Dionne Warwick – Very Dionne (1970)

 

 

 

 

Dionne Warwick – Very Dionne | Scepter Records SPS 587 (1970)

 

 

updated 10/27/2026

 

 

Scepter Records 1970 – SPS 587

 

 

 Album Description

Released in 1970 on Scepter Records, Very Dionne is 
a sophisticated blend of soul, pop and orchestral easy listening 
featuring the unmistakable voice of Dionne Warwick.
Produced by the legendary songwriting and production 
team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this album showcases
 Warwick’s elegant phrasing, emotional subtlety 
and remarkable ability to bring depth to a song.

The album combines original Bacharach–David compositions 
with carefully selected interpretations of songs by other contemporary 
songwriters. Highlights include “Check Out Time,”
 “The Green Grass Starts to Grow,” “Yesterday,” “We’ve Only Just Begun”
 and “Going Out of My Head.” Warwick moves effortlessly between
 reflective ballads, polished pop arrangements and 
sophisticated vocal performances.

The arrangements, conducted by Burt Bacharach, Marty Paich and Larry Wilcox,
 give the record its distinctive late-1960s and early-1970s sound. 
The combination of lush orchestration, carefully balanced instrumentation 
and Warwick’s expressive vocals makes Very Dionne an essential 
album for collectors of classic soul, vintage pop and the Scepter Records catalogue.

credits:

Dionne Warwick - vocals
Burt Bacharach, Marty Paich, Larry Wilcox - arrangements, conducting
Armin Steiner, Larry Levine, Michael Wright, Phil Ramone - engineer
Dick Smith - art direction

Studio    A&R Studios, New York City; 
United Recording Studios, Hollywood; 
A&M Studios, Los Angeles;
 Garden State Art Center, Holmdel, New Jersey

tracklist:

A1        Check Out Time
Arranged By, Conductor – B. Bacharach*
Written-By – Bacharach/David*
4:06
A2        Yesterday
Arranged By, Conductor – M. Paich*
Written-By – John Lennon/Paul McCartney*
2:36
A3        We've Only Just Begun
Arranged By, Conductor – M. Paich*
Written-By – Williams*, Nicholas*
3:07
A4        Here's That Rainy Day
Arranged By, Conductor – L. Wilcox*
Written-By – Van Heusen/Burke*
3:35
A5        The Green Grass Starts To Grow
Arranged By, Conductor – B. Bacharach*
Written-By – Bacharach/David*
3:00
B1        They Don't Give Medals To Yesterday's Heroes
Arranged By, Conductor – B. Bacharach*
Written-By – Bacharach/David*
2:55
B2        Walk The Way You Talk
Arranged By, Conductor – B. Bacharach*
Written-By – Bacharach/David*
2:50
B3        Make It Easy On Yourself
Arranged By – L. Wilcox*
Written-By – Bacharach/David*
3:34
B4        Going Out Of My Head
Arranged By, Conductor – L. Wilcox*
Written-By – Weinstein*, Randazzo*
3:08
B5        I Got Love
Arranged By, Conductor – M. Paich*
Written-By – Geld*, Udell*
2:26

 

 

 

Link available upon request

 

 

 

The Best Of Gladys Knight & The Pips

 

Gladys Knight & The Pips – The Best Of   Buddah Records

 

 

 

updated 10/24/2026

 

BUDDAH RECORDS 1976                 BDS 5653

 

 

 Album Description

The Best Of Gladys Knight & The Pips is a 1976 compilation celebrating 
the soulful sound of Gladys Knight & The Pips during their successful 
years with Buddah Records. Bringing together memorable recordings, 
emotional lead vocals and polished arrangements, the album showcases 
the group's remarkable ability to combine Southern soul feeling, 
sophisticated orchestration and irresistible pop-soul melodies.

Led by the expressive voice of Gladys Knight and supported by the 
close harmonies of the Pips, the collection features classic songs such 
as “Midnight Train To Georgia,” “I've Got To Use My Imagination,”
“Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” and “I Feel A Song (In My Heart).”

