Simon Soussan Found

[stokesoulboy]

Jeff king, Simon soussan, ootp, green light, bjd, soul fox, soul galore, even pye bloody disco demand, all a part of northern soul history, in fact essential elements of a scene that's still strong in 2015, you cannot air brush this lot out of history ? Supply and demand met, and again listen to some of the people left from back in the 60s, there product sold, they didn't get paid sadly and these were major labels. Simon was moving and shaking in LA, yes he saw the disco boom and did it well, same as Berry Gordy made the perfect pop soul sounds and sold millions.

For all the above over the years I'm grateful to play these records, ok not joe 90 or the Wigan joker but the discoveries, rare, not so rare, and the just bloody good soul records.

[MrsWoodsrules]

Not to different, after the Camera's arrived that's when the decline started, Pye saw an opportunity as did SS before them and after, it was business and RW played along, up until then it was brilliant and electric and I relish those days but it was the Mecca, Cleethorpes, St. Ives and places like Unity Hall that kept us interested not Joe 90 or Men from Uncle.

Spot.

Agree Spot.

But at the same time some of the best soul music to ever influence the scene was booming out in the main hall after 2.00am from 79 onward.

I could make a list as long as the magna carta that would dwarf anything coming from ANY other venue at that time bar a couple of venues, so it's a double edge sword, the rampant crap commercialism & the great soul, so WC is/was still number one for importance to the scene even with all the crap because it was countered by the brilliance by others even then.

[Rhino]

Jeff king, Simon soussan, ootp, green light, bjd, soul fox, soul galore, even pye bloody disco demand, all a part of northern soul history, in fact essential elements of a scene that's still strong in 2015, you cannot air brush this lot out of history ? Supply and demand met, and again listen to some of the people left from back in the 60s, there product sold, they didn't get paid sadly and these were major labels. Simon was moving and shaking in LA, yes he saw the disco boom and did it well, same as Berry Gordy made the perfect pop soul sounds and sold millions.

For all the above over the years I'm grateful to play these records, ok not joe 90 or the Wigan joker but the discoveries, rare, not so rare, and the just bloody good soul records.

 

 

After reading the soul bowl thread and about John Anderson, not one bad word was said about him or people being ripped off and sold bootlegs etc. Now stories about him and the discoveries he found and sold to top dj's and the list people posted, the prices were unreal a true ICON. Stories i could listen to all night long. 

Edited April 26, 2015 by rhino

[Woodbutcher]

A little punctuation might not go amiss , would help make sense of that sentence ... 

[kevinsoulman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjgb5WkS4u0

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX_GfElOIBw

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsUBKPff5ls

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQuL7fuUQcQ

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz8AvWbAjco

 

those first two are on my youtube channel probably bought from soul bowl on release ,used them on a facebook page to show peeps what they missed lol

kev

Edited April 26, 2015 by kevinsoulman

[Goldsoul]

has anyone mentioned the ads for the blackpool mecca that were printed in blues and soul in which they apologised for not being able to list the records they were playing because of some contemptable underhand french individual from california who as soon as he found out the title pressed them up in large quantities and flooded the market with them. they went on to describe him as an evil person. Any relation?

I think he's the same person who is now dear friends with Ian, who in turn asked me to make members aware of the man's existence.

[Goldsoul]

those first two are on my youtube channel probably bought from soul bowl on release ,used them on a facebook page to show peeps what they missed lol

kev

For the record, SS didn't produce or have any involvement with Russell Harness. He had done away with Black Magic by then due to the Shalamar lift off.

Harness is from Telford I believe and still around. No idea where the Funkees are and don't care to find out 

Interesting that a Paula Roussel single exists from 1966 but as we all know it isnt her on 'Pieces'

Northern Soul 'cheesey' history 

[Rhino]

A little punctuation might not go amiss , would help make sense of that sentence ... 

 

 

sorry but it was still a bit early but i will endeavor to check punctuation. hope this makes you feel better sat in dictionary corner. lol 

[stokesoulboy]

After reading the soul bowl thread and about John Anderson, not one bad word was said about him or people being ripped off and sold bootlegs etc. Now stories about him and the discoveries he found and sold to top dj's and the list people posted, the prices were unreal a true ICON. Stories i could listen to all night long.

In a true and honest opinion I don't think everyone including some that are adored and well respected are completely squeaky clean .

