Salute To VAN McCOY - Part 3: VAN'S ARTISTS [[A-M)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

VAN McCOY -- "His Artists - A To Z"

I'm proud to dedicate this Playlist to the magical music of VAN McCOY [[Composer, Arranger, Producer, Pianist, Lead Vocalist, and Back-Up Singer), as well as Composers/Producers Ed Cobb and Charles Kipps, House Band STUFF, Faith, Hope & Charity [[amazing back-up vocalists on nearly all of Van's productions for others as well as on their own albums produced by Van), and, last, but certainly not least, all of the artists whom Van produced as well as an array of artists who paid tribute to Van by recording his songs [[produced by their own producers).

To my knowledge, the songs featured within are a collection of Van's complete 1970's productions, although I've also included a healthy sprinkling of his 60's productions as well.

At this point, due to its massive size, we're breaking up this Van McCoy Playlist into two sections -- alphabetically by artists A-M, followed by artists N-Z at a later date. This will prevent the thread from becoming top-heavy, thus making it easier for the Van McCoy fans to post their questions and comments.

Once again, many thanks to Kenny for his uploading talents.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

A

AD-LIBS, THE
"You're Just A Rolling Stone"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Share [[#101)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/7Ju2uFYPUG0

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

AD-LIBS, THE
"Show A Little Appreciation" [[aka "Appreciation")
[[Van McCoy)
Producer : Van McCoy
Label: Share [[#101)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/MHUpKNQPjok

‐-------------------------------------------------

AD-LIBS, THE
"Giving Up"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Share [[#104)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/AwGeMuv5-qI

‐----------‐--------------------------------------

AD-LIBS, THE
"Nothing's Worse Than Being Alone"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
Label: Share [[#106)
Released: 1969
https://youtu.be/20OKQ0N9QpE

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

AD-LIBS, THE
"If She Wants Him"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
Label: Share [[#106)
Released: 1969
https://youtu.be/u1QM_PSakDY

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


ALSTON, ANDY & ALICE PRESLEY
"Our Love Will Never Change"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
Label: Maxwell [[MAX-801)
Released: 1969
https://youtu.be/HiyzJPDxpBM

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

ALSTON, ANDY & ALICE PRESLEY
"Every Step Of The Way"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Joe Cobb
Label: Maxwell [[MAX-801)
Released: 1969
[No Video Available]

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


ANACOSTIA
"On And Off" [[Parts 1 & 2)
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Columbia 45 [[4-45685)
Released: 1972
https://youtu.be/DE7vn-uqq28

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

ANACOSTIA
"Thick And Thin"
[[T. Boyd - A. Powell)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Columbia 45 [[4-45820)
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/VBIEHh-W6Xc

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

ANACOSTIA
"I Just Wander"
[[Charles H. Kipps)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Columbia 45 [[4-45820)
Released: 1973
[No Video Available]

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

ANACOSTIA
"You'd Better Know What You're Doing"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Columbia 45 [[S-10017)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/T09FmURaxug

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

ANACOSTIA
"Too Busy Thinking About My Baby"
[[N. Whitfield - J. Bradford - B. Strong)
Producer: Van McCoy)
Label: Columbia 45 [[S-10017)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/RZ3BKw1R4Mk

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

ANACOSTIA
"One Less Morning"
[[Charles H. Kipps)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Columbia 45 [[3-10203)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/poso-pJK3fM

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

ANACOSTIA
"Love Is Never Wrong"
[[Charles H. Kipps)
Producer: Charles H. Kipps
Label: Roulette 44 [[R-7300)
Released: 1984
https://youtu.be/YNXlEHPPA0k

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

ANACOSTIA
"Wild Funky Weekend"
[[T. Williams - T. Boyd)
Producer: Charles Kipps
Label: Roulette 45 [[R-7300)
Released: 1984
https://youtu.be/rIM1NFgoNj8

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ANACOSTIA [[1)
Producer: Charles Kipps For McCoy/Kipps Productions
Arranger: Anacostia and Van McCoy
Back-Up Vocals: Anacostia, Faith, Hope & Charity, Zulema, Jocelyn Shaw, Lorraine Moore, Penny Blassingame
Label: MCA [[#2269)
Released: 1977

1) "Heartache In Disguise"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/8uM2TYL-ZTQ

