Our post on Tarheel Slim and Little Ann has been completely revised with corrected and fuller information.
Tim Whitsett
Our post on Tim Whitsett has been updated following his death in January 2022.
More updates
Our posts on Gene Redd Snr and Rosie and The Originals have been updated.
Lloyd Price
Our post on Lloyd Price has been updated to recognise his death from diabetes complications in May 2021.
Ronnie Hawkins
Our post on Ronnie Hawkins has been updated reflecting his death.
Inez Foxx
Our post on Inez and Charlie Foxx has been updated following the death of Inez Foxx in August 2022.
Jerry Crutchfield
Our post on Jerry Crutchfield, who died in January 2022, has been updated and expanded.
Bob And Earl’s Harlem Shuffle Test Disk
102 | 11 May 2022
Collection of Martin Whitell
Many thanks to Martin for sharing with us his test disk of Bob and Earl’s Harlem Shuffle, which was originally released on Sue WI 374. The original single was recorded in 1963. The arrangement was by Gene Page. It reached no. 44 on Billboard and no. 36 on Cashbox. The Rolling Stones recorded their version in 1986 for the album “Dirty Work”. The test disk is actually for the 1980 re-release on Sue WIP 6599 and is a one-track, one-sided test disk pressed by EMI.
Our post on Sue WI 374, “Harlem Shuffle”, has been updated with enhanced information.
1980’s Test Pressings
100 | 8 May 2022
All Photos in this post: Collection of Martin Whitell
Thankyou to Martin for sharing with us his recently acquired test pressings from the short-lived relaunched Sue label of 1983.
Universal re-issuing US Sue in Digital Media
I have noticed an increased amount of original US Sue label material available on YouTube and in other digital platforms. Well done Universal!
It is known that most of the original master tapes of the US Sue catalogue were destroyed in the Universal Warehouse Fire some time ago.
Joe Simon
Billboard reports the death of singer Joe Simon on 13 December, 2021. Our post has been updated.
Billboard obituary
Singles Listing Upgraded
21003
04.66 – WI 4007 – Elmore James – Mean mistreating mama/I need you – Enjoy 2020/LP 7008, 1965/1966
As well as UK release dates, as the above shows, the original US release dates are now traced and documented. Where possible, recordings for which we previously did not have a US number or release date are also now documented.
WI 4052 – Gene Chandler – I can’t save it/I can take care of myself
WI 4052 – – “I can’t save it”/”I can take care of myself” by Gene Chandler was scheduled and advertised but not released. Did not chart in the US. The record was subsequently released in the UK on Action ACT 4551 in 1969.
WI 4050 – The Sapphires – Where is Johnny now/Your true love
The Sapphires | Geezer Music Club | 21002
The Sapphires, a vocal group from Philadelphia, were Carol Jackson, George Garner and Joe Livingston. This was their first single, and features Leon Huff and Thom Bell on keyboards. Philadelphia session men Bobby Eli and Bobby Martin are also on the recording. The record did not chart. The Sapphires went on to make more singles and an album but broke up in 1966. WI 4050 was scheduled and advertised but not released.
WI 4051 – Harmonica Fats – Tore Up/I Get So Tired
Harmonica Fats | WBSS Media | 21001
Harvey Blackston (Harmonica Fats) was born on September 28, 1927 in McDade, Lousiana and was raised on a farm. He learned the harmonica from the age of four and cited Sonny Terry as a main influence in his playing style. He played with Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls, Etta James, Tina Turner and Bobby Darin among others. “Tore Up”, his version of a song by Hank Ballard, is his best selling record, and was recorded with session musicians. It was a regional hit and reached no. 102, just outside the Billboard Hot 100, in 1962. It was originally released on a local label, Skylark. Harmonica Fats died on 3 January, 2000 in Los Angeles, California.
“Tore Up” was previously released in the UK on EMI Stateside SS-184 in 1962. Scheduled and advertised but not released on Sue. Subsequently released in the UK on Action ACT 4507, 1968.
WI 338 – Donny Williams – Boogie Chilluns’ Play House/Mr. B
Don Nix | Deezer | donnix.jpg
Singer, songwriter, record producer, saxophonist and arranger Don Nix was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 27, 1941. He recorded under a number of pseudonyms during his career. He was involved in the production of The Mar-Keys “Last Night” and also took part in the “Concert for Bangladesh” of 1971. He is associated with George Harrison, John Mayall, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton and others.
This recording was made for the small Pure Gold label of Memphis and features Stax regulars from the Packers and Mar-Keys, and Steve Cropper.
WI 338 was scheduled, but not announced, then was withdrawn after a disagreement with the American owner of the recording.
Thanks to Martin Whitell for his help with this post.
Updated…
The post for 10″ disco single WIP 6599 has been updated with press advertisement kindly shared with us by Martin Whitell. Thank you Martin.