I'm not naming names, but the clue is in the supply and demand comment , I had a conversation in Memphis about ten years ago with James govan, he told me that his records sold in England but the payment never came thru, this was issued in the uk ???

Make your own minds up, but one thing is clear to me, some people can do no wrong.

Major labels did dirty dealings back then, welcome to show biz, golden rule number one is trust nobody .

Keep smiling

[stokesoulboy]

And yes, JA has discovered some quite wonderful records and from all accounts is a good guy to deal with.

[stokesoulboy]

And yes, JA has discovered some quite wonderful records and from all accounts is a good guy to deal with.

[Rhino]

And yes, JA has discovered some quite wonderful records and from all accounts is a good guy to deal wit

 

 

Remember reading that Francis Nero didn't get as much as she should for "footsteps" which charted top 10 i think. So yeh i understand what you mean about the business, trust can be a cruel mistress.

[spot]

Agree Spot.

But at the same time some of the best soul music to ever influence the scene was booming out in the main hall after 2.00am from 79 onward.

I could make a list as long as the magna carta that would dwarf anything coming from ANY other venue at that time bar a couple of venues, so it's a double edge sword, the rampant crap commercialism & the great soul, so WC is/was still number one for importance to the scene even with all the crap because it was countered by the brilliance by others even then.

MrsW I was speaking about our/my small group of reprobates and vagabonds not the mass of unwashed youth who loved NS. No it wasn't all dross, there was some excellent stuff discovered and played but we lived right over t'hill in God's County so when Mecca went a bit Studio 54 and Wigan went a bit Rolf Harris Stylophone and tunes from His Masters Voice reject bin, it wasn't worth the full day travel when we could go Cleggy, Samanthas or St. Ives, all on our doorstep or M1 corridor. The only reason you could make a list as long as an Andrex Puppy roll is the fact of the Casino's longevity, remember most places were shutdown by the Law or Local Council before year 3 came around, however the Casino had no drug problem or a single arrest from day one to the last note on the last, then next last, oh and the very last of all time and eternity, Russ stated that categorically!!    

Spot.  

[Nsg]

Remember reading that Francis Nero didn't get as much as she should for "footsteps" which charted top 10 i think. So yeh i understand what you mean about the business, trust can be a cruel mistress.

 

Funny you should mention this track as clearly its a "slight rip off" of a very well known Sister Sledge ( backing)  track recorded back in '79 isnt it ?

 

Its a wonder Nile & Bernard never realised this...... or am I getting all confused again with old age  lol

[phatspinner]

"I think he already had a bad reputation among the local dealers, many of whom wouldn't deal with him but he always got on well with musicians and music people."

 

Why would that be Ian? You'd think he'd be popular with the US dealers as a customer buying up all the records that no-one else wanted! Or maybe he was the sort of buyer that no amount of spend would make up for his personality.

[MrsWoodsrules]

MrsW I was speaking about our/my small group of reprobates and vagabonds not the mass of unwashed youth who loved NS. No it wasn't all dross, there was some excellent stuff discovered and played but we lived right over t'hill in God's County so when Mecca went a bit Studio 54 and Wigan went a bit Rolf Harris Stylophone and tunes from His Masters Voice reject bin, it wasn't worth the full day travel when we could go Cleggy, Samanthas or St. Ives, all on our doorstep or M1 corridor. The only reason you could make a list as long as an Andrex Puppy roll is the fact of the Casino's longevity, remember most places were shutdown by the Law or Local Council before year 3 came around, however the Casino had no drug problem or a single arrest from day one to the last note on the last, then next last, oh and the very last of all time and eternity, Russ stated that categorically!!

Spot.

Yeah, well it is was it is, no other venue could or can touch it.

As for Russ, he carried no influence on any right minded soul fan, it was all about Richard, and probably Soul Sam & Mr Brady, they were the torch bearers of that time, in those years.

And Gods own country is the Northwest, everyone knows that ?

[Guest SteveJohnston]

MrsW you can put Gary Rushbrooke in that list imo

[Ian Dewhirst]

"I think he already had a bad reputation among the local dealers, many of whom wouldn't deal with him but he always got on well with musicians and music people."

 

Why would that be Ian? You'd think he'd be popular with the US dealers as a customer buying up all the records that no-one else wanted! Or maybe he was the sort of buyer that no amount of spend would make up for his personality.

