"He's My Man"

[rod_rick]

Did Mary and Scherrie record complete leads for "He's My Man"? If so are they still in the vaults and has anyone heard them?

[marv2]

Did Mary and Scherrie record complete leads for "He's My Man"? If so are they still in the vaults and has anyone heard them?

I don't know. I've have only heard Scherrie do the complete lead years afterwards with the FLOS.

[luke]

I think I remember hearing at least Mary did. Not sure about Scherrie

[marv2]

I think I remember hearing at least Mary did. Not sure about Scherrie

Either one would have been great in my opinion.

[sup_fan]

It’s really mostly a Mary lead. Scherrie only leads on the chorus and the ending. Mary sound ok but this isn’t her strong suit and so I think the song would have done better w Scherrie either on more or on all

[longtimefan]

Did Mary and Scherrie record complete leads for "He's My Man"? If so are they still in the vaults and has anyone heard them?

Well, I do not have any knowledge, but if they did and were of quality, I would assume they would have appeared on the box set LET YOURSELF GO. Other tracks with different ladies leading were featured in that release.

[Bluebrock]

It’s really mostly a Mary lead. Scherrie only leads on the chorus and the ending. Mary sound ok but this isn’t her strong suit and so I think the song would have done better w Scherrie either on more or on all
I totally agree. Mary's vocals are merely okay. Nothing more, nothing less, but when Scherrie comes in the song really bursts into life. I would love to have had her do all the lead vocals on this. Sadly i don't think such a version exists. I think the song could have broke bigger with a stronger lead vocal, but alas it wasn't to be.

[marv2]

Without Mary's part, the song would have been your typical run of mill R&B Dance song that was around the airwaves in 1975. Her sexy voice just grabs the ear like it did on "Floy Joy". I wished they had released it a few months earlier at the beginning of summer that year. It would have gained on people I believe.

[sup_fan]

I think Mary's smokey vocals add some to the track and I think if ALL three girls had some sort of lead presence, it would have been even better. and it would have helped revitalize the group and doing something different

Mary taking the first part of the verse, which is in the lower register, works. but she doesn't have the vocal gymnastics to really add the power the track needed.

And frankly the lyrics are silly and so I think the song never was really destined for masterpiece or mega hit status. it's just not good enough of a song.

[RanRan79]

I think in order for the song to work as a sole Mary lead it would need to be reworked. The verses build up to the chorus. If the song had kept a straight forward melody without a "big" build up, I actually think not only would the song have worked better for Mary but that it would've sounded like a better song period. Mary's voice was built for songs about "my man", oozing the sensuality that made her voice so ear catching. As the song was released, I think it probably worked better with Scherrie singing the whole thing if she could tone down her belting during the verses.

[marv2]

I think Mary's smokey vocals add some to the track and I think if ALL three girls had some sort of lead presence, it would have been even better. and it would have helped revitalize the group and doing something different

Mary taking the first part of the verse, which is in the lower register, works. but she doesn't have the vocal gymnastics to really add the power the track needed.

And frankly the lyrics are silly and so I think the song never was really destined for masterpiece or mega hit status. it's just not good enough of a song.

If you really listen to that song, that record, there really was nothing wrong with it. Sometimes we get too caught up in chart placings to appreciate good music on it's own merits. There have been many songs I've heard and loved over the years that did not go high on the charts. Still it was high quality music.

[sup_fan]

If you really listen to that song, that record, there really was nothing wrong with it. Sometimes we get too caught up in chart placings to appreciate good music on it's own merits. There have been many songs I've heard and loved over the years that did not go high on the charts. Still it was high quality music.

oh I completely agree. I think there are a lot of Sup and Diana material that falls into this. some amazing tracks that were either overlooked and left in vault, buried on an album and never a single, or a single that got lost.

IMO He's My Man has an amazing spark in terms of production and backing track. but I just find the lyrics a bit corny. certainly not as bad as Momma cooking bread and dropping dead into her pot of jam lolol.

I do agree with Ran's comment about Mary's perfect fit for a sensual song, be it ballad or dance. that's why I do think she sounds great opening he's my man. it's just needs more vocal gymnastics and bang to accompany the backing track bang.

[marv2]

oh I completely agree. I think there are a lot of Sup and Diana material that falls into this. some amazing tracks that were either overlooked and left in vault, buried on an album and never a single, or a single that got lost.

IMO He's My Man has an amazing spark in terms of production and backing track. but I just find the lyrics a bit corny. certainly not as bad as Momma cooking bread and dropping dead into her pot of jam lolol.

I do agree with Ran's comment about Mary's perfect fit for a sensual song, be it ballad or dance. that's why I do think she sounds great opening he's my man. it's just needs more vocal gymnastics and bang to accompany the backing track bang.

That song had snap, crackle and pop! LOL! It fit radio formats perfectly in the mid-70s, it just did not get a great amount of airplay. I heard it on the radio, but not very often. Another song that was great, but not released as a single was "Wait A Minute Before You Leave Me" from the "Right On" album. I have not listen to any of these songs or albums in many years, but I do remember how they sounded and how I enjoyed them when they were new and afterwards.

