lorchand

Hi Ed, There is a list of songs that I was involved with somewhere on the internet. I'm glad they did it, because I can't remember them all. In response to question 2, when What Can I Do was played, if you were in your car, it 'grooved' you and its tempo lended itself to a nice 'bop' dance. Have a wonderful day. Lorraine

Hey Ed, Yes, if I was around (and I always was) I did background on all my stuff. When Eddie and I perform live, I run out and always do the background on Love You Baby. I adore that song! Eddie and I re-recorded it (slower) and you can find it on YouTube and on the Blues Gallery label. Lorraine

Hi Nik, I really don't think that I've done a scooter rally but I'm willing to try! Thanks for replying. Lorraine

You didn't leave a name so I'll have to address you as soulalways and throw some love and adoration back at you! Thanks for supporting me. This couldn't have been as much fun without all of you. Lorraine

Hey Jam66, Thank you for the kind words. I came up with Motown music. It's the stuff movies are made of. I had a crush on Otis Williams and followed the 'Temps' everywhere they gigged locally (age 14-18), not necessarily a groupie but a true fan. I had an eleven o'clock curfew so that curbed a lot of fun. I fell and learned to make love by the music of Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell (TMI?). The music industry is/was fun. When I look back, I spent most of my youth learning the industry. Remember, we threw the party and you all attended. That's if we did our job right. If we wrote/produced a good record and you liked it, you partied to it and had fun. That's what it was all about. When you hear your work being played on the radio and people singing to it, it is indescribable and it has its own 'high'. Yes, I look back and (each) twenty years past so quickly it was frightening. Then you all called me to perform and started it all over again! Bless you. Lorraine

Hi Ed, Thanks for increasing the fan base but it also took that long for me to realize that I had a following there. Making the records and writing/producing for other artist was wonderful. I really wished I could have made a living from it. It wasn't the case. While waiting for 'royalties' to come in, I had to eat and that meant outside jobs. I had no problem working and keeping a job because I had skills and I was a woman. It was when Motown moved to California that things took their toll. Other companies were getting their 'sound' together and other production teams were starting to get hot. You asked a good question but a big one. I don't think I can answer it in a paragraph. I'm kind of all over the place with this and I need to be more specific, I will, give me a little time. Lorraine

Hi Roy, Levi's voice is an instrument. It cracks! It cracks at all the right places. He can sing those begging, don't leave me baby songs ("Just Ask the Lonely"). I love it. My all time favorite of the Tops is "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'". Love the song, the arrangement, the vocals, everything.

Hi Aid, That was the beginning of my production days. I had to be 'overseen' by someone, thus the supervision. It was that man over woman thing. The glass ceiling was about ten inches thick. Not too many female producers back then, but I broke out and did my thing! I'm still waiting to be paid. Lorraine

You are absolutely, 100% correct, Aid. I am proud to be a result of soul music. I love this thread. I'll probaby keep it alive for a long time. Lorraine

Thank you BrianB, but this is what I went to 'school' on. When it comes to music, everyone's a fan/student at one time or another. Hearing the likes of Sam Cooke, The Platters, Ink Spots, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and early Motown brought me through life. The reason Stevie is like he is, is from listening to 'old school' music and we are the benefactors of his wonderful and soulful interpretation of it. I believe that's why I like writing for artist. I don't possess the 'feel' that a lot of soulful singers have. For example, Eddie Parker and Sandra Richardson do. I loved writing for them because they brought my songs to life. Both Eddie and Sandra have a gospel tone and the gritty feeling of life that made me 'whatever' when I heard it. I never thought in my early life I'd become a singer (although I liked singing). Just like you, I'm a student of soul music . I grew up during a fantastic time of soulful music, but don't forget, gospel music was the root of 'soul'. Lorraine

This is what made Motown great. Artist, writers, musicians, arrangers etc. I agree Brian on Stevie. This haunting melody with the outstanding vocal is soul. But that bass line, listen to the bass. I want to say its Jamerson, but he's more lyrical. However, if it is he, he just laid in the cut of the melody and it sends the chills. Glad to hear it again. I don't want to get started on Levi. Lorraine

