Hello Soul Lovers,
When I was 5 or 6 years old, I used to sit down and listen to my parent's 45 rpm. I still have a lot of them and I still love Tall Hope from Sam Fletcher (RCA Victor 47-7817). Recently, I tried to find some info on the singer with Internet. I am unable to find much, except that he recorded on Vee Jay records...

I really wonder WHO he is.
Can anybody help me?

Thanks!

Have a listen to this mate.....

https://www.soulclub.org/cgi-bin/search

This is the biggie. Around £250 I'd say.

  Ian Sims said:

This is the biggie.  Around £250 I'd say.

link

That's the boot then isn't Ian ?

This is the multicoloured boot of his biggie......

  sunnysoul said:

That's the boot then isn't Ian ?

link

I don't think the buyer would have paid $455 for it if it was.

https://popsike.com/php/detaildata.php?itemnr=4028292685

  Ian Sims said:

I don't think the buyer would have paid $455 for it if it was.

https://popsike.com/php/detaildata.php?itemnr=4028292685

link

As well as the multi couloured boot there are two very good boots, one has the yellow label and one with the white label like above. On both the Monarch MR is scratched in, originals it is stamped.

ThAnKs!

Sam Fletchers daughter is a singer at my Church in Brooklyn. She is amazing. Here is her Bio:

https://www.spcbc.com/u2u/UntoUsAChildIsBorn.htm

Click on Gina Fletcher.

The Popsike scan looks an original West Coast......scratched in delta matrix 52623X...+ MR..........

stamped MR....

Here is an update on Sam Fletchers Daughter

1)Her myspace which includes two of her songs is:

https://myspace.com/ginamfletcher

2)Her website which I assume is under construction is:

https://www.ginahealing.com/

She has an album out called:

"I am healed"

The sound of "Soulspel", gospel + soul. Five original songs by Gina Fletcher. Produced by Shedrick Mitchell. see cdbaby.com for purchase or call 347-451-6553

  Ravel said:

Hello Soul Lovers,

When I was 5 or 6 years old, I used to sit down and listen to my parent's 45 rpm. I still have a lot of them and I still love Tall Hope from Sam Fletcher (RCA Victor 47-7817). Recently, I tried to find some info on the singer with Internet. I am unable to find much, except that he recorded on Vee Jay records...

I really wonder WHO he is.

Can anybody help me?

Thanks!

Ravel, hopefully someone will come up with some info about Sam for you rather than just the value of one of his records !

I'm sure there's a picture in a CD booklet somewhere too.

Here's some info on him.

Derek

About SAM FLETCHERHe was called " The Man With The Golden Voice". His biggest fans include some of history's greatest vocalists - Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin and Nancy Wilson- to name a few. He was known for his good looks, impeccable showmanship and a voice that reduced listeners to tears. Sam Fletcher skyrocketed to fame after a series of ground-breaking 1960's television appearances and nightclub engagements that ignited L.A.'s legendary live jazz scene. Southern California's affluent African-American celebrities and professionals followed him to legendary rooms like The Memory Lane, The Pied Piper, The Casbah and Page 4. He reigned over the so-called" Mink Coat crowd"-L.A.'s well- heeled, martini-swilling Black glitteratti during America's period of social upheaval. He was a glamorous figure who carried himself with class and style. He was the country boy who made good. Today, some people call Sam's story "a great American tragedy" because of his public battle with addiction and eventual fade into obscurity. His most devoted fans, however, hold cherished memories of an exquisite talent and a shining star who brightened their life with beautiful music.

Sam was born Ira Levi Fletcher in rural Tennessee to a fiery pentecostal preacher and his young wife. His early years were spent travelling throughout the South singing for the founders of The Church Of God In Christ. The upstart religion gained converts at tent meetings and outdoor revivals where pint-sized Sam would mesmerize the crowd with his stirring vocals. Legend has it that some women were so moved they would leave their entire purses at the altar. After earning a college degree, Sam was called to serve his country in the Korean War.While stationed in Germany, he played in the USO Jazz Band where friends and musical cohorts encouraged him to pursue a career in popular music- a decision opposed by his family and church leaders. Nevertheless, he spent a large part of the 1950's recording singles for a series of legendary labels. He enjoyed regional success with 45's on Metro,Cub, Tollie and Vault records.A contract with Black-owned Vee Jay records- the label credited with bringing the Beatles to the US- brought him more national exposure. After moving to NYC and marrying a local beauty, Sharon Lee, Sam began to make a name for himself in Manhattan's swank supper clubs and jazz posts.He even performed in an Off-Bway production of "The Amen Corner" with Olga James ("Carmen Jones"). He soon caught the attention of influential manager Lee Magid (Della Reese, OC Smith) and was signed to RCA Records. RCA paired him with the famed production duo, Hugo & Luigi for his first LP.

