Sheffield Samantha's Playlists

[Guest Okeh]

I was too young to attend some of the major clubs in the 70's and so I'm fascinated in knowing what was played and where.

Ive seen lots of playlists for most of the major clubs like Wigan, Cleethorpes, Mecca and St Ives but can't remember seeing anything for Sheffield Samantha's.

I know that Samantha's played a mixture of oldies and 70's sounds but can anyone on here shed any light to the kind of tunes that were played?

[BrianB]

27 minutes ago, Okeh said:

I was too young to attend some of the major clubs in the 70's and so I'm fascinated in knowing what was played and where.

Ive seen lots of playlists for most of the major clubs like Wigan, Cleethorpes, Mecca and St Ives but can't remember seeing anything for Sheffield Samantha's.

I know that Samantha's played a mixture of oldies and 70's sounds but can anyone on here shed any light to the kind of tunes that were played?

I went 3 or 4 times in 75 with Drew from Bury and Jimmy Belcher from Bacup. I got the bus to Drews house, train to Manchester, train to  Sheffield and into the pub. Fell out with the disco crew as they left the early session and up the stairs we went for a great night. Same journey home in the morning, and all I can remember  from the 3 nights is hearing Al Kent The Way You Been Acting Lately!

That wasn't very helpful was it!

[Guest Okeh]

2 minutes ago, BrianB said:

I went 3 or 4 times in 75 with Drew from Bury and Jimmy Belcher from Bacup. I got the bus to Drews house, train to Manchester, train to  Sheffield and into the pub. Fell out with the disco crew as they left the early session and up the stairs we went for a great night. Same journey home in the morning, and all I can remember  from the 3 nights is hearing Al Kent The Way You Been Acting Lately!

That wasn't very helpful was it!

Thanks Brian it's definitely a start, and a long time ago.

[doublecookin]

don't think there was anything played that you could call a typical sammy`s sound, in the main room it was current sounds from Wigan Cleethorpes and the mecca, there was also an oldies room  

[Kegsy]

To be honest I don't think there was much difference between Sam's playlists and those from the late Torch/Early Wigan days. As opposed to Va Va's, Mecca and Cleethorpes Pier from around the same time, that really did change the vibe.

[Guest Okeh]

Thanks everyone, that's maybe why I've never seen a dedicated list. Seems like Samantha's captured all of the current sounds. 

[SteveM]

2 hours ago, BrianB said:

I went 3 or 4 times in 75 with Drew from Bury and Jimmy Belcher from Bacup. I got the bus to Drews house, train to Manchester, train to  Sheffield and into the pub. Fell out with the disco crew as they left the early session and up the stairs we went for a great night. Same journey home in the morning, and all I can remember  from the 3 nights is hearing Al Kent The Way You Been Acting Lately!

That wasn't very helpful was it!

Al Kent at Sams in 1975 Brian? You must have been in the Hallam Suitexall night! 

[SteveM]

1 hour ago, Kegsy said:

To be honest I don't think there was much difference between Sam's playlists and those from the late Torch/Early Wigan days. As opposed to Va Va's, Mecca and Cleethorpes Pier from around the same time, that really did change the vibe.

With John and Frank djing? Really? That's not my recollection from 73 onwards. Much of the same stuff played at Cleethorpes and the Mecca plus JVs eclectic playlist made for many a great night. Certainly wasn't all early Wigan sounds. 

1 hour ago, doublecookin said:

don't think there was anything played that you could call a typical sammy`s sound, in the main room it was current sounds from Wigan Cleethorpes and the mecca, there was also an oldies room  

JV had a few different things that he also played fortnightly at Wigan but that's pretty much how I remember it. 

[Soulfulshoes]

I went between 76 and its closure, always frequented the main room the tunes that stood out for me at the time and were the real floor fillers, ..... Anderson brothers - I can see him making love to you baby

Third time around - soon everything gonna be alright

Eloise laws - love factory

johnny caswell- you don't love me no more

April Stevens - wanting you

Pointer sisters send him back

Mel Britt - she'll come running back

Marsha gee - baby I need you

Freddie Chavez - they'll never know why

Candy station - now you got the upper hand

Lou Johnson - unsatisfied

As said earlier, most of the ones I remember were popular at all the main venues at the time , can't remember anything that was really unique to sammies tbh  

 

[Kegsy]

8 hours ago, SteveM said:

With John and Frank djing? Really? That's not my recollection from 73 onwards. Much of the same stuff played at Cleethorpes and the Mecca plus JVs eclectic playlist made for many a great night. Certainly wasn't all early Wigan sounds. 

