The Marvelettes' Are 'Forever'!

The Marvelettes were Motown's first out-of-the-box-hit stars, but they seemed to never be able to recapture their mega-star status after their initial blush of fame, but they held-on lasting through-out the Sixties. They were Motown's first to have a straight #1 record (and to add insult to the star-making factory the girls wrote the song all-by-themselves). They were one of Motown's most enduring and definite crowd pleasers; the maintained a sort of half-life as a mid-selling group, who crafted musical perfection for the true believers who held-on. They more than any other artist at Motown created anthems that proved the soundtrack to people's lives.

Anyone who doesn't like the Marvelettes is not cool with me. Are you kidding me? Are these people not fans of good music, I mean, are their other senses heightened? Have they ever heard "Please Mr. Postman", "Forever", "Beachwood 4-5789", "Strange I Know", "Locking Up My Heart", "I'm Too Strong To Be Strung Along", "Too Many Fish In The Sea", "My Baby Must Be A Magician", "I Need Someone", "A Need For Love", "Playboy", "Destination: Anywhere", "Someday, Someway", and "I'll Keep Holding On". These haters just straight-up have NO SOUL. The Marvelettes platters were not just fan favorites. These records were Motown miracles and top productions by top soul men and even a few musical geniuses that shockingly never seemed to get the entire support of the Motown machine in promotion. Finally for the lucky 5000 who still buy physical copies of audio artifacts will for a limited time be able to buy the first volume in a series to return to the throne these members of soul royalty with Forever: The Complete Motown Albums, Vol. 1 (3xCD/87 songs) from hip-oselect.com, and for those who don't want to own records anymore; you will be able to buy them on itunes.com.

Don't let music industry silence, current pop-taste, and contemporary pop audience disinterest fool you: these women are SUPERSTARS. The are only one of four majorly important Motown recordings stars to never be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame (the other three being Mary Wells, Brenda Holloway, and Junior Walker & The All-Stars, sadly, members of the RRHF wouldn't even tease about Kim Weston's possible entrance, but she would also be on the top of my list)...ugh! White People! Let's hope this will re-ignite interest in those Marvelous Marvelettes.

The Marvelettes
Forever: The Complete Motown Albums, Vol. 1
Hip-O Select Price: $39.98
Site Pre-Sale Date: 4/17/2009
Ship Date:5/8/2009

Here's what the experts at Hip-O Select say:

“They had a lot to work with,” notes producer Brian Holland in the package’s liner notes. “They had two lead singers [the sassy, pop-friendly Gladys Horton and the smoky, sophisticated Wanda Young] and were very musical when they all sang together. You could be confident they would be able to do something special with whatever you gave them.”

This collection brings together the group’s first four studio albums Please Mr. Postman, Smash Hits Of 1962, Playboy and The Marvelous Marvelettes plus, their only live album, the stereo Greatest Hits set, and every stray single, B-side and rare cut from the early era that have been issued on various compilations through the years. Every track has been newly remastered from the original LP and single masters in the Motown vault. Among the hits: “Please Mr. Postman,” “Playboy,” “Beechwood 4-5789,” “Forever,” “Someday, Someway,” “Too Many Fish in the Sea,” “Don’t Mess With Bill” and all the rest, covering the girls’ output 1961 through mid-1966.

Among the rarities: the Marvelettes’ short-lived stint as “The Darnells,” a Phil Spector-production soundalike; the non-album B-sides “Tie A String Around Your Finger,” “No Time For Tears,” “A Little Bit Of Sympathy, A Little Bit Of Love,” and others; the vault tracks “Knock On My Door,” Berry Gordy’s “Because I Love Him,” “I Should Have Known Better,” and more; the unedited live version of “Strange I Know,” taken from the original December 1962 Apollo Theater recording that produced segments of the Motortown Revue LP, Live At The Apollo Vol. 1.

Their body of work is presented in a beautiful 36-page booklet that lovingly recreates the original LP artwork, alongside classic and rare images from the Motown photo archives. There’s an essay by Gary Graff, an award-winning music journalist based in Detroit who has written extensively about Motown, and detailed track annotations release dates, recording info and producer credits missing from the original releases.

Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens...plus other Daptone Gospel News!

The first time I'd ever seen Naomi Shelton (then Naomi Davis) was at Sharon Jones' 50th Birthday party at Irving Plaza as part of the Daptone Supersoul Revue. I knew I was witnessing something special, something really good--a pure musical inspiration. She not only has soul, but she has the Spirit. These are beautiful records with haunting Gopsel sound. A lot of folks will say that is an old-fashioned Gospel sound (I can't help but think your parents will like this album--mine do), but I don't believe Contemporary Gospel records ever achieve what they attempt to do or the success that they deserve (they try to attract an R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, or Urban audience, but we don't need to buy Gospel records that have The-Dream-esque productions because we can just listen to The-Dream). People who buy Contemporary Gospel records with their slick productions (not that they aren't terrific; they are great, and there is room in the world for them, but there is also room for records that have that Gospel up-right piano) are already converted they are already buying them (they just don't appeal to other audiences), but other types of Gospel productions might appeal to a non-Gospel audience (i.e. young folks and white people). It is like preaching to the choir.

