My First Trip To Detroit

[Guest Kevin J]

Brothers of Soul (L-R): Richard Knight, Bobby Eaton, Ben Knight

Ive just gotten in from Detroit, and boy what an exhausting trip it was. Most of the weekend was spend in People's Records sifting through boxes of dusties and witnessing a steady stream of folks lining up with duffle bags of records to sell to the owner, Brad Hales.

I stayed at Brads house the entire week, a very hospitable guy, and one morning on a trek to find a coffee shop (im from seattle, i expect them to be on every corner) i turned a corner and nearly bumped into United Sound recording studios. This sums up my Detroit experience perfectly ... history is everywhere. I saw the hand-inscribed sheet music for the entire Temps "Psychedelic Shack" lp that someone had brought into the store, saying it was just sitting in the basement of the house he just moved into ... I saw 5 boxes of unidentified Golden World master tapes that someone else had brought in ... just jaw-dropping.

On Thursday, I met up with Jorg Brenner who was in town and got to meet him. Interesting and funny guy. Also very kind. Brad asked him to play a few records with us on Friday, and he agreed to play from the boxes of records he had just picked up in Chicago on a digging trip. He and I did a little record sleuthing Friday during the day ... ate some really awful food at a buffet and then got ready for the short trek up to Ann Arbor for the soul night there.

Ann Arbor Soul Club was much like our night, on a slightly smaller scale: lots of very appreciative young people dancing night away. Brad played George Hobson back to back with the 4 Voices which made my night. Some quality records being played by the residents there for sure, and i highly recommend any who is in the area to check it out. I got drunk and cued a record with the volume up ... it happens. All in all, great night.

Finally, yesterday morning, with very little sleep, it was back to Detroit to meet with Bobby Eaton, Richard Knight and Ben Knight. I was running a little behind as I got lost walking from Brad's house to the record store, but when I arrived the fellas were very kind and forgiving and we made our way to a cafe around the corner for breakfast.

When we sat down i pulled out a box of records to show them. Richard Knight, the kindest most soft-spoken guy you will ever meet, nearly cried upon seeing records that he either performed on or written. When i noted to him that there are people all over the world that view these little slabs of vinyl as treasures, he just couldn't believe it. Upon seeing my copy of "I'd Be Grateful," Bobby Eaton said proudly, "I wrote this song in 15 minutes while we were in the studio ... I had no idea anyone liked this thing." I assured him that people do. Richard said he was in jail when that record was released, and he heard it on the radio and thought to himself that it was pretty good before realizing that it was him singing!! I had mentioned to Bobby that I had just heard a song for a group called The Devotions that he wrote called "Same Old Sweet Loving," and that I really enjoyed it (this record is all over Detroit... I saw it everywhere. Never heard it before but I think I will be playing it quite a bit from now on). He mentioned that he was pretty sure that the group used to work in a strip club. These guys had the best stories ever.

Ben Knight, very shyly while waiting for our breakfast, whispered in my ear "You mind if I have some alcohol with my breakfast." I let him know that I would join him if I could, but I was already on the verge of passing out from the night before.

After breakfast we walked back over to the record store, and snapped a few photos, but the highlight of the entire meeting was when someone put I'd Be Grateful on the store's player and the boys jumped right in and started singing along. It was a perfect climax for an incredible educational trip. Im still trying to wrap my head around it all.

So there we have it ... my first experience in Detroit. Thought some of you might like to hear and I cannot wait to have both Brothers of Soul and JJ Barnes here in Seattle to perform live in November!!

Edited May 6, 2007 by Kevin J

[John Elias]

Luck b*stard

[Guest Baz]

Excellent Kev great read that! you lucky ******

[Guest]

nice read mate im so jealous of you !!!!!!!!! ...soulie55...

[pikeys dog]

Next time you speak to Bobby Eaton, please ask him what the deal was with his Galaxy release of "Fever, Fever, Fever" which was also released as B.O.S "Love Is Fever" on Boo.

[Lenny Harkins]

Brothers of Soul (L-R): Richard Knight, Bobby Eaton, Ben Knight

Ive just gotten in from Detroit, and boy what an exhausting trip it was. Most of the weekend was spend in People's Records sifting through boxes of dusties and witnessing a steady stream of folks lining up with duffle bags of records to sell to the owner, Brad Hales.

