Soulful DetroitArchives - July 2004 � The O'JAYS Of The 60's Or The O'JAYS Of THE 70's Which was Better Previous Next

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Kev-Lo (7273747576)
4-Laureate
Username: 7273747576

Post Number: 143
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 4.236.39.44
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 7:23 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi this is Kev-Lo you know there were so many great groups in the soul era of the 60's and 70's.Well the O'jays was by far one of them.They took the 70's by storm with all of their great Philly classic's But In my opinion I think they were superb in the 60's.In the late 60's they were on Bell Records.Of course their biggest hit on that label was I'll Be Sweeter Than Tomorrow Followed by other hits.One of their rare jams was Lipstick Traces (On A Cigarette,I'm So Glad I Found You which was later redone by Linda Jones backed up by the Whatnauts.Going,Going,Gone and Look Over Your Shoulder which I believe was originally done by The Impliments.I Dig Your Act was another superb song they did.The O'jays who's brand of oldschool soul never grow old were deffinitely true soul legends of all time.So tell something which do you like better the 60's o'jays or the 70's o'jays or can you really choose between the two
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Manny (manny)
5-Doyen
Username: manny

Post Number: 222
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.124.51.152
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 9:24 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello to all, my dear soulful friends!

Hi, Kev-lo, what's up, brother?
You have touching one of my most "sensible" chords with this trhead (smile!).
In some way, the O'Jays 70's input was the first i hearded by this group and i can't separate the sentimental value of my particular "discovering" of my teens. Much aftere, I'm feel interesting to find more oldier material (hard to find) and I found some Imperial, Bell, Saru and Neptune sides of this great Cleveland vocal group. Finally, I can admit that despite the fact the 70's material it's more lyrical rich, well orchestrated and innovative, the previously decade they makes some very soulful material.

My top five 60's - O'Jays:
Let It All Out (Liberty)
Rented Tuxedo (Liberty)
Just Another Guy (Bell)
Little Brother (Saru)
You're The Best Thing Since Candy (Neptune)

My top-five 70's - O'Jays (all in PIR)
Don't Call Me Brother
For The Love Of Money
She's Only A Woman
A Prayer
Take Me To The Stars

And, in adition, my top-five 80's - O'Jays (all also in PIR)
Extraordinary Girl
House Of Fire
Love Fever
What A Woman
Undecover Lover

(I lost the interest in the O'Jays material after they leave PIR, I only have trhee CD's in Emi and sounds so much "hip-hop" and not enough soulful for my taste)

Peace & Soul Food, friends
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Spyder Turner (spyder_turner)
1-Arriviste
Username: spyder_turner

Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2004
Posted From: 68.42.246.252
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 9:33 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I like both the 60's and the 70's equally but my personal favorits are
LIVIN FOR THE WEEKEND, AND STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
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Soul Sister (soul_sister)
6-Zenith
Username: soul_sister

Post Number: 988
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 65.43.165.220
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 9:36 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi kev-lo;
For me it's all good but I'd have to say the 60's were my ultimate faves, with songs like:

Stand In For Love
Lonely Drifter
Sweeter Tomorrow
Look Over Your Shoulder
Going Going Gone
I Dig Your Act
Love Is Everywhere
There's Someone Waiting
Just Another Guy
Your The Best Thing Since Candy
Sophisticated Lady

I could go on & on with other decades but don't have the time now.:-)

Hey Manny;
How's it going? "Underccover Lover" is one of my faves from the 80's, along with "Once Is Not Enough"!!
S.S.
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Manny (manny)
5-Doyen
Username: manny

Post Number: 224
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.124.51.152
Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2004 - 9:51 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello, dear Miss Scott!

Hope you're as always "hiperactive" but very well as, also, Mr. Scott.
In fact, you or anybody knows a bad song by The O'Jays betwen 1960 and 1987 (the year of "Let Me Touch You" LP)?
I also likes "Once Is Not Enough" and also from the same album, "The Year 2000", another tune that, IMHO, recuperated the latin feel of Backstabbers, "You're The Girl Of My Dreams".