[marv2]

We have to find the clip of the Supremes doing "He's My Man" on the U.K. program "Supersonic" from Fall of 1975. I know it still exists because they have issued DVD compilations of some of their old shows.

[sup_fan]

We have to find the clip of the Supremes doing "He's My Man" on the U.K. program "Supersonic" from Fall of 1975. I know it still exists because they have issued DVD compilations of some of their old shows.

would LOVE to see this! I think unfortunately another problem with HMM is their live rendition of it. Sadly I think their act wasn't being structured properly for this type of music. Those giant "Scarlet O'Hara" gowns they wore on the Tonight Show could hardly be any less effective at showing off their complex and sexy choreography.

And I didn't think the "fighting over the man" ploy ever came across right. they'd be acting like "step off girl - he's my man. I'll cut you!" lolol

And I think Cindy should have had more of a role in the song

[marv2]

would LOVE to see this! I think unfortunately another problem with HMM is their live rendition of it. Sadly I think their act wasn't being structured properly for this type of music. Those giant "Scarlet O'Hara" gowns they wore on the Tonight Show could hardly be any less effective at showing off their complex and sexy choreography.

And I didn't think the "fighting over the man" ploy ever came across right. they'd be acting like "step off girl - he's my man. I'll cut you!" lolol

And I think Cindy should have had more of a role in the song

Although we were teenagers when this song came out, my brother laughed recently when he saw the clip of them in street clothes on the Dinah Show. He said at the time he didn't realize these were VERY grown women, even somewhat matronly looking at that particular moment. LOL!!!

[BayouMotownMan]

Without Mary's part, the song would have been your typical run of mill R&B Dance song that was around the airwaves in 1975. Her sexy voice just grabs the ear like it did on "Floy Joy". I wished they had released it a few months earlier at the beginning of summer that year. It would have gained on people I believe.

Get real, Mary's vocal sank this great disco track. Just as she did on This Is Why I Believe In You, Scherrie Payne blows Mary off the record. A full Scherrie lead on He's My Man might have been a hit. Scherrie was intended to sing Early Morning Love but Pedro and Mary were bucking for more Mary leads which Motown wasn't interested in.

[sup_fan]

I also with we could have gotten more Scherrie leads on ballads. pity we didn't really ever get to hear her do these with the Sups

[marv2]

I also with we could have gotten more Scherrie leads on ballads. pity we didn't really ever get to hear her do these with the Sups

She did some nice ballads on the "Partners" lp.

[luke]

On one of their tv appearances Cindy sang a bit of a solo on He’s My Man. Love Marys sultry and sexy voice on this. Gave it distinction.

[marv2]

On one of their tv appearances Cindy sang a bit of a solo on He’s My Man. Love Marys sultry and sexy voice on this. Gave it distinction.

Once I heard Mary's voice, I knew it was the Supremes. The appearance I believe you're thinking of Luke was from the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

[luke]

Mary is just teriffic here. Amazing how confident she got in such a short time . https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NuZmmLsZl9A

[marv2]

Mary is just terriffic here. Amazing how confident she got in such a short time . https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NuZmmLsZl9A

Oh how I remember. The Dinah Show came on in the afternoons after school that's how we got see all the music acts that appeared on the show. Mary's daughter Turkessa probably appeared on my TV shows in the 70s than any other baby! LOL!!!

[Bluebrock]

Get real, Mary's vocal sank this great disco track. Just as she did on This Is Why I Believe In You, Scherrie Payne blows Mary off the record. A full Scherrie lead on He's My Man might have been a hit. Scherrie was intended to sing Early Morning Love but Pedro and Mary were bucking for more Mary leads which Motown wasn't interested in.
I have to agree. Mary's voice was just too ordinary. Scherrie could have killed this. Early Morning Love would also have worked much better with Scherrie on lead. A less biased Manager than Pedro would have surely insisted that Scherrie be the lead singer on most tracks, leaving Mary to do the ballads. It could all have turned out so much better had common sense prevailed rather than pandering to Mary's ego.

[TheMotownManiac]

That song had snap, crackle and pop! LOL! It fit radio formats perfectly in the mid-70s, it just did not get a great amount of airplay. I heard it on the radio, but not very often. Another song that was great, but not released as a single was "Wait A Minute Before You Leave Me" from the "Right On" album. I have not listen to any of these songs or albums in many years, but I do remember how they sounded and how I enjoyed them when they were new and afterwards.

when Right On first cane out, I was trying to decide what the next singles would be. I assumed there would be two more because of the strength of tracks, it would be a snap to get two more hits off it - or 3 or 4. Everything on side 1 sounded radio friendly to me, but my money was on Wait A Minute because the chorus was superb and the fade, ideal for radio. The only thing holding it back was the opening - it doesn’t exactly grab you, but after 30 seconds, it’s perfect on out. I also assumed Then We Can Try Again would be a consideration. My third pick was EGTRTL - but I loved that also because it’s of Of Jeans best vocals: nuanced, precise, soulful, restrained and loaded with technique.

