Just found this classic Velvelettes video on UA-cam, I'm 76yrs old now and so lucky to have been young in the best best musical era of the 60's, these girls never got the recognition they deserved.
Perhaps my favourite Motown track ever and that's saying a hell of a lot. I was born in 1953 and feel so lucky to have been around at the birth of some of the greatest music ever made!
Yt boy, born 1955, leave it to beaver world...and the Velvelettes & Ms Gill shot across the horizon. 💜💜💜 Everything I knew changed & I've never been the same.
If I'm not mistaken that's Sandra Tilley on the left who later became the last official Motown Vandella. She always implemented and executed terrific choreography for both groups. R.I.P.
Today some female singers are announced as "modern soul". What they obviously completely lack is SOUL. The soul era will never come back. It is a very sad truth. But we have UA-cam and ... our memories.
Glad I dropped on this. I used the lyrics to wooo my better half over 10 years ago. I was 70 last week and still sing it to her. Totally motivating music. I thought it should have made the northern soul arena.
I adore this song so much...I was luck enough to see The Velvelettes at Wigan Casino, it was packed to the rafters and me and my friend stood on a table for a better view, very exciting night.
I too was there that night. Still chokes me everytime i here this wonderful choon. D'you remember the Motown niter that took the place of a regular oldies niter in (i think) 1980 - this was a standout track for me that night.
@@raygarcia2511 Wigan Casino was an amazing Soul Club, that started an 8 year run of regular all-niters in September, 1973, and continued til Sept. 1981 (officially). The club tragically burnt to the ground the following year, but will always be fondly remembered by tens of thousands of UK soul fans, especially for the live shows such as the Velvelettes, Martha & the Vandellas, Jnr Walker, Edwin Starr, Major Lance to name but a few. For many, the UK Nortern Soul scene will never be the same, although many more all-niters have opened & closed through the years.
Played this song the last couple of days dozens of times.So incredible, the core of Motown full of melancholy. The Velvelettes were virtually unknown in the Netherlands, but i remember that every year there appeared an LP record titled "That's Soul'. On one of these there was a song by this fantastic vocal group.
This video and epic performance encapsulate how we were in the sixties. We, the people by whom and for whom this music was made, how we thought, how we dressed, how we behaved. Music was our lifeblood. I feel pride and loss in equal measures.
I've got to say this, I think the Velvelettes we're as good as the Supremes. I just don't think they were given the air play but their songs were unforgettable...... thankyou for posting xx
they actually beat the supremes in a talent contest, but as we all know gordy was obsessed with ross, so most other artists were put on the back burner so not to overshadow her
@happychappy12 Regardless of who was better than who, at the end of the day, The Supremes sounded completely different from The Marvelettes, The Velvelettes, The Vandellas, Kim, Brenda etc etc. They all had incredible voices but had something similar in their sound. Ross might not have had the strongest voice, but she sounded different so she stood out. Gordy’s obsession was secondary and didn’t happen until Diana proved her voice with F&M was what made so many number 1s, along with the Funk Bros (who were the sound of all Motown records anyway) plus the writings of HDH….not to forget The Andantes. Gordy wasn’t looking for R&B-soul. He wanted pop-soul.
During their time at Motown they were still attending school/college prohibiting them from really devoting their time and so the drive wasn’t the same as the other girl groups; they were pretty much like a part time employee.
This live recording sound quality is comparable to studio depth and tone. The Velvelettes performances never fail to impress me, no matter which line-up they are always star quality. With a different shake of the dice of fortune they'd have achieved super-star status.
@@lenhales7842 Interest, like imitation, is a sincere form of flattery. Thank you Len for being a fan of the Velvelettes. In mine and other fans’ opinions they are a superb and stylish group of singers and entertainers, and I believe Bertha wrote one of their early songs but a Motown exec took the credit. The Velvs proved their eminence the hard way at several talent competitions. They are still proving it at live performances. So lip syncing would be imposed on them by TV, and without it they would still wow with their naturally gifted ear, range, harmony, musicality, vivacity and professionalism.
Jeez, how good does Cal Gill look !! Nobody should have a voice like that & look like she does! I bought this at Gary Laine's 'Spin Inn' shop on Cross St, Manchester in 1973 & it's STILL my favourite Tamla Motown record.