When pop icon Dinah Shore heard Sam's hit "Tall Hope" she imediately fell in love with his voice and sought him out for her 1963 NBC variety show. "The Best is Yet To Come" was a season-ending special that showcased the year's brightest talents. Sam was featured with Broadway's Georgia Brown, the Chad Mitchell trio and Barbra Streisand( her famous tv debut). Surprisingly, there were few protests to the publicity photos and magazine covers that had Sam surrounded by three caucasian women (Shore, Brown and Streisand). Appearances on American Bandstand and other televison shows followed. Sam's good looks and confident stage manner made him a variety show favorite.Famed gossip columnist Walter Winchell mentioned Sam in his column and offers came in from Las Vegas and Atlantic City .He became a popular opening act for mainstream stars like Phyllis Diller, Mitzi Gaynor, Cannonball Adderly and Barbara McNair.

Prior to the release of Sam's classic LP. 'I Believe In You", the record company moved the family to Los Angeles. His neighbors included Ray Charles and Ike &Tina Turner.Sam and his glamorous wife instantly became "celebrities among celebrities". Crowds flocked to see the man people were calling " the next Nat Cole" and the black press raved about the city's new cabaret star. His second Lp "The look Of Love" was a collection of standards and pop tunes that once again showcased his top-notch vocals. During this time, Sam was also a frequent guest on Della Reese's syndicated show and Dinah Shore's talk show. With a growing family, he was also enjoying a squeaky- clean image that appealled to both Black and White America. When the news broke in the late 1960's that he was found with heroin on an international flight , fans were shocked and saddened. In spite of being groomed for mainstream success, Sam fell into the sterotype of the addicted jazz musician.

The early seventies found Sam Fletcher doing occasional TV shows and gigs at local venues that once featured his name in bright lights. Disco music replaced Soul and L.A.'s glamorous rooms quickly faded from popularity. During this period, his most high-profile gigs were performing at heavywight champ Muhammad Ali's wedding and appearing in a BET documentary about jazz performers. He also rediscovered his love for education and began teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He found a second and fulfilling life as a popular middle and high school teacher. When a mugging left him injured in the early eighties, a benefit was thrown for him that featured O.C. Smith, Reynaldo Ray, Maxine Weldon and the great Esther Philips.

Sam Fletcher passed away in 1984 after a brief illness. The Los Angeles service was attended by stunned friends and fans including Della Reese and Lou Rawls. He was buried in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn with full military honors. Sam left behind a legacy of music and a performing that recalled a bygone era of class and sophistication. His fans still marvel at the memory of an artist who approached greatness and made "everyone in the room" feel glamorous. After his death, an old Tollie single, "I'd Think It Over" took hold of London and helped ignite the city's Northern Soul scene. The song was eventually used in a national AXA Insurance comercial and continues to be one of Ebay's most sought-after 45's. His full-length lp's are now valuable collector's items and there are ongoing reports about a film project based on his life. His spirit also lives in the talented offspring who have inherited his impeccable phrasing and rich tone. His childen include Inspirational/R&B diva Gina Fletcher, Dance music artist Ira Levi and legendary hip-hop vocalist Nanci Fletcher- famous for her work with Rap music biggest artists

Edited April 24, 200718 yr by blackwhite

  Ian Sims said:

I don't think the buyer would have paid $455 for it if it was.

https://popsike.com/php/detaildata.php?itemnr=4028292685

this example is an original styrene Los Angeles press, made May 1964.

I have an LP by him on VJ if I remember correctly, I am sure there is a great picture of him on the front, I will post it up tonight when I get home.

Regards

Paul

  Paul Dunn said:

I have an LP by him on VJ if I remember correctly, I am sure there is a great picture of him on the front, I will post it up tonight when I get home.

Regards

Paul

I recently played his version of MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY at a soul night and a guy asked me if this was a kareoke version what a knob!!

Its better than SS IMHO

  Paul Dunn said:

I have an LP by him on VJ if I remember correctly, I am sure there is a great picture of him on the front, I will post it up tonight when I get home.

Regards

Paul

Sounds like that one would be "Sam Fletcher Sings". Has the pic of him in a white shirt and heavy gold ring, if I'm not mistaken. What an excellent pic of the man!