2) "Looking Over My Shoulder"
[[Charles H. Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/NTFhaoR_Z_U

3) "Everybody Dance"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/erPqc4JkeX4

4) "We Can't Live Life Alone"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/uwv4WUxeWBM

5) "Face The Fact"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/pSWNq3O8kY0

6) "What Kind Of Love"
[[Van McCoy - R. Harris)
https://youtu.be/T2JlabykOrM

7) "I Can't Stop Loving Her"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/QUN5Chy_9I4

8) "Words Spoken Softly At Midnight"
[[Charles H. Kipps, Jr )
https://youtu.be/eH2XTI_n93Y

9) "Baby I'm Available"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/MgrQchIn72A

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: ANACOSTIA [[2)
Producer: Charles Kipps For McCoy/Kipps Productions
Arranger: Van McCoy, Charles Kipps, Gordon Edwards and Arthur Jenkins
Back-Up Vocals: None Credited
Label: Tabu [[JZ 35570)
Released: 1978


1) "Ain't Nothing To It"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/Xog69IJSDmo

2) "Take It Or Leave It"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/0UI3bYokqgs

3) "Baby Don't Ever Leave Me"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/matTZgYAzm0

4) "Anything For You"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/SfPr7c8jrsk

5) "Another City Morning"
[[Charles H. Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/L9nQ4f_ujJI

6) "You've Got Love On Your Side"
[[Charles H. Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/QxMGpLiN_9k

7) "Your Unchanging Love"
[[Van McCoy[[
https://youtu.be/RTsMJaHJvZQ

8) "I Don't Need"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/5SVE3crL-qU

9) "Someone Else's Eyes"
[[Charles H. Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/cala2ESn7_M

10) "All For You"
[[T. Boyd - R. Sinclair - T. Williams)
https://youtu.be/BPgBYTlRF9o

[Philles/Motown Gary]

B

BALLARD, FLORENCE
"Love Ain't Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Robert Bateman
Label: ABC [[45-11144)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/1M1oY3Si5NI

[Philles/Motown Gary]

BARKER, FRANCINE
"Don't You Know Love When You See It"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy & Dave Kaprilak
Label: Columbia 45 [[4-44614)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/FnQe1oFpXN8

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

BARKER, FRANCINE
"Mr. D.J."
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Columbia 45 [[4-44614)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/vibNPQkUTJs


[NOTE: Francine Barker was the original Peaches of the 1960's duo Peaches & Herb.]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

BARTLEY, CHRIS
"The Sweetest Thing This Side Of Heaven"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Vando [[VA 60,000)
Released: 1967


1) "Gotta Tell Somebody [[About My Baby)
https://youtu.be/hS2p8fo4m4o

2) "Sittin' Pretty"
https://youtu.be/1bneznRY2q0

3) "Baby It's Wonderful"
https://youtu.be/HH8_oF6b4NQ

4) "That's How Much I Love You"
https://youtu.be/E8sATcBJXu4

5) "Hooked On You"
https://youtu.be/uxYmKzA-P7o

6) "I'll Be Loving You"
https://youtu.be/IEgnIbVYYUY

7) "Sweetest Thing This Side Of Heaven"
https://youtu.be/jGJkZiEAIZI

8) "Sugar Baby"
https://youtu.be/ywILvr4xaWI

9) "You Get Next To My Heart)
https://youtu.be/uSQQi8A0BCg

10) "For You"
https://youtu.be/VoSYtoNRVxg

11) "My Baby"
https://youtu.be/hSuvP0m-11Y

12) "Thanks For Loving Me"
https://youtu.be/_8ZIizIwvKA


Bonus Track:
13) "Love Me Baby"
https://youtu.be/P52kXDIEFTo

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

BARTLEY, CHRIS
"Be Mine Forever"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Vando [[14,001)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/YuuRj-y86y4

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

BARTLEY, CHRIS
"I Found A Goodie"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Vando [[14,001)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/5YRpQy-yXfI

[Philles/Motown Gary]

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS

1) "And My Heart Sang [[Tra La La)"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#403)
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/SsSz3vx8-zc

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

2) "Lies, Lies, Lies"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#403)
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/b6DwV3NYi0w

