| Author | Message | ||
  Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 105 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
These Detroit girls have been mentioned on the forum a little in the past but there's never been a topic all about them. IT'S ABOUT TIME! Most people know them as Hodges, James & Smith but they were originally known as Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford. I was shocked when I first found out that the Crawford is actually former Motown artist Carolyn Crawford. I first found out about Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford when I picked up their excellent Mpingo single 'Nobody'/'I'm In Love' at my local thrift shop. When I got it home I found out that it was worth a lot more than the 75 cents that I paid for it! Both sides are great but 'Nobody' is priceless. It's got a moody production, a wicked bassline and the girls really tear it Gospel style! (Thanks to the forum I later found out that this song was previously a hit for Kim Weston on MGM. I can't wait to hear her version). I enjoyed that first Mpingo single so much that I soon went on a quest to find as much material by this group as I possibly could. With every single and/or album track that I hear by these girls it amazes me how good they were and how good William "Micky" Stevenson's productions were! Though I'm far from having all of their material, the little that I've found has been excellent. Some of my favorite H, J & S songs so far (besides 'Nobody') have been 'Love Baby', 'Let's Pick Up The Pieces', 'I'm In Love', 'Lovin Man' and an excellent mid-tempo version of 'Since I Feel For You'. I've just ordered a copy of the 1973 album "Incredible" that they recorded for 20th Century so I'm sure that I'll find some gems on there as well. I can't seem to find much info about H, J & S online besides on www.allmusic.com. Allmusic says that the group was the brainchild of William "Micky" Stevenson and that they were intended to rival The Supremes. I find that hard to believe because H, J & S's sound was more aggressive and a lot more Soul/R&B oriented. Allmusic also goes on to suggest that the reason the girls didn't have many hit singles is because of poor material and the fact they were weak vocalists. I disagree with that as well. They weren't The Sweet Inspirations by any means but what I've heard has been great. Pat Hodges (who handled most of the leads that I've heard) is an excellent vocalist and together the girls had a tight and unique harmony. Stevenson's productions and songs (that I've heard) were also terribly catchy IMO. Is there anyone else out there digging this group as much as I do? What were the circumstances surrounding Carolyn Crawford's departure from the group? It also would be nice if someone could give us a complete Hodges, James & Smith discography. I've had no luck finding one ANYWHERE. Everyone, please feel free to share any thoughts, stories and facts about this overlooked Detroit group with us. Thanks in advance!  | ||
Soul-Brother (soulbrother) 3-Pundit Username: soulbrother Post Number: 64 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.234.180.204 |
Rod.. I'm a fan.. I played a track on a recent show (128)..on James Brown's People Label..out of California..'Somewhere A Valley' with 'Ain't That Right' on the B-side.. this being their first record.. 1969 Excellent track... The girls were Pat Hodges, Denita James & Jessica Smith. I would also like to hear more of them. Strangely.. I was gonna start a thread about 'trios' that were around early to mid 70's..another two I rate are 'Faith, Hope & Charity and Ecstasy,Passion and Pain. Barry  | ||
SDF (handsome) 2-Debutant Username: handsome Post Number: 29 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Hey Rod. Unfortunately, I'm not too familiar with them. I have a Bill Withers lp (Menagerie), and I think they are listed for background vocals of the song, "She Likes To Get Down", which wasn't bad. That's all I have to go on. I remember seeing lps by them as a kid, but I never bought them because either I don't recall hearing singles by them or they didn't grab my ear. Handsome | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 47 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.18.42.236 |
Hey Rodman, although "Nobody"By Kim Weston was a fantastic record...it was not a hit, hardly saw the light of day and I couldn't even get a demo copy from my friends at a record shop.I have never heard it by Hodges, James & Smith(&Crawford)& will have to search. I sure wish someone would issue a CD of Kim Westons non-Motown releases. Soul Brother: we had a discussion about People Records on the old forum and I do not beleive that the above PEOPLE is related to the James Brown People(distributed by Polydor). | ||
SDF (handsome) 2-Debutant Username: handsome Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
P.S.-I forgot these talented women did background for Sylvester, of which I have on cd. Handsome | ||
Soul-Brother (soulbrother) 3-Pundit Username: soulbrother Post Number: 65 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.234.180.204 |
