Hitsville USA! The Birth Of Tamla Motown

[theboyfromxtown]

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HItsville USA! - The book

[theboyfromxtown]

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HItsville USA! - The book

[theboyfromxtown]

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[westgrandboulevard]

My goodness, some of those photos take me back...and some I have never seen.

Looks like Christmas is coming early this year.....;)

[theboyfromxtown]

Will you be in any Roger?

[robb_k]

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Looks great! An essential for any serious Motown fan.

[wedgeville]

It's exciting news John - it'd be great if we could get a good turn out.

I need to make plans for this event, but will certainly be going to the Belper, Derbyshire Extravaganza.

If anybody is interested, here are the details about the exhibition:-

It's on from 3rd to 22nd December - Wednesdays to Saturdays only - from 12 noon to 6 pm.
The venue is: The Horse Hospital, Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HX

The exhibition consists of "unseen photos of the now big names of Motown playing and meeting fans in British pubs and small unlikely venues well before they became famous. The photos feature alongside a whole host of supporting ephemera.

"The exhibition will also see the launch of Keith Rylatt's extraordinary book HITSVILLE which chronicles the entire story from Stevie Wonder's fleeting visit in 1963 through to the Four Tops' sell-out show at London's Saville Theatre in 1966".

The venue is slightly to the east of Russell Square, so easily reached from Russell Square tube station and within walking distance of Euston Station and King's Cross & St Pancras Stations.

Wayne

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735972560001093/

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[woodward]

I have several comments regarding this. First and foremost, in case everyone is unaware, the author Keith Rylatt wrote the excellent book Groovesville USA in 2010.

1. I prefer a hardbound book. Any possibility of any being available?

2. How and when will this be available for purchase in the USA or will it be delayed by 6 months as the Motown: The Sound of Young America was? It was released early this year in the UK and only in September here in the USA.

Hopefully someone can answer these questions. Thank you.

[phil]

Woodward, here it is -but not before November, 1st : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitsville-Birth-Tamla-Motown-Rylatt/dp/1526205351/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1476542800&sr=1-5&keywords=keith+rylatt

But no hardback, alas.

[motownjohnny]

The publicity info at post #4 gives the availability date as 24 November. However, on the Amazon U.K. website it's listed as being published on 1 November, but disappointingly not yet available for pre-order. Ditto Amazon.com.

[marv2]

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Picture 3

That's interesting. I thought of Lawrence Payton just yesterday. He was so funny. He could have been a comedian.

[theboyfromxtown]

Launch party today.

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[theboyfromxtown]

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Martha & the Vandellas

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Kim Weston

[snakepit]

not available via Amazon UK ??

[theboyfromxtown]

Not yet Larry

Maybe direct from the publishers

[theboyfromxtown]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitsville-Birth-Tamla-Motown-Rylatt/dp/1526205351/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478976775&sr=1-1&keywords=hitsville+north+of+tamla+motown

[snakepit]

Thanks TBFXT

Definitely want this, might have to be a Christmas present to myself.
I'm sure I'm correct that you are much too young to have been around this scene in 1965? ;)

[theboyfromxtown]

You're right. I was far too young to attend any of the concerts or the get togethers. I had to confine my support to the TV and the radio

[snakepit]

I was behind the door I'm afraid.....didn't know about "Tamla Motown" until 1967.....summer holidays, swimming baths in the morning, and Monopoly sessions in the afternoon, to a backdrop of TM, Atlantic, Stax 45s...what few my friend had at the time.

[wedgeville]

Fantastic day, and well worth a visit. The collection of photos were amazing. The book is great, and so well put together. Do try and visit the exhibition whilst it's in London.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735972560001093/

Wayne

[wedgeville]

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735972560001093/

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735972560001093/

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735972560001093/

[theboyfromxtown]

There are some fascinating photos there and this is a MUST buy...an absolute must. A limited print run too.....so we might have to buy 2

At this time, the book might be available in limited copies in a record shop in Detroit and in Chicago......but that's all.

[theboyfromxtown]

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Marvelettes - superb

[theboyfromxtown]

https://a-nickel-and-a-nail.myshopify.com/products/hitsville-the-birth-of-tamla-motown-keith-rylatt

[theboyfromxtown]

Limited print run!

[theboyfromxtown]

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Another photo

[snakepit]

Being a tobacconist in West Grand Boulevard must have been a good business to have...every Motown employee seem to smoke.
Sign of the times.

[theboyfromxtown]

I don't think I've ever seen BG smoking......

[reese]

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Another photo

This is actually Doris Troy, not Georgeanna Tillman.

[theboyfromxtown]

I agree Reese. I was told there was a photo of Georgeanna but when I saw it, I instantly queried it and suggested that it was Doris.

Still waiting for a response to that suggestion.