[TheMotownManiac]

I have to agree. Mary's voice was just too ordinary. Scherrie could have killed this. Early Morning Love would also have worked much better with Scherrie on lead. A less biased Manager than Pedro would have surely insisted that Scherrie be the lead singer on most tracks, leaving Mary to do the ballads. It could all have turned out so much better had common sense prevailed rather than pandering to Mary's ego.

‘I couldn’t agree more. Every time I play it, the hushed softness Of Marys vocal following the intriguing intro, is a step backward. Mary didn’t have the chops for these vocals and should never have been on any of the singles with Jean either. She does a good job on them, but her voice isn’t right. Wife beater Pedro was obviously not the voice of reason anyway, so his pushing Mary to do things she did not do well, truly hurt the group. They should have fashioned a beautiful ballad for her on each album so she could shine.

[RanRan79]

I have to agree. Mary's voice was just too ordinary. Scherrie could have killed this. Early Morning Love would also have worked much better with Scherrie on lead. A less biased Manager than Pedro would have surely insisted that Scherrie be the lead singer on most tracks, leaving Mary to do the ballads. It could all have turned out so much better had common sense prevailed rather than pandering to Mary's ego.

Mary's strength was definitely ballads, and I've said time and time again that sending her into disco mode for her solo career was a horrible move. However, I think Mary killed "Early Morning Love". She showed a vocal gusto that I don't think she ever did on lead the previous 15 years of her time with the group. Usually a slow vocalist, I think she keeps up very well with the fast pace of the song. Would Scherrie have done a better job? Debatable.

[Thornton]

I seem to remember Mary stating in "Supreme Faith" that she recorded the full track, and then they decided to add Scherrie. IMO the track works as it is, and I think a full Scherrie lead would have done just as well on the charts. While I think Mary does better vocals on "Floy Joy", the trade off between Mary and Scherrie is much smoother than Mary and Jean. Finally, the lyrics are a bit generic, but it is a good dance track, which I think was the intention at the time.

[TheMotownManiac]

Mary can definitely sing a fast song, but, I think in an effort to keep the harsh side if her voice at a minimum, they had her sing in a hushed mode which didn’t work well for radio and kept the lyric from punching out. Oddly, those same vocals worked beautifully live - just not for radio. The one time they used her more real voice on a single was Touch, and that was a hot mess for all concerned and a career killer for Frank and JMC. Like it or not, her voice wasn’t suited for top 40, but I think she could definitely had hits with material well suited for her unique sound. I think Don’t Let My Teardrops could have gone all the way, for example.

[rod_rick]

Mary's strength was definitely ballads, and I've said time and time again that sending her into disco mode for her solo career was a horrible move. However, I think Mary killed "Early Morning Love". She showed a vocal gusto that I don't think she ever did on lead the previous 15 years of her time with the group. Usually a slow vocalist, I think she keeps up very well with the fast pace of the song. Would Scherrie have done a better job? Debatable.

Mary did a good job on lead with the songs she was given. As for He's My Man I feel the duet work very well the way it's structured. Sometime Scherrie can murder a song right from the start which can be over - kill imo. The reason I started the thread is because I was wondering what Mary would sound like doing the entire song. Scherrie has really toned it down vocally in recent years.

[Bluebrock]

Mary can definitely sing a fast song, but, I think in an effort to keep the harsh side if her voice at a minimum, they had her sing in a hushed mode which didn’t work well for radio and kept the lyric from punching out. Oddly, those same vocals worked beautifully live - just not for radio. The one time they used her more real voice on a single was Touch, and that was a hot mess for all concerned and a career killer for Frank and JMC. Like it or not, her voice wasn’t suited for top 40, but I think she could definitely had hits with material well suited for her unique sound. I think Don’t Let My Teardrops could have gone all the way, for example.
Touch is a lovely song but it was never going to become a major hit single. The vocal interplay between Mary and Jean was really good, and as an album track it was quite splendid , but i agree that it killed JMC and Frank. There were far better choices to follow Nathan Jones that could have kept the group from going into an early decline. I also agree that Don;t let my teardrops bother you and even You are the heart of me were perfect for Mary and could both have been hit singles had things been planned out better, but getting back on topic Mary's vocals were not strong enough for He's my man. Scherrie doing the whole song could well have turned it into a major comeback hit for the girls. Such a lost opportunity.

[imakicola]

Mary is just teriffic here. Amazing how confident she got in such a short time . https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NuZmmLsZl9A


HAHA scherrie is mary’s Height in that clip. She must be wearing some solid heels!!

[marv2]

HAHA scherrie is mary’s Height in that clip. She must be wearing some solid heels!!

I remember one appearance on Soul Train where Susaye Greene was almost as tall as Mary Wilson! Ironically, Mary was the shortest in the original Supremes.

