to know what I guessed, but should have known all along. It's a strange situation, since I was Tom De Pierro's business partner at Airwave, Airwave International, Altair Records for 7 years, and his friend for a lot longer, AND we also shared office space with Mickey Stevenson for a while, and were located in an adjacent office suite for a few years. So, I had ample chance to ask Mickey that question directly (but, I never wanted to bother him with questions about the past-so never asked). Apparantly, Tom DID.
But I STILL don't understand why Berry didn't have a problem with Mickey's doing that (EVEN THOUGH THE RECORD DIDN'T SELL ENOUGH TO MATTER!). I still think Berry always liked to be in control, and at THAT point, wouldn't have wanted to have Motown product released on a competitor's label. Also, I can't understand why Mickey used THAT particular version and mix of "That's The Reason Why". I've heard (what I feel is ) a much better one on the master tapes (better tempo, beter instrumentation, better arrangement and better vocals). I guess there's no accounting for taste! |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 886
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.53.174
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 5:30 pm: �� | ��� |
Hi John: I wouldn't know if the girls would remember me? As I stated I was blessed and had the pleasure of meeting with help from my Chicago Friends meeting them thru Mr. Wm. Mickey Stevenson. Also, is this the real actual original group members. I don't care for phony pass-off groups either. I don't want you to think I'm sounding mean spirited, I'm not John.
I wish I could hop on a plane and catch my favorite artists. Why? Because I don't have a passport. I don't want to sound political but with this war going on and things are tough with national security and checks, that it would be hard to do if I we're to John. I'm glad for the offer but I'm there in spirit mate.
The Vel's was only given a couple of hits, but personally that had alot more talent than any vocal group around including The Andantes. Cause they are that acceptional as session vocalist.
I don't want to slight on UK Fans, but there is nothing wrong with ballads either. I understand when The Motown Revue hit England in the early 60's it's been legend, it's been the biggest thing since the invention of peanut butter & jelly sandwich, maybe they kinda helped invented the Northern Soul big beat and uptempo drive.
But there is nothing wrong with doing some ballads in shows either John, cause a artist has got to have a chance to catch their breath, and pick up the pace once again. Cause the Velvelettes are the acception to that rule respectfully. I don't want anyone mad at me when they'll read this post cous, this is IMOHO.
Don |
John Lester (theboyfromxtown)
4-Laureate
Username: theboyfromxtown
Post Number: 141
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 81.154.167.21
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 5:53 pm: �� | ��� |
Guys...the Velvelettes performing in Hemsby will be Cal, Millie, Norma and Bertha....only original member Betty Kelley will not be there! So this is the REAL thing.
Robb - That's The Reason Why....Keep watching this space!
Don - Cal can still sing like she did back in the old days and I can assure you of that. When I saw her premiere "Everybody Needs Love" at the Roostertail at the "Women Of Motown" gathering, I was not sure if she was miming or singing until I noticed that she changed some of the phrasing, she was THAT good. Ok, so I admit, I am a bit biased cos I do consider Cal's voice to be my top favourite. She also happens to be a great lady - as the Brits at Cleethorpes (when she sung "There He Goes") and Liverpool will vouch - and I am proud to have her as a close friend too. |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 889
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.53.174
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 6:02 pm: �� | ��� |
Thanx John to you also I heard so much about Cleethorpes, is it like Northern Soul, All Nighters, Casino or Wigan Wheels and Mirwood organizations, concert venues, clubs & fan websites bases?
Don |
Robb_K (robb_k)
6-Zenith
Username: robb_k
Post Number: 546
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.232.146.41
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 6:14 pm: �� | ��� |
Hey Don,-I'm impressed that you're gettin' up so early to post on SD! |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 890
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.164.7
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 10:31 pm: �� | ��� |
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ |
John Lester (theboyfromxtown)
4-Laureate
Username: theboyfromxtown
Post Number: 142
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 81.154.167.21
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 10:39 pm: �� | ��� |
Cleethorpes is a Northern Soul venue...and I was real happy that they allowed a southerner from London, like me, in there. The crowd there were a great bunch of people and I have to say that I had a great time.
The Velvelettes stayed behind after their performance to greet fans and the queue stretched way back - they stayed talking for over an hour. The ride back to the hotel in itself was wonderful...all the ladies were ecstatic at the reception they had just received and it was like driving on air...a great feeling. |
Don (don)
6-Zenith
Username: don
Post Number: 891
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.164.7
| | Posted on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 10:48 pm: �� | ��� |
Morning John: Tell me what's the difference between NS and it's cousin in the South, that I been hearing about sir.
Don |
John Lester (theboyfromxtown)
4-Laureate
Username: theboyfromxtown
Post Number: 144
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 81.154.167.21
| | Posted on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 1:46 am: �� | ��� |
Don
I am not sure I am qualified for that and is it possible to summarise in a couple of paragraphs. I think I might have to pass on that one!!
It would be easier to climb the highest mountain, or swim the deepest sea! |