100 | 14 August 2023
We now have the real identities of Birdlegs, Pauline and The Versatility Birds and none of them were feathered.
We now have a new mystery to solve, though.
Who is the other lady in their photo?
Can anyone help please.
Category: Vee Jay
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.”
Billy Preston – Steady Gettin’ It
“Steady Gettin’ It” by Billy Preston appears on Sue UK LP ILP 935 “Billy Preston – The most exciting organ ever”.
Updated and converted to blocks 26.3.21.
Billy Preston – The masquerade is over
“The masquerade is over” by Billy Preston appears on UK Sue LP ILP 935 “Billy Preston – The Most Exciting Organ Ever”.
Billy Preston – Let me know
“Let me know” by Billy Preston appears on UK Sue LP ILP 935 Billy Preston – The Most exciting organ ever.
Billy Preston – Soul meeting
“Soul meeting” by Billy Preston is featured on UK Sue LP ILP 935 Billy Preston – The most exciting organ ever.
Billy Preston – I am coming through
“I am coming through” by Billy Preston appears on the UK Sue LP ILP 935 Billy Preston – The most exciting organ ever.
Billy Preston – Drown in my own tears
“Drown in my own tears” by Billy Preston appears on Sue UK LP ILP 935 “Billy Preston – The most exciting organ ever”.
Billy Preston – Slippin’ and Slidin’
“Slippin’ and slidin'” by Billy Preston appears on Sue UK LP ILP 935 Billy Preston – The Most Exciting Organ Ever.
Gene Chandler – Rainbow
101 | 20 August 2023
“Rainbow” by Gene Chandler was released in the UK on Sue LP ILP 934 “Soul 66”.
Thank you to Mike Atherton for his help in correcting this track listing.
Gene Chandler | Amazon | 17089
American singer, songwriter, talent scout, music producer and record label executive Eugene Drake Dixon, known as “Gene Chandler” or “The Duke of Earl” was born on July 6, 1937 and is nicknamed “The Duke of Earl” or simply “The Duke”.
He began performing in the 1950s with a group called The Gaytones before joining The Dukays. The recording he became famous for, “Duke of Earl”, is actually by The Dukays but became recredited as being by Gene Chandler.
Gene is a Grammy Hall Of Fame inductee and a winner of both the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers’ (NATRA) “Producer of the Year” Award and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award.
He is one of the few artistes to have enjoyed success spanning the doo-wop, rhythm and blues, soul, and disco musical eras, with some 40 Pop and R&B chart hits between 1961 and 1986. On August 24, 2014, Chandler was inducted into the Official Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame. In 2016 a street in Chicago was named after him.
In 1968 he formed two record companies, Mr Chand and Bamboo.
“Rainbow” was released in 1962 and reached US Pop No 47 and R&B No 11.
Gene Allison – Let’s sit and talk
101 | 11 August 2023
Versie Eugene Allison (Gene Allison) was born in Peagram, Tennessee on August 29, 1934. He began singing in a Church choir with his brother Leevert, who later also became a well known singer, then sang with various gospel groups including The Skylarks. He is mainly known for his few hits which include the classic “You can make it if you try”, which was recorded in 1957 and was his debut recording for VeeJay Records (VJ 256). The song became widely known from a cover version by The Rolling Stones.
“Lets sit and talk” (VJ 286) by Gene Allison was released in the UK on Sue LP ILP 943 “Dr Soul”.
Towards the end of the 1960s, after recording for a number of labels, and despite being admired by other singers (including Sam Cooke), he retired from public singing and enjoyed a private life.
Mr Allison died from renal failure in Nashville, Tennessee on February 28, 2004.
Did not chart.
Jerry Butler – Make it easy on yourself
jerrybutlermakeiteasy
“Make it easy on yourself” by Jerry Butler was released on UK Sue LP ILP 943 “Dr Soul”.
US Pop No. 20, 1962
Updated 12 October 2016
SP
Joe Simon – Say (that your love is true)
102 | 18 October 2023
Joe Simon | Ace Records/Spring Records | joesimon1
Soul singer Joe Simon was born in Simmisport, Louisiana on September 2, 1943. “Say” was first released in 1964 on the famed Vee Jay label. The track was released in the UK on Sue LP ILP 943 “Dr Soul”. In his career, he had 14 top ten hits including three number one positions on the US R&B chart.
