Salute To VAN McCOY - Part 1: Intro, Bio, & Van's Albums

[Philles/Motown Gary]

It seems that all of my favorite music is from specific categories -- Phil Spector [[Philles Records), Motown, Philly Soul, '60s Girl Groups, and '70s Dance/Disco. There's one additional category which is near and dear to my heart -- and that's the music of Van McCoy. Whether creating music on his own albums, the albums of Faith, Hope & Charity [[his soulful back-up singers on nearly all of his '70s productions), or the hundreds of other artists for whom he created music, Van played the impressive role of Songwriter, Arranger, Producer, Conductor, Musician [[Piano), and Lead Vocalist [[as well as Back-Up Singer along-side Faith, Hope & Charity and Zulema Cusseaux).

Van's music has touched the hearts of many since the 1960s with hits like "Baby I'm Yours" and other Northern Soul hits cherished by his U.K. fans, as well as his highly-polished romantic, dance-oriented, string-laden productions of 1970's America such as Brenda & The Tabulations, Melba Moore, The Stylistics, David Ruffin, Anacostia, and his own Soul Symphony Orchestra on AVCO/ H&L Records, followed by his two solo albums on MCA Records before his untimely death in July 1979 at age 39.

Put your feet up, relax, and get ready to enjoy some of the funkiest, sweetest, most romantic music this side of Heaven!

PART 1: I've started my Van McCoy salute with the chronologically-listed albums of Van McCoy himself.

PART 2: Will continue later with the chronological albums of Faith, Hope & Charity who performed back-up vocals on Van's albums, their own FH&C albums, and on nearly all of Van's 1970's artists' albums.

PART 3: Also continuing later, all of Van's artists and their Van-produced songs will be listed in alphabetical order by ARTIST -- starting with his group ANACOSTIA and ending with ZULEMA. Again, all ARTISTS will be listed alphabetically, and each list of ALBUMS and/or SINGLES within each artist will be listed chronologically.

Since PART 3 is so large, it may be necessary to post it in segments. Will know more when the time comes.

[NOTE 1 to Readers: I'm including only the artists and recordings that I have in my personal CD collection, although all of the audio links are courtesy of YouTube.]

[NOTE 2 to Readers: As always, many thanks to Kenny for his uploading skills!]

Please feel free to post your comments now.

- Philles/Motown Gary

----------------------------


VAN McCOY BIOGRAPHY

NOTE: ALL information contained within the Van McCoy biography is credited to WIKI, and can be found in the link below.


Chapters are as follows:

Background And Early Years

Van McCoy the Composer And Producer

Van McCoy The Artist

- 1970s Mainstream Success

- Further Activities

- Sum Up Of [[1970-1977) Period


Van McCoy Composer, Producer, and Artist [[1978 to 1979)

Death

Television & Film

Discography

[NOTE: All of the above outline items can be found in the link below]:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_...nd_early_years

[Philles/Motown Gary]

"HOW IT ALL BEGAN: THE STARLIGHTERS"

Notes by Max Oates [[Producer/Host of "Classic Rock 'N' Roll", WKMZ 97.5 FM, Martinsburg, W. VA.)

By late 1957, The Starlighters had been together for two years, and everyone had finished school. They were making local appearances and earning a few extra dollars singing. Naturally, however, they wanted more as their desire was to record. Their very first recording session on May 29, 1958, resulted in "The Birdland" b/w "It's 12 O'clock". Van had written "The Birdland" riding on the bus from Washington to New York City. It was based on a popular dance being done in the Washington-Baltimore area. The Producer liked the idea of a record based on a dance, and scheduled a recording session for the next day. "It's Twelve O'clock", another Van McCoy composition, resulted from the group serenading students on the Howard University campus. At Midnight, the Howard clock tower would musically chime the very melody that inspired Van to write the ballad. The group's first record was fairly big on the East Coast, and a hit in Washington, DC.
A second recording session scheduled for June 15, 1959, resulted in the single, "You're The One To Blame" b/w "I Cried". The A-side required 28 takes with take 13 being used. "I Cried" may just be the best recording the group ever made. The Starlighters' third single, "A Story Of Love" b/w "Let's Take A Stroll", was recorded in 1960. Shortly following the third release, they decided to break up; they all seemed to sense it was time. They hadn't caught on the way they should have, and it was frustrating. Van said he was going solo. Of course, the rest is history.

Van went on to enjoy a highly successful career as a songwriter, arranger, producer, conductor, and occasional recording artist. He wrote about 700 songs including the '60s "Baby I'm Yours", and 1970's "The Hustle".

Pictured on the CD cover below are The Starlighters [[left to right): Freddie Smith, Paul [[Buddy) Comedy, Van McCoy, and, Van's older brother, Norman McCoy, Jr.



THE STARLIGHTERS:
Producer: Uncredited

1) "The Birdland"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/-uPwHh2RKIY

2) "lt's Twelve O'Clock"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/b2zFlnJP-TE

3) "You're The One To Blame"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/7mKpKUU84zU

4) "I Cried"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
[[https://youtu.be/Oq3bVFgaFZw

5) "Let's Take A Stroll"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/ECMBdA7j2LA

6) "A Story Of Love"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/Z_wT0wOe5Ro

[NOTE: Tracks 7 & 8 below are together in the same video. Just note the timings I've provided.]