I stayed at Brads house the entire week, a very hospitable guy, and one morning on a trek to find a coffee shop (im from seattle, i expect them to be on every corner) i turned a corner and nearly bumped into United Sound recording studios. This sums up my Detroit experience perfectly ... history is everywhere. I saw the hand-inscribed sheet music for the entire Temps "Psychedelic Shack" lp that someone had brought into the store, saying it was just sitting in the basement of the house he just moved into ... I saw 5 boxes of unidentified Golden World master tapes that someone else had brought in ... just jaw-dropping.

On Thursday, I met up with Jorg Brenner who was in town and got to meet him. Interesting and funny guy. Also very kind. Brad asked him to play a few records with us on Friday, and he agreed to play from the boxes of records he had just picked up in Chicago on a digging trip. He and I did a little record sleuthing Friday during the day ... ate some really awful food at a buffet and then got ready for the short trek up to Ann Arbor for the soul night there.

Ann Arbor Soul Club was much like our night, on a slightly smaller scale: lots of very appreciative young people dancing night away. Brad played George Hobson back to back with the 4 Voices which made my night. Some quality records being played by the residents there for sure, and i highly recommend any who is in the area to check it out. I got drunk and cued a record with the volume up ... it happens. All in all, great night.

Finally, yesterday morning, with very little sleep, it was back to Detroit to meet with Bobby Eaton, Richard Knight and Ben Knight. I was running a little behind as I got lost walking from Brad's house to the record store, but when I arrived the fellas were very kind and forgiving and we made our way to a cafe around the corner for breakfast.

When we sat down i pulled out a box of records to show them. Richard Knight, the kindest most soft-spoken guy you will ever meet, nearly cried upon seeing records that he either performed on or written. When i noted to him that there are people all over the world that view these little slabs of vinyl as treasures, he just couldn't believe it. Upon seeing my copy of "I'd Be Grateful," Bobby Eaton said proudly, "I wrote this song in 15 minutes while we were in the studio ... I had no idea anyone liked this thing." I assured him that people do. Richard said he was in jail when that record was released, and he heard it on the radio and thought to himself that it was pretty good before realizing that it was him singing!! I had mentioned to Bobby that I had just heard a song for a group called The Devotions that he wrote called "Same Old Sweet Loving," and that I really enjoyed it (this record is all over Detroit... I saw it everywhere. Never heard it before but I think I will be playing it quite a bit from now on). He mentioned that he was pretty sure that the group used to work in a strip club. These guys had the best stories ever.

Ben Knight, very shyly while waiting for our breakfast, whispered in my ear "You mind if I have some alcohol with my breakfast." I let him know that I would join him if I could, but I was already on the verge of passing out from the night before.

After breakfast we walked back over to the record store, and snapped a few photos, but the highlight of the entire meeting was when someone put I'd Be Grateful on the store's player and the boys jumped right in and started singing along. It was a perfect climax for an incredible educational trip. Im still trying to wrap my head around it all.

So there we have it ... my first experience in Detroit. Thought some of you might like to hear and I cannot wait to have both Brothers of Soul and JJ Barnes here in Seattle to perform live in November!!

result mate,

my first trip back in 89..the back end of stafford, early shotts...6ts newies era, i was touring america, 21 year old, nobody would tell you where a birds nest was....until jim o hara[ the guy that ran shotts, gave me address of ron murphy who ran the detroit sound corporation[ a record shop the size of wh smiths selling soul records] the guy worked for golden world and la beat, a lovely guy, all i was told to do was to take him a box of butterscotch. the guy took me thru the back playing acetates, reel to reels, unknown detroit stuff...3 years i visited this guy ..allthough very wary of the british[ think he was ripped of at the time by koppel, candle in the window acetate...the most helpful guy i ever met in america..he eventually sold his stuff off...but what a great guy.. a true legend......even when he sold off he hooked us up with candy kassiman...pre internet happy days.