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

3) "Don't Make Me Over"
[[B. Bacharach- H. David)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#404)
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/cFAJKQwBm7Y

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

4) "You've Changed"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#404)
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/2AonwQWlq90

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

5) "A Child No One Wanted"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#406)
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/89ya7b9RHGM

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

6) "Scuse Uz Y'all"
[[Brenda Payton - Maurice Coates)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#406)
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/nFaIK9iBFTQ

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

7) "Right On The Tip Of My Tongue"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#407)
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/7Ytx8GW33ys

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

8) "Always & Forever"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#407)
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/nGgQJlGSB1s

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

9) "A Part Of You"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#408)
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/hmaF0xT7OFE

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

10) "Where There's A Will [[There's A Way)"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#409)
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/2wPbdVoNDfg

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

11) "Why Didn't I Think Of That"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#411)
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/7j2-GQSV5BU

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

12) "A Love You Can Depend On"
Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Top & Bottom [[#411)
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/CjF4npyjRFQ

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

[Philles/Motown Gary]

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS
"Little Bit Of Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Epic 45 [[5-10898)
Released: 1972
https://youtu.be/qpmfFBo60gs

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

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS
"Let Me Be Happy"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Epic 45 [[5-10898)
Released: 1972
https://youtu.be/wxxn34tqj6Y

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

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS"One Girl Too Late"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Epic 45 [[5-10954)
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/8kuua7G59Y8

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

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS
"Magic Of Your Love"
[[Melvin Steals - Mervyn Steals)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Epic 45 [[5-10954)
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/eoPt71ACAvA

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

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS
"Key To My Heart"
[[Melvyn Steals - Mervyn Steals)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Epic 45 [[5-11000)
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/wETYTMMlfs4
..............[[0:00-3:47)

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

BRENDA & THE TABULATIONS
"Love Is Just A Carnival"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy & Gilda Woods
Label: Epic 45 [[5-11000)
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/wETYTMMlfs4
..............[[3:48-6:59)


[The above two tracks are together in the same video, as indicated by the timing numbers.]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

BROWN, POLLY
"One Girl Too Late"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Gerry Shury
Label: GTO [[#2321-103)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/NjWtnJ-VsRU



SWEET DREAMS [[Polly Brown & Tony Jackson)
"Let's Get Into Something"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Ron Roker & Gerry Shury
Label: Bradley's Records [[BRAD 7522)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/QEIkjGvQUww



JERRY BUTLER
"I Can't Stand To See You Cry"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Vee-Jay [[#696)
Released: 1965
https://youtu.be/HDEnEAOuW8A

[Philles/Motown Gary]

C


G.C. CAMERON
"Let Me Down Easy"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Winston Monseque
Label: Motown [[M 1261F)
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/l0Acb9ICpvo



KENNY CARLTON
"Lost And Found"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Blue Rock [[#454)
Released: 1968
https://youtu.be/cTYRzpWXNCo

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: JEAN CARNE
TITLE: "Carne Sings McCoy""
PRODUCER: Jean Carne
LABEL: VAMMI - 1
RELEASED: 1995

[Unfortunately, audio links for this CD are not available. Still, it's an important enough release that Van McCoy fans, as well as Jean Carne fans, should be aware of. Should you ever find a copy of it for sale, GRAB IT! There are at least 6 tracks that I highly recommend.)]


1) "This Is It"
[[Van McCoy)

2) "Sweet Bitter Love"
[[Van McCoy)

3) "Baby I'm Yours" [[House Mix)
[[Van McCoy)

4) "Times Have Changed"
[[Van McCiy)

5) "Giving Up"
[[Van McCoy)

6) "Walk Softly"
[[Van McCoy)

7) "Either Way I Lose"
[[Van McCoy)

8) "Stay Awhile"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)

9) "I'll Be Loving You"
[[Van McCoy)

10) "When You're Young And In Love"
[[Van McCoy)

11) "Lean On Me"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)

12) "Baby I'm Yours" [[R&B Version)
[[Van McCoy)

13) "The Hustle"
[[Van McCoy)
[Words by D. Ramey with J. Carne and M. Taylor contributing. Rap performance by Joe Carn. McCoy tribute arranged and produced by John Wesley Hamilton at Omega Studio, Rockville MD.]