[TheMotownManiac]

Touch is a lovely song but it was never going to become a major hit single. The vocal interplay between Mary and Jean was really good, and as an album track it was quite splendid , but i agree that it killed JMC and Frank. There were far better choices to follow Nathan Jones that could have kept the group from going into an early decline. I also agree that Don;t let my teardrops bother you and even You are the heart of me were perfect for Mary and could both have been hit singles had things been planned out better, but getting back on topic Mary's vocals were not strong enough for He's my man. Scherrie doing the whole song could well have turned it into a major comeback hit for the girls. Such a lost opportunity.

I know a lot of people love Touch, but I’m not one of them. While I find the sentiment a good one, the lyrics to me are uninspired and lack romanticism. The opening line literally makes me cringe and I find Jean’s vocal too jarring mixed with Mary’s sexy voice and wrong for the mood. I don’t see another single on the album, so I might have gone straight to Floy Joy if it was ready and moved on.

I agree Ree with you about He’s My Nan as acScherrie only lead. It’s a great track and sounded great in clubs as did It’s All Been Said Before. Scherries powerful voice cut through the noise of the crowd and seemed well suited for dance music. How I wish that Mary had not fallen out with Berry. Those awful TV appearances would not have happened. They needed a trained, stylish visionary to helm those all important appearances. I’ve always felt a few of the Jean shows and most of the post Jean shows did more harm than good.

[marv2]

I know a lot of people love Touch, but I’m not one of them. While I find the sentiment a good one, the lyrics to me are uninspired and lack romanticism. The opening line literally makes me cringe and I find Jean’s vocal too jarring mixed with Mary’s sexy voice and wrong for the mood. I don’t see another single on the album, so I might have gone straight to Floy Joy if it was ready and moved on.

I agree Ree with you about He’s My Nan as acScherrie only lead. It’s a great track and sounded great in clubs as did It’s All Been Said Before. Scherries powerful voice cut through the noise of the crowd and seemed well suited for dance music. How I wish that Mary had not fallen out with Berry. Those awful TV appearances would not have happened. They needed a trained, stylish visionary to helm those all important appearances. I’ve always felt a few of the Jean shows and most of the post Jean shows did more harm than good.

They had Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade working with them at that time. You could not get anymore trained, stylish or experience professionals than those two! I thought they were great during this period and "He's My Man" was great. Mary could sing with any of the Supremes and sound great! I like "Color My World Blue" and "Early Morning Love" much better than "It's All Been Said Before" which was boring and just kept plowing ahead with no hooks or changes in the music.

[Bluebrock]

I know a lot of people love Touch, but I’m not one of them. While I find the sentiment a good one, the lyrics to me are uninspired and lack romanticism. The opening line literally makes me cringe and I find Jean’s vocal too jarring mixed with Mary’s sexy voice and wrong for the mood. I don’t see another single on the album, so I might have gone straight to Floy Joy if it was ready and moved on.

I agree Ree with you about He’s My Nan as acScherrie only lead. It’s a great track and sounded great in clubs as did It’s All Been Said Before. Scherries powerful voice cut through the noise of the crowd and seemed well suited for dance music. How I wish that Mary had not fallen out with Berry. Those awful TV appearances would not have happened. They needed a trained, stylish visionary to helm those all important appearances. I’ve always felt a few of the Jean shows and most of the post Jean shows did more harm than good.
I totally agree about the tv appearances. I cringe when i see some of them now. There was precious little chemistry or co-ordination. If these performances were the best they could do it is little wonder they sank like a stone. They sounded great on record, but those tv appearances signed their death warrant.

[daviddh]

Touch is a lovely song but it was never going to become a major hit single. The vocal interplay between Mary and Jean was really good, and as an album track it was quite splendid , but i agree that it killed JMC and Frank. There were far better choices to follow Nathan Jones that could have kept the group from going into an early decline. I also agree that Don;t let my teardrops bother you and even You are the heart of me were perfect for Mary and could both have been hit singles had things been planned out better, but getting back on topic Mary's vocals were not strong enough for He's my man. Scherrie doing the whole song could well have turned it into a major comeback hit for the girls. Such a lost opportunity.
I totally agree bluebrock... 100 percent. I do like marys voice but she is better on ballads

[marv2]

I totally agree bluebrock... 100 percent. I do like marys voice but she is better on ballads

Not to me. Mary can sing anything.

[midnightman]

Touch is a lovely song but it was never going to become a major hit single. The vocal interplay between Mary and Jean was really good, and as an album track it was quite splendid , but i agree that it killed JMC and Frank. There were far better choices to follow Nathan Jones that could have kept the group from going into an early decline. I also agree that Don;t let my teardrops bother you and even You are the heart of me were perfect for Mary and could both have been hit singles had things been planned out better, but getting back on topic Mary's vocals were not strong enough for He's my man. Scherrie doing the whole song could well have turned it into a major comeback hit for the girls. Such a lost opportunity.

Touch was more fit for Love Unlimited than the Supremes. I don't know what they were thinking when they decided to record this... it was not, as I would call, it a "true Supremes song".

