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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