[snakepit]

I don't think I've ever seen BG smoking......
I think I've seen him with a cigar...
And of course his sisters had a concession.
Cheap rates for Hitsville staff?

[johnny_raven]

I went to the publisher's website. They don't ship to the US. :[[

[theboyfromxtown]

JR


Check out these 2 places. It is expected that they will take some copies.

Book Beat in Oak Park [[Detroit) and Dusty Groove in Chicago

[johnny_raven]

Oh, Dusty Groove! Why do I keep forgetting about them?

Thanks TBFXT!!!

[theboyfromxtown]

JR

Update....I have been told by a couple of US fans who have contacted those sources that it is not going to work. Sorry about that but that is what Keith Rylatt told me.

I am going to their 2nd launch party on 2 December because it is right near to where I live in London - I will ask them then. Meanwhile, I discovered that Modus is on Facebook so that might be a good place to keep checking. I am sure if they have sufficient numbers asking about the book, , they will review their intentions. I've already posted the question but I can't see my post on there at this present time.

No news on Amazon as yet and it is not helping that Amazon is getting a lot of bad publicity at the moment....from avoiding paying tax in the UK to making their delivery drivers work excessive hours in order to make a living.

I hope this response helps others that emailed me privately.


https://www.facebook.com/Modus-The-House-of-Soul-1060821303928534/

[johnny_raven]

Thanks, it does. I try to go through other sources other than Amazon if I can.

[theboyfromxtown]

If you know any flight crew that go to London...that could be a possibility. I could get it and take it to them if they stay in London

[johnny_raven]

I'll start hanging out at LAX then :)

[booty]

Yay! Mine arrived today. Keith has done an absolutely fantastic job with this book. The photos are amazing, press cuttings included that I haven't seen before. There is so much to take in, so I started by checking the photos and came across a day-by-day account of the 1965 Tamla Motown tour of the UK. A truly enthralling read that was made all the better by extracts from one of the fans diary pages. This is most definitely a MUST-HAVE addition.

Oh, and delivery from the publisher was just one day!

[snakepit]

Can I buy this without PayPal, haven't got it, don't want it.
Is there no credit card option at all?
Thanks

[theboyfromxtown]

Snakepit

Try calling the publishers Modus

http://www.house-of-soul.co.uk/store/

[snakepit]

Thanks TBFCT
I'm waiting for a reply from the previous link, but will use that option if need be

[theboyfromxtown]

I'm going to find out how much it weighs in a jiffy bag and then see how much it will costs to mail to the USA.

So to those people that have asked me........hold fire.

[motownjohnny]

I'm going to find out how much it weighs in a jiffy bag and then see how much it will costs to mail to the USA.

So to those people that have asked me........hold fire.

Do you know if there will there be any customs import charges payable before delivery?

[theboyfromxtown]

Do you know if there will there be any customs import charges payable before delivery?

Outside the UK I would have no idea.

When I imported books from America, I didn't have to pay customs. When I imported CD's from Japan, I did pay duties.

You should be able to check with your company's tax authorities.

[144man]

Will I be able to buy a copy at 2nd December event?

[wedgeville]

Yes, the book will be for sale, just as it was last week at Belper, Derbyshire...

Wayne

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1735972560001093/?ref=bookmarks

[theboyfromxtown]

Here is some good news for you folks in America.

2 of my US friends have ordered a copy from Modus direct. Here are details from an email

Sender: modusarchive@yahoo.co.uk

Email written by: FRAZER

Thank you very much for your email. If it's a single book that you are looking to purchase, the cost will be £24.95 GBP, plus either economy shipping at £8.95 or tracked and signed for at £15.95. both via Royal Mail.

Since our website appears to be having some problems processing orders from overseas customers at present, in the interest of simplicity I could send a Paypal invoice to cover the cost of purchase and your chosen delivery option, if you could let me know your preference.

[snakepit]

Modus have agreed to accept a cheque for this book, £28.90 in the UK

[johnny_raven]

Fantastic! Thank you, John!!!

[johnny_raven]

I just emailed Modus. They responded very quickly and told me that their glitch in the website is now fixed. International orders are up and running. I ordered 2 copies!

[theboyfromxtown]

I am glad you got there in the end John! Those who already have it are really pleased with the contents.

I am so pleased for the author Keith. He has put together a couple of books in the past but I think this one is doing well for him. I sincerely hope so because I know he works real hard and with the same enthusiasm he had when he started.

[theboyfromxtown]

I got a copy of it today....it's FABULOUS

It reminds me of the old days when we used to rely on snippets of information and a photograph here and there. It's all put together in a thick paperbook.

I love it.

The guys that I know who ordered it will surely love it too.