[midnightman]

Mary's strength was definitely ballads, and I've said time and time again that sending her into disco mode for her solo career was a horrible move. However, I think Mary killed "Early Morning Love". She showed a vocal gusto that I don't think she ever did on lead the previous 15 years of her time with the group. Usually a slow vocalist, I think she keeps up very well with the fast pace of the song. Would Scherrie have done a better job? Debatable.

Mary's great in ballads, jazz and rock material, I think.
When it comes to pop and R&B though, I feel her voice in those years anyway [[not later) were too airy for her style. It worked with Floy Joy because of the way Smokey produced it.

I think it has to do with who produces you though. If someone can produce a great song with someone with a vocal style like Mary's, which I feel was real jazzy, then that shows not only Mary's talent but the producer's but if the producer falls flat, then that's on him.

That's how I feel about later Supremes' material... they did seem to get the swagger back when they did High Energy...

[marv2]

Touch was more fit for Love Unlimited than the Supremes. I don't know what they were thinking when they decided to record this... it was not, as I would call, it a "true Supremes song".

It was better than most Supremes "bubblegum" type songs. It was a sexy grown up love song sung by grown women to grown men! LOL!

[midnightman]

I'm just saying, if they wanted to do a grown-up song like that, they should find a song that they could sink their teeth into. I feel Jean Terrell, being a Jehovah's Witness and all, was really uncomfortable with singing a song like that [[same with Michael Jackson recording the song two years later and he was a MINOR singing it at the time!). That's all I'm saying lol

[captainjames]

"Touch" was horrible in my opinion and I am not sure it would have worked with any Supreme. It is the one song that I played once and never played again. "He's My Man" should have been all Scherrie and they would of had a hit. "Early Morning Love" was okay as an album filler, but seriously if you are talking early morning love shouldn't it have been slower and more sultry ?

[Bluebrock]

Touch was more fit for Love Unlimited than the Supremes. I don't know what they were thinking when they decided to record this... it was not, as I would call, it a "true Supremes song".
I can hear Love Unlimited singing this, but had never previously given it consideration. I reckon you are right midnightman. Despite this i still love the Supremes version as an album track, but not as a single.

[Bluebrock]

"Touch" was horrible in my opinion and I am not sure it would have worked with any Supreme. It is the one song that I played once and never played again. "He's My Man" should have been all Scherrie and they would of had a hit. "Early Morning Love" was okay as an album filler, but seriously if you are talking early morning love shouldn't it have been slower and more sultry ?
EML was a decent song, and was the UK follow up to "he's my man" where it promptly sank like a stone, but i agree it could and should have been much better had Scherrie handled the lead vocal. Same with "he's my man". They were both perfect for Scherrie who must have so frustrated at seeing Mary handed these songs when she knewshe could have done them so much better. I still think a Scherrie led "he's my man" could have become a decent size pop hit on both sides of the pond. Such a wasted opportunity.

[daviddh]

I liked Touch, but I don't like it as a duet per say even though they both sing it well . I think if Marys did the entire lead it would have worked better or if Mary did it as a duet with one of the Four Tops. I would like a remix, not sure if Kevin Reeves will ever get his chance at this song as it seems so long into the future but maybe if we get a 70s Rare classic/Lost and Found.

[daviddh]

Not to me. Mary can sing anything.
I like Marys voice but I like her better on Can We Love Again and You Are The Heart Of Me , where she seems to really excel vocally. I think she ok on HMM but not great. in the pop charts you need that sound , that voice that cuts through and grabs your attention. Scherrie had that voice.

[jim aka jtigre99]

I think I like He's My Man just as it is. I find Mary's voice well suited for the song and it's sensual timbre grabs you whereas Scherrie's louder vocals punctuate it just when necessary like Susaye's ad libs did in I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking. My thoughts are on the follow up single, Where Do I Go From Here, in which Scherrie is ok on but this group had the best harmony since the original grouping yet the harmony seems sloppy and off key. I always felt either Early Morning Love, It's All Been Said Before, Color My World Blue would have been better follow ups. Or I would have released Bend A Little. Thinking of a pop and dance hook, though, He's My Man was just fine as I think the vocals were. To me, Mary's smoky sensual sound catches your ear as much as the leads [[Diana, Jean & Scherrie) and all of their voices are not perfect-I have friends who feel Diana's voice is too thin and nasal, Jean is way too nasal and grating and Scherrie was too loud but they all stand out just as Mary's voice and Susaye's voice did. Everyone's voice is not everyone's cup of tea. I think Mary was the right choice for He's My Man more so than Scherrie because it her voice would have been good as a dance track, it might not have made the song stand out at all but the vocal interplay was just right.

[marv2]

"Touch" was horrible in my opinion and I am not sure it would have worked with any Supreme. It is the one song that I played once and never played again. "He's My Man" should have been all Scherrie and they would of had a hit. "Early Morning Love" was okay as an album filler, but seriously if you are talking early morning love shouldn't it have been slower and more sultry ?

