David Meikle

Unquestionably the most underrated Motown Artist. The vocals on 'Don't Be Afraid' are absolutely sublime. Really sad to hear of this. RIP Bobby

I missed out on tickets for the show but spoke to some of the attendees later in the evening. I was surprised that no one raved about him and that it was a general feeling that he was ok. I'm sure that someone said he was only on for half an hour so that may not have helped. On the other hand everyone raved about the Impressions. Me, I raved about the venue which was stunning and that was helped by no less than three NS rooms. A great weekend and I will certainly return next year to see 5 acts which include Patti Austin and NF Porter.

Dancing comes half way through this video

Sad news Ady. I hope that your work with Kent Records continues unabated. The word irreplaceable comes to mind when I think of Ady Croasdell. Thanks, David

Puppet On A String is class. Gino also owned a wig store off Grand River Avenue. I sat next to him at a free Little Richard concert 12 years ago. Only in Detroit! [I'm guessing Tomangoes has something to do with the fruit - African connections?]

Only yesterday was I looking at stuff with Chris's name on it. It was a huge list of London and area record shops circa 1971. I wonder if anyone else has a copy? I have most of the HBS series and find them a pleasure to read again after all those years. Chris was a top soul man and I'm truly sorry to only learn of his passing 8 years after the event.

Lamont Dozier 'I ain't playing' and 'Shout about it' and everything else he did post Motown

Google 'bars in the cass corridor' I particularly like honest?johns (sic) at 488 selden which used to have a great jukebox. Remember Bakers on the outskirts of town for live music I've not been to Detroit for 10 years but miss it big time

When That Beatin' Rhythm was first played it was the epitome of our sound. Great spoken intro followed by the Mirwood Beat. What a combination!

Back Street by Edwin Starr in Honest?Johns bar in Detroit.

I enjoyed reading this list. I wonder how many people are involved in spending these vast sums?

They'll sell on eBay no problem, especially the Northern/Kent ones. You will find historical/current selling prices therein to give you an idea of what to expect. Most will be circa £10 to £15 if in excellent condition; i.e. the vinyl, labels, sleeve and sleeve spine. It is important to provide an accurate description as any disputes tend to fall on the side of the customer not the supplier. That's my experience from last year.

Edwin Starr at the Wheel Brothers Johnson, Glasgow Jimi Hendrix Experience, Glasgow Little Richard, Detroit Sam and Dave, Manchester

This Balk/Micahnik production easily makes my all time top ten. Duke Browner's song delivered with great clarity and backed by The Royaltones who included at the time Dennis Coffey, Bob Babbitt and saxophonist George Katzakis. RIP Harry Balk, Detroit Music Man

Back Street by Edwin Starr at the Wheel 24th January 1970!

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Songwriting, organ playing and string arrangements.

Miss Ray played the ondioline on a number of songs including Gordy's first release, Linda and the Vistas and Zing by the Satintones. This 1950's version provides an idea of what it looked like. It provided vibrato sounds and is referred to as the first synthesizer.

see above

Raynoma's book is one of my cherished pieces on American Soul Music. I even bought the spoken word version for goodness sake. My only regret is that Miss Ray didn't elaborate more on her collaboration with Eddie Singleton at Shrine in Washington DC. However, Andy Rix's detective work and interviews provide superb notes on this wonderful record label. Here's some more label scans which help confirm that Miss Ray was a multi-talented music lady. Miss Ray RIP

The Twisted Wheel in 1970 was definitely dominated by males. I remember dancing in a circle of 10 at the deejay spot and there was only one girl in it. I would say record collecting was the key to the development of this male dominated scene. There was no chance of picking up girls at the Wheel we were purely going there to hear and dance to the wonderful records being played. I remember going into Rowntrees Sound one evening and talking to a crowd of girls who said they were scared to visit the Wheel. Does anyone remember the sisters who sat in an alcove in the Wheel dressed in black week after week? I can picture them to this day. Whatever happened to them after the Wheel closed?

Does anyone have a photograph of Eddie Thomas during the Curtom era (or whenever). TIA David

If anyone will know it will be baby boy.

Since the late Bob Babbitt is now being dragged into this, make up your own mind from this youtube video in which Babbitt inducts James into the Fender Hall Of Fame. Go to 1.00 minutes