Guy Stevens, The Blockbuster
Mike Kerry and Chris Hall of Start Productions are working on a documentary about Guy Stevens, pictured, whose taste in music was central to the lasting appeal of the UK Sue Label, with which he will ever be associated.
The team, who have already produced highly commended documentaries, has extensive interview footage about Guy including interviews with his late wife Diane. Their previous documentaries focused on the American 1960s acid rock group Love and the British rock band Mott The Hoople, a film which the BBC has broadcast. Their films have been shown at film festivals and in independent cinemas.
Mike explains: “Chris and I have wanted to make a film on Guy for some time now. From his early days DJ-ing at “The Scene” and the influence he had there, the incredible output of music whilst heading up Sue Records, working for Island and helping form Mott The Hoople, right through to “London Calling”. It’s an incredible story, with some of the very best music. As a film, it absolutely just needs to be told.”
The team is now appealing for the wider community of Sue Records UK fans to help. Do you have any stories about Guy? Do you have any Sue memorabilia, archive press cuttings, photos and promotions? If you can, please email Mike Kerry.
They’re still turning up…
Spotted today. I’m still looking for a clearer scan of the sleeve… can anyone help please?
The Kelly Brothers
YouTube
The Kelly Brothers were three brothers, Curtis, Robert and Andrew Kelly, and occasionally their friends Charles Lee and/or Offe Reece. Can anyone help with more information, please?
Roy C has died
Roy C | Last FM Archive
Singer, writer and producer Roy C. Hammond died on 16 September 2020. Our post has been updated.
7″ EP WIP 6599
WIP 6599 7″ EP
Track listing:
Harlem Shuffle – Bob and Earl
Let’s go baby (Where the action is) – Robert Parker
A little piece of leather – Donnie Elbert
Images: Collection of Dave Hewitt
How many of these have you got?
Soul Source
Betty Green – He’s down on me
Betty Green’s recording of “He’s Down on Me” was issued on the Ensign Sue musiccassette “Maximum R&B”. Sir Shambling suggests the recording dates from 1964 and that Betty Green hailed from New York, but there is no other information available.
The UK Sue LP that escaped – found!
Original US Cover | Discogs
ILP 911 was used for the Inez and Charlie Foxx “Mockingbird” LP but the number had earlier been advertised on Island group LP covers as being “The New Sound of Ernestine Anderson”.
Released on US Sue LP 1015 in 1963, the track listing of the album was:
Out Of My Continental Mind | One Never Knows | You Deserve The Best | Evil Spelled Backwards Means Live | If I Love Again | Keep An Eye On Love | I Believe In You | The Best Is Yet To Come | Quiet Nights | You’re Not The Guy For Me | Will I Find My Love Today | One Heartache Ago
Amazon
The album is currently available for download from Amazon including two bonus tracks.
(You’ll Always Be) The One I Love | Social Call,
I’ve listened to the album. More jazz than R&B, it reveals a very high standard of arrangement and production and is typical of early 1960’s New York sophisticated vocal jazz music, but nonetheless a good album.
Rosco Gordon – Goin’ home
Rosco Gordon’s “Goin’ Home” was not released on UK Sue vinyl, but is included in the Kent CD “Various Artists – The UK Sue Story Vol. 4.”
Gladys Knight and The Pips – Love Call
“Love Call” by Gladys Knight and The Pips was issued on UK Sue ILP 934 “Soul 66” (under an incorrect title) and also appears on the Kent CD “Various Artists – The UK Sue Story Vol. 4”.
Cassette – Jimmy McGriff: I’ve got a woman
Public Domain | ensuc1
Track listing:
I’ve Got a Woman | On the Street Where You Live | Satin Doll | ‘Round Midnight | All About My Girl | M.G. Blues | That’s the Way I Feel | After Hours | Flying Home | The Sermon | Gospel Time | Gospel Time Encore | Spindletop | Teach Me Tonight | The Last Minute | Moonlight in Vermont | Blip Time | One of Mine | Drown in my own tears | Broadway
Cassette – Various Artists: Maximum R&B
101 | 19 May 2020
ensuc3.jpg
This music cassette was issued on Ensign ENSUC 3 featuring US Sue material in 1983.