7) "Come Back To Me"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/rO2buaWJI28
...........[0:00-2:22]

8) "So True"
[[Van Allen McCoy)
https://youtu.be/rO2buaWJI28
...........[2:23-4:34]

9) "Lonely Summer"
[[Van Allen McCoy"
https://youtu.be/2a7ZXnTxQqk

10) "Slow Locomotion"
[[Van Allen McCoy"
[Video Not Available)

11) "I Want To Be The Boy You Love"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/HeJxBfCa1mQ


VAN McCOY [[Early Singles)

12) "Girls Are Sentimental"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/7l7LFdULlyo

13) "Ain't No Big Thing"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/NwF0M47x0IE

14) "Never Trust A Friend"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/75lVMhscpVQ

15) "Mr. D.J."
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/rBIkzTbTkUA

[NOTE: Van later produced a beautiful version of "Mr. D.J." on Francine Barker -- just before she became the first Peaches of the '60s duo Peaches & Herb. You'll get to hear it in Part 3 of my Salute to Van McCoy.]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "Night Time Is Lonely Time"
PRODUCER: Mitch Miller
RECORD LABEL: Columbia CL-2497
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1966


1) "Night Time Is Lonely Time"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/PUkupWqsrbM

2) "My Reverie"
[[L. Clinton)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/JB4ESLkP4zs

3) "You Were My First Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/qPQjmISlQhI

4) "How High The Moon"
[[N. Lewis - N. Hamilton)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/_2kACUkFmOo

5) "I Can Dream Can't I"
[[S. Fain - I. Kohol)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/tTl-wS1X6YY

6) "The House That Love Built"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/pyeoT0Wqp1k

7) "Through A Long And Sleepless Night"
[[M. Gordon - A. Newman)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/--SfuHiTMHw

8) "A Young Fool In Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/DxgndmbJwCE

9) "I'll Close My Eyes"
[[B. Kaye - B. Reid)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/K-gdlPBEy-k

10) "I Get Along Without You Very Well"
[[H. Carmichael)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/t8S6kd4HAj0

11) "Every Time We Say Goodbye"
[[Cole Porter)
Producer: Mitch Miller
https://youtu.be/0tPIcWRRCtI

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy & Friends
LP TITLE: "Dancin'"
PRODUCER: Van McCoy
RECORD LABEL: SSS International - SSS-33
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1976 [[Recorded in 1960's)

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
LEAD VOCALS: Van McCoy / Chris Bartley [[as reported)


1) "Sweet And Easy" [[Instrumental)
https://youtu.be/h_i-caEcS1c

[NOTE: "Sweet And Easy" melody is aka BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS' "A Love You Can Depend On"]

2) "If I Could Make You Mine" [[Instrumental)
https://youtu.be/e2eT9wewdRo

3) "The Generation Gap" [[Instrumental)
https://youtu.be/GGXS6IfzNdg

4) "Help Is On The Way"
[Male Vocal: Van McCoy]
https://youtu.be/xhdIRXhnLHI

5) "What Kind Of Man"
[Male Vocal: Chris Bartley]
https://youtu.be/PIo0ujtyfpQ

6) "The Woman Who Made Me A Man"
[Male Vocal: Chris Bartley]
https://youtu.be/pFeFObyzEQo

7) "Just Another Dress Rehearsal"
[Male Lead Vocal: Van McCoy]
https://youtu.be/8o9aR-H0k3s

8) "With All My Heart"
[Male Lead Vocal: Van McCoy]
https://youtu.be/heOlu3P_V8U

9) "Ain't Got No Love"
[Male Lead Vocal: Chris Bartley]
https://youtu.be/FE1Bvh5gOy0

10) "Back Trackin'" [[Instrumental)
https://youtu.be/1VMKT8e0jUA

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "Soul Improvisations"
PRODUCER: Van McCoy
RECORD LABEL: Buddah
CATALOG #: BDS-1503
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1972


1) "I'm In Love With You Baby"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/wq4vL_XfiJw

2) "Don't Hang Me Up"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/3mjlaNO-HrM

3) "Let Me Down Easy"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/6mKduINcMsY

4) "Just In Case"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/NKKTAjWpAz0

5) "Now That You're Gone"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/bilCvu-GtgQ

6) "Soul Improvisations [[Part 1)"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/w4sUg6cgoYE

7) "Don't Rock The Boat"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/xi4ZfAkdYNg

8) "So Many Mountains"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/kMnELepyYnM

9) "I Would Love To Love You"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/9aKUv6qeOLc

10) "I Get Lovin' On My Mind"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/UVq2ynAaiEE

11) "He Who Hath Ears To Hear [[Let Him Hear)"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/cKu1npqGHXk

12) "Soul Improvisations [[Part 2)
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/XrCmkW_rdRM

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "From Disco To Love"
PRODUCER: Van McCoy
RECORD LABEL: Buddha - BDS-4648
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1975


[NOTE 1: "From Disco To Love" is A TOM MOULTON MIX -- remixed and improved versions of 10 of the 12 tracks from 1972's "Soul Improvisations" album, from previous post.]