The album also includes “Make Yours A Happy Home,” “On And On,” “Where 
Peaceful Waters Flow” and a medley of “Try To Remember / The Way We Were,” 
highlighting the group's versatility across soul, R&B and adult-oriented pop. 
The latter medley captures the group in a live performance at Pine Knob Music
 Theatre in Detroit, adding a concert dimension to the compilation.

credits:

Gladys Knight – Lead vocals
Merald “Bubba” Knight – Vocals
William Guest – Vocals
Edward Patten – Vocals

Musicians and Arrangements

The compilation brings together recordings made across 
different sessions, so the instrumental personnel vary from track to track.
Notable production and arrangement credits include:
Curtis Mayfield – Producer of “Make Yours A Happy Home” and “On And On”
Rich Tufo (Richard Tufo) – Arrangements on “Make Yours A Happy Home” and “On And On”
Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise – Production and arrangements on selected tracks
Tony Camillo – Production, arrangements and conducting on selected tracks
Larry Wilcox – String and horn arrangements on selected tracks
Don Hannah and Joe Guercio – Arrangements for the live medley
 “Try To Remember / The Way We Were”
Ralph Moss – Producer and engineer for the live medley

Additional engineering credits include Roger Anfinsen, 
Warren Dewey and Ed Stasium on various tracks.

This is a compilation of previously recorded material, not an album 
made during one continuous studio session. A single recording
 date or studio therefore cannot be assigned to the entire LP.

“Make Yours A Happy Home” – Recorded at Curtom Studio, Chicago, Illinois.
“Where Peaceful Waters Flow” – Recorded at Curtom Studio, Chicago, Illinois.
“Try To Remember / The Way We Were” – Recorded live at Pine Knob Music Theatre, 
Detroit, Michigan, by Metro Audio; mixed at Bell Sound Studios, New York.

Tracklist

A1        Make Yours A Happy Home
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield
    4:35
A2        Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
    3:45
A3        I Feel A Song (In My Heart)
Written-By – Mary Sawyer, Tony Camillo
    2:48
A4        The Going Ups And The Coming Downs
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
    3:35
A5        Midnight Train To Georgia
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
    4:38
B1        On And On
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield
    4:17
B2        Where Peaceful Waters Flow
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
    4:24
B3        I've Got To Use My Imagination
Written-By – Barry Goldberg, Jerry Goffin*
    3:45
B4        I Can See Clearly Now
Written-By – Johnny Nash
    4:28
        Try To Remember / The Way We Were    (4:30)
B5(a)        Try To Remember
Written-By – Harvey Schmidt, Tom Jones (5)
    
B5(b)        The Way We Were
Written-By – Marvin Hamlisch, Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman

 

 

 

Link available upon request

 

 

 

 

The Impressions – The Fabulous Impressions (1967)

The Impressions – The Fabulous Impressions (1967)  ABC Records 

updated 10/19/2026

 ABC Records ‎1967 – ABCS-606

Description:

Released in 1967 on ABC Records, The Fabulous Impressions
 is a fine example of the sophisticated Chicago soul sound that
 made The Impressions one of the most influential vocal groups
 of the 1960s. Featuring the distinctive lead vocals and 
songwriting of Curtis Mayfield, the album blends elegant vocal 
harmonies, uplifting melodies, heartfelt lyrics and 
polished soul arrangements.

Produced by Johnny Pate, the record captures the group's 
characteristic combination of smooth soul, gospel-inspired 
harmonies and contemporary R&B. Mayfield's thoughtful 
songwriting explores love, heartbreak and romantic devotion,
 while the group's beautifully balanced vocals 
give each song its own personality.

The album features memorable tracks such as "You Always Hurt Me,"
"It's All Over," "Little Girl," "Love's a Comin'" and 
"You Ought to Be in Heaven." Their interpretation of
 "One Hundred Pounds of Clay," originally associated with 
Gene McDaniels, adds another dimension to the collection.