Billboard notes: “In 1983, he gave up what he called “worldly music,” according to his grandson, to become an ordained minister, working as a traveling pastor, beginning with a sermon to 4,000 people at the Rapides Coliseum near New Orleans. He made the change after a dramatic onstage moment before 10,000 fans when he forgot the words of the pop and R&B hits he’d been singing for 25 years.”
Joe Simon died on Dec. 13, 2021 in his hometown near Chicago. He was 85.
“Say that your love is true”, Vee Jay 609, 10 August 1964.
Chart Position: Did not chart.
The Impressions – Believe in me
104 | 12 September 2023
The Impressions formed in 1958 with the original line up of Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, Arthur Brooks, Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield. Richard and Arthur Brooks left the group and were replaced by Fred Cash. Jerry Butler left the group to pursue a solo career. Richard and Arthur Brooks recorded as The Brooks Brothers, not to be confused with an English duo from the late 1950s, The Brook Brothers (Geoff and Ricky).
Curtis Lee Mayfield was born on June 3, 1942 and died on December 26, 1999.
Samuel G. “Sam” Gooden was born on September 2, 1934 and died on August 4, 2022.
Fred Cash was born on October 8, 1940.
Jerry Butler was born on December 8, 1939.
Arthur Brooks died 22 November 2015.
Richard Brooks, no updated information available.
Left to right, top: Jerry Butler, Sam Gooden, Richard Brooks, front: Arthur Brooks, Curtis Mayfield | Public Domain | 16136
The Impressions: left to right: Curtis Mayfield, Sam Gooden, Fred Cash | Amazon | 16137su
“Believe in me”, recorded 1958, was issued on the Sue LP ILP 943 “Dr Soul”.
Chart position data not available.
Billy Preston – Low Down
billyprestonlowdown
“Low down” by Billy Preston was released on UK Sue LP ILP 935, “Billy Preston The Most Exciting Organ Ever”.
Did not chart.
Updated 9 October 2016
SP
Billy Preston – If I had a hammer
billyprestonhammer
“If I had a hammer” by Billy Preston was released on UK Sue LP ILP 935, “Billy Preston The Most Exciting Organ Ever”.
Did not chart.
Updated 9 October 2016
SP
ILP 943 – Various Artists – Dr. Soul
ilp943160310
ILP 943 Dr Soul | 16138su
Cover states Island records on the front, and Sue Records on the back!
Complete track listing: Say (That Your Love Is True) – Joe Simon | (Do The) Mashed Potatoes(Part 1) – Nat Kenrick and The Swans | Lenny Goofed – The Naturals | Say yeah – Preston Epps Trio with Andre Franklin | Gotta give her love – The Volumes | Soul Twist – King Curtis and the Noble Knights | Little bit of this, little bit of that – Chuck Flamingo | Make it easy on yourself – Jerry Butler | Oh what a feeling – Shep and the Limelights | Loving you every day – Wade Donald | Let’s sit and talk – Gene Allison | You don’t want me – James Carr | Strange Feeling – Sugar Pie DeSanto | Believe in me – The Impressions
Track listing kindly supplied by Paul
Picture updated 3 March 2016
SP
ILP 935 – Billy Preston – The Most Exciting Organ Ever
Updated 27 December 2018
ILP 935 Billy Preston The Most Exciting Organ Ever | billypreston
Track listing: If I Had a Hammer | Low Down | Slippin’ and Slidin’ | Drown in My Own Tears | I Am Coming Through | The Octopus | Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying | Soul Meeting | Let Me Know | Billy’s Bag | The Masquerade Is Over | Steady Gettin’ It
Track listing kindly supplied by Paul
SP
Jerry Butler – Just a little bit
jerrybutlerjustalittlebit
There is more information about Jerry Butler here. “Just a little bit” was released on Sue LP ILP 934 “Soul 66”.
Did not chart.
Updated 8 October 2016
SP
Billy Preston – The Octopus
billyprestonoctopus
“The Octopus” by Billy Preston appears on his Sue LP ILP 935 “Billy Preston – The Most Exciting Organ Ever”. There is more information about Billy Preston here.
Did not chart.
Updated 9 October 2016
SP
Lee Diamond – Hatti Malatti
101 | 25 August 2023
Suinger, multi instrumentalist and song writer Wilbert Lee Smith Snr. (Lee Diamond) was born on August 18, 1932 and died in 1985. He was closely involved in the 1950s with Specialty Records and Little Richard, and was a member of the famous “Upsetters”.