Track listing:
Soul Sisters – I Can’t Stand It | Inez And Charlie Foxx – Mockingbird | Bobby Hendricks – Itchy Twitchy Feeling | Hank Jacobs – So Far Away | The Megatons – Shimmy Shimmy Walk (Part 1) | Johnny Darrow – Don’t Start Me Talking | Baby Washington – That’s How Heartaches Are Made | Betty Green – He’s Down On Me | Jimmy McGriff – All About My Girl | Inez And Charlie Foxx – Hurt By Love | Prince La La – She Put The Hurt On Me | Ike & Tina Turner – A Fool In Love | Derek Martin – Daddy Rollin’ Stone | Russell Byrd – Hitch Hike | Wilbert Harrison One Man Band – Let’s Work Together (Part 1 & 2) | Inez And Charlie Foxx – La De Dah I Love You | Tina Britt – The Real Thing | Hank Jacobs – Hank’s Groove | Hank Jacobs – Summertime | The Matadors – Vengeance Will Be Mine | Jean Wells – If You’ve Ever Loved Somebody | Ike & Tina Turner – It’s Gonna Work Out Fine | Barbara George – I Know | Jimmy McGriff – The Last Minute | Jimmy McGriff – I’ve Got A Woman
CD: Various Artists – Sue Records: The world of Guy Stevens
101 | 15 May 2020
15328
Various Artists – Sue Records: The world of Guy Stevens
Track listing:
Mockingbird – Inez & Charlie Foxx | Land Of 1000 Dances – Chris Kenner | I Can’t Believe What You Say – Ike & Tina Turner | A Little Piece Of Leather – Donnie Elbert | Do Anything You Wanna’ Part 1 – Harold Betters | Do Anything You Wanna’ Part 2 – Harold Betters | Oh Mom (Teach Me How To Uncle Willie) – The Daylighters | Let’s Stick Together – Wilbert Harrison | Music City – The Pleasures | Keep An Eye On Love – Ernestine Anderson | All About My Girl – Jimmy McGriff | Spring – Birdlegs & Pauline | That’s How Strong My Love Is – O.V. Wright | Daddy Rollin’ Stone – Derek Martin | You Can’t Sit Down – The Phil Upchurch Combo | That’s How Heartaches Are Made – Baby Washington | I Wanna Be (Your Everything) – The Manhattans | Watch Your Step – Bobby Parker | I Done Woke Up – Louisiana Red | Hard Grind – Wild Jimmy Spruill | The Bounce – The Olympics | Too Many Drivers – Lowell Fulson | Yum Yum Yum – Joe Tex | I Sing ‘Um The Way I Feel – J.B. Lenoir | Dust My Blues – Elmore James | Billy’s Bag – Billy Preston
Released on Kent CDCHD 1001
CD: Various Artists – Sue’s Rock and Blues
101 | 16 May 2020
15329
Various Artists – Sue’s Rock and Blues
Track listing:
Itchy Twitchy Feeling – Bobby Hendricks | Crossroads – Homesick James | Yes, I’m Loving You – Big Al Downing | The Shimmy Shimmy Walk (Part One) – The Megatons | I’m The Fixer – Willie Mabon | Rockin’ Charlie – The Bobby Peterson Quintet | I Feel So Good – J B Lenoir & His African Hunch Rhythm | Hattie Malatti – Lee Diamond | Driving Sideways – Freddy King | What Will Lucy Do (Lucy Mae Blues) – Frankie Lee Sims | Like Long Hair – Paul Revere And The Raiders | It Hurts Me Too – Elmore James | The Wallflower – Etta James And The Peaches | Why Does Everything Happen To Me – James Brown And The Famous Flames | Mojo Hand – Lightnin’ Hopkins | Mercy – Gene And Al’s Spacemen | Your Line Was Busy – Big Bob | Give Me Love – Rosie And The Originals | Forty Days – Ronnie Hawkins And The Hawks | Boogie Chillen – John Lee Hooker | Shout Bamalama – Otis Redding | Little Latin Lupe Lu – The Righteous Brothers | Fannie Mae – Buster Brown | Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand – Professor Longhair | You Never Know – B.B. King | Jack, That Cat Was Clean – Dr Horse
Released on Kent CDCHD 1008.
CD: Various Artists – The Soul of Sue
101 | 17 May 2020
15330
Various Artists – The Soul of Sue
Track listing:
Harlem Shuffle – Bob & Earl | Incense – The Anglos | Hurt By Love – Inez and Charlie Foxx | Do-Re-Mi – Lee Dorsey | Your Red Wagon (You Can Push It Or Pull It) – Donnie Elbert | Gimme, Gimme – Z Z Hill | Don’t Mess With My Man – Irma Thomas | Night Train – James Brown & The Famous Flames | Continental Mind – Ernestine Anderson | Stronger – Thelma Jones | Before It’s Too Late – Jackie Day | Oh How Happy – Shades Of Blue | I Can’t Wait Until I See My Baby’s Face – Justine ‘Baby’ Washington | The Last Minute Pts 1 & 2 – Jimmy McGriff | What Did You Tell This Girl Of Mine – O.V. Wright | Searchin’ For My Baby – The Manhattans | Cryin’ Days Are Over – The Kelly Brothers | Talkin’ Woman – Lowell Fulsom | I Can’t Stand It – Soul Sisters | Hitch-Hike Pt I – Russell Byrd | Dancing Fast, Dancing Slow – The Intentions | Am I A Fool In Love – Ike & Tina Turner | You Don’t Want Me – James Carr| Believe In Me – Jerry Butler | That Did It – Bobby Bland
Released on Kent CDKEND 235.