I hope this brings Gospel back to its proper place in our world and our music culture. It is time for Soul to rediscover its Gospel roots. Much like R&B today has forgotten about the Blues. This is probably the MOST EXCITING record issue this year. This is the music event of 2009. Do yourself a favor and go see Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens whenever they come to your town. In New York we are spoiled since Naomi and the ladies are at Fat Cat every Friday. I don't care why you go, but just go see. Do it for yourself. Do it because your Soul is craving something real that has been lacking in music for too long. Do it because Naomi is a inspiration. Do it to prove me wrong. Just go and take everyone you know.

PRE ORDER NOW! Out May 26th, 2009

Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens
“What Have You Done my Brother" CD/LP

LP includes a coupon for free mp3 download of the entire album

Hundreds of new artists rear their heads on the scene every year, each struggling in vain to distinguish themselves from the rest with the gimmicks and novelties of the latest radio fads. However, rarely will an artist come along that can transcend the boxes and boundaries of our musical landscape with nothing but the pure soulfulness of her voice. Naomi Shelton is one of these precious artists.

Though she, like many others, grew up singing with her sisters in their Alabama church, she has also spent much of her life in the soul clubs around New York, and her 45s, "41st St. Breakdown" and "Wind Your Clock” b/w “Talking 'Bout a Good Thing,” have long been revered and prized by funk DJs around the globe. Now, with her first official full-length release coming this May, it's clear that her singing is equally influenced by both facets of her life. This is soul music - informed by the church, perhaps, but soul music nonetheless, relatable to all. Which means that What Have You Done, My Brother?, an uplifting record that conveys Naomi's energy, her excitement, her love of music, her compassion, is no ordinary album.

--Daptone Records

And as always they are live at...

Every Friday Night, 9pm
@ The Fat Cat
75 Christopher St.
New York, NY
$3

http://www.fatcatmusic.org

NS&GQ Opening for Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

5/6 Keswick Theatre, Philladelphia, PA
5/7 Ram's Head Live, Baltimore, MD
5/8 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
5/9 9:30 Club, Washington, DC

THE COMO MAMAS Friday 4/24 @ 12:00
Gospel Stage at New Orleans Jazz Fest

Friday 4/24 @ 6:45-7:25pm
Domino Sound Record Shack
2557 Bayou Road -New Orleans, LA

Aretha & Keyshia in the NYC!!!

Get your tickets before they vanish.

Hurry!
Hurry!
Hurry!

An American Tragedy: Phil Spector

I know, I know..."you do the crime you do the time". But I still love my music idols, and I feel really protective towards any that are crazy, unloved, small, or picked-on. I know he is coo-coo bananas, and the rumours about him lead the general population to believe he deserves what he got, and suggest it was a long time coming for his reckless behavior (with guns), for his cruelty and abuse of then wife, Ronnie Spector, and for the way he treated his associated artists (treating them like they were disposable and barely paying them), but like a mother hen I just hate to see my little mad-genius chickie in any pain or being told by society in a court of law that he is rotten and a murderer.

Today is a sad day in music history. The only other musical tragedy tried in the court of laws that comes to mind was when Little Willie John was convicted of manslaughter in 1966 for a fatal knifing incident following a show in Seattle. Little Willie John died nearly 41 years ago in 1968 at Washington State Prison in Walla Walla. The official cause of death was a heart attack, though some say it was pneumonia or asphyxiation, but he really died of a broken heart. He just gave up, after he lost his appeal. He was 30 years old. 30 year olds don't of heart attacks.

Phil Spector, 69, was convicted of second-degree murder, and he is soon to serve at least 18 years, according to the Los Angeles Times, a jury today has found Mr. Spector guilty of the 2003 murder of model/actress Lana Clarkson. It is painful to know that he is going to die in prison; he will be 87 when released (if he receives the minimal sentance). I just feel terrible about the tragedy. I feel terrible for Lana Clarkson, and I feel awful for Phil Spector. The conviction doesn't offer any "why" there is no reason that has come-to-light. It is a waste. A waste of two lives. The sadness of this tragic genius is that he has been deserted by the American Pop listening audience, and this severed relationship stopped him from creating his beautiful records and forced him to withdraw and retreat into himself living in a world he created for himself...inside his head removed from the outside world. I can't, but feel the only persons consoled by this verdict are the family of Miss Clarkson. Everyone has lost.

http://pitchfork.com/news/35071-phil-spector-found-guilty-of-murder/

Gladys Horton SPEAKS! You better listen...

One of my first Motown HEROS leaves the spotlight after nearly 50 years. She paved thousands of miles on the soul highway that criss-crossed America. She is one of those who are made of hearty stock and has ridden out all the music industry, and she came-out-on-top a winner, a survivor. But all that doesn't matter. What matters is her music will endure, and she is beloved by soul, Motown, rock 'n' roll, and European fans alike.