[theboyfromxtown]

I have got my doubts about the picture of "Doris Troy". In that photo, it does look like Doris Troy but I have now seen a direct facial shot which makes me doubt Doris. I can't post this facial shot.

[theboyfromxtown]

Come on...now who has the book.

I KNOW who has the book.....lololol

[johnny_raven]

Mine came a few minutes ago! Just skimmed through it so far.

[theboyfromxtown]

Well that didn't take long did it! Are you pleased? There is a lot in there

[johnny_raven]

I'm pleased so far. I might not get to it all until Friday. Too much cooking, eating, drinking and sleeping tomorrow! :)

[snakepit]

I am glad you got there in the end John! Those who already have it are really pleased with the contents.

I am so pleased for the author Keith. He has put together a couple of books in the past but I think this one is doing well for him. I sincerely hope so because I know he works real hard and with the same enthusiasm he had when he started.

I'd like to buy Groovesville but at £126 on Amazon I'm afraid that won't happen😤

[theboyfromxtown]

I'd like to buy Groovesville but at £126 on Amazon I'm afraid that won't happen��

Can't you ask Keith direct....on Facebook for example

[snakepit]

Good news..Modus have copies of Groovesville and £30 [[inc p&p) will get you a copy.
Received Hitsville this morning, and it's wonderful to see all this memorabilia.


Looking at these early advertisements and promotional , features etc brings back fond memories. When I was in the Boys Brigade, we collected old newspapers to trade in for cash to raise funds...tons of the stuff. I used to extract all the music papers and clip out the Tamla Motown ads and stick into scrapbooks...many of these articles were fairly old ad people hung on to their old papers. But this was about 1968 and did not cover the period in the Hitsville book. So it's great to see the early days...

Don't forget, Modus will accept cheques...don't delay...

[theboyfromxtown]

Great news Snakepit.

[Stuart Russell]

Hello all, I designed the Hitsville book and worked with Keith on putting it together.

Out of interest, I agree that the picture may be Doris Troy. On Google, there are pictures of Doris taken in the UK in 1965 by a photographer called Chris Walters. Doris certainly looks like the lady sitting on Dave's bed.

At the time of the Marvelettes' visit, Doris appeared at the Flamingo supporting Geno Washington and performed on BBC's radio shows Saturday Club and Top Gear, so she was certainly in the capital.

We came to the conclusion it was Georgeanna because of the sequence of the original negatives.

Anyway, hope it hasn't spoiled the book too much!

[theboyfromxtown]

Hello all, I designed the Hitsville book and worked with Keith on putting it together.

Out of interest, I agree that the picture may be Doris Troy. On Google, there are pictures of Doris taken in the UK in 1965 by a photographer called Chris Walters. Doris certainly looks like the lady sitting on Dave's bed.

At the time of the Marvelettes' visit, Doris appeared at the Flamingo supporting Geno Washington and performed on BBC's radio shows Saturday Club and Top Gear, so she was certainly in the capital.

We came to the conclusion it was Georgeanna because of the sequence of the original negatives.

Anyway, hope it hasn't spoiled the book too much!

It got people talking about it.....that's gotta be a good thing!

[Stuart Russell]

It got people talking about it.....that's gotta be a good thing!

...and we might even prove that it is Georgeanna!

[Stuart Russell]

David Bell who sent us a Mary Wells Fan Club membership card for inclusion in the book has sent the picture to Gladys Horton who is 99% sure the lady in question is Georgeanna. Gladys is going to check with somebody else who knew Georgeanna well to confirm.

[sansradio]

David Bell who sent us a Mary Wells Fan Club membership card for inclusion in the book has sent the picture to Gladys Horton who is 99% sure the lady in question is Georgeanna. Gladys is going to check with somebody else who knew Georgeanna well to confirm.

With all due respect, isn't Ms. Horton deceased?

[reese]

I still believe it is indeed Doris Troy [[and not Georgeanna Tillman) in that photo. From most things I've read and seen, the Marvelettes were a trio by the time of their first trip overseas. I've never seen any photos suggesting Georgeanna might have come along on that trip. However that doesn't mean she didn't. That said, perhaps someone could get in touch with Katherine Schaffner, who could confirm.

[theboyfromxtown]

David Bell who sent us a Mary Wells Fan Club membership card for inclusion in the book has sent the picture to Gladys Horton who is 99% sure the lady in question is Georgeanna. Gladys is going to check with somebody else who knew Georgeanna well to confirm.

David has asked me to point out that it was Annette of the Vandellas who he contacted.......he doesn't have a direct line to heaven ......well not yet!

[motown_david]

Thank you, John, for helping me out with that mistaken name. I've at last remembered my password and so can post again after a long while of silence!

[Stuart Russell]

Apologies for the Gladys Horton error. I got the story second hand and should have checked/thought before I posted.