CD: Various Artists – The UK Sue Story Volume 4
101 | 18 May 2020
15331
Various Artists – The UK Sue Story Volume 4
Track listing: Good Time Tonight – The Soul Sisters | A Fool In Love – Ike & Tina Turner | La De Da I Love You – Inez & Charlie Foxx | I Put A Spell On You – Screamin’ Jay Hawkins | Down The Aisle – Patti Labelle And The Bluebelles | Rockin’ Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu Part 1 – Huey Piano Smith And His Clowns | Odds And Ends – Jimmy Reed | Doodlin’ – Baby Washington | Steal Your Heart Away – Bobby Parker | Lost In A Dream – Buster Brown | Pork Chops – The Dorsets | Lenny Goofed – The Naturals | Knocking At Your Door – Elmore James | Love Call – Gladys Knight And The Pips | So Far Away – Hank Jacobs | The Strength To Be Strong – Claudine Clark | Stepping Stone Aka You’re Fooling Me – The Anglos | I Stand Accused – Jerry Butler | The Whip Aka Flea Pot – Alexander Jackson And The Turnkeys Aka Lala Wilson Band | Warm And Tender Love – Joe Haywood | Find Out What’s Happening – The Spidells Featuring Billy Lockridge | Dance What You Wanna – Little Richard | I’m Dedicating My Life – Danny White | You Make Me Feel So Good – Tarheel Slim And Little Ann | Goin’ Home – Rosco Gordon | Round Midnight – Jimmy McGriff
Released on CDKEND 258.
Joe Scott
Joseph Scott | Copyright Control/Discogs
R&B trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, record producer and A&R man for Duke/Peacock Records, Joseph Wade “Joe” Scott, was born in in Texarkana, Texas on December 2, 1924 and died in Culver City, California on March 6, 1979.
He wrote and arranged songs for Johnny Ace, Big Mama Thornton, Bobby Bland and Junior Parker, as well as leading their touring bands, and is regarded as the man who created the big horn sound for blues bands.
Gene Page
Gene Page | Gene Page
Conductor, composer, arranger and record producer and multi instrumentalist Eugene Edgar “Gene” Page Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California on September 13, 1939 and died in Westwood, California after a long illness on August 24, 1998. He was one of the most prolific arrangers/conductors of popular music during his time and worked on more than 200 gold and platinum records. Some of the Bob and Earl recordings issued on UK Sue were arranged by Gene Page.
(l to r) Marc Gordon, Marvin Gaye and Gene Page, 1963 | Gene Page
Goodbye Mr Richard
Little Richard | Slate
Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) was born on December 5, 1932 and died on May 9, 2020 after a short illness.
The BBC notes that
“He had his biggest hits in the 1950s and was known for his exuberant performances, shrieks, raspy voice and flamboyant outfits. He sold more than 30 million records worldwide.
Paying tribute after news of his death emerged, former Beatles drummer Sir Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Little Richard, one of my all-time musical heroes.”
Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers said it was “the loss of a true giant”, while Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said his music would “last forever”.”
Little Richard was still performing. Guitarist Charles Glenn told celebrity news website TMZ the singer had been ill for two months and died at his home, with his brother, sister and adopted son present.
Our post on Little Richard has been updated.
At my front door – The Righteous Brothers
“At my front door” by The Righteous Brothers appears on UK Sue LP ILP 937, “In Action! – The Righteous Brothers”.
Crying Blues – The Righteous Brothers
“Crying Blues” by The Righteous Brothers appears on UK Sue LP ILP 937 – In Action! – The Righteous Brothers.
Don Robey
Don Robey in his pressing plant | Copyright control | donrobey.jpg
Record label executive, songwriter (under the name Deadric Malone – although others may have sold him the songs), founder of Peacock Records (named after his night club), artiste manager and record producer Don Deadric Robey was born in Houston, Texas on November 1, 1903. He was responsible for developing or managing the careers of many rhythm and blues artists during the 1950s and 1960s.
While he was held in high regard by some of the musicians who worked for him, he was notorious for his alleged business practices.
Robey sold his record labels (and some of their contracted artistes) to ABC Dunhill Records in 1973, while remaining as a consultant. The rights are thought to be now owned by Universal.
Mr. Robey died of a heart attack at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston on June 16, 1975.
Jean Wells
Jean Wells | Public domain | jeanwells
Singer Jean Wells, whose track “If you’ve ever loved somebody” was issued on Ensign Sue ENSUC 3, is understood to have been born on 1st August 1942 at West Palm Beach, Florida.
FP 9 April 2020.
Sue Records UK 