Good to see a revived interest in Sam Fletcher. I have never met the man, but know of him thru his daughter. Contact her and I am sure that you will get all the info you want on him first hand. Good luck fellas.

Sam Fletcher - Sings - Vee Jay promo

Regards

Paul

Sam Fletcher excerpt from The Northern Soul Top 500.

His official myspace page:

https://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea...endid=151148146

The flip side to "I';d think it over" is entitled "Friday Night" is an awesome heartfelt and stirring record and the reason why I bought the record much more than the more well known a side. His earlier recordings for Cub records are brilliant also.

Bump for exposure for his daughter.

myspace.com/ginamfletcher

  On 29/05/2005 at 15:08, Guest said:

Hello Soul Lovers,
When I was 5 or 6 years old, I used to sit down and listen to my parent's 45 rpm. I still have a lot of them and I still love Tall Hope from Sam Fletcher (RCA Victor 47-7817). Recently, I tried to find some info on the singer with Internet. I am unable to find much, except that he recorded on Vee Jay records...

I really wonder WHO he is.
Can anybody help me?

Thanks!

I'm The son of Sam Fletcher quite surprised to see all of this 

  On 19/10/2024 at 19:25, Troy Fletcher said:

I'm The son of Sam Fletcher quite surprised to see all of this 

Hi Troy , can you add anything regarding Sam's musical career , Photo's, tunes , Venue Posters anything would be welcome.

He was and still is a hero this side of the Atlantic, 

Welcome to Soul Source Troy .

Dave

Welcome Troy, as Dave mentions, what can you tell us about your father, and his singing.

Always good to have a pic of his most coveted 45 :-)

I interviewed Johnny Pate many years ago. With all the massive tracks he had a hand in, I asked him which of the 1000's of cuts he worked on was he most proud of. He came back with an instant answer; SAM FLETCHER's "I'd Think It Over".

I asked the reason for this & he stated Sam was the first BIG ACT he was trusted to work with. This was because Sam had lots of big regional hits including "Tall Hope" & "I Believe In You" ahead of his Tollie recordings. He also starred on lots of US TV shows  -- 'The Dinah Shore Chevy Show' (1963 along with Barbara Steisand ) + on American Bandstand and other TV shows., So Sam had a 'high profile' on TV when only a few blacks got to star on US TV variety shows at the time.

Well My father was a great great vocalist it was many times that I would often hear that he was one of the most underrated singers of his time due to his addiction he was a man with a great heart and that loved his family and from his humble beginning to today's Sutton rise in the music industry everyone who really knew him knew that he was going to be able to carve out a great career for himself one thing I wanted to do I wanted to figure out how we can extend his legacy so today's population can get to know what a wonderful singer in person Sam Fletcher was

Troy, of all of your father's songs, what’s your favourite track? 

Is there one you remember specially from your youth?  To give us all a sense of yourself and your family back then, if we say 'I'd Think it Over' was recorded / released in 1964, do you remember that track at all, or is it later that you really understood what your father did as a day job, so to speak?

Regarding your father's legacy, well it's solid within Soul collecting circles, as you know. I think if you wanted to spread his legacy, a nice way might be to produce a short film, maybe that could be something produced with the view of getting picked up on, either on TV or in Print / Digital.  There are lots of Music journalists out there, all looking for great stories, coupled with your fathers Television work, that really is a great story to tell.

Malc

I'd think it over!

  On 19/10/2024 at 22:46, Happy Feet said:

Hi Troy , can you add anything regarding Sam's musical career , Photo's, tunes , Venue Posters anything would be welcome.

He was and still is a hero this side of the Atlantic, 

Welcome to Soul Source Troy .

Dave

Im on a mission to find some pictures and posters.

  On 22/10/2024 at 20:14, Troy Fletcher said:

Im on a mission to find some pictures and posters.

We look forward to seeing them , thanks Troy 

Here's a pic of Sam - 

 

  On 23/10/2024 at 02:38, The Yank said:

Here's a pic of Sam - 

 

Where did you find this?;my mom is going to be so happy!,

Thanks do you have any more?,if so please send.

  On 22/10/2024 at 20:14, Troy Fletcher said:

Im on a mission to find some pictures and posters.

WOW that's awesome!,where are you from?

  On 29/05/2005 at 15:08, Guest said:

Hello Soul Lovers,
When I was 5 or 6 years old, I used to sit down and listen to my parent's 45 rpm. I still have a lot of them and I still love Tall Hope from Sam Fletcher (RCA Victor 47-7817). Recently, I tried to find some info on the singer with Internet. I am unable to find much, except that he recorded on Vee Jay records...

