The Supremes - Early Morning Love.

[mysterysinger]

Hi Scherrie, how long have you been Freda's sister? Two years less than she's been mine lol.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_laLq8u6O1c

[Bluebrock]

Hi Scherrie, how long have you been Freda's sister? Two years less than she's been mine lol.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_laLq8u6O1c
,Loved this line up but as we have said previously this would have been much better had Scherrie handled the lead vocals. Loved the album from whence this came though.

[marv2]

I think Mary did a great job with this song. I only wished they had let her ad-lib a little on it.

[detmotownguy]

I think Mary did a great job with this song. I only wished they had let her ad-lib a little on it.

She did great job!

[Roberta75]

,Loved this line up but as we have said previously this would have been much better had Scherrie handled the lead vocals. Loved the album from whence this came though.

I completely agree and i have to say those pants suits are not flattering imo. Sherrie is such a lovely lovely lady. The questions from the audience was great.

[marv2]

She did great job!

As she usually does. As the saying goes....no Mary Wilson, no Supremes!

[BayouMotownMan]

I can't agree with that assessment unfortunately, I feel Mary's breathy, smokey vocal doesn't fit this funky track at all. Could have been a big hit if Scherrie had recorded it the way it was originally planned.

Mary was in her element on Don't Let My TEardrops Bother You.

[franjoy56]

While i certsinly like marys version been playing it f years i wish we coild jsve hesrd scherries version on a demo ftom t let yourself go box set

[marv2]

While i certsinly like marys version been playing it f years i wish we coild jsve hesrd scherries version on a demo ftom t let yourself go box set

Fran, I might move to Brooklyn.

[captainjames]

Mary did not feel that she owned that song it was more like the song owned her. It was not a good song for her voice. If you want Early Morning Love make me feel it.




I can't agree with that assessment unfortunately, I feel Mary's breathy, smokey vocal doesn't fit this funky track at all. Could have been a big hit if Scherrie had recorded it the way it was originally planned.

Mary was in her element on Don't Let My TEardrops Bother You.

[Thornton]

I was talking about this performance in another thread the other day. The '75 Soul Train performance was my visual introduction to MSC, and the one that solidified them as my favorite lineup. I loved the questions, and especially Scherrie's answer.

I never thought of anyone but Mary singing "Early Morning Love", but I agree Scherrie would have done a wonderful lead.

Despite all the internal drama with the group, it does seem like folks were genuinely excited about the return of The Supremes. Very sad that Cindy left just a few months later.

[daviddh]

loved Supremes 75 album . but not this song. I did hear a different mix of this song that I liked better. I would have preferred one of the out takes over .

[BayouMotownMan]

The only excitement about the return of The Supremes was from hardcore fans like myself and the gay disco clubs. Mainstream America was pidgeon-holing the group as not worthy without Ross who had risen to superstar status.

There was virtually no airplay of this lp or the two singles. Cindy may have indeed taken the burden of this failure on her shoulders, with many feeling she was too old and too heavy. This grouping had a nice sound but they couldn't compare to LaBelle or the Three Degrees. Motown just put the lp out to silence Mary. And it did. For a brief period.

[luke]

I agree David. Mary performs it well but it's not a song I like. I love the other version of Sha la la bandit when they all sang a verse. Could have been an out of left field hit. He's My Man got a lot of play and was a dance hit and should ha e broken pop. It has that Motown sound and excitement. The Soul Trainers loved it!

[marv2]

I agree David. Mary performs it well but it's not a song I like. I love the other version of Sha la la bandit when they all sang a verse. Could have been an out of left field hit. He's My Man got a lot of play and was a dance hit and should ha e broken pop. It has that Motown sound and excitement. The Soul Trainers loved it!

"He's My Man" went to number one on the Dance Charts I believe.

[marv2]

The only excitement about the return of The Supremes was from hardcore fans like myself and the gay disco clubs. Mainstream America was pidgeon-holing the group as not worthy without Ross who had risen to superstar status.

There was virtually no airplay of this lp or the two singles. Cindy may have indeed taken the burden of this failure on her shoulders, with many feeling she was too old and too heavy. This grouping had a nice sound but they couldn't compare to LaBelle or the Three Degrees. Motown just put the lp out to silence Mary. And it did. For a brief period.