Peace & Soul Food, friends
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Kev-Lo (7273747576)
4-Laureate
Username: 7273747576

Post Number: 144
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 4.237.29.60
Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 6:09 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi this Is Kev-Lo hey Manny what's happening you been away from the forum a bit but It's nice to hear from you
Hey Soul sister how are you I knew you would say you like the 60's better because we both have the same taste and that's what I like about you
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 1400
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 151.205.108.13
Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2004 - 7:28 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Good afternoon all!

Kev, I've gotta go with the '70s O'Jays. I've heard the 60s O'Jays & have just about all of their Imperial & Bell sides, even their songs when they were The Mascots. To me, the early O'Jays were schizophrenic. I don't whether they were trying to be The Drifters or any of 50 other groups. The O'Jays of the 60s, simply hadn't found themselves yet. The sound & production on some of their early 60s output was simply...YUK!!! Though I liked several of their songs, they simply don't hold up very well to me. Even a song I loved like Going, Going, Gone, doesn't hold up. The chorus & verses are great, but the bridge???? It simply falls flat, it goes nowhere & does nothing at all. It ruins what is a great song. I find that to be that case with many songs of the late 60s & early 70s (ex: Like An Open Door by The Fuzz & You Mysterious You by The Originals). The 60s O'Jays simply hadn't found themselves. In fact, it wasn't until Deeper In Love With You that their sound finally coalesed.

Sonically, harmonically, vocally & lyrically, their 60s output simply doesn't hold up to their 70s output. Gamble & Huff's production & those magnificent Philly musicians, producers& writers made all of the difference in the world. In the 70s, one gets the sense that the finally knew what they were doing & where they were going. There was none of the stumbling & schitzoid meanderings like that of the 60s. They finally knew who they were.

Just one man's opinion :-)
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Kdubya (paladin)
4-Laureate
Username: paladin

Post Number: 123
Registered: 5-2004
Posted From: 206.185.64.23
Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 3:57 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Juice I'm with you. When they did find themselves (hell we know a lot of groups went through that phase) they were the baddest boys on the block. I hear they have a tour planned with the Tempts, Four Tops and another group whose name escapes me now (Whispers maybe ? ) entitled the Worlds greatest Vocal Groups...that would be something to see........
The Ojays have established themselves as one of the preimere singing groups in the world. Funny how Eddies son went through similar changes with Levert and then again after he left Levert and went from singing like his father to emulating tenors...........

Kdubya
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Destruction (destruction)
5-Doyen
Username: destruction

Post Number: 174
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 199.173.224.25
Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 4:26 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I loved "I Dig Your Act" and "Look Over Your Shoulder" as much as any material from that period...but when I survey what they did in the 70s, it's almost like comparing boys to men. IMHO.
I mean they went from being a singing group to musical icons.
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Manny (manny)
5-Doyen
Username: manny

Post Number: 245
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.124.51.44
Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 8:11 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi, Kev-lo, thanks for your friendly words, you are the male equivalent to Soul Sister in sympathy! :-))

Hi, Juice, Kdubya and Destruction
I have the same personal perception about the difference betwen the 60's and the 70's input by The O'Jays. This is also expressed in the linner notes of a 60's compilation, where says many O'Jays 60's tunes are "Drifter's clons" and the diverse producers, as the case of many other vocal groups in this decade, pursued deliberately to emulate the same sound of the Drifters. I'm agree in general. But, also, I find that in some songs as "let It All Out" or "Just Another Guy", The O'Jays demostrated they got personality and sounds very similar to the 70's O'Jays. The enormous potential, the talent and the personality was here in the 60's and also was demonstrated in some great songs totally comparables with anyone of their G-H period.
Also, "Lonely Drifter", perhaps got a structure similar to many other "clons", but this was in 1963, and the rich, evocative and unmistakably Eddie Levert's voice is at their best as in the posterior decade.

Peace & Soul Food
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Don (don)
5-Doyen
Username: don

Post Number: 341
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.75.190.238
Posted on Monday, July 19, 2004 - 8:39 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm aware of The O'Jays career and all the songs they recorded in the 60's and etc, etc, etc, till now. I can honestly say I don't have a favorite time era of the group. I loved all of it, loved it.