Thanks Tony.. for that info...I was not convinced either that James Brown would have owned the label.. will change my database.. Barry | ||
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 2-Debutant Username: davie_gordon Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 213.18.222.35 |
Rodmann, despite what it says in their All Music Guide bio they weren't Detroiters ( except for Carolyn) - they were all from Los Angeles. Denita James had a solo single on Flip around '63 Pat Hodges had a solo release on, I think, Keymen around '66 and had at least one solo release in the late eighties. Davie | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 106 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
These girls are more popular than I thought! Barry, I've heard a copy of the song 'Somewhere A Valley' (the girl's first single) on mp3 and I didn't care for it. It's an obvious knock-off of the Supremes pop sound and it's not really indicative of how soulful the girls were on later singles. I'll be glad to send you some of the songs I have if you are interested Barry. Handsome, I'll keep my eyes peeled for the Bill Withers material. What Sylvester album did H, J & S sing background on? Tony, the Kim Weston single 'Nobody' (MGM 13881) did chart here in the States (#39 R&B) in January 1968 and it was Kim's biggest Post-Motown Soul charter. I've never heard it and It has been hard to find. Hopefully I'll find a copy soon. And Tony you are right about the need for a compilation of Kim's post-Motown (MGM, Banyan Tree, Stax, Mikim, etc) material. I have several of those singles and I actually prefer those songs to anything she recorded on Motown. Thanks Davie for clearing that up. Allmusic.com can be both informative and very frustrating at the same time. It seems as if they get careless and post almost anything about some of the obscure Soul acts. I wasn't aware of the Pat Hodges 60's solo single but she has released several Club/Dance singles in the 90's and new millennium. She actually had a big hit with a song called 'Love Revolution' featuring none other than The Sweet Inspirations on background vocals. Here's a link about Pat: http://www.centaurmusic.com/ar tistOne.asp?ArtistID=31 | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 4-Laureate Username: wonder_b Post Number: 124 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.249.205.59 |
Here are the lovely ladies...  Wonder B If you mess with the 'fro, you gotta go! | ||
SDF (handsome) 3-Pundit Username: handsome Post Number: 35 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Thanks for the photo Wonder B! Now that I have a visual, I remember them now, especially when they were on London Records. I wonder if they did background for a group called Nature Zone (also on London Records), on a single called, "Porcupine"? Rodmann, I don't remember what album by Sylvester, but I believe the one song was "Stars". I have his Greatest Hits cd on Fantasy. Handsome | ||
caliluv (caliluv) 1-Arriviste Username: caliluv Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 63.251.57.2 |
Rodman: I couldn't remember who said they wanted to hear Kim Weston's "Nobody". I had to look for it and found it. I can send it to you if you like. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 107 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
WOW! Thanks caliluv! I've been looking for that song for ages! Every since someone (I think it was one of the Russi brothers) informed me that Kim recorded it. My email address is rodmann2981@insightbb.com. There's also a rock version by Three Dog Night that i heard a while back but didn't care for. Thanks again Handsome. I haven't heard that much material by Sylvester but I'll try to find the song 'Stars'. Thanks for the scan Wonder. | ||
caliluv (caliluv) 1-Arriviste Username: caliluv Post Number: 6 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 63.251.57.2 |
Rodman: Sent. Hope you enjoy. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 112 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
Thanks a lot Cali! You made my day! | ||
Uptight (uptight) 3-Pundit Username: uptight Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.55.0.68 |
"Nobody" was one of HJS' early singles, and they updated it later for one of their 20th Century albums in the 70s. So there are two versions released by them. | ||
Nosey (nosey) 3-Pundit Username: nosey Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.153.113.238 |
Got home last night and guess who's featured in "In The Basement" mag? none other than Carolyn Crawford! I never heard of her as to my recollection, her records weren't pushed in Philly. Was also amazed to find out that she is doing the vocals on Bohannons, "Let's Start the Dance" you know.......EVERYBODEEEE GET ON UP AND DANCE, GIT ON UP Y'ALLLL! | ||
SDF (handsome) 3-Pundit Username: handsome Post Number: 39 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Nosey, that her singing that on the Bohannon song? Wow! Handsome | ||