None of that made much sense [[not what you are saying,but what "mainstream America may have thought and what Motown was doing), because they all could still sing great and they were a very attractive group visually. I never compare the Three Degrees because they only had one major hit in the U.S. LaBelle was no longer a traditional female group. Still the Supremes had more Top 40 hits in the 70s than any other female group recording during that decade.

[luke]

Very true and they continued to be all over television...Soul Train,Mike Douglas, Merv, Dinah...no other female group except maybe LaBelle [[from 1974-75) had such a high profile. They just needed a smash.

[luke]

It doesn't get much hotter than this!https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GDaTEG_138g

[marv2]

Very true and they continued to be all over television...Soul Train,Mike Douglas, Merv, Dinah...no other female group except maybe LaBelle [[from 1974-75) had such a high profile. They just needed a smash.

They were on television a lot because they were the most well known. Remember they were the biggest group in American history. Their performance abilities had not diminished, in fact they appeared more energetic on stage than in the sixties.

[luke]

Exactly . Just look at video above. They were never better.

[marv2]

Exactly . Just look at video above. They were never better.

Better than they were with Diana Ross all in the way! hehehehehehe........

[captainjames]

I can see the focus was more on Scherrie as the questions were more directed to her. The magic and dream was gone but they did look good. Scherrie could have given The Honey Cone a run for their money but they were just about done at this time and Labelle was HOT !!!!
I was glad to see Cindy answered a couple of questions as well.

[marv2]

I can see the focus was more on Scherrie as the questions were more directed to her. The magic and dream was gone but they did look good. Scherrie could have given The Honey Cone a run for their money but they were just about done at this time and Labelle was HOT !!!!
I was glad to see Cindy answered a couple of questions as well.

Scherrie was the new member on that show, they wanted to get to know her. Mary was being modest, the Supremes was her group by that point. Did you noticed she introduced herself as "Mary Wilson-Ferrer"? Of course you did......

[Bluebrock]

Better than they were with Diana Ross all in the way! hehehehehehe........
And with a very similar rate of success!! hehehehehe..........

[marv2]

And with a very similar rate of success!! hehehehehe..........


I enjoyed them a lot more without her hogging up the screen and the mic. The group would have died had she not left. I understand they did felt that way as well.

[Roberta75]

I enjoyed them a lot more without her hogging up the screen and the mic. The group would have died had she not left. I understand they did felt that way as well.

But Diane Ross gives you so much daily pleasure I maen to post about her every single day.

[TomatoTom123]

I enjoyed them a lot more without her hogging up the screen and the mic. The group would have died had she not left. I understand they did felt that way as well.

"hogging up the screen and mic"
Hehehe, LOL :)
Marv, do you like any Supremes songs with Diana on lead?

[luke]

People rarely point out that after Flo left they began to slide. And with HDH gone. They needed to change. Their new energy with Scherrie , and Mary taking over.. just look at her charisma and beautyand talent on He's My Man. Made for a great change, as well as the return of Cindy.

[marv2]

"hogging up the screen and mic"
Hehehe, LOL :)
Marv, do you like any Supremes songs with Diana on lead?

I loved "Come See About Me" and several others.

[TomatoTom123]

I loved "Come See About Me" and several others.

Nice. My fave is probably "You Keep Me Hangin' On", and then "You Cant Hurry Love". But I love "Stoned Love" just as much. "Bad Weather" is up there too. It's all gooood!!!

[marv2]

People rarely point out that after Flo left they began to slide. And with HDH gone. They needed to change. Their new energy with Scherrie , and Mary taking over.. just look at her charisma and beautyand talent on He's My Man. Made for a great change, as well as the return of Cindy.

All three of them seemed happy on stage for a change. All three of them even had the freedom and opportunity to talk. They were not allowed to do that when Ross was in the group. Scherrie is a Soul singer with a much stronger voice than Diana Ross. Mary Wilson has that smooth sexy alto that fits nicely in pop, soul, jazz, rock and ballads. All three of them were beautiful and pleasure to watch which was not always the case when Diane was in the group.