[NOTE 2: Unfortunately, only tracks 1-5 of Tom Moulton's remixes are available on YouTube. For the remaining album tracks 6-9, I had to use whatever YouTube had available.]


1) "I'm In Love With You Baby"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/DcO7xRWljcA

2) "Just In Case"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/iYdgNzg0H9E

3) "Don't Rock The Boat"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/2VhLCPPfasg

4) "Now That You're Gone"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/gbNYdMHc-dU

5) "Let Me Down Easy"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/5eGxph8f9Gs

6) "Don't Hang Me Up"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/Lol2ukkaq2I

7) "Soul Improvisations" [[Long Version)
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/u8Q_kESP1rU

8) "So Many Mountains"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/tQLRl70LPg8

9) "I Would Love To Love You"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/9aKUv6qeOLc

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony
LP TITLE: "Love Is The Answer"
RECORD LABEL: AVCO - AV-69002
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1974

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Hugo & Luigi
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Van McCoy


1) "Love Is The Answer" [[Instrumental Version)
[[Hugo & Luigi - G. D. Weiss)
https://youtu.be/lvDZFOx0YRY

2) "Touch Me In The Morning"
[[M. Masser - R. Miller)
https://youtu.be/ihCQG5Kgg7o

3) "Back Stabbers"
[[L. Huff - G. McFadden - J. Whitehead)
https://youtu.be/92K7kbkf9Gg

4) "Proud Mary"
[[J. Fogerty)
https://youtu.be/InOWZ8Zj3XE

5) "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"
[[S. Wonder)
https://youtu.be/JtG7h9zX5c0

6) "African Symphony"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/lrVT5VFfi5w

7) "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
[[N. Ashford - V. Simpson)
https://youtu.be/B0ABv3bx6PY

8) "Boogie Down"
[[A. Poree - F. Wilson - L. Caston)
https://youtu.be/un1GEM1vKlk

9) "A Rainy Night In Georgia"
[[T. J. White)
https://youtu.be/C47yQ6unas8

10) "Funky Feet"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/lXIl_MUkmpc


BONUS TRACKS:

11) "Love Is The Answer" [[12" Mix)
[[Hugo & Luigi - G. D. Weiss)
https://youtu.be/F_4_tDu-_jM

12) "Killing Me Softly With His Song"
[[N. Gimbel)
https://youtu.be/BH7MSpbYRMs

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony
LP TITLE: "Disco Baby"
RECORD LABEL: AVCO - AV-69006
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1975


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Hugo & Luigi
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Van McCoy, Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey


1) "Disco Baby"
[[Hugo & Luigi - George David Weiss)
https://youtu.be/GCTfSNn9Agg

2) "Fire"
[[Beck - Satchell - Williams - Bonner - Jones - Pierce - Middlebrooks)
https://youtu.be/5_Pi6KaoXyw

3) "The Hustle"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/4Dp48Acl62E

4) "Get Dancin'"
[[B. Crewe - K. Nolan)
https://youtu.be/akpXgVx0-E4

5) "Doctor's Orders"
[[Cook - Greenaway - Stephens)
https://youtu.be/QXs6wlnw_X0

6) "Turn This Mother Out"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/0Y-Gfnreqtc

7) "Shakey Ground"
[[A. Boyd - E. Hazel - J. Bowen)
https://youtu.be/adzdrCv_l3U

8) "Spanish Boogie"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/DAP53NezJG8

9) "Pick Up The Pieces"
[[AWB - A. Stuart - R. Ball)
https://youtu.be/Bzqtrr64UQ0

10) "Hey Girl, Come And Get It"
[[Hugo & Luigi - George Davis Weiss)
https://youtu.be/8Sk200nR7V8


BONUS TRACKS:

11) "Disco Baby" [[Disco Mix)
[[Hugo & Luigi - George David Weiss)
https://youtu.be/p43aktO_7zo

12) "The Hustle" [[Remix)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/zwDv5KPCKog

13) "The Hustle" [[Radio Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/KwsbyeVa0iM

14) "The Hustle" [[Super-Hustle Mix)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/tfDfOphCcJ8

15) "Hey Girl, Come And Get It" [[Disco Mix)
[[Hugo & Luigi - George Davis Weiss)
https://youtu.be/5Ak26FBeiag

16) "Never Can Say Goodbye" [[Previously Unreleased)
[[Clifton Davis)
https://youtu.be/G3T7KegYCQo

17) "Never Can Say Goodbye" [[Extended Version) [[Previously Unreleased)
[[Clifton Davis)
https://youtu.be/vG304p_3eKY

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "The Disco Kid"
RECORD LABEL: AVCO - AV- 69909
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1975


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Hugo & Luigi
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
LEAD VOCALS: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity)


1) "The Disco Kid"
[[Hugo & Luigi - G. Weiss)
https://youtu.be/CMEJU74Zw74

2) "I'm Gonna Love You"
[[B. Mann - C. Weill)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/g00dmXqBH1o

3) "Change With The Times"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/LqyJscUkn7U

4) "Love Child"
[[Hugo & Luigi - G.D. Weiss)
https://youtu.be/F4fciNYdtyA

5) "The Walk"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/q7ecH5LWdl0

6) "Earthquake"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/ro6aa9gMTrk

7) "Words Spoken Softly At Midnight"
[[Charles Kipps)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/-AeXpxPzJo0