JV had a few different things that he also played fortnightly at Wigan but that's pretty much how I remember it. 

That's really what I was trying to say, the majority of sounds were being broken elsewhere and Sam's just kept pace. I'm not knocking the place, I had some great nights there.

[BrianB]

10 hours ago, SteveM said:

Al Kent at Sams in 1975 Brian? You must have been in the Hallam Suitexall night! 

Hi Steve. Not sure what you mean.It was definitely played then. It really grabbed my attention, as it was only the second time I had ever heard it. 

The first time I heard it was at Burnley Rose Rooms Tuesday night Rare Soul nights in late 71 or early 72. I'm not sure who played it, but the DJS were Tony Jebb and Ian Levine when Tony let him have the odd half hour spot. I loved it on first hearing but never heard it again until that night.

Are you saying it wasn't played until later or was Samantha's in 76 onwards?

Cheers 

Brian 

[Ian Dewhirst]

Lou Pride and the Pointer Sisters got their first ever plays at Samanthas. The Yum Yums was another key Sams sound - I think the only other person who had it was Pep back then. Also stuff like Frankie 'Loveman' Crocker, the Tomangoes, the Carstairs and the Detroit Executives were all played at Sams when there were only a handful of copies.

Ian D

[SteveM]

10 hours ago, Soulfulshoes said:

I went between 76 and its closure, always frequented the main room the tunes that stood out for me at the time and were the real floor fillers, ..... Anderson brothers - I can see him making love to you baby

Third time around - soon everything gonna be alright

1 hour ago, BrianB said:

Hi Steve. Not sure what you mean.It was definitely played then. It really grabbed my attention, as it was only the second time I had ever heard it. 

The first time I heard it was at Burnley Rose Rooms Tuesday night Rare Soul nights in late 71 or early 72. I'm not sure who played it, but the DJS were Tony Jebb and Ian Levine when Tony let him have the odd half hour spot. I loved it on first hearing but never heard it again until that night.

Are you saying it wasn't played until later or was Samantha's in 76 onwards?

Cheers 

Brian 

 

Hi Brian, 

I can't recall hearing it in the main room at that time. I had a quick look at the tape listings I have and it's not on any, but will have been played in the Hallam Suite. Obviously I didn't tape everything but can't recall it. There was a revival night once but I thought that was in 74. 

Still, it's a long time ago.....,

 

it it did get reactivated in South Yorkshire around 77/78 I think. 

 

 

 

12 minutes ago, Ian Dewhirst said:

Lou Pride and the Pointer Sisters got their first ever plays at Samanthas. The Yum Yums was another key Sams sound - I think the only other person who had it was Pep back then. Also stuff like Frankie 'Loveman' Crocker, the Tomangoes, the Carstairs and the Detroit Executives were all played at Sams when there were only a handful of copies.

Ian D

Those first three, Frankie Crocker and the Champion were all huge there. 

Edited July 13, 2016 by SteveM

[Koolkat]

I went a couple of times 76ish. Remember JV on both occassions playing Soul Yogi by Freddie McCoy. Went to Wigan and found it the record bar within 5 mins. Result.

[Guest smudgesmith]

11 hours ago, Ian Dewhirst said:

Lou Pride and the Pointer Sisters got their first ever plays at Samanthas. The Yum Yums was another key Sams sound - I think the only other person who had it was Pep back then. Also stuff like Frankie 'Loveman' Crocker, the Tomangoes, the Carstairs and the Detroit Executives were all played at Sams when there were only a handful of copies.

Ian D

Who played Lou Pride , Frank ?

 

 

 

 

[jam66]

Lou Pride was being played at the Mecca before August '73 'cos that's when I left for the Army. Sam's would have been later surely?

[Ian Dewhirst]

13 hours ago, smudgesmith said:

Who played Lou Pride , Frank ?

Yep.

Ian D

[Kegsy]

14 hours ago, smudgesmith said:

Who played Lou Pride , Frank ?

 

 

15 minutes ago, Ian Dewhirst said:

Yep.

Ian D

I don't suppose you could be a bit more Frank, could you Ian ?.

[Ian Dewhirst]

14 hours ago, jam66 said:

Lou Pride was being played at the Mecca before August '73 'cos that's when I left for the Army. Sam's would have been later surely?

Sams was first believe me. It was covered-up as James Lewis and the Case Of Time. Bought the record off Bob in Louth on the Thursday night at a gig and then played it at Sam's the very next night. I remember it well as JV was drooling...