[Wally Francis]

It sounds fantastic,you've just lived a lot of peoples dreams

[Soul Satisfaction]

Excellent story what biscuits did you pick up in the record store

[Guest Kevin J]

Next time you speak to Bobby Eaton, please ask him what the deal was with his Galaxy release of "Fever, Fever, Fever" which was also released as B.O.S "Love Is Fever" on Boo.

ill be speaking to him here in a few weeks, ill certainly ask him about it.

[Craig W]

I took my first trip out there in February with Hitsville Chalky and Ian Curtis with the promise of record hunting and meeting a load of artists and it was like a dream on both with a massive thanks to Ian and in particular Chalky for intrioducing me to so many lovely people who were part of The 1960's Detroit / Motown movement. Such warm friendly people.

Firstly we met up with Frances Nero and Fab (Ex Tempos) and went for a lovely Chinese Buffet and then it was accross town to Mr C's house with Fab where we then went downstairs in the basement where a recording studio was located. Then The Four Peps arrive (Joe, Tom and Ron) and after a long discussion of their recording career we were treated to an accapella version of "With these eyes" Man can these still perform with Joes voice bieng as sweet and clear as I have ever heard. It sent a shiver down my spine it was totally awesome! Fab also treated us to "Fire alarm" which was also brilliant.

Saturday morning it was Downtown for Joe Hunters funeral which was like a whos who of The Detroit recording industry and a totally fascinating event in a huge Church lasting for around 3 hours. We were totally surrounded by stars with The Shades of Blue in the seats behind us and Carolyn Crawford right in front of us.

Then it was outside on the front of the Church were if I remember, met JJ Barnes again , Yvonne Vernee (Elgins) , The Velvelettes Pat Lewis and one of The Funk sisters amongst lots of others.

On the evening it was Downtown again to a small club were Joe Hunters wake was held and slowly the artists arrived again all performing live on stage.

Once again met up and spent all evening chatting to Frances Nero , Pat Lewis , Belita Woods , The Fabulous Peps , Sir Mack Rice who is a huge guy and was wearing a full length white fur coat and Rashid ex lead singer of The Proffessinals who kindly bought us all a beer.Amongst many others who are such wonderful friendly people.

Later on that night we travelled further on downtown with Frances Nero to the huge Greek Town Casino and watched Spyder Turner live into the early hours. He came out to us after his first spot for a chat and I tried taking photos of him but was warned by security that I would be thrown out if it happened again. So guess what I tried to take another photo and the security guard went ballistic and the place was in uproar so we decided to leave and call it a day!

Over the next few days it was mainly taken up with record hunting and I found some real bargains (around 150 great 45's) and I met The Elgins who are over here later this month.

It was the trip of a lifetime and a dream come true and I hope to return there sometime in the near future.

Craig

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[Guest Kevin J]

glad you asked ... you know, i didnt end up with a whole lot. most of the big ones Brad has thrown up on ebay recently, including that demo copy of Dennis Edwards "Johnny On The Spot" that he has up there. I tried talking him out of his George Hobson, but no luck there. I did manage to get The Versatones on Magic City that i was after, and that was probably the biggest thing that i managed on the trip, the rest of what i came home with were things that were simply missing from my collection: Pat Lewis, Detroit Emeralds "Things Are Looking Up," Tempos "Lets Stick Together," and about 20 or so more that are still packed away. If i were a dealer, i couldve come back with a bunch of copies of things that are easily sellable, i.e. Sweet Darlin, Im A Fool I Must Love You, etc.

also, got one each of Bob Mayes poetry books which was probably the most interesting things i saw at his place.

Excellent story what biscuits did you pick up in the record store

[Guest Kevin J]

Craig -

Great stuff. I dont know how i wouldve managed being around that many stars of soul!! Ill bet you were a bit star-struck!

When I got in this morning there was an envelop on my desk addressed from Francis Nero. She is releasing a new cd, a tribute to Dinah Washington, that she asked us to review for our website. Included was a nice 8x10 glossy of her signed...

As you say, everyone in Detroit was soo friendly and appreciative of my interest in them. I cant wait to get back. the BOS fellas have promised me a night out with them next time i am there... i have a feeling that spells disaster!!

