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.

WI 374

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.

Singles

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

Start Productions

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.

Soultracks obituary

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.

Another Sampler white label LP Found

Collection of Graham Shaw

Thanks to Graham Shaw for sharing with us a photo of the latest white label sampler LP he has acquired, and a photo of how it compares with the previous version found. Well done Graham!

10″ Single – Various Artists – Plundering the Archives – Consignment No. 2

Discogs

Track listing:

Robert Parker – Barefootin’ | Julien Covey – A Little Bit Hurt | The Soul Sisters – I Can’t Stand It | The Anglos – Incense | The Righteous Brothers – Little Latin Lupe Lu | Inez And Charlie Foxx – Hurt By Love

Released on 10WIP 6615 in 1980.

10″ Single – Various Artists – Plundering the Archives – Consignment No. 1

Track listing:

Bob And Earl – Harlem Shuffle | Owen Gray – You Don’t Know Like I Know | Robert Parker – Let’s Go Baby (Where The Action Is) | Donnie Elbert – A Little Piece Of Leather | Billy Preston – Billy’s Bag | Righteous Brothers – Justine

Released on 10WIP 6599 in 1980.

It’s WI 373, Captain, but not as we know it

Thanks to Dave Hewitt for sharing with us images of a copy of WI 373 he has just obtained through Ebay.

Collection of Dave Hewitt | jwi373a2

It’s a Jamaican pressing of the record.

Collection of Dave Hewitt | jwi373b2

Usually Jamaican pressings of Sue records had a red label, as shown:

Public domain/45 Cat | Copyright control | big-jay-mcneely-jamaican-red-black

Does anyone else have any Sue singles with unusual coloured printed labels?

Syd Nathan

Syd Nathan at his Record-Shaped Desk | History of Rock and Roll | sydnathan

Music business executive and recycling pioneer Sydney Nathan was born on April 27, 1904 and died on March 5, 1968. He founded King Records in a disused (and smelly) spice warehouse in Cincinatti in 1943. It was a self contained independent record company which, unusually, even pressed its own records – and any that didn’t get sold were recycled and re-pressed!

He will always be associated with James Brown but also helped develop other musicians and singers including Earl Bostic, The Five Royales and Lonnie Mack.

He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

King Records was sold to Starday Records in the early 1970s, its back catalogue was also sold on, and the record presses ended up in Jamaica pressing reggae records.

James Brown – The man on The Night Train

Cover | Amazon | jamesbrowntheone

The book “James Brown The One” was published in 2012. I managed to obtain a copy released by the Fort Myers Public Library, Florida, through Thrift Books in Arizona, for £4.50 through Amazon.

It is a fascinating book which I have found utterly absorbing, and it sheds more light on the recording he made with The Famous Flames of “Night Train” which was released in the UK on Parlophone and then Sue UK WI 360.

Original US single on King 5614 | 45 Cat | king5614

Original UK single on Parlophone R4922 | 45 Cat | r4922

The backing band, or as King Records would have it, “orchestra” he was using at the time was the original one, The Famous Flames, and the personnel on this recording were Bobby Byrd, Johnny Terry, Bobby Bennett, J. C. Davis, Lloyd Stallworth and Nat Kendrick. The band often featured the number on stage, often adding snatches of other tunes including Bill Doggett’s “Hold It”.

The book is well worth looking out for and inexpensive to buy – it seems supply outstripped demand for this volume!

In Performance:

Rosco Gordon

Vee Jay Records/All Music

Blues singer, songwriter and businessman Rosco N. Gordon III was born in Memphis, Tennessee on April 10, 1928 and died of a heart attack in Queens, New York City, on July 11, 2002. He is regarded as a pioneer of the Memphis Blues style of blues music. His biggest successes were “Booted” and “No More Doggin'” in 1952 and “Just a Little Bit” in 1960. He was one of the “Beale Streeters” along with Johnny Ace, Bobby Bland and B. B. King.

Wikipedia notes that

In 1962, he quit the music industry and moved to Queens, New York City, with his new wife, where he purchased a partnership in a laundry business. Following his wife’s death in 1984, he returned to performing in the New York area.