However, since they all came out of Soul Bowl anyway, most of the copies would have dripped out over the next few weeks I'm sure.........

Ian D

 

1 hour ago, Kegsy said:

 

I don't suppose you could be a bit more Frank, could you Ian ?.

That razor-sharp Bradford wit comes to the fore again young man......

Ian D

[KevH]

How about Raw Soul and French Fries.

[SteveM]

1 hour ago, Ian Dewhirst said:

Sams was first believe me. It was covered-up as James Lewis and the Case Of Time. Bought the record off Bob in Louth on the Thursday night at a gig and then played it at Sam's the very next night. I remember it well as JV was drooling...

However, since they all came out of Soul Bowl anyway, most of the copies would have dripped out over the next few weeks I'm sure.........

Ian D

 

That razor-sharp Bradford wit comes to the fore again young man......

Ian D

And just the name covered up with what looked liked an old piece of Elastoplast ! 

[Mr Fred]

Does it really matter which record was played first, when and where, surely the fact that they were played and we were and are privileged to hear such great music is the one thing we all agree on.Two of my favourite sounds were played there, in no order:- Johnny Sayles:- I can't get enough of your love and Earl Jackson:- Soul Self Satisfaction. Regards Fred.

Edited July 17, 2016 by Mr Fred

[Guest Okeh]

4 hours ago, Mr Fred said:

Does it really matter which record was played first, when and where, surely the fact that they were played and we were and are privileged to hear such great music is the one thing we all agree on.Two of my favourite sounds were played there, in no order:- Johnny Sayles:- I can't get enough of your love and Earl Jackson:- Soul Self Satisfaction. Regards Fred.

Spot on Fred.

This thread was intended as a what was played and not who played it first.

Great stuff so far but keep it coming!

Edited July 17, 2016 by Okeh

[Tomangoes]

This might be of interest.

Ed

Samantha's was an upstairs venue above the Silver Blades Ice Skating Rink in Queens Road, Sheffield. A room about three times as long as was wide, it had a relatively small dance floor, with a bar at the far end and ample seating. As you climbed the stairs and entered the room, the decks were on your left, readily accessable for requests. No stage to climb up onto! Unfortunately, the decks were so close to the dance floor that any enthusiastic "stomping" resulted in the record jumping... 'Elusive' by Babe Ruth often caused problems!    
full article at 

https://raresoul.org.uk/hinckleysoulclub/samanthas.htm

site note

if going to reference stuff from other sites

best if do it as a preview clip - so people can see if worth a visit and then  post a link

that way the original site, this one and the members/readers are all happy

have edited the original post to follow this 

[Peter99]

23 hours ago, Mr Fred said:

Does it really matter which record was played first, when and where, surely the fact that they were played and we were and are privileged to hear such great music is the one thing we all agree on.Two of my favourite sounds were played there, in no order:- Johnny Sayles:- I can't get enough of your love and Earl Jackson:- Soul Self Satisfaction. Regards Fred.

It is of interest to some.

 

[KevH]

On 18/07/2016 at 12:49, tomangoes said:

This might be of interest.

Ed

https://raresoul.org.uk/hinckleysoulclub/samanthas.htm

site note

if going to reference stuff from other sites

best if do it as a preview clip - so people can see if worth a visit and then  post a link

that way the original site, this one and the members/readers are all happy

have edited the original post to follow this 

The 75 could be Notts Palais playlist.

[Tomangoes]

No Problem.

[Guest Bob Blackwood]

Always remember j v introducing Lord sitar and black is still black!!!

[Davemac3]

A few I remember

Are You Ready for This The Brothers

Keep on Running Away Bits N Pieces

I Can't Help Myself Johnny Ross

I'm Shaft RB Freeman

Cochise Paul Humphrey

Magic's in the Air Ronnie Walker (played about 5 times one week)

Flasher Mistura

Right On Al De Lory

The Trip Dave Mitchell

Gameplayers  Dooley Silverspoon

Jaws Lalo Sciffrin

etc, not all great

 

 

[Guest]

Hazy days but here's a few from memory

Kenny Smith Lord what's happening to your people

Skull Snaps I'm your pimp

Moments Nine times

Cameo Find my way

Black Nasty Cut your motor off

James Lewis Manifesto

Raw Soul The gig

Willie Mitchell The Champion

Betty Baker Marching out of your life

Sister Sledge Love don't go through no changes

Sylvers Boogie fever

Hamilton Bohannon Foot stomping music

Joe Frazier First round knockout

Reflections Like Adam & Eve

Candi Staton Now you've got the upper hand

Pointer Sisters Send him back

Bobby Hutton Lend a hand

Most of them played at the Mecca and Cleethorpes but all sounded great in Sam's which had an atmosphere all of its own

 

[Tezza]

On 13/07/2016 at 22:24, smudgesmith said:

On 13/07/2016 at 22:24, smudgesmith said:

Who played Lou Pride , Frank ?