That's because Otis' voice is pure soul. He, 'don't need no music'. Lorraine

While I was on the internet to see who was bootlegging, I ran across What Can I Do and gave it a listen. When musicians complement a singer/melody, that unselfishness is soulful to me. Listen to Mike Terry's sax weave behind the vocal. Mike would come in and 'sweeten' a track. Those notes were not written. It was from the soul. Go Mike, may you RIP. Also, on Sandra Richardson's Stay Here with Me, can't remember if it was Johnny Griffin or Earl Van Dyke, but that piano is smokin! I love this thread, it might stick with me for a long time, especially when I hear something soulful. Lorraine

Yea! Get'um Eddie! I was waiting for this to hit! Lorraine

Hey Jelly Belly! On your 'out' days, I might have to make you my PR man! I hope you didn't hurt Dennis and Jack's feelings. Do we care? This is the book world, everyone for themselves, page by page, paragraph by, oh, I'm getting carried away... (Sing/whistle the next sentence soulfully so we can stay on this thread) Don't I first need a publisher who would know that sales could be limited but is willing to take the risk? Lorraine

Didn't see your name except for Macho, so I'll use it. Thanks for listening, the support and the compliment. It has indeed been my pleasure. Lorraine

Thanks Winnie! (all of it is the truth too) Lorraine

Mrs. Norman Maine, The jury is still out on the 'book'. It has been my pleasure to be a part of your life. Lorraine

Rob, I'm glad for your special nite. If I'm invited back again, introduce yourself and let's chat. Lorraine

Tim, It turns out to be OK! Yeah! Now let's see if it sells and I get paid... Lorraine

Steve, you are welcome. It's wonderful to hear that you have made someone else's life a little bit brighter for a few minutes in time. Thanks for replying. Lorraine

Hi Pauline, My pleasure. I'm glad and blessed to be here at the end! Thanks for replying. Lorraine

Hi Ed, You know the clich, "too much of a good thing." During that time good music was everywhere and being copied and people being cloned. If you got in on the ground floor anywhere, you stood a chance. If enough money wasn't exchanged, you might not ever hear your record outside of your living room. It was a pay to play atmosphere, or a different way of 'advertising'. RCA wanted to be in the game, but didn't want to 'pay' the game. Also, I was strictly the artist at that time and not privy to (all) the administrative/management deals being made and with whom, but basically it was the same everywhere in the record business. I would love to write a behind the scenes book but unfortunately it would only sell about 500 copies (maybe). My dream of becoming a recording star is much like everyone else's who cut a few records and tried to get a hit. During the time of my singing, my competition was Rose Bastiste, Betty LaVette, and Pat Lewis to name a few that you might know. That was just the local talent and they all were good. My story might be a little different because I pursued other avenues, writing and producing for other artist so my canvas might be wider. While my counterparts were out 'gigging' I was writing and learning how to produce. I always thought I was a better writer than singer. I am lucky to see the end result of this 'dream'. I consider myself successful because of you all. I'm here speaking with you and I've sang to you. My relationship with you is my greatest reward. Your output of gratitude is immeasurable and leaves me speechless. While not being recognized globally, you hearing me in your living room suffices for me. We have our own love/success story. Lorraine

And it is well said and in one sentence. Lorraine

What a wonderful discussion and so appropos. And guess what, everyone will have the correct answer! This is like discussing religion. If you believe in a higher power, it's whatever it is you you and you alone. For example, Etta James' At Last is the most soulful song I know, while Gladys Knights/Pips, Midnight Train to Georgia is sung with so much soul (emotion). Eddie Parker's Love You Baby, while danceable and sellable doesn't touch I'm Gone on the soul radar. When I hear the Four Tops' Sugar Pie Honey Bunch next to Baby I Need Your Loving, no comparison. There are voices that stop you in your tracks. When I hear Johnny Mathis, recorded or live, it's just a gift. Michael Jackson live was unforgettable and rates in my top ten for putting on a show. He takes you there, leaves you there and you have no idea of how you are going to get back. Your John Barrowman's voice is incredible. While I've never heard him live, his recordings are superb and makes me shake my head and say 'yeah'! Patti LaBelle is incredible, she can sing anything and to hear her live is something to behold. Early Al Green would make me want to moan. The artist that I've mentioned above have soul and are soulful in their own way. We are so lucky to record soul and relive those soulful moment over and over again. Having soul or being soulful, stirs your very being and gives you definition for a few moments in time. It's not black or white, it is the color of emotion, a mind and body massage that takes your breath away. Every artist or song will not elicit those soulful feelings out of you, but when they do, you know it. That's my two cents/pence on the subject. Lorraine