Don
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Robb_K (robb_k)
5-Doyen
Username: robb_k

Post Number: 368
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.235.127.196
Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2004 - 4:24 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I agree with Don. I think the O'Jays produced an excellent load of quality recvordings during both eras. I prefer their '60s songs, myself, but that's only a matter of personal taste.
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Kenneth Earl Vernon Sr. (kavee)
1-Arriviste
Username: kavee

Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2004
Posted From: 132.61.176.6
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 9:07 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Greetings, from the land of Kimchee. (South Korea)
I am new to the forum. I have to agree with Don and Rob_k. I am, have always and will forever be, a fan of the Mighty O'Jays. Have been since I was a kid growing up in Cleveland. The O'Jay's were my first real introduction to vocal groups. In my opinion, which we are all entitled to, there are no two performers in show business today who can do it like Eddie and Walter who has done it consistently for a very long time. And if you get a chance to catch their show, they are still doing it very well. As we say in Cleveland, when they take the stage with other acts, the O'Jays "git in dat a_ _." I may be leaving someone out but please tell me if there is someone else out there who can steal a show like Eddie Levert can. And Walter is as smooth today as he was 40 years ago. Tell me if I'm wrong. The third member Eric Nolan Grant, I have seen him grow from a kid in junior high school to live his dream of singing with the O'Jays. Their music from the 60's up until today still has that same fantastic harmony they were known for in the Philly International days. They are some of the greatest entertainers America has ever produced.
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Vonnie (vonnie)
5-Doyen
Username: vonnie

Post Number: 235
Registered: 3-2004
Posted From: 64.12.116.138
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 9:28 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Kenneth,

Let me be the first to say, Welcome to the SoulFul Detroit Family:-). You will have a great time on this great forum!

The O'Jays have always been one of my favorite groups, and "Stairway To Heaven" is one of the songs on my top 20 list.

Kenneth, there are a lot your fellow Ohio forum members who post here, including the Great Vocalist Jimmy Scott and his beautiful wife Soul Sister. So sit back and enjoy the vast knowledge that can be found on this forum, and continue to post and learn.
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Davie Gordon (davie_gordon)
4-Laureate
Username: davie_gordon

Post Number: 144
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 195.93.33.10
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 10:57 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

"I Dig Your Act" was actually recorded by the Drifters at about the same time as the O'Jays
version but was shelved by Atlantic.

I enjoy their sixties' material but prefer the seventies.

Davie
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Soul Sister (soul_sister)
6-Zenith
Username: soul_sister

Post Number: 1181
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 65.43.165.74
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 11:11 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Kenneth;
My sister Vonnie is correct in that alot of great singers came from Ohio besides The O'Jays & Eddie (which are faves. of mine too)!! And my husband Little/Legendary Jimmy Scott, here are a few other vocalists from Cleveland or Ohio in general:
Little Miss Cornshucks (Mildred Cummings)
Nancy Wilson
Madeline Green
Ann Bogan
The Realistics
The Womack Brothers
Levert
Gerald Levert
Among those that immediately come to mind.

Welcome to the SD Family, we are like family here.:-)
S.S.
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Soul Sister (soul_sister)
6-Zenith
Username: soul_sister

Post Number: 1182
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 65.43.165.74
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 11:12 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

*The Isley Bros. were originally from Cincinati but lived in Teaneck, N.J. for many years.
S.S.
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Eli (phillysoulman)
6-Zenith
Username: phillysoulman

Post Number: 1159
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 68.163.48.65
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 11:19 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

First of al, welcome Kenneth!
BTW..I love Kimchee!!

My fave O'jays period is from 1967, Ill be sweeter tomorrow thru around 1984.

I was blessed to have played on all of their Philly recordings.
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mike s (mike_s)
4-Laureate
Username: mike_s

Post Number: 115
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 195.93.33.10
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 1:49 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'be sweeter tomorrow...one of the group's best and also one of George Kerr's best productions. Great song by the Poindexter Bros...incidentally Richard Poindexter is back singing with the reformed Persuaders group. New album too. Must check out the website.
Agree that the OJays really took off when they recorded in Philly - Deeper in Love and Looky Looky from their Neptune days are just so exciting...Bobby Martin arrangements ??
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Juicefree20 (juicefree20)
6-Zenith
Username: juicefree20

Post Number: 1780
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 24.46.184.162
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 3:27 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome aboard Kayvee!!! Enjoy your stay, this is a very informative group here.