Dave...I also used to buy my singles in Manchester (Ralph's Records) and my favourite Motown track is also by The Velvelettes.......Lonely Lonely Girl Am I.....Cal Gill's voice is to die for! Great times.
THIS has made my day. i am so glad to see footage of the group back in the day. They are a good looking group, and even currently they are phyne! Ms. Cal is absolutely stunning! From teh clips I have seen, she is still just as stunning!
The Velvelettes recorded 2 versions of this song a month apart in 1966 - the mono version released first and then the stereo version which appeared on the UK Motown Chartbusters Volume 6 following re-release of the original song in 1971. Folks were confused at the time.
If you listen to tammy terrell essential album there is a track which I can't remember the title of which is basically this song with yet again another set of lyrics .still a great song mind.
Cal looks like a model, tall, think and long neck with high cheek bones and gorgeous smile. The Velvelettes may have not been the big stars at Motown but seeing them still kicking it today as a group is a far better blessing than being number one stars back in the day.
I am familiar with the Diana Ross version of this Ashford and Simpson track. This Velvelettes version is the original and best. It is simply awesome. Tamla genius.
TDSouledOut1 The song is actually a Johnny Bristol song. The DR version is rumored to be the original 1st release for Diana since the production on her version is similar to Someday We'll Be Together. Someone with more inside info than I may know why the Ashford and Simpson Reach Out and Touch was issued first. The remainder of the album was produced and written by A&S but this tune belongs to Mr. Bristol!
TDSouledOut1 totally agree ; I was brought up with Diana going solo and bought that album aged 11 from washing pots in local cafe ... still treasured; ... but This track just kills me off .. pure soul.. ❤️
The lead singer, Carolyn (actually Caldon, today Cal) is STILL the lead singer and STILL gorgeous and the CURRENT group is the original group! In this appearance the lady on the left is Sandra Tilley, who became an important part of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
This is great. Can't believe I just discovered this. This has to be one of the rarest clips in existence for this underrated group. I have never ever seen a clip of them from their Motown heyday....finding them on tape is literally like finding a needle in a haystack (pardon the pun). You bet I just downloaded this to my computer and also alerted all of the members of my Yahoo music group to come check it out! Thanks again.
this song brings back some good memories ..brought up on northern soul and motown ..every song i hear takes me back to the good times (and there were many !! )
OmG, this is the first time I have ever heard or known of this version (or group performing) this particular song. I was only 7yrs old when I first heard this song, but it was on the 'Doral' album of reach out and touch by Diana Ross. I like this version too❤
Velvelettes were "sorely" overlooked by Motown and should have been big hit makers....Gordy snubbed all his girl groups and focused only on the Supremes. Not a good move! I loved the Supremes, but a lot of talented girl groups were left in the dust!
Through Tamala Motown to years of listening to Northern Soul and anxious to understand the phenomenon, I arrived at this song and this clip. I assume the girls are miming but there is something about the way they move, particularly Cal, that is in perfect harmony with the setting, the arrangement and the perfect lyrics. Cal looks so relaxed and at ease with herself and the song that makes this my all time TM favourite by a country mile. Playing it over and over.
Played the middle out of this song when it was re released in the 70s in the UK on my Motown and Soul Revue nights...had these girls had better management they would have been bigger than The Supremes..great great song..
What a perfect song and what a perfect performance, they will always be stars, their legacy will last forever. I always get a buzz when I hear this song.
This is in my Motown top 10, Cal, Sandra and Annette just look fabulous, the "Motown Junkies" website has great reviews on their singles but hasn't got round to this one yet. It will undoubtably be 10 out of 10
This must be my favourite Velvettes track as it always gives me goosepimples a fundemental class Motown Track brilliant Pat Allen Bankhall Miners Promoter.
My favourite Motown song, and I never thought I would see The Velvelettes sing it. (Lip-synch, I know.) Thank you. You've made a fat priest very happy.
@shmuli9 Thank you. I suspect you are referring to the clip on Motown 40 when they showed a very short clip of the Velvelettes singing He Was Really Saying Something. That was from America Bandstand. Cal doesn't recall being on Hullabaloo....she tells me that there was so much going on, it was hard to keep track!