"Touch" was not horrible. I still think it was a great record. It was a very soulful, sensual song. No it wasn't "Baby Love" but after a while you just don't want to keep hearing the same sounding bubble gum shit like that. "He's My Man" was perfect the way it was recorded and produced with Mary Wilson out front at the beginning. "Early Morning Love" was great too. It was another song about grown up sensuality and love. It was time for the 30 something Supremes to be singing these type of adult oriented songs.

[marv2]

I think I like He's My Man just as it is. I find Mary's voice well suited for the song and it's sensual timbre grabs you whereas Scherrie's louder vocals punctuate it just when necessary like Susaye's ad libs did in I'm Gonna Let My Heart Do The Walking. My thoughts are on the follow up single, Where Do I Go From Here, in which Scherrie is ok on but this group had the best harmony since the original grouping yet the harmony seems sloppy and off key. I always felt either Early Morning Love, It's All Been Said Before, Color My World Blue would have been better follow ups. Or I would have released Bend A Little. Thinking of a pop and dance hook, though, He's My Man was just fine as I think the vocals were. To me, Mary's smoky sensual sound catches your ear as much as the leads [[Diana, Jean & Scherrie) and all of their voices are not perfect-I have friends who feel Diana's voice is too thin and nasal, Jean is way too nasal and grating and Scherrie was too loud but they all stand out just as Mary's voice and Susaye's voice did. Everyone's voice is not everyone's cup of tea. I think Mary was the right choice for He's My Man more so than Scherrie because it her voice would have been good as a dance track, it might not have made the song stand out at all but the vocal interplay was just right.

I agree except I would have voted for "Early Morning Love" as the follow up single, then "Color My World Blue". If you consider the lyrics to the three songs which would include "He's My Man" releasing them in that order would make logical sense.

[daviddh]

Bend A Little was a great track , I Don't know how that was left off the lp.

[Bluebrock]

Bend A Little was a great track , I Don't know how that was left off the lp.
Me neither. It was up there with the very best from those sessions, yet dire dross like "where is it i belong" made the final cut. Shocking decision.

[mysterysinger]

"Touch" is my favourite Supremes song. Out of all their tracks, DRATS included, it's the one I play most often - by some margin. There again "Ask The Lonely" and "Do What You Gotta Do" are my fave Tops tracks.

[kenneth]

I think the fact that Mary led off the vocals to "He's My Man," and the fact that it was the first cut on a long-awaited, really, "comeback" album, was to send a message that this was no longer a lead singer with two others in the background, but a real group for the first time in a long while. I love the song, and I think Mary's vocal intro dovetails nicely into Scherrie's belting of the latter verse and chorus.

I may have a special fondness for the album as it was the first Supremes album I ever bought new [[meaning not as an oldie). Of course, I knew who Diane Ross was, and I knew Jean Terrell had replaced her, but I didn't know anything about Scherrie Payne or when she had replaced Jean. In spite of their lack of hits, I think except for the last lineup with Susaye coming on board, the Mary-Scherrie-Cindy trio was really the most cohesive as a group and contained the most overall vocal talent. Sure, no one had Diane's charisma or unique vocal ability which gave the group its original identity, but if you compare the Supremes '75 to other groups of their time, I think they excel. It's only when you compare them to earlier incarnations of the group that they may seem to be lacking, but again, it certainly wasn't a lack of talent by any means.

[RanRan79]

but if you compare the Supremes '75 to other groups of their time, I think they excel. It's only when you compare them to earlier incarnations of the group that they may seem to be lacking, but again, it certainly wasn't a lack of talent by any means.

Definitely not a lack of talent, but I think they fail miserably when compared to the Three Degrees, the Pointer Sisters and the Emotions from the same period. I was tempted to put Love Unlimited in that category, but LU would get an edge simply because I feel like the songs they recorded were better. If only Barry White had been allowed to handle Supremes 75...

[midnightman]

As good as the Pointer Sisters and the Emotions?

Well... the Supremes were at their vocal peak during their later years [[especially with SUSAYE! Love her) but uh...

The Pointer and Hutchinson sisters still would've wipe the floor with them [[and that says a lot because Scherrie is a great singer). Plus, they had the producers to take them higher [[Rubinson for the Pointers and Maurice White for the Emotions). Not to mention Labelle lol

[marv2]

The Supremes in the 1970s were the most successful female group in the World with 8 Top 40 hits! All others were working hard to catch up. The Three Degrees only had one number hit in their extremely long career. They were good, as were the Pointers, Emotions, High Inergy, Stargard, Love Unlimited. etc,etc None would reach the level of the Supremes in the 60s or 70s!

