Harry Balk passes

[ralpht]

This is a tough one for me, gang. Many of you know through my books and posts on the forum just what this remarkable man meant to me. I last spoke with Harry a few days ago. He wasn't doing well and I knew the end was nearing. He had a rough couple of years and the last few months showed he was slipping. I will miss him. He was like a father to me. Rest in peace Harry. I will never forget you.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Ralph, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear and close friend, Harry Balk. I remember well how much he meant to you. Harry provided an important chapter in Motown's history with his formation of the Rare Earth label. May he rest in peace.

If I recall, Ralph, Harry was married to Motown artist PJ. [[Patti Jerome) whose "Tender Loving Care" was released on Tamla around 1972-ish. Wasn't Patti also Stoney of Stoney & Meatoaf on Rare Earth? I thought both were excellent Motown releases -- the latter impressively produced by you! My deepest condolescences to her as well.

Gary

[robb_k]

12125
Sorry to hear this. I didn't know him personally, but several friends of mine, including Ron Murphy knew him, and liked him a lot. I've only heard good things about him all these years. I loved most of the music he produced [[of course, he had a lot of good help, including Duke Browner). He was a smart business man, and did a lot to help make the Detroit music scene what it was.

[marv2]

Very sorry to hear this as well. Ralph, I know you and Harry go back a long way. I also know that this is never easy. Thank you Mr. Balk, God Bless and rest in peace!

Marv

[ralpht]

A clip of an interview Fred Saxon did with Harry a couple of years back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFAB1nzdBTQ

[dpeneny]

[QUOTE=Philles/Motown Gary;360328]Ralph, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear and close friend, Harry Balk. I remember well how much he meant to you. Harry provided an important chapter in Motown's history with his formation of the Rare Earth label. May he rest in peace.

If I recall, Ralph, Harry was married to Motown artist PJ. [[Patti Jerome) whose "Tender Loving Care" was released on Tamla around 1972-ish. Wasn't Patti also Stoney of Stoney & Meatoaf on Rare Earth? I thought both were excellent Motown releases -- the latter impressively produced by you! My deepest condolescences to her as well.

Stoney was Stoney Murphy whose real name i s
Sherry Murphy. Today she is better known as the excellent singer Shaun Murphy who has toured with the Moody Blues [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moody_Blues), Bob Seger [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Seger), Herbie Hancock [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbie_Hancock), Phil Collins [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins), Glenn Frey [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Frey), Joe Walsh [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Walsh), Maria Muldaur [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Muldaur), Bruce Hornsby [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Hornsby), Michael Bolton [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bolton), J.J. Cale [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.J._Cale), Coco Montoya [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_Montoya), Alice Cooper [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Cooper), Chuck Brown [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Brown) Little Feat [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Feat),

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks for the info., dpeneny. I'm glad to hear that she's still going strong. I've always loved her voice on Stoney & Meatloaf's "It Takes All Kinds Of People" and "What You See Is What You Get." Pity she didn't record more while she was with Motown.

[Magoody68]

My Grandfather spoke well of you.
Laura McCallister

[Magoody68]

My Grandmother passed away in September of 2000. She was an amazing woman

[lakeside]

Thanks for the info., dpeneny. I'm glad to hear that she's still going strong. I've always loved her voice on Stoney & Meatloaf's "It Takes All Kinds Of People" and "What You See Is What You Get." Pity she didn't record more while she was with Motown.

http://www.shaunmurphyband.com/