[marv2]

Nice. My fave is probably "You Keep Me Hangin' On", and then "You Cant Hurry Love". But I love "Stoned Love" just as much. "Bad Weather" is up there too. It's all gooood!!!

But I liked the Supremes infinitely better without Diana Ross. I liked it when their sound matured and they stopped releasing bubble gum type music.

[TomatoTom123]

But I liked the Supremes infinitely better without Diana Ross. I liked it when their sound matured and they stopped releasing bubble gum type music.

Yea. I'm not the biggest fan of Diana's voice but I do love "Baby Love" and "Where Did Our Love Go". What about "Love Child" and "Forever Came Today" though - I wouldn't say they were bubblegummy?

[Bluebrock]

Nice. My fave is probably "You Keep Me Hangin' On", and then "You Cant Hurry Love". But I love "Stoned Love" just as much. "Bad Weather" is up there too. It's all gooood!!!
All line ups of the Supremes made some great songs with varying degrees of success. Your choices are amongst my favourites too.

[marv2]

Yea. I'm not the biggest fan of Diana's voice but I do love "Baby Love" and "Where Did Our Love Go". What about "Love Child" and "Forever Came Today" though - I wouldn't say they were bubblegummy?

Yeah but I was like a young kid and those songs were played on the radio all the time. They appealed to children and teenagers, the sound. Some didn't like it, but I liked the fact that they used various producers on the Supremes 1975 album. It keep things interesting in my opinion.

[mysterysinger]

I think Touch is a massive track.

[marv2]

I think Touch is a massive track.

It was a very sexy song. It was mature, soulful and something you would not expect coming from the Supremes.

[detmotownguy]

They were on television a lot because they were the most well known. Remember they were the biggest group in American history. Their performance abilities had not diminished, in fact they appeared more energetic on stage than in the sixties.

WJR in Detroit played the 75Album and specifically mentioned Mary Wilson as lead singer on You Turn Me Around. I just realized that the album charted at 25 on the R&B chart.

[marv2]

WJR in Detroit played the 75Album and specifically mentioned Mary Wilson as lead singer on You Turn Me Around. I just realized that the album charted at 25 on the R&B chart.
Yes, I do remember WJR playing "You Turn Me Around". I remember WOHO in Toledo playing it too. WKLR played "He's My Man" a few times and after Florence passed they played "Where Do I Go From Here" as part of a musical tribute to her.

[marv2]

From the "Sammy & Company Show" aired in January 1976:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSEUvGGCw0I

[luke]

Touch is one of my top 5 Supremes tracks of all time !

[marv2]

Touch is one of my top 5 Supremes tracks of all time !

You have great taste! From the dramatic intro to first hearing Mary sing "Darling just relax, you melt me like hot candle wax" . I am imaging my Dad looking at me like "What do you know about that?" LOL!

[luke]

Lol! Thanks!

[captainjames]

There will never be another group like DMF or DMC with Diana as lead. Even Mary would not do a reunion with the 70's girls. I loved and followed all the girls but honestly the girls kept looking for a lead singer to give them a Supreme image again and Mary was not it.

As Mary says she is not the lead singer and she knew she would not be able to carry that torch. Scherrie was hired for her pipes and Early Morning Love was a song suited better for Scherrie. I usually moved pass it on that album.

[marv2]

There will never be another group like DMF or DMC with Diana as lead. Even Mary would not do a reunion with the 70's girls. I loved and followed all the girls but honestly the girls kept looking for a lead singer to give them a Supreme image again and Mary was not it.

As Mary says she is not the lead singer and she knew she would not be able to carry that torch. Scherrie was hired for her pipes and Early Morning Love was a song suited better for Scherrie. I usually moved pass it on that album.

Well this ain't about DMF, DMC or Run DMC! This is about Mary Wilson, Cindy Birdsong and Scherrie and their recording of "Early Morning Love" . The producers felt Mary was best for the lead on this song, so what you are suggesting is just wishful thinking that is about 40 years too late.

It doesn't matter whether you like it or not or concede that Mary Wilson was one of the Supremes lead singers. [[I believe more leads in total than Scherrie Payne.) She is an excellent singer and doing more business today than any former Supreme or most female singers that started out in the early 60s.