I thought this was from Robin Seymour's program as someone else here said. Many other Motown acts performed on "Teen Town: and "Swingin' Time." The students on these shows were consistently square. There's one segment with a teacher (from Ecorse, Mich.) who's clapping out of time. There's a charm in all that. When you can hear Led Zeppelin playing in a bank lobby, where's the rock and roll rebellion? Thanks for this video. Robin has a page on Facebook. He's still kicking.
classic mid 60s motown,great to see sandra tilley on video, saw her with martha etc 3 times in 1971 on a uk tour, the last show being at bournemouth winter gdns omg what a show supported by stevie wonder no less lol, she was my all time motown favorite bue not singer, that vote goes to wanda young of the marvellettes .
Just found this classic Velvelettes video on UA-cam, I'm 76yrs old now and so lucky to have been young in the best best musical era of the 60's, these girls never got the recognition they deserved.
Forgotten how much I loved this and you know what still do.
How could ANYONE with an ounce of soul dislike this track ???
My mom in her Motown days. On the right in background.
This is from the show "Swingin' Time."
R.I.P Annette Rogers - McMillan
Jerry Blavat played this song.
Llllllĺ6òĺĺĺ
❤️
Something to be very proud of
Beautiful eyes your Mom
Perhaps my favourite Motown track ever and that's saying a hell of a lot. I was born in 1953 and feel so lucky to have been around at the birth of some of the greatest music ever made!
To Steve amen my friend from William Redding.
I was born in 53 Motown is in your DNA
Yep brilliant track .
The best song to come out of Detroit
You've just said it all.
Totally entrancing this clip. Tamla at its best and performed with such understated elegance. Add to that Cal Gill's breathtaking beauty...
Couldn't agree more.
Yt boy, born 1955, leave it to beaver world...and the Velvelettes & Ms Gill shot across the horizon. 💜💜💜
Everything I knew changed & I've never been the same.
If I'm not mistaken that's Sandra Tilley on the left who later became the last official Motown Vandella. She always implemented and executed terrific choreography for both groups. R.I.P.
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT CLASSIC TUNE
Today some female singers are announced as "modern soul". What they obviously completely lack is SOUL. The soul era will never come back. It is a very sad truth. But we have UA-cam and ... our memories.
Memories and many 45's rpm that I still have after all these years. Rock on.
Indeed!
@@raygarcia2511....Me too Ray and, strangely, they sound even better after listening to some of the modern stuff.
Glad I dropped on this.
I used the lyrics to wooo my better half over 10 years ago.
I was 70 last week and still sing it to her.
Totally motivating music. I thought it should have made the northern soul arena.
Was one of the best voices in music. RIP MAM🙏🙏
I adore this song so much...I was luck enough to see The Velvelettes at Wigan Casino, it was packed to the rafters and me and my friend stood on a table for a better view, very exciting night.
When and where is Wigan Casino.? I would have traveled a hundred miles+++ to see them in person. Thanks, Julie.
Lucky you you were blessed
I too was there that night. Still chokes me everytime i here this wonderful choon. D'you remember the Motown niter that took the place of a regular oldies niter in (i think) 1980 - this was a standout track for me that night.
@@raygarcia2511 Wigan Casino was an amazing Soul Club, that started an 8 year run of regular all-niters in September, 1973, and continued til Sept. 1981 (officially). The club tragically burnt to the ground the following year, but will always be fondly remembered by tens of thousands of UK soul fans, especially for the live shows such as the Velvelettes, Martha & the Vandellas, Jnr Walker, Edwin Starr, Major Lance to name but a few.
For many, the UK Nortern Soul scene will never be the same, although many more all-niters have opened & closed through the years.
@@raygarcia2511 - Type wigaan Casino in Google
I had forgotten this one. I loved it. Fabulous memories 💕
I have just been introduced to the velvelettes and I think they are fantastic great voices proper music 🥰
What a treat for you on hearing this for 1st time. Start looking at nsoul records n u will hear loads of brilliant records.
Love the song and the ladies are so gorgeous and those dresses are so cute !