 

I think he left a mess. He was never that respectful about stuff being in order or strictly alphabetized for some reason, so he got banned from a lot of places. I went to a couple of places with him and was frankly embarrassed at how he treated people and their stock. If he wasn't hitting anything he'd get annoyed and start chucking records everywhere. He once chucked a Primettes acetate across a room which I had to rescue. And woe betide any store that had too many Bar-Kays or James Brown 'funk garbage' records because he'd trash 'em in a second.....

 

Ian D 

[Billy Jo Jim Bob]

Let me say straight away that I do not know Simon, have never spoke to him or even seen him for that matter, but a quick story.....

 

Many years ago I was after a copy of his book of rare 45's, after seeing Chris Anderton's copy. I eventually traced what I thought would be a nice new copy from a music book dealer down in south west England (from memory ?). Anyway, I rang the shop number and a guy answered the phone very pleasantly. When I asked for a copy of the book his attitude changed totally. He asked if I knew Simon - I said "no". He then asked did I know anyone who did - I said "probably yes". He then demanded their names and contact details, and by this time he was going fooking mental. Apprently he had ordered 50 copies of the book and sent the money - but guess what....no books arrived  . I declined to pass on any names of who I thought may know the whereabouts of Soussan as I wasnt sure who were his main UK contacts. This sent him totally into space and after a mouthful of abuse at me he slammed the phone down  

 

Never did get that book

[Mellorful]

For the record, SS didn't produce or have any involvement with Russell Harness. He had done away with Black Magic by then due to the Shalamar lift off.

Harness is from Telford I believe and still around. No idea where the Funkees are and don't care to find out 

Interesting that a Paula Roussel single exists from 1966 but as we all know it isnt her on 'Pieces'

Northern Soul 'cheesey' history 

Hi Kev

I note he wasn't responsible for all of the tunes in #160, just some of them.

As you knew how SS worked, do you think those tunes he was responsible for in #160 were based on commercial opportunism, sense of humour, sadism or a combination of two or more of those?   

Atb

Stu 

[macca]

I think he left a mess. He was never that respectful about stuff being in order or strictly alphabetized for some reason, so he got banned from a lot of places. I went to a couple of places with him and was frankly embarrassed at how he treated people and their stock. If he wasn't hitting anything he'd get annoyed and start chucking records everywhere. He once chucked a Primettes acetate across a room which I had to rescue. And woe betide any store that had too many Bar-Kays or James Brown 'funk garbage' records because he'd trash 'em in a second.....

 

Ian D 

Sounds as if he need a straightjacket more than anything else. What a f***ing loon! 

[Ian Dewhirst]

Sounds as if he need a straightjacket more than anything else. What a f***ing loon! 

 

He got banned from Major Bill's Warehouse in Texas (apparently it took 'em weeks to clean up and re-file) and likewise from Rare Records in Glendale as I went in there a couple of times to get some titles for him. I never got it myself. I'd have thought it would be in anyone's interest to keep in with these guys. Very very strange......

 

Ian D 

[Mellorful]

I think he left a mess. He was never that respectful about stuff being in order or strictly alphabetized for some reason, so he got banned from a lot of places. I went to a couple of places with him and was frankly embarrassed at how he treated people and their stock. If he wasn't hitting anything he'd get annoyed and start chucking records everywhere. He once chucked a Primettes acetate across a room which I had to rescue. And woe betide any store that had too many Bar-Kays or James Brown 'funk garbage' records because he'd trash 'em in a second.....

 

Ian D 

SS certainly has lived a charmed life; a troubled soul who must have come close to meeting his creator with acts as you described.

I can think of a few people on the scene who if he had thrown their records about would have broken every bone in SS's head, others wouldn't have been so kind and gentle.  

Your description suggests SS demonstrated a lack of respect for other peoples property. had they been your property I doubt you would have remained mates. 

Respect is earned and that type of behaviour you described I now understand why he went overseas and before his luck ran out. 

[ZootSuit]

Like a couple above, I'm far too young to know anything about SS, other than what I've been told over the years...but my golly he's left a legacy...

Great thread.,,

Mal.c

 Legacy, you're right there, Soul Source bootlegs, the first mass produced bootlegs anyway, Dave Godin helped him by asking the masses to let him know their all time favourites, then publishing them in Blues & Soul....soon afterwards Selecta Disc in Nottingham started selling these 'Soul Source' imports' at 75p, personally had more or less a complete set, buggered if I know where they went but passed on after I obtained originals, the SS discs seem to be as collectable as the o/e discs these days .