And I want to thank her for all-of-us for changing, improving, and enriching our lives. Eventhough, sometimes her only reward has been for the love of the music and the admiration of the true believers. Keep the Faith.

The long awaited boxed-set of the Marvelettes complete Motown albums are soon-to-be-reissued; this year on the 50th anniversary of Motown records.

...and now listen to what Miss Gladys Horton has to say...

GLADYS HORTON RETIRES FROM SHOW BUSINESS
Dear Fans:

I am sorry to inform everyone, that I have decided to retire from the business in order to take full time care of my youngest son Sammy.

Also because of my retirement, there will be no "original" member of THE MARVELETTES performing nor on tour. So please be carefull when you hear or see any type of advertisement claiming that THE MARVELETTES are performing live in or near anywhere that you live.

For sometime now, I have been thinking serious about retirement. It has become that time, I am getting older and traveling is no longer
the enjoyment that it was once for me!

I hate to travel by train, and touring on a bus is just not for me any longer. You the fans, have always been great supporters of both the group's live performances as well our many hits over the past many years that the "original" group had been active.

Love comes in two directions, from your hearts to us and from our hearts to you and it has always been that way! Thank you so much, we have all gone through the good times as well the hard times in all of our lifes.

I want to thank Berry Gordy; Motown Records Corporation; all of the many fans all over the world; all of the many performers that we have graced the concert stage and had the great honor to perform along side; our many support backup musicians over the years; and a very special thank you to Billy Wolfe who since 2002 helped me to get back past recording royalities that I never knew even were out there. He worked very hard to assist us in the flight, concerning the imposters issue and making sure that you the fans were always protected from being ripped off by local appearances by these so called rip-off artists and those who managed as well kept booking them in spirit of many warnings of court action on the group's best of interests.

Billy Wolfe is a very special man, who with the talent that he has continued to protect the "original" artists that continue to perform night after night for fans such as yourselfs. He has continued to hurt both emotionally as well mentally, daue to many long hours of continued fighting against the cancer that continues to be active in this industry by those that claim to be an "original" member of this group as well many others who have had the same problems with someone claiming to have been an original member of a given group and continue to live off the fame and careers of those who long ago traveled night after night by bus across country to make concerts that you the fans have paid good money in order to relive many fond and great memories of days gone bye!

Somewhere out there, is a man they called the "smart one". Billy Wolfe if you hear of this thank you, it comes from within my heart for all the pain as well many moments of troubles that I had caused you.

You gave from your heart, you supported me when it was deeply needed, and you also were hurting when I should had been understanding and I was not!

I wish that there were more real gentlemen like you, in a business where the black artists were always ripped off by some white manager or promoter or booking agent. You showed me concern, as well alot of guts when times got really hard and rough. I am just so sorry, that I pushed you away when I should had kept you in our corner.

May GOD BLESS YOU Billy Wolfe, wherever you might be and whatever you are doing.

Gladys Horton
Founder-Original Vocalist
THE MARVELETTES
1960-2008

Motown Records Recording Artists
1960-1970

The Passing of a Generation continues...

David "Pop" Winans Passes

Associated Press

April 10, 2009

Los Angeles Times

Delores and David Winans Sr. lead their brood in a rousing concert at the Universal Amphitheatre in 1992. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1999 for his solo CD “Uncensored.” Together, they were nominated for their CD “Mom & Pop Winans” in 1989.

David "Pop" Winans Sr., the Grammy-nominated patriarch of the award-winning gospel music family, died today. He was 74.

A statement from his family said he died at a Nashville hospice, where he had been since January after suffering a heart attack and stroke in October.

In 1999, Winans was nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo CD "Uncensored." He and his wife, Delores, known as Mom Winans, were nominated for their CD "Mom & Pop Winans" in 1989. She was at his bedside when he died, the statement said.

He was the father of BeBe and CeCe Winans, known for their hits "Addictive Love" and "I'll Take You There." Four other children -- Carvin, Marvin, Michael and Ronald -- performed as the Winans, recording such songs as "Ain't No Need to Worry," featuring Anita Baker.

In recent years, Mom and Pop Winans appeared regularly at Benny Hinn crusades and on the Trinity Broadcasting Network's "Praise the Lord" program.

David Winans was born April 20, 1934, in Detroit and began singing with a gospel quartet at age 18. He met Delores while both were singing in the Lemon Gospel Choir. They were married in 1953 and had 10 children. Their son Ronald died in 2005.

Winans was a preacher at a Pentecostal church in Detroit, but also worked as a car salesman, taxi driver, custodian and barber. After four of his children signed a recording contract, he was their manager for awhile. "We were oriented to gospel music, and we taught our children nothing but the ways of the Lord," Winans told the Washington Post in 1992. "I never let them go to shows or even to the theater; I never let them get involved with any other activity but church."

Memorial services are planned Tuesday and Wednesday at Perfecting Church in Detroit, where Marvin is the senior pastor.