I have to give Mary Wilson her props because I am honest.

[gba]

She is just beyond awesome in this recording [[Touch) - when I saw her several years ago here I was hoping that she would sing this. She definitely needs to include it in her act - the crowd would go crazy

[detmotownguy]

She is just beyond awesome in this recording [[Touch) - when I saw her several years ago here I was hoping that she would sing this. She definitely needs to include it in her act - the crowd would go crazy

I have seen Mary perform Nathan! Owie! I bet Touch would be fantastic.

[jobeterob]

The change by the time of Touch was to all flops

[captainjames]

you wrote : Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
But I liked the Supremes infinitely better without Diana Ross. I liked it when their sound matured and they stopped releasing bubble gum type music.

and I will quote you: Its not about Diana Ross ----
Please practice what you say.

[captainjames]

I agree Rob ....


The change by the time of Touch was to all flops

[marv2]

I have seen Mary perform Nathan! Owie! I bet Touch would be fantastic.

Her voice is still in great shape. She could sing "Touch" like a sexy lullaby right this minute! LOL!

[marv2]

The change by the time of Touch was to all flops

Nope right after "Touch" the next single was "Floy Joy" a #16 Pop and a # 5 R&B hit!

[marv2]

you wrote : Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
But I liked the Supremes infinitely better without Diana Ross. I liked it when their sound matured and they stopped releasing bubble gum type music.

and I will quote you: Its not about Diana Ross ----
Please practice what you say.


Will do but the main subject of that sentence was The Supremes. The problem you are having is that you do not want to me mention the name "Diana Ross ever"! I don't even go into most Diana Ross threads on here. Let's focus on the subject of the thread as much as possible and we can avoid "problems".

[daviddh]

There is a version of Touch by Mary in the vaults with her entire vocal as both she and Jean recorded the song and then the vocals sliced together

[Roberta75]

! I don't even go into most Diana Ross threads on here.

lolololololol and Trumps never said hed build a wall.

[Bluebrock]

Nope right after "Touch" the next single was "Floy Joy" a #16 Pop and a # 5 R&B hit!
I would regard FLOY JOY s every bit as much bubblegum pop as the early Supremes songs

[TomatoTom123]

I would regard FLOY JOY s every bit as much bubblegum pop as the early Supremes songs

That is true! I think it was supposed to be though, Smokey took them back to their '60s style. "Automatically Sunshine" is not that far from bubblegum either.

[mysterysinger]

Have to say I have never liked "Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love", either by The Supremes or Kim Weston. I just don't like the song and I can't really say why that is.

[marv2]

Have to say I have never liked "Your Wonderful Sweet Sweet Love", either by The Supremes or Kim Weston. I just don't like the song and I can't really say why that is.


I love that song!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxUTOgfAMvQ

[imakicola]

Lol love that clip

[sup_fan]

YWSSL has a funky vibe to it. I think the live version of MJL on Flip Wilson is the best one. the slightly faster pace just gave it a bit more life.

I do think Smokey should NOT have sung it with the girls. wasn't the right sound

[Bluebrock]

That is true! I think it was supposed to be though, Smokey took them back to their '60s style. "Automatically Sunshine" is not that far from bubblegum either.
You are quite correct. I slightly prefered AS to FJ but neither were great and the album wasn't that hot either.

[TomatoTom123]

You are quite correct. I slightly prefered AS to FJ but neither were great and the album wasn't that hot either.

I like them both, and so did the UK actually, both were Top Ten hits!

[captainjames]

Sorry, but the last time I checked Diana was a Supreme. Well at least history has it written that way. If you do as you say then I want have to remind you.
Peace


Will do but the main subject of that sentence was The Supremes. The problem you are having is that you do not want to me mention the name "Diana Ross ever"! I don't even go into most Diana Ross threads on here. Let's focus on the subject of the thread as much as possible and we can avoid "problems".

[luke]

Soul train dancers loved it!

[marv2]

Lol love that clip


Weren't they gettin' it? They were doing it! One thing I noticed about the dancers on Soul Train and that is if they liked a record, they really got into dancing to it. In the above clip it is clear that they LOVED "Your Wonderful Sweet, Sweet Love". We did too.