 

Just had a review of what others have said, yes it was general knowlege that the bloke was a grade A asshole, I heard stories, first time I've seen anything ion print to back up the hearsay though.

Edited April 27, 2015 by ZootSuit

[Ian Dewhirst]

SS certainly has lived a charmed life; a troubled soul who must have come close to meeting his creator with acts as you described.

I can think of a few people on the scene who if he had thrown their records about would have broken every bone in SS's head, others wouldn't have been so kind and gentle.  

Your description suggests SS demonstrated a lack of respect for other peoples property. had they been your property I doubt you would have remained mates. 

Respect is earned and that type of behaviour you described I now understand why he went overseas and before his luck ran out. 

 

I keep my records strictly alphabetized. He wouldn't have lasted 2 seconds at my gaff....

 

Ian D 

[Mellorful]

He got banned from Major Bill's Warehouse in Texas (apparently it took 'em weeks to clean up and re-file) and likewise from Rare Records in Glendale as I went in there a couple of times to get some titles for him. I never got it myself. I'd have thought it would be in anyone's interest to keep in with these guys. Very very strange......

 

Ian D 

Hi Ian

My Sister lived in Texas for 5 years and I spent some time in the Lone Star State whilst she was there. I always found the people polite and respectful, abuse that respect and you risk your life; shoot first and ask questions afterwards approach. When I went shopping in Walmart it was a real eye opener; enough guns for sale to start WW3 and everyone seemed to own firearms. 

SS must have been lucky to leave the record shop without an extra hole in the head.  Alternatively if police called he could have spent time in an orange jumpsuit picking up litter at the side of the highway in temperatures over 100 degrees (dead skunks at side of road leaving the worst aroma anyone could ever imagine).

I remember the authorities didn't apply liberal punishment practices with those who abuse their hospitality, is that why SS moved to California.   

Atb

Stu

[Goldsoul]

Hi Kev

I note he wasn't responsible for all of the tunes in #160, just some of them.

As you knew how SS worked, do you think those tunes he was responsible for in #160 were based on commercial opportunism, sense of humour, sadism or a combination of two or more of those?

Atb

Stu

Probably the right phrase is 'creative opportunism'

He was mad on Northern, had tremendous charisma and I suspect wanted to be famous. His talent got him so far.

His last email to me suggests he isn't interested in Northern due to the negativity he would attract. He's focussed on reactivating his disco works I understand.

[Amsterdam Russ]

Probably the right phrase is 'creative opportunism'

He was mad on Northern, had tremendous charisma and I suspect wanted to be famous. His talent got him so far.

His last email to me suggests he isn't interested in Northern due to the negativity he would attract. He's focussed on reactivating his disco works I understand.

Could be good timing. I keep hearing 'boogie' the next big thing.

[Pete S]

 Legacy, you're right there, Soul Source bootlegs, the first mass produced bootlegs anyway, Dave Godin helped him by asking the masses to let him know their all time favourites, then publishing them in Blues & Soul....soon afterwards Selecta Disc in Nottingham started selling these 'Soul Source' imports' at 75p, personally had more or less a complete set, buggered if I know where they went but passed on after I obtained originals, the SS discs seem to be as collectable as the o/e discs these days .

 

Just had a review of what others have said, yes it was general knowlege that the bloke was a grade A asshole, I heard stories, first time I've seen anything ion print to back up the hearsay though.

 

* Soul Sounds not Soul Source, just in case anyone thinks it's anything to do with this website

[Ian Dewhirst]

Hi Ian

 

My Sister lived in Texas for 5 years and I spent some time in the Lone Star State whilst she was there. I always found the people polite and respectful, abuse that respect and you risk your life; shoot first and ask questions afterwards approach.

 

SS must have been lucky to leave the record shop without an extra hole in the head.     

Atb

Stu

 

Actually I think Soussan messed it up for a lot of UK visitors, especially in Texas. I went in a couple of places and got thrown out as soon as I opened my mouth. One guy was full of hatred for any Brit who dared wander into his shop and I later got told that Soussan had left a trail of destruction and bad feeling in Texas especially. I had the same thing in L.A. but I didn't get thrown out of any shops there.....