ARTIST: RALPH CARTER
"When You're Young And In Love"
[[Van McCoy)
PRODUCER: Reid Whitelaw & Norman Bergen
"A Tom Moulton Mix"
FROM LP: "Young And In Love"
LABEL: Mercury SRM-1-1080
RElEASED: 1976
https://youtu.be/6eHkQobl5wE


ARTIST: RALPH CARTER
"Love Doesn't Grow On Trees"
[[Van McCoy)
PRODUCER: Reid Whitelaw & Norman Bergen
"A Tom Moulton Mix
FROM LP: "Young And In Love"
LABEL: Mercury SRM-1-1080
Released: 1976
https://youtu.be/vWHJtqL_X5Q

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: CHOICE FOUR
CD TITLE: "The Very Best Of"
PRlODUCER: Van McCoy
BACK-UP SINGERS: Choice Four
LABEL: BMG/Koch KOC-CD-8045
RELEASED: 2000


1) "I'm Gonna Walk Away From Love" [[aka "Walk Away From Love")
[[Charles Kipps)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/NXHRh0S4ywI

2) "Can't Get Used To Sleeping Alone"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/L1zkpuqsccg

3) "You're My Happiness"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/-4xwLhWksQU

4) "You're So Right For Me"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/OcFGDGCauuU

5) "If I Don't Love You"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/aqZj4DO1jvw

6) "Until We Said Goodbye"
[[Charles Kipps)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/NA3nwqdeOwE

7) "Beside Me"
[[Walter J. Boyd)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/mT1IjF4Ya3s

8) "The Woman I'm Being True To"
[[Charles Kipps)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/QPVa_6dDv-k

9) "I Can't Make You Love Me"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/2JlgeFwoA2g

10) "Ready. Willing, And Able"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/ccx93uvK9hI

11) "When You're Young And In Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/-5OPqdmLbLc

12) "Angel Don't Fly Away"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/h4aibhHwkpU

13) "Hook It Up"
[[V. Barrett - W. Beard - W. Alexander)
Released: 1975
https://youtu.be/kWOjkprbKLo

14) "I Need Your Love To Keep Me Warm"
[[Van McCoy)
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/-c0E_XpSDTY

15) "The Finger Pointers [[Pt. 1)"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
Released: 1974
https://youtu.be/hESBUFc11Oc

16) "Just Let Me Hold You For A Night"
[[Charles Kipps)
Released: 1976
https://youtu.be/ZCUHdvGxjhA

17) "This Time It's For Real"
[[Chester Fortune - Terry Huff)
Released: 1976
https://youtu.be/4IaEYzV2c_s

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: CHOICE FOUR
CD TITLE: "The Finger Pointers"
PRlODUCER: Van McCoy
BACK-UP SINGERS: Choice Four
LABEL: RCA APL1-0643
RELEASED: 1974


1) "The Finger Pointers [[Part 1)"
[[Van McCoy - Ed Cobb)
https://youtu.be/hESBUFc11Oc

2) "Can't Get Used To Sleeping Alone"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/L1zkpuqsccg

3) "The Woman I'm Being True To"
[[Charles Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/QPVa_6dDv-k

4) "I Need Your Love To Keep Me Warm"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/w_5ovxAAUKQ

5) "I Can't Make You Love Me"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/2JlgeFwoA2g

6) "Ready, Willing And Able"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/ccx93uvK9hI

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

8) "If I Don't Love You"
[[Van McCoy - Ed Cobb)
https://youtu.be/aqZj4DO1jvw

9) "The Finger Pointers [[Parts 1 & 2)"
[[Van McCoy - Ed Cobb)
https://youtu.be/oFictDDbABU

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: CHOICE FOUR
CD TITLE: "The Choice Four"
PRlODUCER: Van McCoy
BACK-UP SINGERS:
LABEL: RCA APL1-0913
RELEASED: 1975


1) "Hook It Up"
[[V. Barrett - W. Alexander - W. Beard)
https://youtu.be/kWOjkprbKLo

2) "Angel Don't Fly Away"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/h4aibhHwkpU

3) "Is It Love"
[[V. Barrett - W. Alexander - W. Beard)
https://youtu.be/azbUnacVR5A

4) "When You're Young And In Love"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/-5OPqdmLbLc