SDF (handsome) 3-Pundit Username: handsome Post Number: 40 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
To my lil Bro Rodmann... The Menagerie cd by Bill Withers is on Amazon.com It came out in 1977, and has the hit song, "Lovely Day". The cd in its entirety is not bad at all. Handsome | ||
Nosey (nosey) 3-Pundit Username: nosey Post Number: 46 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.153.113.238 |
Hi SDF! That's what her interview/article stated. She went through a lot of abuse from him according to her. After learning about the music/entertainment business I'm glad I'm just lil ole me. | ||
Nosey (nosey) 3-Pundit Username: nosey Post Number: 47 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.153.113.238 |
Oops, forgot to say, she's listed as Caroline Crawford but it's she. | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 50 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.21.236.203 |
Thanks Rodmann, I had no idea that "Nobody" made that chart.I know her first relase on MGM"I Got What You Need" made it to #70something on the HOT100 and "Thats Groovy"the 2nd release bubbled over. | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.21.236.203 |
Should say bubbled under the Hot100. | ||
Randy Russi (randy_russi) 3-Pundit Username: randy_russi Post Number: 38 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 169.139.180.100 |
That label, PEOPLE, had Mickey Stevenson involved. And, no, it it NOT the James Brown label. One of the girls in this group later went solo and was performing in a small, popular Hollywood lounge with a piano player. I don't remember which girl, but Mickey Stevenson was managing her at the time. The small lounge was connected to the large dance club Studio One and, I think, was called the Rose Tatoo. Anyway, I did meet her, but Mickey didn't come in that night. | ||
SDF (handsome) 3-Pundit Username: handsome Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Nosey, were Hamilton Bohannon & Caroline (or Carolyn) an item? Handsome | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 4-Laureate Username: wonder_b Post Number: 127 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.53.221.239 |
Carolyn's first LP promo pic...  Wonder B If you mess with the 'fro, you gotta go! | ||
SDF (handsome) 3-Pundit Username: handsome Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Wonder B...you are a wealth of pictures! Thanks! Handsome | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.21.236.203 |
Great Pix, yes thats the Carolyn Crawford I Know.I wonder why she changed her name spelling from Carolyn to Caroline? | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 115 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
Tony, 'That's Groovy' is my favorite Kim Weston MGM side that I've heard so far. Caliluv was kind enough to send me 'Nobody' yesterday and it's an extremely close second! Uptight, I've heard that HJS recorded 'Nobody' twice but I'm only familiar with the Mpingo version. Do you know which LP their 2nd version was on? I've been told that it's not as good as their earlier version. Nosey, now you know that you can't keep us hanging like that! LOL. What sort of abuse did Caroline have to take from Bohannon? Were they involved in some sort of a relationship? I have Caroline (Carolyn) Crawford's two solo LP's on Mercury, "My Name Is Caroline" and "Nice And Soulful". They're both good but they are really just Hamilton Bohannon albums with Caroline's picture on the cover. HB didn't really write songs he wrote GROOVES. Caroline's vocals seem to be in the background behind the music. She didn't even get to sing much on her own albums! I really wish that she could have found a more sympathetic producer who would have gave her songs and productions where she could really stretch out vocally and strut her stuff. The Mercury albums do have some great grooves though. My favorites are 'Coming On Strong', A Nice Feeling', 'Love Me Or Leave Me' and 'Ridin On Your Love'. (Message edited by rodmann on May 01, 2004) | ||
Nosey (nosey) 3-Pundit Username: nosey Post Number: 54 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Rodmann, I'm quoting the article: The liners to 'Nice and Soulful' contain the words of thanks, purporting to come from Carolyn"...Also to Bohannon for being a cool boss..." but, behind the scenes, as Carolyn related, things were far from harmonious as she alleged both verbal and, on occasion, physical abuse... It further goes on to say: I don't know how to this day I went through all that I did. I don't know if I was trying to not hurt myself again, get past, try to make a career. I don't know what was in my mind but I suffered a lot. (Bohannon) never was interested in getting me off the ground. If people said anything nice about me, he would get upset and I couldn't understand. He signed me to his production company, wasn't he supposed to be working with me too? I never could get it. It's not clear in the article if there was any romantic relationship. Tony in regards to the name change all it says is: "Bohannon's Disco Symphony' had been a relatively minor hit on the r&b charts but, with the vocals of Carolyn - renamed Caroline - out front, he was to gain a top-ten smash and an international hit with 'Let's Start The Dance'. It never says why she changed her name. | ||