8) "Roll With The Punches"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/uYnKIC035uE

9) "Keep On Hustlin'"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/u-BXSX5FDok

10) "The Way We Were"
[[A. Bergman - M. Bergman - M. Hamlisch)
https://youtu.be/hKHjwQWVF20

11) "Goodnight Baby"
[[Hugo & Luigi - G.D. Weiss)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/ooyjzhNw9rM

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "The Real McCoy"
RECORD LABEL: H & L - HL-69012
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1976


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Jocelyn Shaw, Lorraine Moore, Roberta Blassingame, and Van McCoy


1) "Jet Setting"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/_Mp4kujlFCw

2) "Love At First Sight"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/mIfRQchNh-U

3) "To Each His Own [[That's My Philosophy)" [[Instrumental Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/mARpwAuRLLY

[NOTE: As can be heard above, this version of "To Each His Own" contains Faith, Hope & Charity's partial back-up vocals on the chorus of the song. Their fully-vocal hit version can be found on the first of their two RCA albums titled "Faith, Hope & Charity" which utilizes the same backing track as above.]


4) "Night Walk"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/bbjoTAvIcEw

5) "Sweet, Sweet Rhythm"
[[Van McCiy)
https://youtu.be/2MWpKpwxYWs

6) "Theme From 'Star Trek'"
[[A. Courage - G. Roddenberry)
https://youtu.be/_wHccUE-5mU

7) "Party"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/w9c_nENiKck

8) "African Symphony"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/lrVT5VFfi5w

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "Rhythms Of The World"
RECORD LABEL: H & L - HL-69014
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1976


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Van McCoy; [[Track 3 - Zulema Cusseaux)


1) "Rhythms Of The World"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/43eLR1rMgi0

2) "That's The Joint"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/fdp2gBi5Gbs

3) "Soul Cha Cha"
[[Van McCoy)
[Featuring Zulema Cusseaux]
https://youtu.be/xBfpi_pHXpo

4) "The Shuffle"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/oWRZlHXCj6c

5) "Oriental Boogie"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/581nb4a0TzU

6) "Indian Warpath"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/wXaxqn5NTI8

7) "Swahili Boogie"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/w2N_Ob99xFk


BONUS TRACKS:

8) "Rhythms Of The World" [[Part 2)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/Rn_2Mn0qqug

9) "That's The Joint" [[Radio Version)
[[Van McCoy)
[[Audio N/A]

10) "The Shuffle" [[Radio Version)
[[Van McCoy)
[Audio N/A]

11) "Reggae Boogie" [[Previously Unreleased)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/XdoZoXXFGCE

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "Magnificent Movie Machine"
RECORD LABEL: H & L - HL-69022
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1977


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Van McCoy


MEDLEY 1:

Part 1:

https://youtu.be/pwiKg-oY9_w

1) "Moon River"
[[H. Mancini - J. Mercer)

2) "Over The Rainbow"
[[E Y. Harburg - H. Arlan)

3) "Gone With The Wind"
[[M. Steiner)

4) "Somewhere"
[[L. Bernstein - S. Sondheim)

------------------------------------

MEDLEY 1:

Part 2:

https://youtu.be/UDYNfsjMDEk

5) "Evergreen" [[From A Star Is Born)
[[B. Streisand - P. Williams)

6) "Do You Know Where You're Going To" [[From Mahogany)
[[G. Goffin - M. Masser)

------------------------------------

MEDLEY 2:

https://youtu.be/3_gSLtF4BD8

7) "Theme From Shaft"
[[I. Hayes)

8) "Lara's Theme" [[From Doctor Zhivago)
[[M. Jarre)

9) "The Magnificent Seven"
[[E. Berstein)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "My Favorite Fantasy"
RECORD LABEL: MCA - MCA-3036
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1978


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Diane Wilson, Priscilla Baskerville, Van McCoy, Zulema Cusseaux


1) "That's The Story Of My Life"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/njP48XTNEbM

2) "That's Why I Love You So Much"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/z8JmDIMaXEQ

3) "Two Points" [[Instrumental)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/F7A6quaFwro

4) "Right Now"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/1w2MXPLdvjQ

5) "You're So Right For Me"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/7xJzITzcRTo

6) "My Favorite Fantasy"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/W2hBxfJkOwM

7) "Before And After"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/CJiB7WLGt_8

8) "Trying To Make The Best Of It"
[[Van McCoy - D. Destry - A. Blake)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/fpm8NymFtv0

9) "I Choose Love As My Weapon"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/lwMzVJf59xM

10) "Wings Of Love"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/RzKj9OtGHUw


BONUS TRACK:

11) "Two Points" [[Instrumental)
[[12" Single)
https://youtu.be/J6AQEWTZ4MI

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: Van McCoy
LP TITLE: "Lonely Dancer"
RECORD LABEL: MCA
CATALOG #: MCA-3071
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1979


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Van McCoy
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey, Diane Destry [[aka Faith, Hope & Charity); Pete Marshall, Van McCoy, Zulema Cusseaux