Fabulous track which has great sentimental memories to me.
One of the very best tracks EVER released; SUPERB
Thanks for the memorie I was so lucky to have lived my youth through this era ❤
been singing this all day so to find it on UA-cam one of my twisted wheel all time great songs
This is definitely the best track that ever came out of Motown and therefore the world!!
Played this song the last couple of days dozens of times.So incredible, the core of Motown full of melancholy. The Velvelettes were virtually unknown in the Netherlands, but i remember that every year there appeared an LP record titled "That's Soul'. On one of these there was a song by this fantastic vocal group.
I love their sound and singing. Thank you UA-cam for re-exposing them to us and the world.
This video and epic performance encapsulate how we were in the sixties. We, the people by whom and for whom this music was made, how we thought, how we dressed, how we behaved. Music was our lifeblood. I feel pride and loss in equal measures.
I've got to say this, I think the Velvelettes we're as good as the Supremes. I just don't think they were given the air play but their songs were unforgettable...... thankyou for posting xx
happychappy12 you’re ded right
Totally agree, Motown best female group, loads of rhythm , brilliant dance tracks.
Loved the B side of this one, ‘since you been loving me’ ,
they actually beat the supremes in a talent contest, but as we all know gordy was obsessed with ross, so most other artists were put on the back burner so not to overshadow her
@happychappy12 Regardless of who was better than who, at the end of the day, The Supremes sounded completely different from The Marvelettes, The Velvelettes, The Vandellas, Kim, Brenda etc etc. They all had incredible voices but had something similar in their sound. Ross might not have had the strongest voice, but she sounded different so she stood out. Gordy’s obsession was secondary and didn’t happen until Diana proved her voice with F&M was what made so many number 1s, along with the Funk Bros (who were the sound of all Motown records anyway) plus the writings of HDH….not to forget The Andantes. Gordy wasn’t looking for R&B-soul. He wanted pop-soul.
During their time at Motown they were still attending school/college prohibiting them from really devoting their time and so the drive wasn’t the same as the other girl groups; they were pretty much like a part time employee.
Caroline Gill was the voice of the Velvellettes , it was never about " selling yourself or personality " her voice was simply beautiful
Love this song. So wonderful to finally see a clip of the girls performing it. Thanks for the upload.
Heart melting today as it was 50 years ago....
This live recording sound quality is comparable to studio depth and tone. The Velvelettes performances never fail to impress me, no matter which line-up they are always star quality. With a different shake of the dice of fortune they'd have achieved super-star status.
This isn’t live vocals.. it’s pre recorded. Lip synching
@@lenhales7842 Interest, like imitation, is a sincere form of flattery. Thank you Len for being a fan of the Velvelettes. In mine and other fans’ opinions they are a superb and stylish group of singers and entertainers, and I believe Bertha wrote one of their early songs but a Motown exec took the credit. The Velvs proved their eminence the hard way at several talent competitions. They are still proving it at live performances. So lip syncing would be imposed on them by TV, and without it they would still wow with their naturally gifted ear, range, harmony, musicality, vivacity and professionalism.
Unbelievably beautiful
Jeez, how good does Cal Gill look !! Nobody should have a voice like that & look like she does! I bought this at Gary Laine's 'Spin Inn' shop on Cross St, Manchester in 1973 & it's STILL my favourite Tamla Motown record.
Great taste, Dave.
Dave...I also used to buy my singles in Manchester (Ralph's Records) and my favourite Motown track is also by The Velvelettes.......Lonely Lonely Girl Am I.....Cal Gill's voice is to die for! Great times.
Priceless - a thing of beauty - every phrase, the whole it makes, magnificent!
THIS has made my day. i am so glad to see footage of the group back in the day. They are a good looking group, and even currently they are phyne! Ms. Cal is absolutely stunning! From teh clips I have seen, she is still just as stunning!
Absolute legends, these ladies are pure gold. Timeless x
Magic song couldn't agree more
The velvelletes a group that deserved more hit records
The Velvelettes recorded 2 versions of this song a month apart in 1966 - the mono version released first and then the stereo version which appeared on the UK Motown Chartbusters Volume 6 following re-release of the original song in 1971. Folks were confused at the time.