DyvaNaye (westside314) 5-Doyen Username: westside314 Post Number: 266 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 209.212.74.198 |
The one song I love by these women is the remake of SINCE I FELL FOR YOU. We used to murder that song in my house. In fact Im trying ot remember the other hit on that London label album...circa 1978 'ish'... | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 1-Arriviste Username: brother_love Post Number: 10 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.216.213 |
London Records publicity photo from 1977.  Pictured left to rigth: Jessie Smith, Denita James and Pat Hodges. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 116 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
Great pic of Caroline, Wonder! Thanks for the beautiful scan Brother Love. This is only the second photo that I've EVER seen of the girls! I had seen the pic that Wonder posted prior to starting this topic and that was it. I love seeing all of these old promo photos. BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL! It's so nice to put a face with the voices of these artists that I like so much. Thanks for sharing some of Caroline's article with us Nosey. It's a shame that a talented and drop dead gorgeous woman like her had to go through SO MUCH drama just to maintain her career! She deserved much better. Nosey, does Caroline mention anything about her time with HJS&C? Caroline also had a short stint with the group Chapter 8 after HJS&C and before her work with Bohannon. I'm not that familiar with Chapter 8's work. The only thing I know about them is that Anita Baker replaced Caroline in the group. Does anyone know which Chapter 8 tracks feature Caroline? Dyva, HJS's 'Since I Feel For You/I'm Falling In Love' is my jam! I can listen to that one over and over again! The funny thing is that I never cared for the song 'Since I Fell For You' at all until I heard this version. They totally revamped it. The production is so BIG and it's got such a feelgood vibe to it. It's also clever how they combined it with the song 'I'm Falling In Love'. Here is HJS's chart info according to Joel Whitburn's Top R&B singles book: 'Since I Feel For You/I'm Falling In Love' (#24 R&B, #96 Pop) July 1977 'Don't Take Away Your Love' (#90 R&B) Dec 1977 'Dancing In The Street' (#85 R&B) July 1979 I'm sure that they had even more success on the Disco/Club charts but I don't have that info. I hope that this helps Dyva. I've got a feeling that you're thinking of the song 'I'm Falling In Love' which was combined with 'Since I Fell For You'. THIS IS SOULFUL DETROIT FORUM AT IT'S FINEST! EVERYONE COMING TOGETHER SHARING EVERYTHING THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT THESE NEGLECTED ARTISTS TO CREATE ONE HELL OF A SOUL MUSIC DATABASE! THANKS A LOT FOR PARTICIPATING EVERYONE. I'M LEARNING SO MUCH ABOUT THESE LADIES! YOU CAN'T FIND THIS INFORMATION ANYWHERE ELSE ONLINE! | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 11 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.59.34 |
London Records promo postcard from 1978.  Top left to right: Pat Hodges, Fanita James and Jessica Smith. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 12 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.59.34 |
The first release on Moingo Records, 1972.  | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.59.34 |
The second release on Moingo Records, 1972.  | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 5-Doyen Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 402 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
Hey Nosey! I've got too hook up with In The Basement. Caroline sang her butt off on that Summertime Groove LP from '78. She also did her thing on Me & The Gang from that LP, which faded into a reprise of Let's Start The Dance. I never got to hear her solo stuff after Bohannon. I would have loved to read her experiences. It seems a shame, I caqn't understand why Hamilton would have dogged her. I thought that Caroline & Patrice "Chocolate" Banks were two of the most underrated female singers of the '70s. It came as a hell of a surprise to me, when I learned of her Motown origins. I like I'll Come Running from her early days! Peace! Juice (Message edited by Juicefree20 on May 01, 2004) | ||
roddee (rod_rick) 1-Arriviste Username: rod_rick Post Number: 3 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.166 |
Carolyn also did a remake of "Up The Ladder To The Roof" With Cindy Birdsong Scherrie Payne, Lynda Laurence and a guy with last name Kidd back in the 80's. I also heard she was a Vandella for Martha for a while | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 117 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.129 |
