Marvin Gaye

Artist:  Marvin Gaye

Birth Name:  Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.

Born:  April 2, 1939.  Washington, D.C. USA

Died:  April 1, 1984 (Aged 44).  Los Angeles, California, USA

Genre:  R&B, Soul, Gospel, Funk, Progressive Soul, Psychedelic Soul, Smooth Soul, Pop-Soul, Quiet Storm, Motown

Occupation:  Singer, Songwriter

Instruments:  Vocals, Keyboards, Drums

Marvin Gaye was an American Singer and Songwriter.  He helped to  shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as a in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of success, earning him the nicknames "Prince Of Motown" and "Prince Of Soul".  His big hits include "Ain't That Peculiar", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".  He also recorded duets with Mary Wells, Diana Ross, Tammi Terrell, and Kim Weston.  He won his first two Grammy Awards on the album Midnight Love.

Title:  Recorded Live On Stage (Special Edition) (2025)

Genre:  R&B, Soul, Gospel, Funk, Progressive Soul, Psychedelic Soul, Smooth Soul, Pop-Soul, Quiet Storm, Motown

Label:  Ermitage

Rating:   *****

Format:  LP

Tracks:

Side One:

 1.  Stubborn Kind Of Fellow (3:39)

 2.  One Of These Days (2:51)

 3.  Mo Jo Hanna (5:20)

 4.  The Days Of Wine And Roses (3:17)

Side Two:

 1.  Pride And Joy (3:16)

 2.  Hitch Hike (3:26)

 3.  Get My Hands On Some Lovin' (2:47)

 4.  You Are My Sunshine (2:09)

Recorded Live On Stage is the first live album by Marvin Gaye, originally released on September 9, 1963 by Tamla, remastered and reissued on June 5, 2025 by Ermitage Records.  Special Edition Yellow Vinyl.

Dusty Springfield

 

Artist:  Dusty Springfield 

Birth Name:  Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien

Born:   April 16, 1939.  West Hampstead, London, England

Died:  March 2, 1999 (Aged 59).  Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England

Genre:   Pop, R&B, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop Soul, British Invasion, Early Pop, Smooth Soul, Adult Contemporary

Occupation:   Singer, Musician, Record Producer, Television Presenter

Instruments:   Vocals, Guitar, Piano

Dusty Springfield was an English Pop Singer, and Record Producer, she was an important singer of Blue-Eyed-Soul and at her peak was one of the most successful British Female Performers, with 6 Top 20 Singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 16 on the UK Singles Chart from 1963 to 1989.  She is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and UK Music Hall of Fame.

Title:  The Complete Atlantic Singles 1968-1971 (2021) 

Genre:   Pop, R&B, Blue-Eyed Soul, Pop Soul, British Invasion, Early Pop, Smooth Soul, Adult Contemporary

Label:  Real Gone Music 

Rating:   *****

Format:  CD

Tracks:

 1.  Son-Of-A Preacher Man (2:28)

 2.  Just A Little Lovin' (Early In The Morning) (2:19)

 3.  Don't Forget About Me (2:49)

 4.  Breakfast In Bed (2:54)

 5.  The Windmills Of Your Mind (3:48)

 6.  I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore (3:08)

 7.  Willie & Laura Mae Jones (2:47)

 8.  That Old Sweet Roll (Hi-De-Ho) (2:58)

 9.  In The Land Of Make Believe (2:28)

10. So Much Love (3:28)

11. A Brand New Me (2:30)

12. Bad Case Of The Blues (2:02)

13. Silly, Silly Fool (2:25)

14. Joe (2:16)

15. I Wanna Be A Free Girl (2:51)

16. Let Me Get In Your Way (2:41)

17. Lost (2:22)

18. Never Love Again (3:09)

19. What Good Is Love You (2:50)

20. What Do You Do When Love Dies (2:38)

21. Haunted (2:24)

22. Nothing Is Forever (2:30)

23. I Believe In You (3:09)

24. Someone Who Cares (2:50)

The Complete Atlantic Singles 1968-1971 is the compilation album by Dusty Springfield, released on November 26, 2021 by Real Gone Music.  For Music Collectors.

