Florence Ballard “Forever Faithful” (ABC 11144-B, 1968) Had she not been like, “I’m not doing this singing thing on my own,” there’d never be the complex, rich history of The Supremes. Perhaps Diana Ross *might* have become a singer, but it’s the plucky Florence Ballard that got The Supremes off the ground as The Primettes….
Tag: New York Soul
The Shirelles “Don’t Go Home (My Little Darlin’)” (Scepter 12185, Pop #110, 1967)
The Shirelles “Don’t Go Home (My Little Darlin’)” (Scepter 12185, Pop #110, 1967) Gemini Roll Call is back off the road from my own Gemini Roaming DJ and Sojourn to the PNW and is feeling all the weird that I didn’t line up a post to go out to celebrate one of the most unheralded…
Patti Labelle And The Bluebelles “All Or Nothing” (Atlantic 2311, Pop #68, 1965)
Patti Labelle And The Bluebelles “All Or Nothing” (Atlantic 2311, Pop #68, 1965) Gemini Roll Call continues today with one of the most versatile singers from the sign of the twins. For 55 years, Patti LaBelle has morphed from mere Girl Group lead singer to legend. Not only a singer, she’s an author, advocate and…
Valerie and Nick “Somebody’s Lying On Love” (Glover 3003-B, 1964)
Valerie and Nick “Somebody’s Lying On Love” (Glover 3003-B, 1964) Long before they were the very earthy (Valerie the Virgo, Nick the Taurus) duo reeling off smashes like “Solid” they were newlyweds on the New York recording scene. They were Valerie Simpson and Nickolas Ashford, fresh faced, optimistic and full of harmony and songwriting ideas….
The Reasons “Window Shopping” (United Artists 961, 1965)
The Reasons “Window Shopping” (United Artists 961, 1965) Well in the process of getting ready for Sugar Town’s annual pride party, I’ve spent a bit of money on 45’s these last 10 days, and for most other consumer choices, I’ll probably be holding off until next paycheck for any great splurges. In the meantime, I…
Lesley Gore “Happiness Is Just Around The Corner” (1966, Unreleased. From Lesley Gore – The Mercury Anthology, 1995)
Lesley Gore “Happiness Is Just Around The Corner” (1966, Unreleased. From Lesley Gore – The Mercury Anthology, 1995) It’s been one of the more devastating deaths this year when it comes to Queer Icons, but the sparkle and light of Lesley Gore still shines on. Starting with her understandable petulant #1 debut and continuing for…
The Sweet Inspirations “Always David” (From the LP Sweets For My Sweet, 1969)
The Sweet Inspirations “Always David” (From the LP Sweets For My Sweet, 1969) After the momentary detour for Erma Franklin’s birthday, I wanted to finalize our visit to the East Coast and spend a little bit of time with my favorite women to toil in the background: The dynasty of women of clan Drinkard and…
DJ Larsupreme 