Column

Back in the day - April/May 1982 (Issue 354)

Knew this was a great issue because the subject of my interview graced the magazine’s front cover - Third World! The group’s new album “You’ve Got The Power” and new single “Try Jah Love” had just been issued, so I chatted to Third Worlder Stephen “Cat” Coore. Stevie Wonder wrote and produced two tracks, the single included. So Cat and I took it from there…..

Talking of Mr Wonder, he announced to the world that his double album set “Original Musiquarium 1”, a collection featuring the pick of his post-1972 titles, and a trio of new recordings, had hit some technical problem or other, resulting in a further hitch in release schedules. In the same news item, and on the upside, Motown International announced it had acquired the rights to Bobby Womack’s US chart-topping album “The Poet”. Originally released in the US and Canada on Beverly Glen Records, the album was to be rush released in the UK…..

To coincide with the release of “Street Opera”, Ashford & Simpson were to make debut appearances in London with two concerts at the Dominion Theatre (remember them so well – absolutely magical!). The lifted single “Street Corner” had just been issued…..Teddy Pendergrass, who recently broke his neck when his car crashed into a tree, remained seriously injured but in a stable condition, following surgery at Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Although completely paralysed in the lower part of his body, Teddy had functional use and sensation in his shoulders and elbows and was said to be in good spirits….Ben E King and another former lead singer, Bill Fredericks, rejoined The Drifters, and would be with the group when they toured the UK in May and June… Top British Soul Single was Imagination’s “Just An Illusion”, followed by Shakatak’s “Night Birds” and Shalamar’s “I Can Make You Feel Good”. While the Top British Soul Album was Imagination’s “Body Talk”, with the Four Tops’ “Best Of…” and Kool & The Gang’s “Something Special” following...

As a result of her stunning performance in the LA production of “Sophisticated Ladies”, Dee Dee Bridgewater was once again being wooed by several record companies after an absence of two years …..Diana Ross acquired the rights to The Josephine Baker Story and planned to star in the movie of the same name, as well as producing it. Shooting due to start at the end of the year…..a full page advertised the Blues & Soul Awards Night at Le Beat Route on Monday, 19 April. Loads of guests were expected (as usual) with Chris Hill and Graham Canter the evening’s hosts. Tickets were £3.50 in advance, and all drinks were 50p. (Don’t remember much about the evening, but I wasn’t the only one I can assure you!)……

Junior Giscombe was taking America by absolute storm with his “Mama Used To Say” which sat at number two in the Billboard 100. Stevie Wonder was number one! Junior’s debut album was due……the magazine’s middle pages were devoted to John Abbey’s terrific interview with soul legend Curtis Mayfield, talking about, among other things, his current album “Love Is The Place”.

…..Norman Whitfield was being sued by Warner Bros for loans allegedly made to him by them for the building of a new recording studio…..As from May, records would cost an extra 5% - approximately 10p per single, and 30p per album. Although the increases only applied to EMI/Arista and Chrysalis, it was expected other companies would follow suit…

Lionel Richie was engrossed in recording a solo album, while also writing for Kenny Rogers… It was also the aftermath of Caister, so several pages were devoted to the long weekender. However, what caught everyones’ eyes was the young lady pictured in various states of undress until she held her knickers in her hand to hide her modesty and little else …… Mmm, best leave it there methinks.

Til next time

SHARON DAVIS