Thanks for the scans Brother Love. I have the first single that you posted ('Nobody') but I'm not familiar with the second one. Will you please tell us how you like the 'Write Me A Letter' single and it's flip? Is it as good as the earlier 'Nobody'/'I'm In Love' single? The label name looks like Moingo but it's actually Mpingo. Mpingo is an African tree with black wood. The early 70's were very Afro-centric times so I guess Mpingo seemed like an excellent name for a record label. LOL. That's explains why the label sticker is so black. I noticed on the 'Write Me A Letter' single that it says "from the album Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford". Does this mean that the girls (including Crawford) had an LP prior to the 1973 20th Century Fox "Incredible" album? This is the first time that I'm hearing about this early LP on Mpingo! Was it ever released or was it shelved? I just ordered the "Incredible" LP and I can't wait to hear it. Almost every song that I've heard by HJS so far has been excellent. I'm still hoping that someone can provide us with a full discography of their work. Thanks again everyone! | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.174.209.107 |
Hodges, James & Smith got back together a few years ago for a very special performance.  | ||
Nosey (nosey) 3-Pundit Username: nosey Post Number: 59 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
Rodmann: Here is a snippet in regards to HJS&C: "Mickey contacted me and invited me to join in the group and he said 'I need you to lead'. So I said I'm willing to try it but I didn't want any fighting, because I know girls fall out. So she flies out from Detroit to Cali and... "So, I met the girls and we clicked right away, which was good. Then what happened was I began to do the arrangements for the group. Because that's something else I do, I love background work, putting arrangements together. I should have stretched out through teh years and lent myself out to doing vocal arrangements for people and getting paid for it but I missed that boat, although I do as much as I can now. So we wound up getting along very well. The vocals were good and we worked good together." Then........ "I started having 'problems" and I decided to come home. I think Mickey tried to make me into a villain. This is what I told him I did not want to do with the girls (sic) and it turned out to be him and me for whatever dumb reason." So it seems the relationship with "south" at least with Mickey. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 17 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.58.8 |
Pat Hodges is currently starring in a one woman called "Bessie & Good Friends" at The CAP Theater in Studio City, CA (For info call 818 506-5111) She has a new release on Frizion Records entiled "Saving My Love", which is currently at number three on Billbroad's dance charts.  | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 18 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.58.8 |
This single was issued several years back from a play that Pat starred in called "Heaven Only Knows" aka "Wings & Things" that was produced by Mickey Stevenson. Pat also sings this song at the opening of act two in her current show "Bessie & Good Friends".  | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 118 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.222.66 |
OMG Nosey! Thanks a lot. I've gotta get me a copy of that issue of In The Basement magazine so I can read that whole article about Caroline. I've never read a copy of "ITB" before but I've been hearing about it for years! Are all of the articles in there as good and juicy as this one about Miss Crawford? Thanks once again for everything Brother Love. You are goldmine of HJS info! You beat me to the punch regarding Pat Hodges new single. I was gonna mention that she has a Top 10 Dance hit right now. Good for her! After all of these years she's having the biggest recording success of her career! I wish that I could've seen that HJS reunion a few years back. Did you attend it Bro Love? I wasn't even familiar with the group back in 1999! LOL. Bro Love, you have so much detailed info about Pat and HJS. Do you know them personally? What are the chances of one of the women actually coming onto SDF and answering some of our questions? | ||
Wonder B (wonder_b) 4-Laureate Username: wonder_b Post Number: 144 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.248.133.184 |
Rodmann the latest ITB issue with C.Crawford also features articles on Timi YUro, Paul Kelly, Vernon Garrett among others.... Wonder B | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 3-Pundit Username: tony_russi Post Number: 57 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.18.35.54 |
The "mystery" surrounding the name & origins of PEOPLE RECORDS thickens for me when I see that the Mpingo label distributed by Starday-King...when James Brown first involved with People he was still with Starday-King...this leads me to suspect that there is some connection with the Mickey Stevenson PEOPLE and the James Brown PEOPLE.Things that make you go MMM? | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 131 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.222.66 |