 

 

 

 

I know when JV played Lou Pride at the Casino it bombed the first few plays but steadily gained the acclaim.  JV would have probably played it at Sams

 

 

 

 

 

[Tezza]

Some stuff from Sams

Lynne Vernado - Wash and Wear Love

J J Caillier - Pusherman

The Paramounts - Girls With The Big Black Boots

Poppies - There's A Pain IN My Heart

Yum Yums - Big THing

Freddie Chavez - Never Know Why

Bill and Lorraine - When Will You Stop Loving Me

King Errison - Zola

Rimshots - Do What You Feel

Clarence Jackson - If It Don't Fit Don't Force It

Plus all the regular 'Big' sounds

I will try to compile a bigger list if you wish of stuff I recall hearing there.  Not what was broken there as when you were on the floor you didn't care where or when.

[Patto]

Some great sounds listed there Tezza.Love that Paramounts track which is getting a bit of a reactivation of late.Also from Martins list that crazy Raw SouI--The Gig remember seeing two guys doing 100mph shuffle to that one and never seen owt like it since.Never got to Sams before my time but heard lots of those records at the Clifton Hall and Cleggy Winter gardens events.I remember going to a Sams revival night in the early 90s when J.V came back and it was a belting night.I much prefere 60s playlists but there is deffo room to reactivate some of those great 70s tunes.

[Guest Okeh]

57 minutes ago, Tezza said:

Some stuff from Sams

Lynne Vernado - Wash and Wear Love

J J Caillier - Pusherman

The Paramounts - Girls With The Big Black Boots

Poppies - There's A Pain IN My Heart

Yum Yums - Big THing

Freddie Chavez - Never Know Why

Bill and Lorraine - When Will You Stop Loving Me

King Errison - Zola

Rimshots - Do What You Feel

Clarence Jackson - If It Don't Fit Don't Force It

Plus all the regular 'Big' sounds

I will try to compile a bigger list if you wish of stuff I recall hearing there.  Not what was broken there as when you were on the floor you didn't care where or when.

Thanks Tez. Good selection, keep them coming

[BrianB]

About time that the Paramounts was reactivated. First heard it at Wigan early 74. Great record, probably not the best lyrics though.

[Peter99]

9 minutes ago, BrianB said:

About time that the Paramounts was reactivated. First heard it at Wigan early 74. Great record, probably not the best lyrics though.

Really Brian? I suppose it's a little better than Cochise! 

All about opinions mate innit! 

Peter

[Guest]

A few more I remember

Sisters Love Learning to trust my man
Eddie Holman This will be a night to remember
Fantastic Johnny C Don't depend on me
Dooley Silverspoon Game players
Marvin Holmes You better keep her 
Larry Houston Lets spend some time together
Clyde McPhatter Please give me one more chance 
Diane Jenkins Band I need you
Ernie Bush Breakaway
Johnny Ross I can't help myself
Ollie Jackson That's the day my heart stood still
Dave Mitchell The trip 
Adams Apples Don't take it out on this world 

Good thread, nice to hear from people who remember one of the most underrated nighters of the time

[Guest Okeh]

On 22/07/2016 at 19:19, Martin Smith said:

A few more I remember

Sisters Love Learning to trust my man
Eddie Holman This will be a night to remember
Fantastic Johnny C Don't depend on me
Dooley Silverspoon Game players
Marvin Holmes You better keep her 
Larry Houston Lets spend some time together
Clyde McPhatter Please give me one more chance 
Diane Jenkins Band I need you
Ernie Bush Breakaway
Johnny Ross I can't help myself
Ollie Jackson That's the day my heart stood still
Dave Mitchell The trip 
Adams Apples Don't take it out on this world 

Good thread, nice to hear from people who remember one of the most underrated nighters of the time

Thanks Martin, what I was asking for, what was played, keep it coming

[Peter99]

On 22/07/2016 at 19:19, Martin Smith said:

A few more I remember

Sisters Love Learning to trust my man
Eddie Holman This will be a night to remember
Fantastic Johnny C Don't depend on me
Dooley Silverspoon Game players
Marvin Holmes You better keep her 
Larry Houston Lets spend some time together
Clyde McPhatter Please give me one more chance 
Diane Jenkins Band I need you
Ernie Bush Breakaway
Johnny Ross I can't help myself
Ollie Jackson That's the day my heart stood still
Dave Mitchell The trip 
Adams Apples Don't take it out on this world 

Good thread, nice to hear from people who remember one of the most underrated nighters of the time

Some of those aren't Samantha's spins - Larry Houston, Eddie Holman. Late Wigan, Clifton Hall.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

Some of those aren't Samantha's spins - Larry Houston, Eddie Holman. Late Wigan, Clifton Hall.