Ben E. King

 

Artist:  Ben E. King

Birth Name:  Benjamin Earl Nelson

Born:  September  28, 1938.  Henderson, North Carolina, USA

Origin:  Harlem, New York, USA

Died:  April 30, 2015 (Aged 76).  Hackensack, New Jersey, USA

Genre:  Soul, R&B, Pop, Doo-Wop, Early R&B, Pop-Soul, AM Pop, Early Pop

Occupation:  Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer

Instruments:  Vocals, Piano

Ben E. King was an American Soul and R&B Singer, Songwriter and Record Producer.  He was as one of the principal lead singers of the R&B Vocal Group The Drifters, notably singing the lead vocals of one of their biggest global hit singles (and only U.S. No. 1 Hit),"Save The Last Dance For Me".  As a soloist, he is best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand By Me", which became a U.S. Top 10 Hit, both 1961 and later in 1986 to the film of the same name, and No. 1 Hit in the UK in 1967.  It was also placed on the RIAA's list of Songs Of The Century.

Title:  Don't Play That Song (Limited Edition Colored Vinyl) (2023)

Genre:  Soul, R&B, Pop, Doo-Wop, Early R&B, Pop-Soul, AM Pop, Early Pop

Label:   Wax Time

Rating:   *****

Format:  LP

Tracks:

Side A:

 1.  Don't Play That Song (2:46)

 2.  Esctasy (2:32)

 3.  On The Horizon (2:18)

 4.  Show Me The Way (2:18)

 5.  Here Comes The Night (2:24)

 6.  First Taste Of Love (2:20)

 7.  Will You Love Me Tomorrow (Bonus)

 8.  Sway (Bonus)

Side B:

 1.  Stay By Me (2:57)

 2.  Yes (3:03)

 3.  Young Boy Blues (2:17)

 4.  The Hermit Of Misty Mountain (2:20)

 5.  I Promise Love (2:05)

 6.  Brace Yourself (2:08)

 7.  Amor (Bonus)

 8.  Spanish Harlem (Bonus)

Personnel:

Ben E. King:  Lead Vocals

Jimmy Haskell:  Orchestra on Track A1

Erne Hayes:  Piano on Tracks:  A1, B2

Allen Hanlon:  Guitar on Tracks:  A1, B2

Phil Spector:  Guitar on Tracks:  A1, B2

Gordon Mitchell:  Bass on Tracks:  A1, B2

Gary Chester:  Drums on Tracks:  A1, B2

Martin Grupp:  Percussion on Tracks:  A1, B2

Phil Kraus:  Percussion on Tracks:  A1, B2

Stan Applebaum Orchestra:  on Tracks:  A3-A6, B1, B2, B5, B6, A8, B7, B8

Claus Ogerman Orchestra:  on Track B4, A7

Don't Play That Song is the third studio album by Ben E. King, originally released on August 20, 1962 by Atco Records, remastered and reissued on February 3, 2023 by Wax Time.  Limited Edition 180 Gram Colored Vinyl.  The complete original album plus 4 Bonus Tracks.

Tony Joe White

 

Artist:  Tony Joe White
Born:  July 23, 1943
Origin:  Oak Grove, Louisiana, USA
Genre:  Country, Country Rock, Rock & Roll, Blues Rock, Swamp Rock, Blues, Country Funk, Southern Rock, Contemporary Pop, Soft Rock, Pop Soul, R&B
Occupation:  Musician, Songwriter, Singer, Guitarist
Instruments:   Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica

Tony Joe White is an American Singer, Songwriter, and Guitarist, best known for his 1969 hit "Polk Salad Annie" (recorded by Elvis Presley and Tom Jones) and "Rainy Night In Georgia".  He also wrote "Steamy Windows and "Undercover Agent For The Blues", both hits for Tina Turner in 1989.

Title:  Live From Austin, TX (Limited Edition Swamp Color Vinyl  Exclusive)(2023)

Genre:  Country, Country Rock, Rock & Roll, Blues Rock, Swamp Rock, Blues, Country Funk, Southern Rock, Contemporary Pop, Soft Rock, Pop Soul, R&B

Label:  New West Records

Rating:   *****

Format:  LP

Tracks:

LP 1:

Side One:

 1.  Mama Don't Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be Babies (3:31)

 2.  Disco Blues (4:14)

 3.  Red Neck Woman (3:23)

 4.  Rainy Night In Georgia (4:29)

 5.  Even Trolls Love Rock 'N' Roll (5:29)

Side Two:

 1.  Willie And Laura Mae Jones (4:13)

 2.  Billy (4:47)

 3.  Lustful Earl And The Married Woman (3:34)

 4.  Swamp Rap (4:58)

LP 2:

Side Three:

 1.  I Came Here To Party (3:22)

 2.  Polk Salad Annie (5:09)

 3.  That's The Way A Cowboy Rocks And Rolls (3:37)

 4.  300 Pounds Of Hongry (2:36)

 5.  I Get Off On It (5:54)

Personnel:

Tony Joe White:  Vocals, Guitar 

Steve Spear:  Bass

Jeff Hale:  Drums

Live From Austin, TX is a live album by Tony Joe White, released on January 10, 2023 by New West Records, recorded live at Austin City, December 5, 1980, featuring his No. 1 hit "Polk Salad Annie", along with "Mama Don't Let Your Cowboys Grow Up To Be Babies".  Limited Edition Swamp Color Vinyl 150 Gram.