Only available photo of Lee Diamond, pictured with Little Richard and The Upsetters. Smith (Lee Diamond) is fourth from left, wearing a tie and a dark jacket. Copyright control/Public domain
Among his song writing credits is Aaron Neville’s “Tell it like it is” (Par-Lo 101, New Orleans, 1966, Released in UK January 1967). The melody for “Tell it like it is” was composed by Smith and the lyric was added (while Smith was serving a prison sentence) by song writer and producer George Davis, then Aaron Neville agreed to record the song. Willie Tee was on piano, Emory Thomas on trumpet, Deacon John on guitar, Alvin “Red” Tyler and George Davis on tenor and alto sax, and Gentleman June Gardner on drums. It became a million seller, and is Neville’s best known recording, but the production company, Par-Lo, failed.
“Hatti Malatti” (VJ 272, Announced in Cash Box, July 12, 1958) was released in the UK on Sue ILP 933 The Sue Story Volume 2. Chart position data not available.
Gladys Knight and The Pips – Every beat of my heart
gladysknighteverybeat
Gladys Knight and The Pips’ “Every beat of my heart” was issued on Sue UK LP ILP 920 “50 Minutes 24 Seconds of Recorded Dynamite”.
Billboard No. 45, 1961
Updated 26 September 2016
SP
Jerry Butler: Just for you/Believe in me
107 | 27 December 2023
” Just for you”, Vee Jay 707, 1965, UK Sue WI 4009, April 1966.
Chart Position: US R&B No. 33.
Collection of Dave Hewitt | dhjerryjust
Collection of Dave Hewitt | dhjerrybelieve
Jimmy Reed: Odds and ends/Going by the river
108 | 26 December 2023
Blues singer and songwriter Mathis James “Jimmy” Reed was born in Dunleith, Mississippi on September 6, 1925 and influenced many rock stars with his easily accessible style of music. His friend Eddie Taylor taught him the guitar and harmonica. He moved to Chicago in 1943, and was drafted into the US Navy and served in World War 2. After discharge in 1945 he returned to Mississippi before getting a job at a meat packing plant in Gary, Indiana. Albert King got him a contract at Vee Jay in Chicago.
A lifelong alcoholic, Jimmy Reed died in Oakland, California on August 29, 1976 of respiratory failure, age 51.
“Odds and Ends”, VJ 298, 1958. “Going by the river”, VJ 357, 1960. “Going by the river” previously released on Top Rank JAR 533, 1960. Released in the UK on Sue WI 4004 in 1966.
Chart Position: Did not chart.
Jerry Butler: I stand accused/I don’t want to hear it any more
110 | 26 December 2023
Jerry Butler Jr. was born in Sunflower, Mississippi on December 8, 1939 and had a long career as a singer before becoming a politician. His family moved to Chicago when he was three, into the famous Cabrini-Green housing project. As a child he began singing in a Church Choir with his friend Curtis Mayfield. By their teens they were both singing in the gospel quartet The Northern Jubilee Gospel Singers. He was the original lead singer of The Roosters, before they were renamed The Impressions – they thought Roosters was too country – before starting a very successful solo career.
The career of The Impressions took off when Butler co-wrote the song “For Your Precious Love” and after auditioning for Chess (and being rejected) they auditioned successfully for Vee Jay, but when they received the first pressings of the single, the label credited “Jerry Butler and The Impressions” which caused some discontent within the group. The group continued to record with Vee Jay for a while, which developed a solo career for Jerry Butler as well as giving Curtis Mayfield superb opportunities to develop his own talents. Jerry Butler was also successfully teamed with singer Betty Everett for a number of duet recordings.
Shortly after starting his solo career, WDAS disc jockey Georgie Woods came up with the nickname “The Ice Man” for Butler.
Political activity called, and he served as a Democrat Commissioner for Cook County, Illinois from 1985 to 2018, but he has now retired from politics.
His younger Brother Billy Butler also had a successful singing career. Billy Butler died in 2015.
“I stand accused”, Vee Jay 598, 1964, UK Sue WI 4003.
Chart Position: Billboard No. 61, September 1964.
Affendaddy | 14560
Updated and converted to blocks 22 February 2021.