1) "I'm Beginning To Feel Like My Old Self Again"
[[Charles Kipps)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/v7n_w5zuJXs

2) "Merry-Go-Round"
[[Zulema Cusseaux)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/GKB8MjjOqYw

3) "The Samba" [[12" Single Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/U0bLnGTLs64

4) "Decisions"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/zmyBcdaJYxU

5) "Lonely Dancer"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/0g5YNJlLPME

6) "I Wish You Well"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/AH5GvpS7r_g

7) "Touchdown"
[[Van McCoy - G. Edwards - Hugo & Luigi)
https://youtu.be/ka0o4isWxSE

8) "All I Need Is You" / "You're My Peace Of Mind"
[[Van McCoy)
Vocal: Van McCoy
https://youtu.be/Ewg_J09frjQ

[Philles/Motown Gary]

VAN McCOY - "BITS 'N' PIECES"


VAN McCOY
"I Started A Joke" [[1969 Inst.)
https://youtu.be/dZCJ6yKEUiY

------------ b/w ------------

"Tony's Theme [[1969 Inst.)
https://youtu.be/YJPBhqZ3iMA

[Glitch near end]



VAN McCOY
"Every Year When Summer Turns To Fall"
[Date of recording unknown, although it's definitely Van's '70s voice.)
https://youtu.be/Wv_gXIVOBxw



VAN McCOY
"When I Fall In Love"
[New Year's Eve live vocal performance with STUFF [[Van's "house" band on most, if not all, of his recorded productions) appearing at the Bottom Line Club in Manhattan, December 31, 1976 -- only moments before Van rings in the New Year!]
https://youtu.be/cifRV0hAwzo

[Philles/Motown Gary]

We've finished uploading "VAN McCOY - Part 1. Please feel free to post questions and comments.

[jsmith]

A new UK release ... old track ...
Attachment 20795

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hi jsmith! It's good to see that Van'!s family is keeping his name and his music alive!

VAN McCOY
"Sing Yeah Sing"
https://youtu.be/GK9rugO9RaI

VAN McCOY
"Wait 'Til I Get You In My Arms"
https://youtu.be/ULFB7pbCLdE

While we're at it, let's compare Major Lance's version with Van's own version:

MAJOR LANCE
"Wait 'Til I Get You In My Arms"
https://youtu.be/pXOWUDvBqLs

[[Major Lance's version is available on the Various Artists' CD "This Is It! More From The Van McCoy Songbook 1962-1977" on the Kent Label [[CDTOP 489).

[jack020]

After reading this, I ordered Lonely Dancer/Samba 12-inch from Discogs, thanks.

[BayouMotownMan]

He died so mysteriously young, was said to be a heart attack. But I always thought there was more to it than that.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

After reading this, I ordered Lonely Dancer/Samba 12-inch from Discogs, thanks.

Way to go, Jack! You just made my day! Be sure to keep watch for Van McCoy Part 2 - "Faith, Hope & Charity" and Part C - "Van's Artists" [[both coming soon). You'll be surprised at how many more of Van's productions you'll find yourself wanting to order!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

He died so mysteriously young, was said to be a heart attack. But I always thought there was more to it than that.

I know, Bayou. I remember learning of Van's death on the radio like it were yesterday. They said he had died of a heart attack at age 39. Then they added that his heart attack may have been drug-induced. [[I remember being shocked that they would make such a statement without being sure.)

Add to that the lyrics of Van's recording, "I'm Beginning To Feel Like My Old Self Again" [[written by Charlie Kipps) -- and the very first track on Van's final album, "Lonely Dancer", in which he sings about having made it through an ordeal which he's not fully recovered from but "progressing each day". That, together with the careless radio report speculating/implying recreational drug use, does make you wonder. Add to that the fact that, back in the day, Diane Destry of Faith, Hope & Charity was found dead suffering from AIDS and a drug overdose. If it's true, the whole thing is so sad and a horrible waste of talent.

[jack020]

Hey PMG, I already have most of the FH&C LPs and cds, and one Anacostia LP but looking forward to your info.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey PMG, I already have most of the FH&C LPs and cds, and one Anacostia LP but looking forward to your info.

Sounds good, Jack. I'll be covering those and so much more! BTW, which Anacostia album do you have? The one with "Baby I'm Available"?

[Boogiedown]

HI GARY !!!

Lovin' this. Good for you to take this on . What a mysterious man who has just been allowed to drop off the planet ...Van McCoy. Are there any books about him???

I did not know of his version::



^I'm a sucker for punching horns.

checking out this sweetened version of YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE you provided :




reminds my of:





His style is very identifiable.
I finally came up with a word to describe his music ....."swirly" ....what do you think??

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hi, Boogie! Glad you're lovin' this! I've been a Van McCoy fan since the early '70s. I loved his tender way he had with his Brenda & The Tabulations Top & Bottom productions. Soon after, I discovered Van's own albums and it exploded from there with Melba Moore's "This Is It" album, The Stylistics -- all of which were graced with Faith, Hope & Charity's back-up vocals. Of course, FH&C's albums lead to anotherr whole world within itself! I'm not sure when it hit me, but I have pretty much all of Van's '70s productions. One day it just came to me to honor Van and share his music with those who are interested.