 

Ian D 

[Ady Croasdell]

Legacy, you're right there, Soul Source bootlegs, the first mass produced bootlegs anyway, Dave Godin helped him by asking the masses to let him know their all time favourites, then publishing them in Blues & Soul....soon afterwards Selecta Disc in Nottingham started selling these 'Soul Source' imports' at 75p, personally had more or less a complete set, buggered if I know where they went but passed on after I obtained originals, the SS discs seem to be as collectable as the o/e discs these days .

 

Just had a review of what others have said, yes it was general knowlege that the bloke was a grade A asshole, I heard stories, first time I've seen anything ion print to back up the hearsay though.

Nothing to do with Soussain, it was Jeff King's and he got the titles from his associate (not involved directly in the boots) Batman. I don't think Dave Godin's column had anything to do with those boots.

[El Corol]

Nothing to do with Soussain, it was Jeff King's and he got the titles from his associate (not involved directly in the boots) Batman. ......

 

Is Soussan "The Joker"?

Edited April 28, 2015 by El Corol

[Steve S 60]

Probably the right phrase is 'creative opportunism'

He was mad on Northern, had tremendous charisma and I suspect wanted to be famous. His talent got him so far.

His last email to me suggests he isn't interested in Northern due to the negativity he would attract. He's focussed on reactivating his disco works I understand.

 

Well, the prodigal son has returned, but has decided not to grace us with his presence on the scene once more.  Probably in talks with Nile Rodgers, hoping to hitch a ride on his coat tails.  Never mind.

[Rhino]

Nothing to do with Soussain, it was Jeff King's and he got the titles from his associate (not involved directly in the boots) Batman. I don't think Dave Godin's column had anything to do with those b

taken from martinsbox site 

     Jeff King's Soul $ounds Label. The 'Soul Sounds' label was run by 'Jeff King' of 'Leicester' who was originally an importer and cottoned on quickly to the idea of 'Bootlegging' as D.J.s started moving into the Rare Soul Field.

 He sold most of his records at All-nighters and through shops like 'Ralphs' of Manchester, who still has quantaties of these disc's today.

 The recording of these disc's was sometimes very poor but of course it was the only way they were available at a reasonable price. This label started a trend that has carried on through to today with labels like 'O.O.T.P.' and the 'SIMON SOUSSAN' series. Every record on 'Soul Sounds' came out on British release apart from No.1 which 'Baby Reconcider' Leon Haywood on 'Fat Fish'.

 Eventually the law caught up with 'Mr. King' and he went to prison for one thing or another but he left behind '30' disc's of which there is now a following and copies of certain ones have changed hands for £5.00p.

 Further info. on Mr. King' was hard to obtain, he seemed to be a bit of a mystery but if 'Keith Minshull' (who was supposed to provide a lot of the original disc's for recording) or 'Mr. King' would like to write anything on the label the pages of 'NEW SOULTIME' were open.

Edited April 28, 2015 by rhino

[Goldsoul]

Is Soussan "The Joker"?

No......The original 1966 cut was a mixture of vocal phasing between Leonard Grayson(Miles brother) and original TV Joker, actor Cesar Romero.

In fact Leonard gave me his rendition at Soul Trip USA in LA 2004 

[Pete S]

No......The original 1966 cut was a mixture of vocal phasing between Leonard Grayson(Miles brother) and original TV Joker, actor Cesar Romero.

In fact Leonard gave me his rendition at Soul Trip USA in LA 2004 

 

Something I noticed, The Mylestones credits a "Littler Leroy" and the Dirty Hearts record credits "The Littler Dirty Hearts".  That's a strange word to use on two different records.

[Labeat]

Soul Sounds 45's were introduced to Boylan's radio&TV shop, Conisbrough, Doncaster early 70's.

I only bought the Leon Haywood, knew nothing about "bootlegs" at the time but the feel of it

and sound quality had us young'ns thinking these are backstreet pirates. We learnt as we went along.

[Ian Dewhirst]

Something I noticed, The Mylestones credits a "Littler Leroy" and the Dirty Hearts record credits "The Littler Dirty Hearts".  That's a strange word to use on two different records.

 

Probably an in joke since "The Joker" was co-written by the mysterious Benny Curtis.........

 

Ian D 

[Jim Elliott]

It's a fascinating thread for sure. I'm far too young to have had any involvement, and looking at some of the posts...thank god for it.

He sounds like a cross between Del Boy and Keyser Soze!