Marvin Gaye

 

Artist:  Marvin Gaye

Birth Name:  Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.

Born:  April 2, 1939.  Washington, D.C. USA

Died:  April 1, 1984 (Aged 44).  Los Angeles, California, USA

Genre:  R&B, Soul, Gospel, Funk, Progressive Soul, Psychedelic Soul, Smooth Soul, Pop-Soul, Quiet Storm, Motown

Occupation:  Singer, Songwriter

Instruments:  Vocals, Keyboards, Drums

Marvin Gaye was an American Singer and Songwriter.  He helped to  shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as a in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of success, earning him the nicknames "Prince Of Motown" and "Prince Of Soul".  His big hits include "Ain't That Peculiar", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".  He also recorded duets with Mary Wells, Diana Ross, Tammi Terrell, and Kim Weston.  He won his first two Grammy Awards on the album Midnight Love.

Title:  What's Going On (50th Anniversary Edition Double Vinyl) (2022)

Genre:  R&B, Soul, Gospel, Funk, Progressive Soul, Psychedelic Soul, Smooth Soul, Pop-Soul, Quiet Storm, Motown

Label:   Motown Records

Rating:  *****

Format:  LP

Tracks:

LP 1:

Side 1:

 1.  What's Going On (4:00)

 2.  What's Happening Brother (2:37)

 3.  Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky) (3:40)

 4.  Save The Children (4:06)

 5.  God Is Love (1:44)

 6.  Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (3:03)

Side 2:

 1.  Right On (7:13)

 2.  Wholy Holy (3;06)

 3.  Inner City Blues (Mae Me Wanna Holler) (5:30)

LP 2:

Side 3:

 1.  What's Going On (Stripped Version) (3:57)

 2.  What's Going On (Mix 1/No Strings or Horns) (3:54)

 3.  What's Going On (Rhythm 'N' Strings Instrumental Mix) (3:50)

 4.  Symphony (Demo Version) (2:49)

Side 4:  Original Mono Singles:

 1.  What's Going On (3:54)

 2.  God Is Love (2:51)

 3.  Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (2:30)

 4.  Sad Tomorrows (2:22)

 5.  Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) (2:58)

 6.  Wholy Holy (3;09)

Personnel:

Marvin Gaye:  All Lead Vocals

Detroit Symphony Orchestra:

David Van De Pitte:  Conductor

Background Vocals:

Marvin Gaye

The Andantes (Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, Louvain Demps)

Mel Farr, Charlie Sanders, Lem Barney Of The Detroit Lions

Dave Bing Of The Detroit Pistons

Bobby Rogers Of The Miracles

Elgie Stover

Kenneth Stover

Strings, Woodwinds And Brass:

Gordon Staples, Zinovi Bistritzky, Beatriz Budinzky, Richard Margitza, Virginia Halfmann, Felix Riesnick, Alvin Score Lillian Downs, James Waring:  Violins

Edouard Kesner, Meyer Shapiro, David Ireland, Nathan Gordon:  Violas

Italo Babini, Thaddeus Markiewicz, Edward Korkigan:  Cellos

Max Janowsky:  Double Bass

Carole Crosby:  Harp

Dayna Handwick:  William Perich:  Flutes

Larry Nozero, Angelo Carlisi, George Benson, Tate Houston:  Saxophones

John Trudell Maurice Davis:  Trumpets

Nilesh Pawar:  Oboe

Carl Raetz:  Trombone

The Funk Brothers:  Instrumentation, Spoken Interlude ("What's Going On") and solo Horns

Eli Fountain:  Alto Saxophone on "What's Going On"

Wild Bill Moore:  Tenor Saxophone on "Mercy Mercy Me"

Marvin Gaye:  Piano, Mellotron on "Mercy Mercy Me", Box Drum on "What's Going On"

Johnny Griffith:  Celeste, Additional Keyboards

Earl Van Dyke:  Additional Keyboards

Jack Brokensha:  Vibraphone, Percussion

Joe Messina, Robert White:  Electric Guitars

James Jamerson:  Bass on "What's Going On", "What's Happening Brother", "Flyin' High", "Save The Children", "God Is Love", "Sad Tomorrow"

Bob Babbitt:  Bass on "Mercy Mercy Me","Right On", "Wholy Holy", "Inner Cit Blues"

Chet Forest:  Drums

Jack Ashford:  Tambourine, Percussion

Eddie "Bongo" Brown:  Bongos, Congas

Earl DeRouen". Bongos, Congas on "Right On"

Bobbye Hall:  Bongos on "Inner City Blues"

What's Going On is the eleventh studio album by Marvin Gaye, originally released on May 21, 1971 by Tamla, remastered and reissued on April 1, 2022 by Motown Records.  The album reached No. 1 on US Billboard Top Soul Albums Chart (1971).  50th Anniversary Edition in Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl.