To my knowledge, there has never been a book about Van. Believe me, if there were, I would have ordered it years ago. I'm not sure who would be knowledgeable enough to tell his story in the way his fans would want to know [[recording sessions, dealing with so many different artists at so many record companies, how he enjoyed working with Faith Hope, & Charity, his music successes, his disappointments, etc. Van's sister Maddie [[or is it Mattie?) runs his publishing company, but she's gotta be up there in age by now. I'm not sure how much of the actual record "business" she's aware of. The only person I could even begin to think of would be Van's friend and artist Sandi Sheldon [[aka Sandra Spotswood and aka Kenni Young). Hey, I just thought of someone who would know more about Van's day-to-day "70s productions, and that would be Charlie Kipps -- one half of McCoy/Kipps Productions! He would know better than anyone what Van's life was like during those 1970's hey-days!

Yeah, you're right. Van's music is highly identifiable. And I love each and every production of it! Steve Gadd's tom-toms and those marvelous staccato string passages which adorned nearly all of those '70s-era productions!

Speaking of Van's drummer -- Steve Gadd [[who was a part of the group STUFF -- which was Van's version of Phil Spector's Wrecking Crew and Motown's Funk Brothers), is one of my favorite drummers. Back in the mid-'80s, when I worked in the Word Processing Center of a local college, I played a Van McCoy track for Laura -- the lady who sat at the desk next to mine. She thought it was just beautiful and she was anxious to hear more of Van's music. Well, while Laura and I were talking about it, Sam -- our Xerox guy who was there to service our word processing equipment, came over to talk to me. He couldn't help but over-hear Laura's and my conversation about Van McCoy. He just wanted me to know that Steve Gadd of STUFF is his cousin! Talk about a small world! I wish I knew Sam's last name. If I did, I would give him a call and hit him up for some Steve Gadd memories that he had from working for Van all of those years. Surely, Sam was privy to at least some of the behind-the-scenes stories.

Back to your comment about Van's and FH&C's version of "Never Can Say Goodbye", I just got it recently after discovering on eBay that Unidisc had released an Expanded CD version of Vans "Disco Baby" album in Canada which includes the previously-unreleased 'Never Can Say Goodbye". What a pleasant surprise that was! I also recently learned that there's also an Expanded CD version of Van's "Rhythms Of The World" which includes the previously-unreleased "Raggae Boogie" which you can hear right here on Van's "Rhythms Of The World" tracklist. There's nothing Raggae sounding about this song, but it's really pretty, and, of course, Faith, Hope & Charity sing it beautifully!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Almost forgot, Boogie -- Van took some liberties with Stevie's "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", but it's so beautiful, I could never fault it. I really love Van's version. Like Van has always said, "There's nothing wrong with Funky being elegant." I couldn't agree more!

[Boogiedown]

Gary:

To my knowledge, there has never been a book about Van. Believe me, if there were, I would have ordered it years ago. I'm not sure who would be knowledgeable enough to tell his story in the way his fans would want to know [[recording sessions, dealing with so many different artists at so many record companies, how he enjoyed working with Faith Hope, & Charity, his music successes, his disappointments, etc. Van's sister Maddie [[or is it Mattie?) runs his publishing company, but she's gotta be up there in age by now. I'm not sure how much of the actual record "business" she's aware of. The only person I could even begin to think of would be Van's friend and artist Sandi Sheldon [[aka Sandra Spotswood and aka Kenni Young). Hey, I just thought of someone who would know more about Van's day-to-day "70s productions, and that would be Charlie Kipps -- one half of McCoy/Kipps Productions! He would know better than anyone what Van's life was like during those 1970's hey-days!

I SHOULD WRITE A BOOK…

Everyone has a book in them.
It could be that novel you’ve been meaning to write. Or maybe it’s a nonfiction book or biography. Or even the family history you want to get down for posterity. Yet most people, instead of writing one, walk around saying: “I should write a book.”

I firmly believe that if you can talk you can write. I’ll guide you along the way. Email me at charles@charleskipps.com, describe what services you would like, and I’ll get back to you with a quote. "

considering who he is, and what he does, what the hell is he waiting for

....https://www.charleskipps.com/

[Philles/Motown Gary]

OMG, Boogie! That's Charlie Kipps, alright! I recognize him from a much younger photo in which he and Van were in the studio with Aretha for her upcoming "La Diva" album which will be posted very soon in Salute To VAN McCOY - Part 3: VAN'S ARTISTS. Of course, Charlie was 40+ years younger at the time, yet still I recognize that face. How did you ever find him? It sounds like he's moved on from his musical past. What makes you think he would want to hear from me after all these years?

[Boogiedown]

If anyone could draw Kipps out of his snail shell, I bet it would be you Gary !!

For starters, he could be the conduit to answering the question: Whatever happened to Joe Cobb??

[jack020]

Hey PMG: Anacostia 1977.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Well, Boogie, you've given me something to chew on. Under certain circumstances, I know you're right.

BTW, here's a photo and a very short bio on Joe Cobb.

https://www.discogs.com/artist/248615-Joe-Cobb

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey PMG: Anacostia 1977.

