The Yank

I would think 1963 is more likely. Here's part of an article from the April 6,1963 issue of Billboard-

The well researched liner notes to "The Complete Motown Singles Volume 4- 1964" calls the Kim Weston single "withdrawn" while the Don't Forget The Motor City web site says the single was "released in Europe only".

I'm about 99% sure that Joe "Youngblood" Cobb who worked with Otis Brown is the same person who was a DJ at WVON is Chicago and not related to Van McCoy's former writing partner -

I don't think Gil was ever a Motown employee- he was the General Manager at Arc-Jay-Kay Distributors who handled the Motown,Chisa, Soul and V.I.P. labels. (Record World July 20, 1974) -

According to the Don't Forget The Motor City web site, "Good-By..." was the A side and also the side that received airplay-

Yes- William Despenza is Barry's brother (Record World Dec. 23, 1967) -

It is a possibility- Darlene Love and the Blossoms were the backup singers on "Wish Someone Would Care" and "Breakaway" which was also done at United/ Western Studios. There's no info on the singers on "Think Again" in the CD liner notes.

According to the liner notes to the "Time Is On My Side" CD, "Think Again" and her version of "Long After Tonight Is All Over" were recorded at United/ Western Studios in Hollywood and were produced by Nick DeCaro.

According to the liner notes of an early album (Epic #3294), Roy Hamilton had a brief career as an amateur boxer with a 6 win, 1 loss record. Walter Payton and William "The Fridge" Perry of the Chicago Bears made a Rap single in 1986-

The term "Tamla Motown" was even used in 1962 as this ad from Billboard shows-

I found this early issue of Goldmine- it was a good overview of the state of '70's U.S. record collecting (Doo Wop and Rockabilly were red hot). I thought this want list was interesting-

Johnny is also known to Doo Wop collectors as being a member of the El Dorados and the Kool Gents.

There are 10 of the sets for sale on discogs -

According to the Can't Forget The Motor City web site, it's only available on the "Emperors Of Soul" CD.

The phrase was used in this mid 60's 45 but I think it around long before that. I believe it means what you think it does. The phrase also was the title of a Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes song-

Very sad to hear about his passing- Lamont wrote and produced some of my favorites songs of the 60's and 70's. This is one of my favorites from his solo work-

The pressing plant used the info from a prior Artistics release on this Jackie Wilson 45-

I remember those days well- getting Goldmine and Discoveries and placing my bid and then waiting a month to find out if I won the 45 auction. There were also dealers who had monthly set sales lists- you would mail in your money order and hope your letter got there before another persons did. Now waiting a week after buying something on line seems to be too long!

I've always like his duets with Phyllis Hyman -

I don't think Trade Martin influenced "black folks" with his 45. No mention of it in Billboard, Cashbox or Record World. It may have got some airplay but there I can't find any evidence of it charting on any U.S. radio stations. A more likely source is Prince La La's 1961 "She Put The Hurt On Me', Little Herman's "I'm Gonna Put The Hurt On You" or Alvin Robinson's "I'm Gonna Put The Hurt On You" .

One is now up for auction on Manship's site. The bidding ends on July 27th.

Original release of "I'm Caught Up" -

I believe you're right- I remember seeing STEREO on the label.