[marv2]

Soul train dancers loved it!

They sure did. Makes me wished I could go back in time and join them!

[marv2]

Sorry, but the last time I checked Diana was a Supreme. Well at least history has it written that way. If you do as you say then I want have to remind you.
Peace

She was long gone from the Supremes by the time of "Early Morning Love". You don't have to remind me of anything. I know the history of these singers far better than you. Maybe you should pay me for educating you. LOL!!!!

[Bluebrock]

Sorry, but the last time I checked Diana was a Supreme. Well at least history has it written that way. If you do as you say then I want have to remind you.
Peace
Just ignore him captainjames. He thinks he owns these forums.

[daviddh]

I would have chosen sha ka bandit or bend a little over some of the other in this one and where is it I belong

[Bluebrock]

I would have chosen sha ka bandit or bend a little over some of the other in this one and where is it I belong
We all have differing opinions. I thought WHERE IS IT I BELONG dull and dreary. YOU TURN ME AROUND was a much better ballad from that era in my opinion. BEND A LITTLE should never have been shelved. A great track.

[daviddh]

I totally agree Bluebrock, I was shocked when I heard Bend a Little , it was too good to be shelved......thought the same for Sha La Bandit. although SLB was issued on At Their Best in 1978. it was a nice treat to hear it along with Love Train. but I did feel some good songs were left off the album but I suppose Motown had given up on the group by then and there was no point in issuing any more single even though Love I Never Knew You Could Feel So Good was planned as a single but cancelled in 1978.

[daviddh]

We all have differing opinions. I thought WHERE IS IT I BELONG dull and dreary. YOU TURN ME AROUND was a much better ballad from that era in my opinion. BEND A LITTLE should never have been shelved. A great track.
obviously ,I think , you have good taste!

[captainjames]

Tell you what ,,, I should pay you... and I should have done it the first time you mentioned anything you thought you knew and that was PAY YOU NO ATTENTION.



She was long gone from the Supremes by the time of "Early Morning Love". You don't have to remind me of anything. I know the history of these singers far better than you. Maybe you should pay me for educating you. LOL!!!!

[rod_rick]

We all have differing opinions. I thought WHERE IS IT I BELONG dull and dreary. YOU TURN ME AROUND was a much better ballad from that era in my opinion. BEND A LITTLE should never have been shelved. A great track.

I don't know what Motown was thinking when they shelved Bend A Little. that's one of the best unreleased tracks by the Supremes. It had top twenty written all over it.
As for Mary's lead on Early Morning Love, it was a great track for Mary which allowed her to stretch her vocal muscle. I'm sure Scherrie would have don a great job as well, but I really like Mary's vocal on this.

[captainjames]

wasn't Motown wanting "Its All Been Said before" as the new single ?

[daviddh]

yes , Its All Been Said was going to be the first single. I understand Mary had it cancelled because she wanted a song she sang lead on. apparently she tired of the ladies coming and going. so she wanted the group to revolve around her as she was the last original member. she showed great growth over the last few years but not sure if she was ready to be lead at the time. they needed a pop sounding singer......Scherrie Payne.
I think Mary did ok with the song but ....there r better performances by her including Can We Love Again. I think the focus was on how many leads MW got instead of salvaging the group and album. but all in all not a bad album
I would have went with IABSB

[captainjames]

"Its All Been Said Before" was always my favorite [[.....I'm All Through because Its All Been Said Before). Scherrie was pretty and she could sing.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwYrd_xTvVs

[Bluebrock]

yes , Its All Been Said was going to be the first single. I understand Mary had it cancelled because she wanted a song she sang lead on. apparently she tired of the ladies coming and going. so she wanted the group to revolve around her as she was the last original member. she showed great growth over the last few years but not sure if she was ready to be lead at the time. they needed a pop sounding singer......Scherrie Payne.
I think Mary did ok with the song but ....there r better performances by her including Can We Love Again. I think the focus was on how many leads MW got instead of salvaging the group and album. but all in all not a bad album
I would have went with IABSB
I agree it should have been the first single or at the very least the follow up to HE'S MY MAN. My only problem with it was that it was too short. I would have kept it going for another 30 seconds or so.