Jack, that's my favorite of the two! You'll get to check out the tracks on their other one soon.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

He died so mysteriously young, was said to be a heart attack. But I always thought there was more to it than that.

Bayou, I meant to ask you -- what is your line of thinking regarding Van's death?

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey, Boogie -- a few weeks back, you were surprised to.learn that Van McCoy had a previously unreleased version of "Doctor's Orders" on the Expanded version of his "Disco Baby" CD. Did you also notice his previously unreleased track titled "Reggae Boogie" on his Expanded "Rhythms Of The World" CD? There's nothing Reggae-sounding about it, but it's sheer beauty is pure Van and FH&C.

[Boogiedown]

Hey, Boogie -- a few weeks back, you were surprised to.learn that Van McCoy had a previously unreleased version of "Doctor's Orders" on the Expanded version of his "Disco Baby" CD. Did you also notice his previously unreleased track titled "Reggae Boogie" on his Expanded "Rhythms Of The World" CD? There's nothing Reggae-sounding about it, but it's sheer beauty is pure Van and FH&C.

He ha I think you meant NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE, but that's OK , both by the Meco Monardo DCA team, right?. I didn't notice this track. OK so I'll do one of those first time hearing reaction things: I've downloaded it , now I'll listen [hope it goes well ]:

[Boogiedown]

Wow. I've never heard such romantic sounding reggae, ever. It's absolutely delightful, charming. I feel a warm tropical breeze stirring the arriving twilight with the moon peaking between the palm fronds and reflecting on gentle waves . What wonderfully restrained pacing.

WHY would Van leave this off of his RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD themed LP?
Bringing in the clavinet at 2:50 was perhaps a nod to Stevie Wonder?



Thanks Gary ! You found me my flavor of the month! [I was terribly affeared I wasn't gonna like it! Are there any other tunes comparable to this in style?]


[It cuts off the ending but I'm sure not by much ]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Wow. I've never heard such romantic sounding reggae, ever. It's absolutely delightful, charming. I feel a warm tropical breeze stirring the arriving twilight with the moon peaking between the palm fronds and reflecting on gentle waves . What wonderfully restrained pacing.

WHY would Van leave this off of his RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD themed LP?
Bringing in the clavinet at 2:50 was perhaps a nod to Stevie Wonder?

Thanks Gary ! You found me my flavor of the month! [I was terribly affeared I wasn't gonna like it! Are there any other tunes comparable to this in style?]


[It cuts off the ending but I'm sure not by much ]

You're right, Boogie. I misspoke when I said "Doctor's Orders", as it was indeed the previously unreleased "Never Can Say Goodbye" I was aiming for!

Yeah, that previously unreleased "Reggae Boogie" is beautiful, as Faith, Hope & Charity remind us yet again how at home they were with Van's irresistible productions. Whatever possessed Van to leave it out of the "Rhythms Of The World" album is beyond me, too. It's funny, but when that album first came out in 1976, I loved "The Shuffle", and that was about it. I really didn't like that album. Now, 47 years later, it's among my favorites of Van's! Funny how time changes us!

I'm glad I helped you find your "Flavor Of The Month"! Oh, BTW, that sloppy edit at the end isn't like that on the CD. It's a result of the YouTube poster's upload. They carelessly cut it off a few seconds too early before the fade-out had ended.

Van's Expanded "Disco Baby" and "Rhythms Of The World" CDs are from an apparent series reissued in Canada. [[Again, I'm forced to wonder, why is it that other countries get offered the best from our American artists, while we get left holding the wrong end of the stick? I would sure love to know what the remaining titles are and what previously-unreleased treats they behold.

You asked if there are any other tracks like "Reggae Boogie". No, the remaining Bonus Tracks are shorter versions of the original album tracks. [[I inadvertently pictured the back of my original CD copy instead of the back of my new Expanded copy. For that, I apologize. The Bonus Tracks should have been listed as follows:

8) "Rhythms Of The World [[Part 2)" [[6: 07)
9) "That's The Joint" [[Radio Version) [[3:17)
10) "The Shuffle" [[Radio Version) [[3: 04)
11) "Reggae Boogie" [[Previously Unreleased) [[6:08)

Also, I should point out that the version in the above YouTube audio video sounds shrill and distorted, whereas my Expanded CD sounds excellent.

[Boogiedown]

Hi Gary Im still enjoying REGGAE BOOGIE and I'm house-sitting and they have Alexis and I keeping her busy playing Van McCoy

Your fave from the LP

" "

I like it A LOT too

my stand out:



for me it illustrates that while Van took his music seriously , not always too seriously .


and of course as you've got listed, Van did also do a version of DOCTORS ORDERS


featuring the mandatory disco line "do do do to do" !



thanks for info!!!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Housesitting with Maestro McCoy -- only an Alexis-shout away! Ha! Sounds like a good time to me, Boogie!

I'm glad to hear you like "The Shuffle". Back up just one album's worth and check out "Love At First Sight" from Van's 1975 "The Real McCoy" album. It was this song -- "Love At First Sight " -- that made me realize how much I loved Van and Faith, Hope & Charity with an unbridled musical passion!

https://youtu.be/sHWfsZRGJWg

"Soul Cha-Cha"! I'm not surprised you get a kick out of it! [[It's one of the tracks that I used to not like!) Now, of course, I like it very much! That's Zulema doing the talking! By now [[1975), she had long-since left FH&C -- being replaced by Diane Destry [[my favorite version of FH&C!) -- although Van continually invited Zulema back for back-up vocal support on each of his albums.