ATB

Jim.

Edited April 28, 2015 by Jim Elliott

[Guest]

Actually I think Soussan messed it up for a lot of UK visitors, especially in Texas. I went in a couple of places and got thrown out as soon as I opened my mouth. One guy was full of hatred for any Brit who dared wander into his shop and I later got told that Soussan had left a trail of destruction and bad feeling in Texas especially. I had the same thing in L.A. but I didn't get thrown out of any shops there.....

 

Ian D 

In 1979 I met a black guy while in a Sacramento record shop. He had a truck outside full of racks with 45's on them.  

He was taking them around to all the record shops to sell.

 He said he had a warehouse with records and we asked if we could visit.  "You guys from the UK? You know that Simon Soussan?  No way are you coming round, I hate that guy!"

Edited April 28, 2015 by Guest

[ZootSuit]

* Soul Sounds not Soul Source, just in case anyone thinks it's anything to do with this website

My apologys....TOTALLY unintentional typo/dyslexia moment, but more due to lack of zzzzzzzzzs over the weekend

Edited April 29, 2015 by ZootSuit

[ZootSuit]

Nothing to do with Soussain, it was Jeff King's and he got the titles from his associate (not involved directly in the boots) Batman. I don't think Dave Godin's column had anything to do with those boots.

Was'nt what I meant, although rereading my post it does,

 

DG quite innocently asked all B&S readers to tell him there favorite sounds, MY collection went a whole new direction when he started printing them in his column.

 

What I meant was that a magazine had published details of sounds, entireley innocent of ulterior motive other than getting it across to a wider audiance, especiaslly the NS starved South of the UK, and the unscrupulous had a ready made data base of sounds that were on everybodies wish list at the time, and possibly factored it into their release policy.

[Guest Byrney]

So we have a chap who was charming, ripped his mates off, had a strong charecter, f£&ked up record trips for others, provided the 'sound of 73 to 75' albeit records that probably would have turned up, bootlegged to the power of ten, has many interesting tales to tell, ripped of artists, intelligent, made shite tailor mades (IMO).... Personally on balance - good and bad he seems to have been a bit of a cock.

 

It's probably a good thing he's not coming on here - although if there was a bit of humility he might be received a bit differently. 

In 1979 I met a black guy while in a Sacramento record shop. He had a truck outside full of racks with 45's on them.  

He was taking them around to all the record shops to sell.

 He said he had a warehouse with records and we asked if we could visit.  "You guys from the UK? You know that Simon Soussan?  No way are you coming round, I hate that guy!"

 

Edited April 29, 2015 by Byrney

[Neil Rushton]

I always cite stuff like Lou Courtney, Didi Noel and Richie Adams as records that I hadn't even heard played when they were bootlegged. "Serenade" by The Sounds Of Lane???? What the hell was that....?

 

Ian D 

One weird things is that Lou Courtney "Me & You (Doin' The Boogaloo) was booted off the album and everyone thought that Riverside/Popside missed a trick there by not seeing it as single. Thing is they did, Robert Bateman sold me his 7" acetate of it complete with planned catalogue number.  

[Steve Ss]

One weird things is that Lou Courtney "Me & You (Doin' The Boogaloo) was booted off the album and everyone thought that Riverside/Popside missed a trick there by not seeing it as single. Thing is they did, Robert Bateman sold me his 7" acetate of it complete with planned catalogue number.  

Hi Neil,

if that's the case why did not they release?

Gone bust before planned release or cancelled through lack of interest?

Did it make it past acetate to test press?

Best regards

Steve

[Neil Rushton]

Simon could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and often did.

 

One great example were the re-issues on Columbia Special Products.  CBS supplied them on 100% legit basis and I imported them into the UK. The first lot came from the "Baby Boy", .Simon "send me money" Soussan, who was getting them from CBS on the West Coast. He was charging me a fortune and, as always, would not listen to reason and offer them at a price that made sense.

I was so fed up with him that I arranged a visit by Les McCutcheon  and myself to  CBS in New York when we were over there, and met up with the very amiable Al Shulman at Columbia Special Products who was a bit shocked by two  young English white guys asking if he could supply a total of 50,000 old Soul  records on CSP.