[luke]

I've never understood the attraction to Its all been said before. To me it's frenzied and not very melodic, IMO.

[Bluebrock]

I've never understood the attraction to Its all been said before. To me it's frenzied and not very melodic, IMO.
Along with HE'S MY MAN, COLOUR MY WORLD BLUE, and WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE i thought it one of four excellent songs on the album. The only song i didn't care for was the dull and dreary WHERE IS IT I BELONG which never seemed to get going in my opinion. Different strokes i guess,

[daviddh]

I agree Bluebrock. I would have issued Its All Been Said first as well. the only two songs I didn't care for are the ones you mentioned

[marv2]

I've never understood the attraction to Its all been said before. To me it's frenzied and not very melodic, IMO.

Me neither. "Color My World Blue" was a better song than that and of course "He's My Man" even better.

[marv2]

I would regard FLOY JOY s every bit as much bubblegum pop as the early Supremes songs

There is nothing "bubblegum" about a song about a pimp or player! If you think so, you'd better ask somebody.........hehehehehehehe! Did you even listen to the lyrics?

[Thornton]

I've never understood the attraction to Its all been said before. To me it's frenzied and not very melodic, IMO.

It's not a favorite of mine either. I have my own special mix for "The Supremes '75" and this one never makes the cut. That said, it would have been nice for the group to get new material out in late '74, which is when I think they recorded "It's All Been Said Before" along with "It's In His Kiss [[The Shoop Shoop Song)", which would have made for a nice B-Side.

I also can't blame Mary for wanting more leads considering the turnover the group had in the prior year. I don't think she could have known how loyal Scherrie would be, or her popularity with fans.

[Bluebrock]

There is nothing "bubblegum" about a song about a pimp or player! If you think so, you'd better ask somebody.........hehehehehehehe! Did you even listen to the lyrics?
Ermm yes i did, and i still regard it as bubblegum pop. Most people would take little notice of the lyrics and instead be drawn in by the bubblegum pop melody as indeed i was in my early teens. i did buy it at the time because it was by the Supremes, but i never really cared much for it. You obviously love it and i respect your right to so please respect mine.

[vgalindo]

I agree with you Bluebrock. Sounds bubble gum to me too. Loved the Floy Joy album but hated the song!

[daviddh]

I think Its All Been Said was very pop and would have fit into the music of 1974 very nicely

[thommg]

I've never understood the attraction to Its all been said before. To me it's frenzied and not very melodic, IMO.

I agree with you, luke. It's All Been Said Before was not one of my favorites on the album. I think the key is too high for Scherrie and she sounds a bit shrill in a couple of places. I don't think it would have done any better than He's My Man, which was very popular in the DC area. I think the problem with Bend A Little is that it didn't really sound like anything else on that album. That said, I think it's a killer song. I would have included the 3 lead version of Sha La Bandit on the LP. I think that would have fit right in.

I am also on the Pop side of Floy Joy. I think the entire Floy Joy album was a Smokey Pop masterpiece. I got excited because after Floy Joy started climbing the charts, my local music store actually carried the sheet music for it!

[marv2]

I agree with you, luke. It's All Been Said Before was not one of my favorites on the album. I think the key is too high for Scherrie and she sounds a bit shrill in a couple of places. I don't think it would have done any better than He's My Man, which was very popular in the DC area. I think the problem with Bend A Little is that it didn't really sound like anything else on that album. That said, I think it's a killer song. I would have included the 3 lead version of Sha La Bandit on the LP. I think that would have fit right in.

I am also on the Pop side of Floy Joy. I think the entire Floy Joy album was a Smokey Pop masterpiece. I got excited because after Floy Joy started climbing the charts, my local music store actually carried the sheet music for it!

"It's All Been Said Before" was just another album cut to me. "He's My Man" sounded fresh and the fact that it had 2 of the ladies singing the lead reminded me of the O'Jays with Eddie and Walter.

The "Floy Joy" album was excellent from start to finish in my opinion. Smokey outdid himself.