Thanks Wonder B. I gotta get me a subscription to ITB! Tony, I think that James Brown didn't start recording for People until after his stint with King Records and when he started his contract with Polydor. I've got the feeling that his People was just a label that Polydor started for him to release his artists on. I have a few of The Micky Stevenson People label singles and the label doesn't list any other label affiliation. The singles for this label are listed as being late 60's (68/69). James was with King at this time. I've always thought that these were two different record labels but it does make you say HMMMM? LOL. | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 4-Laureate Username: tony_russi Post Number: 77 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.32.240.104 |
Rodmann the last 2 JB 45's for Starday-King was issued on People..."Hot Pants & Escapism.I'm not at home so I don't have access to looking at my records but I think those are the 2 45's issued under the People banner distributed by Starday-King. | ||
Soul-Brother (soulbrother) 4-Laureate Username: soulbrother Post Number: 72 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.234.189.152 |
Hi all, I'm putting together a discography of Hodges, James & Smith for my webpage..and would like to use some of the info here and some scans.If anyone is not aggreeable please contact me(Click my name... blue means you can e-mail me). I will acknowledge the help from Soulful Detroit on the page. Barry | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 135 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.222.66 |
OK Tony. Now I really am confused. I always thought that James didn't have any releases on People until after the King years. Maybe these two labels are the same after all? That's great that you're making a HJS discography Barry. I've asked about one several times on this topic but came up empty handed. I don't think that enough is known about this group to come up with a complete discography. I've been trying to compile one of my own by searching online record auctions. I've found several records but my homemade discography is far from complete. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.58.24 |
Rodmann, I did talk to both Pat and Denita the other and told them about this SD thread. Denita just happened to be over Pat's house when I called. Pat was trying to get into the Forum but her PC would not let her register for some reason. We were on the phone for quite some before she gave up, hopefully she will try again. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.222.66 |
THANK YOU BROTHER LOVE! Were Pat & Denita able to read the forum and see how much people enjoy their recordings? This topic have been even more successful than I originally hoped. HJS HAS SOME SERIOUS FANS HERE! I hope that Pat and Denita will be able to register soon. I've got so many questions to ask them. The girls have a great sound. I'm lovin' every single by them that I hear. They had several excellent recordings that should've been hits. | ||
Soul-Brother (soulbrother) 4-Laureate Username: soulbrother Post Number: 73 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.234.165.126 |
Hi to all H,J & S fans.... I have,as promised,added them to the webpage. Any additions, extra info etc will be again appreciated. Hope I did them justice. www.soulcellar.co.uk Link: Great Voices (Groups) Barry | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 23 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.169.116.119 |
 This is a shot I took backstage at The El Rey Theater in Los Angeles at one of Pat's many club dates. Left to right: Jessica, Pat and Denita. | ||
LaBrenda (dotchain) 3-Pundit Username: dotchain Post Number: 50 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 166.68.134.174 |
I remember RUSTY OLE HALO by HJS, Mickey was either married or involved with Pat...They were on GERALDO years ago promoting a show that was to go to Broadway ..there were several other well known session singers on the show...I have a vhs somewhere. I think perhaps Stephanie Spruill and some similarly well known (by me)session gals were all to be featured in the live show. Gosh I must regroup to remember such detail . I will provide more info on that defunkt show (that never did hit B'way...as far as I know)....It was kind of in the vein of the EMOTIONS' Show with the BUBBLEGUM title. I think! (dah!)..I too have Pat's 2 cd singles. I believe they were marked IMPORT. with very high energy vocals. POWER OF LOVE is the lp 'Rusty ole Halo' was from. | ||
LaBrenda (dotchain) 3-Pundit Username: dotchain Post Number: 51 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 166.68.134.174 |