5) "You're My Happiness"
[[Van McCoy - Ed Cobb)
https://youtu.be/-4xwLhWksQU

6) "Until We Said Goodbye"
[[Charles Kipps, Jr )
https://youtu.be/rJfqVkhn1jc

7) "I'm Gonna Walk Away From Love" [[aka "Walk Away From Love")
[[Charles Kipps, Jr.)
https://youtu.be/KrPd9Tizw2U

8) "Happy Go Lucky Girl"
[[C. Fortune- T. Huff)
[[Audio Not Available)

9) "Beside Me"
[[Walter B. Boyd)
https://youtu.be/h4si-kxZCgc

10) "Keep In Touch"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/golPXL5Axfk

[Philles/Motown Gary]

ARTIST: CHOICE FOURCD TITLE: "On Top Of Clear"
PRODUCER: Van McCoy
BACK-UP SINGERS: Choice Four
LABEL: RCA - APL1-1400-A
RELEASED: 1976


1) "Hey, What's That Dance You're Doing"
[[Van McCoy)
A Tom Moulton Mix
https://youtu.be/yB7mw-QIDo4

2) "Just Let Me Hold You For A Night"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/ZCUHdvGxjhA

3) "A Beautiful Glow"
[[Van McCoy)
Allan Varner Mix
https://youtu.be/VSnHP6engJU

4) "Everybody's Got A Story"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/q1DSaKfldCw

5) "Mysterious Lady"
[[Van McCoy)
A Tom Moulton Mix
https://youtu.be/bT8MX48uGW4

6) "This Time It's For Real"
[[Terry Huff)
https://youtu.be/qAqRuRgP_MY

7) "Two Different Worlds"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/O9hT0Q2rrzU

8) "Come Down To Earth"
[[Van McCoy)
Additional Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
https://youtu.be/nzk-dSnBCtA


BONUS TRACKS:

9) "A Time For Celebration" [[Short Version)
[[Van McCoy)
Additional Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
[Audio N/A]

10) "A Time For Celebration" [[Long Version)
[[Van McCoy)
Additional Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
https://youtu.be/aYT53xpagEE

11) "Two Different Worlds" [[12" Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/8f_CiHpHZgA

12) "Come Down To Earth" [[12" Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/FPjYfa1Rf9c




LINDA CLIFFORD
"You've Got To Tell Her"
[[Van McCoy)
From: "Linda"
Label: Curtom CU-5016
Released: 1977
https://youtu.be/o4KkZaofNb8



D

DARLETTES, THE
"Lost"
[[Van McCoy)
Label: President - PT317
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/QroRV2O0eGk


[NOTE 1: The lead singer is Francine Barker [[the first Peaches of the 1960's duo Peaches & Herb).]

[NOTE 2: Van dipping his toe in the Spector-esque pond!]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

DESTINY

"So Much Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Back-Up Vocals - Faith, Hope & Charity
V.A. - "Disco Express [[Vols. 1 & 2)"
RCA /BMG Japan - THCD-097
[Audio N/A]



E

ELBERT, DONNIE
"So Soon"
[[Van McCoy)
Label: Joe Boy - JBV-1
Released: 1997
https://youtu.be/bmEXmOwHHyM


[NOTE: As can be seen on the screen in this video, the lead vocal is surmised to be that of Van McCoy -- creating a possible demo or guide for Aretha Franklin who also recorded it.]



THE ELGINS
"Nothing Worse Than Being Alone"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Ian Levine
Label: Motorcity - MOTCCD-75
Released: 1991
https://youtu.be/aZLi_SLRU-Y



F

FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

[See thread titled Salute To VAN McCOY - Part 2: FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY to check out their 5 albums and respective audio produced by Van McCoy.][/B]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

PHOTO [[L-R): VAN McCOY - ARETHA - CHARLES KIPPS


Artist: ARETHA FRANKLIN
Title: "La Diva"
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Atlantic 19248
Released: 1979

1) "Ladies Only"
[[Aretha Franklin)
https://youtu.be/3dyZEWwv8aI

2) "It's Gonna Get A Bit Better"
[[Lalome Washburn)
https://youtu.be/kSq2oTVyjFo

3) "What If I Should Ever Need You"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/XfUpNHTFmWk