Thanks Peter, a long time ago now, you may be right about Larry Houston and it was definitely a hit at Clifton Hall but sure I remember Eddie Holman from Sam's. I'll check with JV.

[Peter99]

10 minutes ago, Martin Smith said:

Thanks Peter, a long time ago now, you may be right about Larry Houston and it was definitely a hit at Clifton Hall but sure I remember Eddie Holman from Sam's. I'll check with JV.

Hi Martin

I thought Eddie was a 1980 release but just checked and it's 1977. Larry Houston was Richards Top Cat cover up and a first at Wigan. What year did Samantha's finish? I never went - my all niter career began in 1979! My favourite all niter was Clifton Hall. I've been on your site a few times - I assume you're that Martin?

Peter

Edited July 22, 2016 by Peter99

[Guest]

13 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

Hi Martin

I thought Eddie was a 1980 release but just checked and it's 1977. Larry Houston was Richards Top Cat cover up and a first at Wigan. What year did Samantha's finish? I never went - my all niter career began in 1979! My favourite all niter was Clifton Hall. I've been on your site a few times - I assume you're that Martin?

Peter

I  did 75 to 77 regularly at Sams and sure that I did the last one some time after.  Also did the mid week soul nights which I seem to remember were quite poorly attended. That would mean that Eddie was played at the latter end as a new release. 

All a bit vague now after all these years 

Not sure who that Martin is mate but I'm definitely this Martin 

Edited July 22, 2016 by Guest

[Peter99]

7 minutes ago, Martin Smith said:

I  did 75 to 77 regularly at Sams and sure that I did the last one some time after.  Also did the mid week soul nights which I seem to remember were quite poorly attended. That would mean that Eddie was played at the latter end as a new release. 

All a bit vague now after all these years 

Not sure who that Martin is mate but I'm definitely this Martin 

Yep, Eddie may well have been played at Sams then. Interesting to know who played it first - Ian?

There's a Martin  who has a Clifton Hall web site - I thought his surname was Smith too, and therefore it was you! I'll check.

Peter

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

Yep, Eddie may well have been played at Sams then. Interesting to know who played it first - Ian?

There's a Martin  who has a Clifton Hall web site - I thought his surname was Smith too, and therefore it was you! I'll check.

Peter

No not me Peter, I don't have a web site. Had some good times at Clifton Hall though.

Seem to think Richard S first played Eddie at Wakefield Unity Hall 

Edited July 22, 2016 by Guest

[Peter99]

Just now, Martin Smith said:

No not me Peter, I don't have a web site. Had some good times at Clifton Hall though 

Oops! Sorry.

I'll pm you a link to the site. it's quite interesting.

Peter

[Guest]

Just now, Peter99 said:

Oops! Sorry.

I'll pm you a link to the site. it's quite interesting.

Peter

Thanks mate 

[Guest]

42 minutes ago, Peter99 said:

Hi Martin

I thought Eddie was a 1980 release but just checked and it's 1977. Larry Houston was Richards Top Cat cover up and a first at Wigan. What year did Samantha's finish? I never went - my all niter career began in 1979! My favourite all niter was Clifton Hall. I've been on your site a few times - I assume you're that Martin?

Peter

Yeah think you've got it with Larry Houston Peter. Played later than Sam's. Thanks for the links mate.

[Peter99]

13 minutes ago, Martin Smith said:

Yeah think you've got it with Larry Houston Peter. Played later than Sam's. Thanks for the links mate.

No worries mate. I'm playing that first podcast now - just into Peabo Bryson, Why Don't You Make Up Your Mind. Great stuff. 

 

[Steve L]

When did samanthas finish? It was done by the time i started going to nighters in early 78

[Guest Okeh]

2 minutes ago, Steve L said:

When did samanthas finish? It was done by the time i started going to nighters in early 78

Seem to think it was around 73 ish  to 77 ish Steve but I'm sure someone on here will have more accurate dates

Edited July 22, 2016 by Okeh