I really wonder WHO he is.
Can anybody help me?

Thanks!

I'm his son!

  On 23/10/2024 at 04:15, Troy Fletcher said:

WOW that's awesome!,where are you from?

I'm his son!

Welcome to SS Troy, you should get lots of pictures and posters from folks here. I wanted to post this for you as your father sang so fantastically and when I played this to my father he said "this man should be recognised as a truly great singer alongside those like Roy Hamilton and Nat King Cole" 1525 S. Berendo was the address of Record Merchandising after about 1971. Jack Lewerke who owned Vault was the Vice-President of Record Merchandising until his death in late 1977.

Edited October 23, 2024Oct 23 by Blackpoolsoul

  On 23/10/2024 at 04:12, Troy Fletcher said:

Where did you find this?;my mom is going to be so happy!,

Thanks do you have any more?,if so please send.

   I'm Glad you liked it . If I find any more , I'll post them.

  On 29/05/2005 at 15:08, Guest said:

Hello Soul Lovers,
When I was 5 or 6 years old, I used to sit down and listen to my parent's 45 rpm. I still have a lot of them and I still love Tall Hope from Sam Fletcher (RCA Victor 47-7817). Recently, I tried to find some info on the singer with Internet. I am unable to find much, except that he recorded on Vee Jay records...

I really wonder WHO he is.
Can anybody help me?

Thanks!

I'm his son!

Where are you from?

  On 23/10/2024 at 16:09, Troy Fletcher said:

Where are you from?

Hi Troy,

Just so aware, if you hover your mouse over anyone's name above you will see their profile pop up.  You can click and visit people's profiles to learn a bit about them, and you can message people by clicking on 'Message' at the bottom when you hover.

If you hover over 'Guest', nothing happens, which means they are no longer active on the site (His post is from 2005) 

Welcome to the site.

Len 

 

Hi Troy

just to let you know your Dads recording of Think it Over has brought happiness to thousands of us on the Northern Soul Scene a thousand times over for decades and still does, Make sure you tell your Mother that we really appreciate that and he will never be forgotten, I’m sure your family is really proud of him I know I would be.

Mick Lyons

Sam Fletcher appeared on lots of TV shows back in the late 50's / 60's; in the US & abroad ...

here he is during one of his TV appearances ...  

Edited October 24, 2024Oct 24 by Roburt

  On 24/10/2024 at 07:55, Hooker1951 said:

Hi Troy

just to let you know your Dads recording of Think it Over has brought happiness to thousands of us on the Northern Soul Scene a thousand times over for decades and still does, Make sure you tell your Mother that we really appreciate that and he will never be forgotten, I’m sure your family is really proud of him I know I would be.

Mick Lyons

I remember reading a story John Manship told about an room full of the Tollie copies and how they guy who had them passed and John wondered what happened to them all. I must try and find it again

  On 24/10/2024 at 07:55, Hooker1951 said:

Hi Troy

just to let you know your Dads recording of Think it Over has brought happiness to thousands of us on the Northern Soul Scene a thousand times over for decades and still does, Make sure you tell your Mother that we really appreciate that and he will never be forgotten, I’m sure your family is really proud of him I know I would be.

Mick Lyons

It's a monster of a record. It sums up the whole northern soul music scene in just one 45, it really is that good. Atmospheric, moody and just right for the dance floor. 

 

Someone here in the UK must have a video taken at a venue , with Sam Fletcher playing & a packed dance floor , from the last 40 + years it's been played on the Northern scene , they could possibly upload ( not the WC doctored one from YouTube ) 

A rare original vinyl copy MR stamped

 

If you can find those videos the Fletcher children would be most greatful!

  On 24/10/2024 at 16:05, Blackpoolsoul said:

I remember reading a story John Manship told about an room full of the Tollie copies and how they guy who had them passed and John wondered what happened to them all. I must try and find it again

Manship Moments 9...(with Levanna)Mystery of the vanished 10,000 Sam Fletchers..

on Levanna YouTube channel...

Edited October 24, 2024Oct 24 by Mgm 1251

  On 24/10/2024 at 19:08, Mgm 1251 said:

Manship Moments 9...(with Levanna)Mystery of the vanished 10,000 Sam Fletchers..

on Levanna YouTube channel...

Pipped to the post , I thought it had gone missing when John's channel got chopped.

 

 

Sam appeared on a top Italian TV show in 1963, thanks to RCA records.

HOWEVER, this was before the Beatles / Stones breakthrough, so the music they wanted US stars to perform on this RAI Saturday night peak time show was very M-O-R ....