The Temptations

 

Artist:  The Temptations

Origin:  Detroit, Michigan, USA

Genre:  R&B, Soul, Funk, Psychedelic Soul, Pop Soul, Smooth Soul, Early R&B, AM Pop

Original line-up:

Otis Williams:  Vocals

Melvin Franklin:  Vocals

Eddie Kendricks:  Vocals

Paul Williams:  Vocals

Elbridge "Al" Bryant:  Vocals

The Temptations are an American Vocal Group from Detroit, Michigan, formed in 1960 by Otis Williams (Ex Otis Williams & The Distants), Elbridge "Al" Bryant (Ex Otis Williams & The Distants), Melvin Franklin (Ex Otis Williams & The Distants), Eddie Kendricks  (Ex The Primes), and Paul Williams (Ex The Primes).  They released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s.  The group have a number of biggest hits, including "My Girl" (1964), "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" (1966), "I Wish It Would Rain" (1967), "Cloud Nine" (1968),"I Can't Get Next To You" (1969), "Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today" (1970), and many more!.

Title:   Temptations 60 (2022)

Genre:  R&B, Soul, Funk, Psychedelic Soul, Pop Soul, Smooth Soul, Early R&B, AM Pop

Label:  UME

Rating:   *****

Format:  CD

Tracks:

 1.  Let It Reign (2:43)

 2.  When We Were Kings (4:51)

 3.  Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No (4:11)

 4.  Time For The People (5:24)

 5.  Elevator Eyes (4:05)

 6.  My Whole World Stopped Without You (4:04)

 7.  You Don't Know Your Woman (Like I Do) (4:00)

 8.  How Do You Spell Love (4:09)

 9.  Calling Out Your Name (5:33)

10. I Want It Right Now (4:21)

11. Breaking My Back (4:04)

12. Come On (6:12)

Personnel:

Otis Williams:  Vocals

Ron Tyson:  Vocals

Terry Weeks:  Vocals

Willie Green:  Vocals

Tony Grant:  Vocals

Special Guest:  

Smokey Robinson:  Lead Vocals on Track 3

Additional Musicians:

Paulie Philippone:  Piano, Phophet, Clavinet on Track 1

Dan Bishop:  Guitar, Bass on Track 1

John Culbreth:  Trumpet on Track 1

K. Sparks:  Rap on Track 1

Narada Michael Walden:  Drums, Keyboards on Tracks:  2, 11

Justus Dobrin:  Additional Keyboards on Tracks: 2, 11

Jackson Allen:  Guitar on Tracks:  2, 11, Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming, Percussion on Track 11

Larry Graham:  Bass on Track 2

Freddie Washington:  Bass on Track 3

Steve Ferrone:  Drums on Track 3

Maitland Ward:  Guitar on Track 4

Melvin Davis:  Bass on Track 4

Maurice Kitchen:  "Malcolm X" Voiceover on Track 4

Wayne Lindsey:  Guitar Scat, Drums, Keyboards on Track 5

C. Snowden:  Bass on Track 5

J-Rod Sullivan:  Drums on Track 5

Dennis Nelson:  Guitar on Track 7, Drums, Keyboards on Tracks: 7, 8

Robert Turner:  Keyboards on Track 7

Joel Powell:  Bass on Tracks: 7, 8

Jorel "JFly" Flynn:  Drums on Tracks:  7, 8

Darrell Crooks:  Guitar on Tracks:  9, 12

Cecil "CC" Thomas:  Bass on Tracks:  9, 12

Gerald Albright:  Saxophone Solo on Track 9

Nicole Thompson:  Background Vocals on Tracks:  9, 12

Ray Myrie:  Bass on Track 10

Steve Howard:  Guitar on Track 10

Keisha Morgan:  Woman Voiceover on Track 10

Raffia Thomas, Valerie Pinkston:  Background Vocals on Track 12

Temptations 60 is a brand new album by The Temptations, released  on January 28, 2022 by UME, Featuring special guesr Smokey Robinson.