His first reaction was "no way" and "talk to CBS in London". He got interested when we explained CBS London were not willing to do anything, but said it was not feasible to produce the singles in the USA and export over to us. However, all changed when we produced the singles supplied by Simon. Al rang up his West Coast contemporaries and got very upset that they were selling to the UK, albeit via Simon,  when he was closer geographically to Britain.

Anyway, the end result was that he agreed to supply us and the first order to jet into Birmingham Airport was 48,000 singles. I found some old paperwork the other day and there is an invoice dated 23/5/78. from what I think must have been a follow up order  for 5,000 each of Lynne Randell and Shane Martin. And I believe the total orders for The Poppies added up to around 20,,000.

Al supplied them much cheaper than Simon would consider, and so Simon lost out on a lot of money by being greedy. Just to reinforce how Simon never got it that he would have made proper money by being above board,  years later Les McCutcheon was at the Midem music trade festival and ran into Al Shulman who remembered him from the the Columbia Special Products orders and so was very happy to deal with him again and ended up licencing him the UK rights to the Brunswick label, which CBS represented at the time, and Les had a number one hit at Christmas with Jackie Wilson "Reet Petite" and ended up selling something like 1.4 million Jackie Wilson singles. It is not impossible that Simon could have ended up being involved in that deal, but his "no way" scuppered that possibility.  

[Neil Rushton]

Hi Neil,

if that's the case why did not they release?

Gone bust before planned release or cancelled through lack of interest?

Did it make it past acetate to test press?

Best regards

Steve

Just acetate I believe. 

[Neil Rushton]

Here's something standing up for the man.

 

In the late 1970's in London I met Randy Wood to discuss a licence deal for the Mirwood catalogue.

He was adamant that Simon paid him for use of Mirwood, and was very happy with Simon.

Randy thought it was creative of Simon to come up with "My Sugar Baby" credited incorrectly and  illegally to Sherlie Matthews.

Randy - "How many did it sell"

Me - "500"

Randy - "Who gives shit, he must have lost money recording it". 

[Ian Dewhirst]

One weird things is that Lou Courtney "Me & You (Doin' The Boogaloo) was booted off the album and everyone thought that Riverside/Popside missed a trick there by not seeing it as single. Thing is they did, Robert Bateman sold me his 7" acetate of it complete with planned catalogue number.  

 

Had you ever heard it out before it was booted Neil? I was wondering where it was ever played?

 

Ian D

[Neil Rushton]

The first night I got to L.A., I was immediately dragged out by Soussan and taken to a club called the Candy Box. I was wearing baggy trousers and kickers, felt totally out of place and was jet-lagged. The first person we bumped into was Don Cornelius and him and Soussan hugged and then I got introduced. Simon did move in those circles and knew most of the West Coast labels and musicians. I met up with him the next day and we bumped into Solomon Burke in a lift! Soussan recognised everyone and had as good a memory for faces as he did record labels and once he recognised someone, he could talk 'em to death on their history. I think he already had a bad reputation among the local dealers, many of whom wouldn't deal with him but he always got on well with musicians and music people. 

 

With Shalamar, I almost had a deal with Motown with Tom DePeiro championing "Uptown Festival" but Susanne DePasse thought it would piss some of the acts off hearing their hits recycled, so she quite rightly passed on the track. I introduced Soussan to Tom DePeiro which led to him getting access to the library and his hands on Frank Wilson. 

 

After Motown passed, Don Cornelius stepped in and took "Uptown Festival" as a favour to Soussan, Neil Rushton and myself I guess. I don't think anybody thought it would sell a million except me lol. Don then folded Soul Train and set up Solar with the proceeds. There was a lot of money sloshing around the L.A. music biz at that time and those were the circles that Soussan was moving within. He already knew everyone that was involved in the Shalamar recording including Jack Ashford, James Jamerson, Eddie 'Bongo' Brown, Don Hockett, Ike Turner and so on. He seemed to know everyone.

 

Ian D 

Ian Are you sure Susanne DePasse was not horrified by the original plan to release it on a 12" picture disc with photos of Northern Soul DJ's?!!!  I can still remember the late phone call from you and Simon, coming up with the plan and I went back to bed shaking my head. I think it was going to be Northern Soul medley to begin with (?), and you came up with  the concept of making it a Motown Medley. Can you imagine how awful a NS medley would have been?

 

I can also remember you calling me from LA after you had seen Susanne.

 

Then of course Simon got more backers for the records than there were shares...I think he must have seen the film "The Producers". He well and truly ripped us of on it.