I took my first trip out there in February with Hitsville Chalky and Ian Curtis with the promise of record hunting and meeting a load of artists and it was like a dream on both with a massive thanks to Ian and in particular Chalky for intrioducing me to so many lovely people who were part of The 1960's Detroit / Motown movement. Such warm friendly people.

Firstly we met up with Frances Nero and Fab (Ex Tempos) and went for a lovely Chinese Buffet and then it was accross town to Mr C's house with Fab where we then went downstairs in the basement where a recording studio was located. Then The Four Peps arrive (Joe, Tom and Ron) and after a long discussion of their recording career we were treated to an accapella version of "With these eyes" Man can these still perform with Joes voice bieng as sweet and clear as I have ever heard. It sent a shiver down my spine it was totally awesome! Fab also treated us to "Fire alarm" which was also brilliant.

Saturday morning it was Downtown for Joe Hunters funeral which was like a whos who of The Detroit recording industry and a totally fascinating event in a huge Church lasting for around 3 hours. We were totally surrounded by stars with The Shades of Blue in the seats behind us and Carolyn Crawford right in front of us.

Then it was outside on the front of the Church were if I remember, met JJ Barnes again , Yvonne Vernee (Elgins) , The Velvelettes Pat Lewis and one of The Funk sisters amongst lots of others.

On the evening it was Downtown again to a small club were Joe Hunters wake was held and slowly the artists arrived again all performing live on stage.

Once again met up and spent all evening chatting to Frances Nero , Pat Lewis , Belita Woods , The Fabulous Peps , Sir Mack Rice who is a huge guy and was wearing a full length white fur coat and Rashid ex lead singer of The Proffessinals who kindly bought us all a beer.Amongst many others who are such wonderful friendly people.

Later on that night we travelled further on downtown with Frances Nero to the huge Greek Town Casino and watched Spyder Turner live into the early hours. He came out to us after his first spot for a chat and I tried taking photos of him but was warned by security that I would be thrown out if it happened again. So guess what I tried to take another photo and the security guard went ballistic and the place was in uproar so we decided to leave and call it a day!

Over the next few days it was mainly taken up with record hunting and I found some real bargains (around 150 great 45's) and I met The Elgins who are over here later this month.

It was the trip of a lifetime and a dream come true and I hope to return there sometime in the near future.

Craig

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640 x 480 (154.74k)

[Jumpinjoan]

I should add a note of thanks for Mel (melandthensome) here on SS for helping me to get contact info for Bobby Eaton via Fred Bridges. Would have been a lot more work without his assistance.

WHOOO HOOOO.... CAN'T WAIT!!

Come on you lot... who's coming over to Seattle in Novemeber to witness this?

[Craig W]

Craig -

Great stuff. I dont know how i wouldve managed being around that many stars of soul!! Ill bet you were a bit star-struck!

Well I not only met them , I watched them perform , ate with them , drank with them and talked with them the only thing I did'nt do was have sex with them but you cant have everything.

[Mark Bicknell]

Better still why don't we get 'The Brothers Of Soul' over here for a couple of gigs, i'll give it a go not had a challenge like this since we had 'Bettye Lavette' over to perform at The Winter Gardens. Blackpool a few years back and you may remember how busy that was.....lol takes a good six months to plan and promote but what a gig that would be?

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

[Lenny Harkins]

Better still why don't we get 'The Brothers Of Soul' over here for a couple of gigs, i'll give it a go not had a challenge like this since we had 'Bettye Lavette' over to perform at The Winter Gardens. Blackpool a few years back and you may remember how busy that was.....lol takes a good six months to plan and promote but what a gig that would be?

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

doubled with mike terry... lets make a night of it

[Lenny Harkins]

doubled with mike terry... lets make a night of it

come to think of it has mike ever been here

[Guest melandthensome]

Great thread mate

[Guest Kevin J]

mel -

thanks again friend!! i owe you one.

kev

Great thread mate

[Guest]

Golden World master tapes!!!,sorry mate but i could not leave it at that!!!!,i would have been in there like a ferret did you find out anything more about these tapes plmk and probably a lot of other soul-source folk!!!!,

[Guest Kevin J]