[marv2]

Compare this, one of the Emotions most popular records in the 70s when they were at their all time peak:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2nhoquGw9o&app=desktop

[marv2]

To this Supremes album track recorded in the same period as the Emotions song above. To me it sounds just as good if not better and it never got a single release and ZERO promotion:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1r_yFKcnKU&app=desktop

[sup_fan]

I agree. when it comes to fast-paced, rapid fire 3 part harmony, other groups beat the Sups. that singing requires amazing precision. you must be absolutely perfect. and you also have to have near identical vocal pitch, tone and vibrato. with the Pointer Sisters and Sister Sledge being related, it actually helps. they share vocal qualities that help with this

the Sups could also do 3 part harmony but a different style. It's not "I'm So Excited" or "Best of My Love." but rather Falling In Love With Love, Fancy Passes, Stoned Love. just a totally different style

Also by the time scherrie joined, mary and pedro were dictating the show and creative efforts focus on her. their style was quite out of date, song selection was antiquated and the overall impression is that they were just not as polished as they should have been. I've read in a couple books that Mary isn't always known for having a work-aholic attitude or approach, where she's going to practice until it's absolutely PERFECT.

Whatever direction they were getting at this time was simply not on the mark. and seems that they just weren't perfecting things as they used to

I love the videos shot for High Energy but they're incredibly sloppy. the girls don't know the full lyrics and lp versions of the songs [[they were used to singing the live, shorter versions). and their choreography is a mess. half the time Susaye keeps looking over to M and S to see what they're doing. And some of the camera angles aren't the best or they miss some of the key shots by using the wrong angle. the choreography to these songs is very complex but if done perfectly and in sync, it would be amazing. very impactful. but it has to be perfect in order to work

Then look at the DRATS choreography to I Get A Kick, Fats Waller Medley, Sam You Made the Pants Too Long or any of the TCB work. all three girls are flawless

[marv2]

I agree. when it comes to fast-paced, rapid fire 3 part harmony, other groups beat the Sups. that singing requires amazing precision. you must be absolutely perfect. and you also have to have near identical vocal pitch, tone and vibrato. with the Pointer Sisters and Sister Sledge being related, it actually helps. they share vocal qualities that help with this

the Sups could also do 3 part harmony but a different style. It's not "I'm So Excited" or "Best of My Love." but rather Falling In Love With Love, Fancy Passes, Stoned Love. just a totally different style

Also by the time scherrie joined, mary and pedro were dictating the show and creative efforts focus on her. their style was quite out of date, song selection was antiquated and the overall impression is that they were just not as polished as they should have been. I've read in a couple books that Mary isn't always known for having a work-aholic attitude or approach, where she's going to practice until it's absolutely PERFECT.

Whatever direction they were getting at this time was simply not on the mark. and seems that they just weren't perfecting things as they used to

I love the videos shot for High Energy but they're incredibly sloppy. the girls don't know the full lyrics and lp versions of the songs [[they were used to singing the live, shorter versions). and their choreography is a mess. half the time Susaye keeps looking over to M and S to see what they're doing. And some of the camera angles aren't the best or they miss some of the key shots by using the wrong angle. the choreography to these songs is very complex but if done perfectly and in sync, it would be amazing. very impactful. but it has to be perfect in order to work

Then look at the DRATS choreography to I Get A Kick, Fats Waller Medley, Sam You Made the Pants Too Long or any of the TCB work. all three girls are flawless

FYI , Mary Wilson makes over 110 appearances a year. How much more does she have to do? LOL!!!!

[marv2]

Even this version sounds as good or better than anything any of those other female groups mentioned has done:


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

[kenneth]

Regarding the Pointers, 3 Degrees, and Emotions...

Was this when the Pointers were still wearing vintage costumes in their act? I think I saw them around that time. I know their most lucrative years were still ahead of them. They were talented but something about their sound never appealed to me that much.

I do like the Emotions, but I like their early Stax material better than the stuff they did during the disco area. It was a little too slick to my liking.

I also like the early 3 Degrees, especially their Roulette period. They were hugely talented in my opinion. I wasn't that fond of their disco stuff, such as "Dirty Old Man," again it was just a little too slick.

But to each his own. Actually, I had forgotten about those groups when I wrote my post. I guess we didn't realize how much talent abounded back then.

[marv2]

As good as the Pointer Sisters and the Emotions?

Well... the Supremes were at their vocal peak during their later years [[especially with SUSAYE! Love her) but uh...

The Pointer and Hutchinson sisters still would've wipe the floor with them [[and that says a lot because Scherrie is a great singer). Plus, they had the producers to take them higher [[Rubinson for the Pointers and Maurice White for the Emotions). Not to mention Labelle lol

The fact is they did not wipe the floor with the Supremes. When the 70s ended and the charts for that decade were close, it was the Supremes that came out as the top charting female group for the decade. They would have had many more number ones had Motown and Mr. Gordy had not decide to "wash his hands of the GD group!"!

[sup_fan]

FYI , Mary Wilson makes over 110 appearances a year. How much more does she have to do? LOL!!!!

it's not that she's not working. a few sources have stated she's not always the most diligent for rehearsals. that sometimes her shows are held together by band-aids and spit. of course I've never worked with her so I don't personally know.

But there's a definite change in their onstage work by the mid 70s. it's not that any of the people couldn't dance or perform. and during the 60s mary was ALWAYS perfect in their choreography. many many clips of her during the Scherrie years are sloppy. she's off in choreography. And the other girls seem unsure too.