Yes! Van and company did a great version of "Doctor's Orders" and I LOVE it! The neat thing about Van and his group is that they always included cover versions equally as good or, in some cases, better than the original versions. Case in point, Faith, Hope & Charity's "Just One Look". Personally, I never cared for the original hit version by Doris Troy. But Van's version with FH&C hit me like a ton of bricks! Van's musical arrangement -- those magnificent strings! -- and Brenda, Albert & Diane's vocals -- are powerful! Check out their harmonies on the word "hard" when they sing, "Just one look and I fell so hard, hard, HARD! Their 3-part harmonies on that 3rd "HARD" are positively thrilling!

https://youtu.be/7OJXnMJwcFA

My musical life at the time was great! Having just gotten my first apartment, I was suddenly discovering Van's mid-70s productions one after another -- including Melba Moore's "This Is It" album and David Ruffin's "Who I Am" -- all of which came out at about the same time and were jam-packed with Van and FH&C! Ah, what good times they were!

[Boogiedown]

ARTIST: Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony
LP TITLE: "Love Is The Answer"
RECORD LABEL: AVCO - AV-69002
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1974

CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Hugo & Luigi
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Van McCoy




6) "African Symphony"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/lrVT5VFfi5w

Henry Mancini had a nice extended disco 12" pressing with this one which added a kalimba:

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hey there, Boogie! Sorry I didn't see your post sooner, as I discovered it just now.

I wasn't aware that Henry Mancini had recorded a version of Van's "African Symphony". That's quite an honor to have a highly-regarded artist like Mancini cover Van's composition. I'm sure it made Van's day while putting yet another feather in his cap!

Mancini's cover is amazingly good, although I still prefer Van's original. Did you notice that Van's "African Symphony" originally appeared on his "Love Is The Answer" LP [[1974), and then again on his "The Real McCoy) album in 1976? As far as I can tell, both versions are identical and sound the same.

[Boogiedown]

no worries. glad you noticed. I was wondering if you already knew of Mancini's one time dabble in disco with this one.

OK no, didn't know of the two versions on two LPs , Gary.

First time out:



then longer version with all being the same until made longer with the additional that begins at 2:45 --- you'll hear a different guitar at 2:50 ]





there is a marching band quality at times to Van's work. Do we know if he was in band in high school??

[Philles/Motown Gary]

no worries. glad you noticed. I was wondering if you already knew of Mancini's one time dabble in disco with this one.

OK no, didn't know of the two versions on two LPs , Gary.

First time out:



then longer version with all being the same until made longer with the additional that begins at 2:45 --- you'll hear a different guitar at 2:50 ]





there is a marching band quality at times to Van's work. Do we know if he was in band in high school??

I'm somewhat embarrassed, Boogie! I never realized that the newer "The Real McCoy" album version of "African Symphony" is longer [[and better) than the earlier "Love Is The Message" version. That's fine with me because I love that song!

Also, I had no idea that there was a Drum & Bugle Corps version of "African Symphony". Actually, it works well as a marching piece.

[Boogiedown]

Nothing to be embarrassed about..... always exciting to learn of new elements I think!

Here's the sheet music:




now you've got me listening to various incarnations!This one I think captures a certain additional flair, highlights the percussion :





this one is pretty thorough , including a tambourine!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Gee, I had no idea that Van's "African Symphony" had such a far-reaching effect, Boogie. Concert bands, marching bands, drum & bugle corps.... I don't know when the above videos were recorded, but I'm guessing they were long since his untimely death. I really wish Van had lived long enough to enjoy the multiple fruits of his labor. I also never realized until lately how much I love his "African Symphony" and also his "Night Walk":

https://youtu.be/sSz9UkDstwE

What a phenomenal talent he was!

[Boogiedown]

ARTIST: Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony
LP TITLE: "Disco Baby"
RECORD LABEL: AVCO - AV-69006
YEAR OF RELEASE : 1975


CREDITS:

PRODUCER: Hugo & Luigi
ARRANGED & CONDUCTED BY: Van McCoy
BACK-UP VOCALS: Van McCoy, Brenda Hilliard, Albert Bailey


1) "Disco Baby"
[[Hugo & Luigi - George David Weiss)
https://youtu.be/GCTfSNn9Agg

James Brown dug it:









added: do you think they tried to make that LP back cover look a little "Donna Summer"??

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Boogie, now that you mention it, she sure does look like a Donna Summer type; doesn't she!

And, yes, James Brown is diggin' Van McCoy, for sure! Dare I admit that I like James' version as much as I love Van's original vversion? Ha!!!

[Boogiedown]

Yes its got some good spunk.

I left out one little intriguing detail here:

when this record first came out James Brown changed the title and credited the writing of it to himself!!!! Don't know what he was thinking or how he thought he could get away with that ....

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Judging from the record label, he sure did! Talk about out-and-out thievery! I'm sure Van put a halt to THAT in a hurry.