Golden World master tapes!!!,sorry mate but i could not leave it at that!!!!,i would have been in there like a ferret did you find out anything more about these tapes plmk and probably a lot of other soul-source folk!!!!,

one was actually labeled as the reflections, but brad and others there had no way of finding out what is actually on them. they are 1" master reels ... 3 track, so they are likely final stereo mixes of whatever is on them. if anyone is really interested, im sure brad would speak to you about them. he is there at Peoples Records in Detroit.

here is a pic. labeled GW 06-14-64

[Guest mrs norman maine]

When we sat down i pulled out a box of records to show them. Richard Knight, the kindest most soft-spoken guy you will ever meet, nearly cried upon seeing records that he either performed on or written. When i noted to him that there are people all over the world that view these little slabs of vinyl as treasures, he just couldn't believe it. Upon seeing my copy of "I'd Be Grateful," Bobby Eaton said proudly, "I wrote this song in 15 minutes while we were in the studio ... I had no idea anyone liked this thing." I assured him that people do.

What a fantastic thread! This bit especially. Sums it all up really.

[Hitsville Chalky]

Better still why don't we get 'The Brothers Of Soul' over here for a couple of gigs, i'll give it a go not had a challenge like this since we had 'Bettye Lavette' over to perform at The Winter Gardens. Blackpool a few years back and you may remember how busy that was.....lol takes a good six months to plan and promote but what a gig that would be?

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

YES MARK THATS SOMETHING I'M INTERESTED ON DOING BRINGING BROTHERS OF SOUL OVER HERE TO THE UK , HOPEFULLY KEVIN OR MYSELF COULD ARRANGE, ALSO AT PRESENT I'M WORKING VERY HARD AND CHATTING TO STEVE MANCHA ABOUT COMING OVER MAYBE WE COULD PUT THEM ON THE SAME LINE UP.

YES KEV DETROIT IS THE PLACE FOR ME BRAD IS A HONEST KIND GUY AND I ALWAYS CALL IN TO SEE HIM , HE ASKED ME TO DJ AT THE SOUL NIGHT IN SEPTEMBER SO HOPEFULLY SEPTEMBER IS THE NEXT TIME I'M BACK OVER IN DETROIT. YES WE HAD FUN CRAIG , YES THAT NIGHT AT BERT'S MARKET PLACE CRAIG PUT SOME PICS ON HERE, I REMEMBER JOE HARRIS ASKING ME " CHALKY DO YOU KNOW WHO HE IS OVER THERE " I REPLIED NO JOE .... JOE ANSWERED HE WAS IN A GROUP CALLED " THE PROFESSIONALS " -- AT THIS MOMENT JOE CALLED HIM OVER, HAS HE APPROACHED I STARTED IT OFF " GIRL I REALLY LOVE YOU " TO MY AMAZEMENT HE ASKED HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT? A MOMENT IN MY LIFE I WILL NEVER FORGET. LIKE CRAIG SAID ABOUT THE PEPS THEY CAN STILL SING AND YES HOPEFULLY I'M ARRINGING THEY WILL BE OVER HERE IN THE UK NEXT YEAR 2008 SO WATCH OUT FOR DETAILS.

[Guest vinylvixen]

Better still why don't we get 'The Brothers Of Soul' over here for a couple of gigs, i'll give it a go not had a challenge like this since we had 'Bettye Lavette' over to perform at The Winter Gardens. Blackpool a few years back and you may remember how busy that was.....lol takes a good six months to plan and promote but what a gig that would be?

Regards - Mark Bicknell.

Mark, I'm already salivating at the thought - plus, the look on those guys faces when they realise how much respect they have on the soul scene

Kev, superb review and I await any further installments with baited breath.

Isn't this a great thread???? Jo

[Guest Kevin J]

Jo -

It might be worth it to make the trip up this way come november. its going to be a great time.

info here: https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=47971

i do believe i owe you a ride on "the ducks"

Edited May 12, 2007 by Kevin J

[Guest vinylvixen]

Jo -

It might be worth it to make the trip up this way come november. its going to be a great time.

info here: https://www.soul-source.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=47971

i do believe i owe you a ride on "the ducks"

Kevin....I think you've almost tempted me 'Ducks' and the Brothers of Soul....the 'ducks' could be a bit chilly so I'll stick to the BOS... Jo