and by the way Ms Carolyn Caroline was a Vandella with Karen Pree Macmurray (Clay's wife) for a while. Touring only I believe in the last decade. They left me wanting Roz Annette Lois and Delphine or Betty. Rather strong personalities both and capable of doing their own thing . My opinion.Pretty gals too. Martha seemed very chummy with the gals.A pretty trio. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 2-Debutant Username: brother_love Post Number: 26 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.57.209 |
LaBrenda, the show was called "Sang Sister Sang" and it did play in L.A. at the El Rey Theater. It was a tribute to the many great female legends of music: Mahalia, Dinah, Billie, Josephine, etc. Just to set the record straight Pat and Mickey were never a couple. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 144 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.223.169.197 |
Barry, that's an excellent HJS discography that you have on your site! Great scans as well. If I see anymore singles that you don't have listed I'll be sure to email you. Brother Love thanks for the recent pics of the girls. They still look good after all these years. How was the reunion concert? Did they perform any of their old singles? I'M STILL HOPING THAT WE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CORRESPOND WITH ONE (OR MORE) OF THE MEMBERS OF HJS! I really hope that Pat & Denita weren't discouraged after they couldn't register to the forum the first time. Brother Love, were the girls at least able to read this topic and see that they have fans here? | ||
LaBrenda (dotchain) 3-Pundit Username: dotchain Post Number: 57 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 166.68.134.174 |
that sounds just right..'SANG SISTER SANG'....I was told Mickey was with one of HJS....I am mistaken...right church, wrong pew perhaps....I stand corrected. I cringe sometimes after I see how gossipy I sometimes sound.My purpose isn't to ruffle feathers. perhaps it was an impression the GERALDO show gave to me. Really don't know where I got that info originally. Peace....silly me! | ||
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 3-Pundit Username: davie_gordon Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 212.219.250.5 |
Can somebody confirm that Denita James and Fanita James are definitely the same person ? I've been doing some work on listing Fanita's credits - there's tons of them - but there's little point in posting it on this HJS thread if they're different people. Davie | ||
Tony Russi (tony_russi) 4-Laureate Username: tony_russi Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.83.155.35 |
Fanita James of the Blossoms, The Blue Jeans is NOT the same person....BIG age difference also. | ||
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 3-Pundit Username: davie_gordon Post Number: 41 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 212.219.250.2 |
Thanks Tony - that's exactly what I was thinking. Davie | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.219.13 |
 Left to right: Jessica, Pat and Denita "Power In Your Love" cover 1975, Photography: Buddy Rosenberg | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 148 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.223.169.197 |
Brother Love, I've just gotta thank you again for all of the HJS info and beautiful scans of your memorabilia that you've shared with us. That's one of the things that I love about this forum. Not only are we able to talk to other Soul music fans but we have the opportunity to speak to kind folks like you that actually know these artists personally! I was just wondering if there was a reason that you've ignored almost every question that I've asked you on this thread? NONE of my questions were about the girls personal lives. I'd feel much better if you at least gave me a I Don't Know or a None Of Your Business or even a FU*K YOU! Something! LOL. (Message edited by Rodmann on May 15, 2004) | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 33 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.218.50 |
Hey Rodmann, sorry for not getting back to you please don't take it personal. I did talk to Pat the other day and she said that she would try again to get back on the forum . Tomorrow I'm going to see her one woman show "Bessie & Good Friends" at The Cap Theatre in Studio City. Denita told me that she has a new group and that she is trying to get them some bookings. Pat said she talked to Jessie the other day, I need to give her a call and tell her about SD. It's great to see that they're all still very good friends | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 34 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.218.50 |
 Left to right: Pat, Denita and Jessica "Incredible" cover 1973, Photography: Paul Bruhwiler | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 35 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.120.58.85 |
 Left to right: Jessica, Denita and Pat Photography: Richard Armas, 1978 | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 156 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.223.169.197 |