Mike S: Is Smokey Scott involved with the reformed Persuaders?? I just can't imagine them without Smokey, he was badd & so underrated!!!
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soulseeker (soulseeker)
2-Debutant
Username: soulseeker

Post Number: 21
Registered: 7-2004
Posted From: 24.53.234.220
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 5:12 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

'70s.

Backstabbers
Wildflower
Let me make love to you
For the Love of Money
Forever Mine
Last Night me and my woman
Living for the Weekend

Sunshine
Stairway to Heaven
You got your hooks in me
Family Reunion

Are they in the Hall of Fame yet?
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Soul Sister (soul_sister)
6-Zenith
Username: soul_sister

Post Number: 1188
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 65.43.165.74
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 5:42 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi soulseeker;
Last night me & my woman, the correct title is "We Cried Together".
S.S.
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Davie Gordon (davie_gordon)
4-Laureate
Username: davie_gordon

Post Number: 150
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 195.93.33.10
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 5:43 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

MIkeS, thanks for the news about Richard Poindexter resurfacing. I'd been wondering where he was. The Persuaders' "Thin Line Between Love
And Hate" is one of the greatest records ever made.

Davie
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soulseeker (soulseeker)
2-Debutant
Username: soulseeker

Post Number: 23
Registered: 7-2004
Posted From: 24.53.234.220
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 5:45 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks Soul Sister. Its hard remembering the names of all of these songs off the top of my head. LOL!
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Kev-Lo (7273747576)
5-Doyen
Username: 7273747576

Post Number: 185
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 4.231.234.223
Posted on Monday, August 09, 2004 - 5:55 pm: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi this is Kev-Lo what's happening Kenneth welcome to this great forum.You will some very interesting things on here along with some great people so please join in
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Kenneth Earl Vernon Sr. (kavee)
1-Arriviste
Username: kavee

Post Number: 2
Registered: 8-2004
Posted From: 132.61.176.6
Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 4:52 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks to all who's showing me love already, and big ups to my homies from CleeOH. I want to add that one of my best friends in this world is right there in Detroit in John Mason. You know what, I have tried and tried to pick a favorite O'Jays recording but everytime I did, they would blow me away with another track. If I listed my favorited it would take up too much space so I won't and as a true fan, I love everything they do. Soul Sister, the title of that song is actually "Cry Together". Some other great vocalists from Cleveland who are not as recognized as others are:

Charlie Hatcher you know him as Edwin Starr
Larry Hancock who fronted the group Truth
John Wilson of Sly, Slick and Wicked
Joe Little (Rude Boys) had a few hits in the 90's
Fredrick (Gentle)

These guys never really got the national attention they deserve but are great singers from Cleveland. Thank you all for welcoming to the forum. I look forward to learning from you all. Is it appropriate to tell something about myself so ya'll will know what I'm about? Holla
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mike s (mike_s)
4-Laureate
Username: mike_s

Post Number: 116
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 195.93.33.10
Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 9:06 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Juice
according to the magazine article, Douglas Scott is no longer with the group. No word where he might be though. Richard P is one of the lead singers. Their website is www.thepersuadersonline.com
Their album includes new versions of Thin Line, Hypnotised and Sweeter Tomorrow, so mainly Poindexter songs.
Davie - It always puzzled me why Richard P disappeared after their first album and production was taken over solely by his brother Robert. Good to see Richard is still around.
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mike s (mike_s)
4-Laureate
Username: mike_s

Post Number: 119
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 195.93.33.10
Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 9:15 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh no!
Just read on the Persuaders website that Douglas Smokey Scott is no longer with us, but passed away.
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Manny (manny)
5-Doyen
Username: manny

Post Number: 339
Registered: 4-2004
Posted From: 217.124.51.174
Posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - 11:42 am: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello Submarine to all!
Hey, Kavee, you're welcome as here have many O'Jays lovers (and many other reasons for feel you good).
And what happens with some important people who were involved with The O'Jays as Bill Isles (who owned a label, Devaki. or was Bobby Massey?) or, after in the 80's, Terry Stubs who, i believe, is also a producer?

Also Dwain Mitchel, who replaced Sam Strain in "Heartbreakers". I only knows he played keyboards previously in "Serious" album.

Peace & Soul Food

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