Little Richard: Dance what you wanna/Without love
106 | 10 October 2023
SP Clarke | 14562
Singer and pianist Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) was born in Macon, Georgia on December 5, 1932. He was nicknamed “Little” as a child because he was skinny. His family was religious and his first musical influence was gospel music. In 1947 Sister Rosetta Tharpe heard him singing and invited him to open her show. Little Richard said his piano style was largely influenced by Ike Turner’s intro to “Rocket 88”. He was at his peak and his most successful in the mid to late 1950s.
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.
Little Richard died in Tullahoma, Tennessee on May 9, 2020 after a short illness.
“Dance what you wanna”, Veejay 665, 1965. This recording was issued as UK Sue WI 4001, 18 February 1966.
Chart Position: Did not chart.
Google | 14561
Collection of Dave Hewitt | dhlittleone
Collection of Dave Hewitt | dhlittletwo
Little Richard, It ain’t what you do/Crossover
109 | 27 December 2023
Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) was born on December 5, 1932.
“It ain
“It ain’t what you do”, Vee Jay 652, 1965. UK Sue WI 4015, July 1966.
Chart Position: Did not chart.
Birdlegs and Pauline (and the Versatility Birds) – Spring/In so many ways
108 | 27 December 2023 | External Link Checked
Sidney “Birdlegs” Banks and his wife Pauline of Rockford, Illinois recorded these tracks with a small label called Cuca who offered cheap recording facilities. The single was first issued on the Cuca label and made no. 18 on the R&B chart. The tracks were then picked up for national distribution by the Vee Jay label shortly before it failed. Cuca had also recorded an album on the pair. Brothers Mack and Floyd Murphy provided the backing and were billed as The Versatility Birds. The Banks later divorced and Pauline Shivers made some more recordings for small Chicago labels, but Sidney Banks never recorded again.
The mystery is: who is the second lady portrayed in the photo? Can anyone help please?
“Spring”, Vee Jay 510, 1963. UK Sue WI 4014, June 1966.
Chart Position: Billboard No. 94, July 1963
See The Veejay History website.
Dr Bob Jones/45 Cat
Jimmy Hughes, Goodbye my love/It was nice
114 | 26 December 2023
Jimmy Hughes | Last FM | 14509
Jimmy J. Hughes was born in Leighton, Alabama on February 3, 1938 and is a cousin of Percy Sledge. He began singing in a gospel quartet while in high school. He most successfully recorded for the Fame studio in Muscle Shoals from 1964 to 1968 and his recordings appeared on the Fame, Vee Jay, Atlantic and Volt/Stax labels. Goodbye My Love was issued by Fame when distributed by Vee Jay records and was released in the UK on Sue WI 4006 in March 1966. The song was a hit for The Searchers. On some labels the song is called Goodbye My Lover Goodbye.
In 1970, somewhat disenchanted, he quit the music industry, retrained, and worked in the power generation supply industry. His current whereabouts are unknown.
“Goodbye my love”, US Fame F-6407, February 1964, did not chart. Some people think the record was issued in 1965. The Searchers’ version was issued in very early 1965, pointing to the index number 6407 being a reliable date indicator.
Billy Preston, Billy’s Bag/Don’t let the sun catch you crying
104 | 7 October 2023
Billy Preston | The Band | 14516
Keyboardist, singer and song writer William Everett Preston was born in Houston, Texas on September 2, 1946. Billy Preston was a child prodigy, playing organ in public as young as age 10, even playing for Mahalia Jackson. By 1962 he was playing in Little Richard’s backing group. In 1965 he recorded an album, The Most Exciting Organ Ever, from which this single was taken. To this day it remains a fantastic instrumental. He recorded several times with The Beatles and for their Apple record company, with which he had a number of successful recordings.
Preston had a complex personality, had suffered sexual abuse as a child, and had personal difficulties with addictions and his homosexuality; in 1991 he was sentenced to nine months detention in a rehabilitation clinic followed by three months of house arrest for a sexual offence with a minor. There were subsequently other offences of different natures.
Billy Preston died of kidney disease in Scottsdale, Arizona on June 6, 2006, aged 59.
“Billy’s Bag”, Vee Jay 653, January 1965. Released on Sue UK WI 4012, May 1966. Chart Position: Did not chart.
The Independent: Billy Preston Obituary
Collection of Martin Whitell
Sue Records UK 