[sup_fan]

Even this version sounds as good or better than anything any of those other female groups mentioned has done:


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

in the studio, MSS and MSC were very strong. but the proof of the pudding is often in the live performances. Pointer Sisters live are as strong as they are on record. The supremes were amazing on vinyl, not so much live

[midnightman]

it's not that she's not working. a few sources have stated she's not always the most diligent for rehearsals. that sometimes her shows are held together by band-aids and spit. of course I've never worked with her so I don't personally know.

But there's a definite change in their onstage work by the mid 70s. it's not that any of the people couldn't dance or perform. and during the 60s mary was ALWAYS perfect in their choreography. many many clips of her during the Scherrie years are sloppy. she's off in choreography. And the other girls seem unsure too.

Was Cholly Atkins still working with them in that late period? If not, then there's your answer...

I know he was working mainly with the O'Jays and the Pips at this point but it seemed he stopped working with the Motown acts at some point. Cholly was their choreographer during their '60s heyday with Diana and Flo.

[midnightman]

I agree. when it comes to fast-paced, rapid fire 3 part harmony, other groups beat the Sups. that singing requires amazing precision. you must be absolutely perfect. and you also have to have near identical vocal pitch, tone and vibrato. with the Pointer Sisters and Sister Sledge being related, it actually helps. they share vocal qualities that help with this

the Sups could also do 3 part harmony but a different style. It's not "I'm So Excited" or "Best of My Love." but rather Falling In Love With Love, Fancy Passes, Stoned Love. just a totally different style

Also by the time scherrie joined, mary and pedro were dictating the show and creative efforts focus on her. their style was quite out of date, song selection was antiquated and the overall impression is that they were just not as polished as they should have been. I've read in a couple books that Mary isn't always known for having a work-aholic attitude or approach, where she's going to practice until it's absolutely PERFECT.

Whatever direction they were getting at this time was simply not on the mark. and seems that they just weren't perfecting things as they used to

I love the videos shot for High Energy but they're incredibly sloppy. the girls don't know the full lyrics and lp versions of the songs [[they were used to singing the live, shorter versions). and their choreography is a mess. half the time Susaye keeps looking over to M and S to see what they're doing. And some of the camera angles aren't the best or they miss some of the key shots by using the wrong angle. the choreography to these songs is very complex but if done perfectly and in sync, it would be amazing. very impactful. but it has to be perfect in order to work

Then look at the DRATS choreography to I Get A Kick, Fats Waller Medley, Sam You Made the Pants Too Long or any of the TCB work. all three girls are flawless

Like I said, it depends on the producer. I agree, their three-part harmonies were ALWAYS on point. But, the way songs from the other female groups were produced, just overshadowed what the Supremes were bringing to the table. I know Supremes fans hate to hear that though. :p

[sup_fan]

Was Cholly Atkins still working with them in that late period? If not, then there's your answer...

I know he was working mainly with the O'Jays and the Pips at this point but it seemed he stopped working with the Motown acts at some point. Cholly was their choreographer during their '60s heyday with Diana and Flo.

I don't believe he was after Jean. there are photos of MJL working with him. But the little bit of details Mary provides in Sup Faith makes it sound like other choreographers were handling them. Like when MSC redid the show to include the Dream segment and all. Mr Holder was working with them and someone else

[sup_fan]

Like I said, it depends on the producer. I agree, their three-part harmonies were ALWAYS on point. But, the way songs from the other female groups were produced, just overshadowed what the Supremes were bringing to the table. I know Supremes fans hate to hear that though. :p

;)

now I would say that the vocals on MS&S stand up to pretty much any other vocal work at the time. HE is a bit more hit or miss IMO.

with MS&S the vocals on Let Yourself Go are perfect. very powerful 3-part harmony. Sweet Dream Machine is excellent. We Should Be Closer - WOW!!! what a great use of Susaye's harmonies. Heart of Me, Driving Wheel also excellent. the blend seems weakest on Love I Never Knew. it's not bad but not as 100% in synce and smooth

HE has great moments. the vocals on IGLMHDTW are perfect. But the vocal to the title track are flat!!!!!!! how the F did they get released that way? I've never heard 3 singers sing so off pitch while holding the note of "Hiiiiiiiiiigh, High Energyyyyyyyyyyy" Ever time I hear them singing this I wish I was in the studio to swat them on the tummy and scream "will you support the note!!! sing from your diaphragm and keep on pitch!" lolol

[marv2]

it's not that she's not working. a few sources have stated she's not always the most diligent for rehearsals. that sometimes her shows are held together by band-aids and spit. of course I've never worked with her so I don't personally know.

But there's a definite change in their onstage work by the mid 70s. it's not that any of the people couldn't dance or perform. and during the 60s mary was ALWAYS perfect in their choreography. many many clips of her during the Scherrie years are sloppy. she's off in choreography. And the other girls seem unsure too.

That was some kind of off the cuff comment what's his name, Tony Turner made in one of his books almost 30 years ago. I have seen and witnessed Mary's rehearsals, sound checks etc. She is very serious about her craft. She's even taken acting lessons in her 70s!