Yes you're right.Not only were there 2 versions but they also had different verses and a slightly different tempo......very odd.
If you listen to tammy terrell essential album there is a track which I can't remember the title of which is basically this song with yet again another set of lyrics .still a great song mind.
Cal looks like a model, tall, think and long neck with high cheek bones and gorgeous smile. The Velvelettes may have not been the big stars at Motown but seeing them still kicking it today as a group is a far better blessing than being number one stars back in the day.
All time favorite record from Motown sorry that 3 people give it the thumbs down they must have never been loved not even by their mother sorry B's
You know THAT'S right!
Well said!
I am familiar with the Diana Ross version of this Ashford and Simpson track. This Velvelettes version is the original and best. It is simply awesome. Tamla genius.
I agree with you.
TDSouledOut1 The song is actually a Johnny Bristol song. The DR version is rumored to be the original 1st release for Diana since the production on her version is similar to Someday We'll Be Together. Someone with more inside info than I may know why the Ashford and Simpson Reach Out and Touch was issued first.
The remainder of the album was produced and written by A&S but this tune belongs to Mr. Bristol!
correct
hollidayevery correct a xs could never write this nooo
TDSouledOut1 totally agree ; I was brought up with Diana going solo and bought that album aged 11 from washing pots in local cafe ... still treasured; ... but This track just kills me off .. pure soul.. ❤️
The lead singer, Carolyn (actually Caldon, today Cal) is STILL the lead singer and STILL gorgeous and the CURRENT group is the original group! In this appearance the lady on the left is Sandra Tilley, who became an important part of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
+Wayne Brasler She was married to Richard Street of the Temptations.
Carolyn Gill Street is one of the most soulful and sensual women...Ever
Wayne Brasler she’s beautiful, this is a lovely video
This is great. Can't believe I just discovered this. This has to be one of the rarest clips in existence for this underrated group. I have never ever seen a clip of them from their Motown heyday....finding them on tape is literally like finding a needle in a haystack (pardon the pun). You bet I just downloaded this to my computer and also alerted all of the members of my Yahoo music group to come check it out! Thanks again.
One of the very best! What an era we (some of us) were lucky enough to be part of!
The main singer was beautiful and her voice is beautiful as well🥰
Just fabulous, this song keeps me loving Motown.
Cool clip. Wonderful to see Sandra and Annette too.
Rest in peace to Velvelettes co-founder, Bertha McNeal
this song brings back some good memories ..brought up on northern soul and motown ..every song i hear takes me back to the good times (and there were many !! )
Love that song wish I was 16 again tears in my eyes.
My fave Motown sound ever ... always stops me in my tracks and never fails to make me feel good!
Bought this single in a second hand record shop in Letchworth around 1974 , one of the best motown tracks . Should have been a hit for them .
OmG, this is the first time I have ever heard or known of this version (or group performing) this particular song. I was only 7yrs old when I first heard this song, but it was on the 'Doral' album of reach out and touch by Diana Ross. I like this version too❤
Essence of Motown - beautiful
Love this song my The Velvelettes and love seeing footage of them singing this great song. Thanks for sharing!!
One of the best girl groups ever, lovely ladies, I’ve just watched a short modern documentary on them, they still look great.Salford uk
Velvelettes were "sorely" overlooked by Motown and should have been big hit makers....Gordy snubbed all his girl groups and focused only on the Supremes. Not a good move! I loved the Supremes, but a lot of talented girl groups were left in the dust!
68 Marvelettes are the best girl group of all time. The velvelettes and Martha and vandellas were nothing much better than the supremes
Amazingly when this was released in 1966 it didn't chart in the UK.Became a Northern Soul classic and finally made it in 1971.
Hey, I like it. Thanks for introducing me to it.
What a stunner! The performance, the song and yes, Cal.
Through Tamala Motown to years of listening to Northern Soul and anxious to understand the phenomenon, I arrived at this song and this clip. I assume the girls are miming but there is something about the way they move, particularly Cal, that is in perfect harmony with the setting, the arrangement and the perfect lyrics. Cal looks so relaxed and at ease with herself and the song that makes this my all time TM favourite by a country mile. Playing it over and over.
