Diana Ross - The Nitty Gritty [[Live at the Grove/1970) [UNRELEASED]

[Ian Scarlet]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkz8cTNe0qs

I hope you enjoy it!

[blackguy69]

Interesting take on it.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Sure did - I attended one of the performances at the Waldorf Astoria's Empire Room. It was an unforgettable experience. NG led into 'Reflections' - which ended with a mirror-ball and spotlight on Diana's mirrored gown. A moment, to be sure.

[luke]

Sorry. Diana Ross is no Gladys Knight. Yuk

[marv2]

Sorry. Diana Ross is no Gladys Knight. Yuk

...or Shirley Ellis, the originator of the song.

[masterblaster]

Of course, there was an earlier studio version by DRATS which appeared on the 2002 Anthology cd. One of the few produced by Norman Whitfield with the group.

[vgalindo]

Sorry. Diana Ross is no Gladys Knight. Yuk
I also don't care for this song by Diana Ross. Love Gladys Knight but I don't think she would sound good on Baby Love either because she ain't no Diana Ross!!

[TomatoTom123]

Of course, there was an earlier studio version by DRATS which appeared on the 2002 Anthology cd. One of the few produced by Norman Whitfield with the group.

Oh damn, how did I miss that... thanks masterblaster... let me find it right now...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c58bnJ0RHcg&app=desktop

I love it but I'm so used to hearing the Gladys Knight & The Pips version!!! :)

[marv2]

Here is the original by Shirley Ellis that I like a lot too:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdsscxVgA4A

[PeaceNHarmony]

Now of course some of us more learned posters know that Gladys' version of the song was actually itself a cover of Shirley Ellis' original hit. But that does not fit into the narrative that so frequently follows Diana Ross posts here, does it? :rolleyes:

[blackguy69]

It does fit because you are going to compare the original to the remakes

[captainjames]

Love all versions of this song but of course Ms. Ellis wins my heart.

[Bluebrock]

I also don't care for this song by Diana Ross. Love Gladys Knight but I don't think she would sound good on Baby Love either because she ain't no Diana Ross!!
Totally agree. I don't care much for this but equally i don't think i would especially enjoy Shirley or Gladys doing Stop in the name of love. Interesting take on the song but not really for me.

[Ozmo]

This song is not a good fit for Diana Ross. It was an odd choice for her to perform live. I wonder if she was considering recording a solo version and was testing it for audience reaction?

Whatever the reason, it was right decision to leave this in the can.

[DJMoch]

I have to say I do quite like both Motown versions of "Nitty Gritty". But I slightly prefer the Supremes' version more mainly due to that being the first version I heard, and latching onto it right away. It took a few years after to hear Gladys' version. I particularly love it when two different artists use nearly the same backing track, so even though the vocalists differ, it still feels comfortingly familiar. :)

I've also never heard Shirley's original of the song, so thanks for sharing that Youtube link, Marv.

[thommg]

I think Diana's version in concert is perfectly fine. It's a nice bit of uptempo for a spot that needs to pick up the crowd.

I also had never heard Shirley Ellis' original version - my first being Gladys Knight & The Pips. Hers seems a bit more pop sounding that GK&TP's. It is interesting that song seems like an intro with a bunch of repeating choruses. After the first verse it is just a lot of repeating "Nitty Gritty's". Not the most interesting song to begin with, though fun to dance to.

[TheMotownManiac]

I never cared for the original. To me, Gladys OWNS this song. I'm ok with the DR&TS version but I do think that LIVE, Miss Ross' natural showmanship would have sold this easily. It's silly to compare an R&B record with a Vegas Show Arrangement, as the latter is not intended for aural judgement alone, but, it's kind of hard not to when one is among Gladys' top 5 records in my house.

[marv2]

Here the song is used in a sixties television dance number:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2v8IgJdsm4

[jobucats]

Marv, I've always enjoyed that 60's tv dance clip with Shirley Ellis singing "The Nitty Gritty." That over the top [[I say that with no disrespect at all) male dancer is so enjoyable to watch. From research, I understand that he was [[is) a professional dancer. If only I had that energy!!!

[marv2]

Marv, I've always enjoyed that 60's tv dance clip with Shirley Ellis singing "The Nitty Gritty." That over the top [[I say that with no disrespect at all) male dancer is so enjoyable to watch. From research, I understand that he was [[is) a professional dancer. If only I had that energy!!!

Jobucats, the great thing is he is still alive! LOL! There is an interview with him on Youtube I saw.

[luke]

I don't wanna hear Englebert Humperdinck singing James Brown's I Got you...no disrespect to Diana

[marv2]

I don't wanna hear Englebert Humperdinck singing James Brown's I Got you...no disrespect to Diana

What are you trying to say? Englebert doesn't have any Soul? LOL!!!