Curtis Mayfield's guitar work and expressive vocal delivery are 
central to the group's sound, supported by Fred Cash and 
Sam Gooden. Together, the trio delivers the refined harmonies 
and emotional depth that helped establish 
The Impressions as major figures in American soul music.

credits:

Curtis Mayfield – Lead vocals, guitar
Fred Cash – Vocals, backing harmonies
Sam Gooden – Vocals, backing harmonies
The album credits also identify The Funk Brothers 
as the instrumental backing musicians.

Arranged By, Conductor – Johnny Pate 
Producer     Johnny Pate

Most of the songs were written by Curtis Mayfield. 
The album also includes One Hundred Pounds of Clay, 
written by Luther Dixon, Bob Elgin and Kay Rogers, 
and Aware of Love, co-written by Jerry Butler and 
Curtis Mayfield.

trackslist:

A1 You Always Hurt Me
Written-By – Mayfield*     
A2 It's All Over
Written-By – Mayfield* 
A3 Little Girl
Written-By – Mayfield* 
A4 100 Lbs. Of Clay
Written-By – Elgin*, Rogers*, Dixon* 
A5 Love's A Comin'
Written-By – Mayfield*     
A6 You Ought To Be In Heaven
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B1 I Can't Stay Away From You
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B2 Aware Of Love
Written-By – Mayfield*, Butler*     
B3 Isle Of Sirens
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B4 I'm Still Waitin'
Written-By – Mayfield*     
B5 She Don't Love Me
Written-By – Mayfield* 

Link available upon request

The Boogie Kings – Blue Eyed Soul (1967)

 

 

 

 

 

 The Boogie Kings – Blue Eyed Soul LP 109

 

 

 

 

Montel Michelle records 1966 – LP  109

 

 notes:

Blue Eyed Soul by The Boogie Kings featuring The King Brothers 
is a 1967 Montel Michelle Records LP showcasing the soulful side 
of Louisiana's regional R&B scene. A collectible example of 
late-1960s blue-eyed soul and Southern soul on vinyl.

Collector's Notes

Released in 1967 on Montel Michelle Records as LP 109, Blue Eyed Soul
 belongs to the rich Louisiana tradition of regional R&B and soul recordings.
 The album is particularly interesting to collectors exploring obscure 
American soul, blue-eyed soul, and small-label 1960s vinyl releases.

The Boogie Kings were closely associated with the Louisiana music scene, 
while the King Brothers connection adds another layer of interest 
for collectors researching the regional history of Southern R&B and soul.

Credits:

Musicians / Line-up

Sources differ on the precise personnel for the LP. The Center 
for Louisiana Studies gives the following LP 109 credits:

Clint West – drums, vocals
G.G. Shinn – trumpet
Johnny Giordano – bass, organ, vocals
Brian Leger – bass, organ
Jack Hall – guitar
Ned Theall – trumpet, arranger
Murphy Buford – tenor saxophone
Mike Pollard – tenor saxophone
Norris Badeaux – tenor saxophone
Dan Silas – baritone saxophone

However, historical accounts of the 1966 Blue Eyed Soul sessions 
identify another important period lineup consisting of:

Jerry LaCroix – vocals, saxophone
Duane Yates – vocals, trumpet
Ned Theall – trumpet
Norris Badeaux – lead saxophone
Dale Gothia – saxophone
Dan Silas – baritone saxophone
Bryan Leger – organ
Jack Hall – guitar
Gary Dorsey – bass
Kenny Yetman – drums

Recording date

The dating is somewhat complicated. The University of Louisiana's collection 
catalogue gives January 1, 1965 as the recording date, but this appears to 
be cataloguing metadata rather than a documented session date.

The more detailed historical account states that Blue Eyed Soul was recorded 
after the band's return from Las Vegas in June 1966, specifically at 
Sam Montel's studio in Baton Rouge, following Duane Yates's arrival 
in the group. It says the album was released in fall 1966.

For a vinyl collector's article, I would therefore use:

Recording: 1966, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
LP issue: 1966/1967 — catalogued and advertised 
as Montel Michelle LP 109 in 1967.

Producer

Sam Montel / Sam Montalbano is associated with
 the Montel Michelle production,
 while Ned Theall was the band's leader, arranger
 and principal musical force. 
The period recording history identifies the album 
as a Sam Montel production.