Thanks Brother Love. It is good to hear that the girls are all still good friends after all these years. I'm sure that they've been through a lot together. I ordered a sealed copy of that "Incredible" album some weeks back from an internet record shop and I still haven't got it yet. Not sure what the problem is. When I finally get it I'll give a full review here on the forum. The few singles that I've heard from the album ('Lovin Man' & 'Signal Your Intention') have been excellent. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 47 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.218.111 |
Hey Rodmann, Glad to hear your album is on it's way, let us know what you think about it. Just to let you know they had a few sides on 20th Century and London that not did not appear on any of their albums. Only Up - 20th Century #2017, 1973 (B-side to I Should Stay) Lovin' Man/Lucky One - 20th Century #2099, 1974 Never Gonna Break It Up/same - 20th Century #2148, 1974 (stereo/mono) Dancing In The Streets/Music Turns Me On - London #5N-274, 1979 Dancing In The Streets - London # 3014, 1979 (12in extended mix) (Message edited by Brother Love on May 21, 2004) | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 159 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.223.169.197 |
 Brother Love, 'Lovin Man' was the main reason that I couldn't wait to get my hands on that "Incredible" album! I heard part of it on record shop's website and I fell in love with it. Since it was released on the 29th Century label around the same time I sort of figured that it was on the "Incredible" album. I love the over the top sexiness of 'Lovin Man'. Pat cracks me up when she raps lines like "I've been doin' without for much too long, I don't care how long it is I'LL WAIT!" LOL. I guess I'm gonna have to find the single if I want to hear the whole song. Thanks for setting the record straight Brother Love. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 48 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.217.63 |
Rodmann you have great taste man and if you want to hear another great version of "Lovin' Man" check the album "Bodine, Rita Jean" by Rita Jean Bodine. It was issued on her second album also for 20th Century Records the same year as the Hodges, James and Smith release. Both of Rita's albums were produced by Carol Carmichael who also co-wrote "Lovin' Man". Rita was one hell of soulful and funky white chick who could hang with the best of them. The first time I heard the song was by Rita and not HJS so I'm not sure who recorded it first. I love the HJS version but Rita really gave them a run for their money. She even did a cover on this album of JB's song "Lickin' Stick" where she sings "Daddy come hear quick and bring me your lickin' stick", need I say more. Rita was the bomb back in the day. I use to see her live all the time and really loved both of her albums. The big question is what ever happen to Rita Jean Bodine? | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 4-Laureate Username: rodmann Post Number: 161 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.223.169.197 |
Bro Love, I've never heard of Miss Rita Jean Bodine until now but you've sold me on her and I can't wait to hear some of her records! I'm still bummed out that 'Lovin Man' isn't on HJS's "Incredible" album but at least 'Signal Your Intention' is on there. I HOPE! LOL. I heard a snippit of it on a website along with 'Lovin Man' and it seems to be a great song as well. I did a little research and I found out that the girls also performed it on Soul Train. Hopefully Don Cornelius will get his act together and release all of the old Soul Train episodes on DVD including the ones featuring HJS. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 189 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.223.169.197 |
It's been over a month since I ordered HJS's "Incredible LP from one of these online record shops and I still don't have my album! Everytime I call the shop no one picks up and they won't answer my emails. If I don't get my album by the end of this week I'm gonna broadcast the name of this shop right here on the forum in CAPITOL LETTERS so the same thing won't happen to any of the other forum members! Brother Love, I found a mp3 copy of Rita Jean Bodine's cover of 'Lickin Stick'. You are right, the woman was bad! I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled for more stuff by her. Especially that version of 'Lovin Man'. | ||
Spookey (spookey) 2-Debutant Username: spookey Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 198.81.26.46 |
I wrote a little something regarding Pat Hodges. I ain't no big time pro but I hope you enjoy it!! find it on the forum www.chicano-magazine.com | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 3-Pundit Username: brother_love Post Number: 55 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.219.181 |
 Pat Hodges on the cover of Gloss magazine | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 199 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Rodmann, Hodges, James & Smith backgrounded on Sylvester's "Stars & Body Strong" in 1979. Handsome |