So it really exists !! For me this is the first ever-to-see clip of The Velvelettes, thanx for posting.
These things will keep loving this song .magic thanks for the post.
Was in the charts just as I started work, amazing days !!
Played the middle out of this song when it was re released in the 70s in the UK on my Motown and Soul Revue nights...had these girls had better management they would have been bigger than The Supremes..great great song..
Love this ,even though it was a motown classic I danced to this at Wigan casino in the 70s
One of Motown's best groups.
And they were on form when they sang this last Friday in London. Superb
What a perfect song and what a perfect performance, they will always be stars, their legacy will last forever. I always get a buzz when I hear this song.
This is in my Motown top 10, Cal, Sandra and Annette just look fabulous, the "Motown Junkies" website has great reviews on their singles but hasn't got round to this one yet. It will undoubtably be 10 out of 10
This must be my favourite Velvettes track as it always gives me goosepimples a fundemental class Motown Track brilliant Pat Allen Bankhall Miners Promoter.
My favourite also could play it all day .
Thanks Aintnobigthing, i love finding treasures like this, pure class!
My favourite Motown song, and I never thought I would see The Velvelettes sing it. (Lip-synch, I know.) Thank you. You've made a fat priest very happy.
@shmuli9
Thank you.
I suspect you are referring to the clip on Motown 40 when they showed a very short clip of the Velvelettes singing He Was Really Saying Something. That was from America Bandstand.
Cal doesn't recall being on Hullabaloo....she tells me that there was so much going on, it was hard to keep track!
This is unbelievable to see. Thank you for sharing it! Best.
Very beautiful and stylish ladies !! Amazing singers as well !!!
Another brilliant tamla Motown northern soul song good to dance to ktf. 🤩😊😎🤗
So very ahead of its time-thank you very much for this.
Absolutely love this Track always ask for it at a Northern or Tamla Night, Fantastic Lyrics!
I thought this was from Robin Seymour's program as someone else here said. Many other Motown acts performed on "Teen Town: and "Swingin' Time." The students on these shows were consistently square. There's one segment with a teacher (from Ecorse, Mich.) who's clapping out of time. There's a charm in all that. When you can hear Led Zeppelin playing in a bank lobby, where's the rock and roll rebellion? Thanks for this video. Robin has a page on Facebook. He's still kicking.
Brilliant
It's fabulous❤
Pure class 👍🏻.
Something you don't get from today's 'artists' all they do to sell music is perform in near nakedness!! 🤔
what a tune- how can you not dance to this
Thank you very, very much....these things will keep me loving soul!!
one of motowns best soul songs always got the girls and mods up dancing still in love with cal gill there lead singer ....
love this keep going cal
Rarely ad to my favorites these days.. :)
beautiful and melodic too, who is this girl, she is so special.
The Velvelettes are to perform at the “MoJo Workin’ R&B and Soul Festival” on March 21, 2015, at the Sala Gazteszena in San Sebastian, Spain.
HEAVENLY VOICES...ON EARTH!!!
An awesome tune play this at Nuneaton all-nighter's fills the dance floor every time great foot tapping song great to dance to
Pure class! You can't beat this! KTF!
fabulous! love dancing to this!
Always played at Motown nights in Heywood, uk
Never seen this clip before. Thanks for sharing it.
Magnifique voix j'adore...!bravo!!
just a great song that was always played early and when you where coming up First class
Best song and performance in the history of the World.
Rare as hen's teeth
WOW!
THANK YOU
Did you steal that line from Joe Tex? Are you still alive, boy?
classic mid 60s motown,great to see sandra tilley on video, saw her with martha etc 3 times in 1971 on a uk tour, the last show being at bournemouth winter gdns omg what a show supported by stevie wonder no less lol, she was my all time motown favorite bue not singer, that vote goes to wanda young of the marvellettes .
@owsh123 Yes this is from "Swingin' Time" but it was not from Detroit, but Windsor, Ontario CANADA broadcast on CKLW Channel 9 back in the day!
I wish Motown had promoted the Velvelettes more. "Cal" Carolyn Gill is a super voice and the group
was, and still is, great.