Studio

Sam Montel's studio / Deep South Studio, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Sam Montalbano, known professionally as Sam Montel,
 operated Deep South Studio in Baton Rouge and owned 
the Montel and Michelle labels. Historical accounts specifically 
identify Sam Montel's Baton Rouge studio as 
the recording location for Blue Eyed Soul.

Tracklist:

A1        Philly Walk
Written-By – N. Theall*
2:17
A2        Tell It Like It Is
Written-By – G. Davis*, L. Diamond*
2:35
A3        How Sweet It Is
Written-By – Holland-Dozier-Holland
3:40
A4        Crying Man    3:15
A5        Knock On Wood
Written-By – Floyd*, Cropper*
3:14
A6        Have Mercy Baby
Written By – Cova & Otta
2:50
B1        Reach Out I'll Be There
Written-By – Holland-Dozier-Holland
2:35
B2        Ebb Tide
Written By – C. Sigmund & R. Maxwell
4:20
B3        That's Enough
Written-By – Raven Wildroot
2:50
B4        When She Touches Me
Written By – Varga
2:25
B5        Hold On, I'm Coming
Written-By – Hayes & Porter
2:20
B6        Temptation Walk    3:20

 

 

 

link 

 

 

 

Ike & Tina Turner – Don’t Play Me Cheap (Sue LP 2005, 1963)

Ike & Tina Turner – Don’t Play Me Cheap | Sue LP 2005

Sue Records Inc. 1963   LP 2005

notes:

Don’t Play Me Cheap is the fourth studio album by Ike & Tina Turner,
originally issued by Sue Records in February 1963 as Sue LP 2005.

The album captures Ike and Tina Turner during their early-1960s 
Sue Records period, when their raw combination of R&B, blues, 
soul and gospel-influenced vocals was establishing the foundation 
for their later international success. Tina Turner's powerful, 
emotionally charged voice is at the center of the record,
 while Ike Turner contributes vocals, guitar, piano and 
the distinctive musical direction associated with his Kings of Rhythm.

The twelve-track set is dominated by compositions by Ike Turner, 
including “Wake Up,” “I Made a Promise Up Above,” “Desire,”
 “Those Ways,” “Mama Tell Him,” “Pretend,” “Don't Play Me Cheap,”
 “Forever Mine,” “No Amends,” and “My Everything to Me.” 
The exceptions include “The Real Me,” written by Curtis Mayfield, 
and “Love Letters,” written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young.

The arrangements are credited to Jesse Herring and René Hall,
 while Juggy Murray is credited as the album's director/producer.

credits:

ke Turner – guitar, piano, bandleader
Tina Turner – lead vocals
The Kings of Rhythm – backing band
The Ikettes – backing vocals

The early-1960s Ike & Tina Turner Revue included musicians and 
vocalists from Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm and the Ikettes. Contemporary
 documentation identifies Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields
and Jessie Smith among the Ikettes around this period.

The album was recorded before its February 1963 release, during Ike & Tina
 Turner's early Sue Records period, with material coming 
from the sessions associated with their 1962–63 repertoire.

Recording studio:  various Sue-era recording sessions

tracklist:   

A1     Wake Up 02:00
Written-By – Ike Turner
A2     I Made A Promise Up Above 2:15
Written-By – Ike Turner
A3     Desire 2:55
Written-By – Ike Turner
A4     Those Ways 1:43
Written-By – Ike Turner
A5     Mamma Tell Him 2:30
Written-By – Ike Turner
A6     Pretend 1:55
Written-By – Ike Turner
B1     Don't Play Me Cheap 2:06
Written-By – Ike Turner
B2     The Real Me 2:00
Written-By – Curtis Mayfield
B3     Forever Mine 2:12
Written-By – Ike Turner
B4     No Amending 2:19
Written-By – Ike Turner
B5     Love Letters 1:55
Written-By – Ike Turner
B6     My Everything To Me 2:28
Written-By – Ike Turner

 

 

 

 

 

link