Mike James Kirkland

Mike James Kirkland grew up in Yazoo, Mississippi, singing doo-wop and gospel. Kirkland then settled in California where his brother Robert bet some friends at a party that he and his brother could compose and release a record just as good as the records released on the Motown record label. The bet only allowed until Christmas for the record to be released. With in a couple of months the two brothers formed Mike and the Censations and released “Victim Of Circumstance” on the Bryan label owned by Robert Kirkland.

“Victim Of Circumstance” reached the top 50 of the R&B charts, which led to the release of  “Nothing I Can Do About it” and many others.

The censations band members consisted of many noted musicians such as Lee miles (Ike and Tina Turner), Al McKay (Earth Wind and Fire), James Gadson (Watts 103^rd Street Rhythm Band and Bill Withers) and Ray Jackson (Watts 103^rd Street Rhythm Band).
In 1972 Mike James Kirkland released his solo album titled “Hang On In There” and “ Got To Do It Right”  in 1973.

Mike James Kirkland later pressured to change his name to Bo Kirkland, to avoid being confused with Michael Jackson. The first single release under Bo Kirkland, “Grandfather Clock reached that reached #80 on the R&B charts in 1975. Then Joined with Ruth Davis (of the Ikettes) and the release of the classic “You’re gonna get next to me” in 1976.

 More about Mike James Kirkland and complete discography can be found at http:Soul-side.com
There is also a very interesting interview with Mike James Kirkland.

Barbara Lynn

 Barbara Lynn

Barbara Lynn was born in Beaumont, Texas, on July 16, 1942. Barbara Lynn played the piano as a child. After being inspired by Elvis Presley Lynn convinced her parents to buy her a guitar. She then formed her own band, Bobbie Lynn and the Idols. Lynn’s band performed at parties and local clubs and even won a few talent shows. After attending a show singer Joe Barry recommended Barbara Lynn to his friend Huey P. Meaux the Crazy Cajun.

Huey P. Meaux brought Lynn to New Orleans to record at the Cosimo’s studio, where she cut singles for the Jamie label. In 1962 Lynn wrote and recorded “You’ll Lose A Good Thing” that became a national hit reaching number one on the R&B charts. 

Her first album of the same name was also released that same year. Barbara Lynn continued to record for Jamie Records through 1965, recording “You’re Gonna Need Me” and “Oh Baby (We Got A Good Thing Going)”.

In 1966 Lynn switched to Meaux’s Tribe Label where she recorded “You Left The Water Running” and “I’m A Good Women”, which became a Northern Soul classic.

In 1967 Barbara Lynn signed with Atlantic and released “This Is The Thanks I Get” and "Take Your Love And Run" two more Northern Soul Classics. In 1972, Lynn released “(Until Then) I’ll Suffer” her last hit for Atlantic, which was yet another Northern Soul Classic.

Barbara Lynn returned to her musical career in the 80’s and released a live album titled “You Don’t Have To Go” In 2000 she recorded “Hot Night Tonight” that feature her son Bachelor Wise.

The Drew-Vels

The Drew-Vels
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The Drew-vels was a girl group during the sixties. The members were Erma Drew, Patti Drew, Lorraine “Micki” Drew, Carlton Black, and sometimes Cynthia Drew, a younger sister. The group was from Evanston, Illinois. Carlton Black who was married to Erma Drew wrote most of the songs. Peter Wright signed the Drew-vels to Carone Productions and produced and managed the group. Wright then signed an agreement with Capital Records. The Drew-vels found success with their first release “Tell Him” b/w “Just Because”, written by Patti Drew, released in 1963. 

This hit was followed by a second two-sided hit record, “It’s My Time” b/w  “Everybody Knows”, released in 1964. 

The last single released by Capital Records was “Creepin’ “ b/w “I’ve Known”, released in 1964. 

Peter Wright then signed his Quill Label and released “Come Out Dancing” and “Chilly Kisses” in 1965. Wright then persuaded Patti Drew to pursue a solo career. Carlton Black moved on as a member of the Duvals, which later became the Naturals. Patti Drew renewed success at Capital Records with a remake of “ Tell Him” b/w “Working On A Groovy Thing”. 

Many great great songs followed until Wright ended Patti Drew’s career and moved Drew back to Evanston, Illinois.