4) "Honey I Need Your Love"
[[Aretha Franklin)
https://youtu.be/FFNmlEdXVj0

5) "I Was Made For You"
[[Clarence Franklin)
https://youtu.be/udYn6eh01rA

6) "Only Star"
[[Aretha Franklin)
https://youtu.be/PtMXq4nxjn8

7) "Reasons Why"
[[Skip Scarborough - Wanda Hutchinson - Wayne Vaughan)
https://youtu.be/kIj1_CTFhb4

8) "You Brought Me Back To Life"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/c6kHOBcXcVM

9) "Half A Love"
[[Zulema Cusseaux)
https://youtu.be/RzbNfqqcWUk

10) "The Feeling"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/stvyXQ6REJI

[Philles/Motown Gary]

G

Artist: GALLANT, PATSY
Title: "Stay Awhile With Me"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Patsy Gallant
Label: Attic - LAT-1037
Released: 1977 [[Canadian Release)
https://youtu.be/C8uAYFvok4Y



Artist: GERRARD, DONNY
Title: "Stay Awhile With Me"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Henry Grumpo Marx & Robbie Buchanon
Label: Greedy Records LTD - G-109
Released: 1976
https://youtu.be/bOxmJoYrr1I

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: GORE, LESLEY
Title: "It's Just About That Time"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Quincy Jones
From: "Girl Talk" LP
Label: Mercury SR-60943
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/NAYNLaJnmcg


Artist: GORE, LESLEY
Title: "You've Come Back"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Quincy Jones
From: "Girl Talk" LP
Label: Mercury SR-60943
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/AifPasIfw3M


Artist: GORE, LESLEY
Title: "Before And After"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Quincy Jones
Track: From "My Town, My Guy, And Me" [[1965)
Label: Mercury SR-61042
Released: 1965
https://youtu.be/4e5aJUD5gp0


Artist: GORE, LESLEY
Title: "Happiness Is Just Around The Corner"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Quincy Jones
Track: Previously Unreleased [[Sounds Unfinished)
From: "It's My Party" 5-CD Box Set
Label: Mercury/Bear Family
Previously Unreleased Until: 1994
https://youtu.be/rpsrMoi4r0s



Artist: GRIFFIN, BILLYTitle: "Walk Away From Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Ian Levine
Label: Motorcity
Released: 1996
https://youtu.be/irLRaPlFFkk

[Philles/Motown Gary]

H

Artist: HARRIS, BILL
Title: "Am I Cold, Am I Hot"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
From: V.A. "Disco Express [[Vols. 1 & 2)"
Label: RCA
Released: 1976
https://youtu.be/-AST18L7c5M


Artist: HATHAWAY, DONNY
Title: "Giving Up"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Jerry Wexler
From: "Donny Hathaway"
Label: Atco
Released: 1971
https://youtu.be/UBO_MYYAe7E

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: HOUSTON, THELMA
Title: "Don't Pity Me" [[Solo)
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
From: "Two To One" [[w/Jerry Butler)
Label: Motown. M7-903R1
Released: 1978
https://youtu.be/IfxaZCL6mXM


Artist: HOUSTON, THELMA
Title: "Find A Way" [[Solo)
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
From: "Two To One" [[w/Jerry Butler)
Label: Motown. M7-903R1
Released: 1978
https://youtu.be/ax6Us3UDfls

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: HOUSTON, THELMA
Title: "You Never Were My Friend)
[[Van McCoy - Charles Kipps)
Producer: Van McCoy & Charles Kipps
Back-Up Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity
From: "Reaching All Around" LP
Label: Motown 6034ML
Released: 1982
https://youtu.be/nj04xk4r4qI

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I

Artist: ILANA
Title: "Where Would You Be Today"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
From: "Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles [[Vol. 2)"
Label: Stax
Released: 1993
https://youtu.be/EvfXJ8fgZpw

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: ILANA
Title: "Let Love Fill Your Heart"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
From: "Stax Singles [[Vol. 4): Rarities & The Best Of The Rest"
Label: Stax
Released: 2018
https://youtu.be/xGFj5NHmZ7U


J

JACK And JILL [[Van McCoy & Sandra Spotswood)
"Two Of A Kind""
[[A Blackwood Music Production)
Label: Maxx 330
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/fzp5fczM1xE

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

JACK And JILL [[Van McCoy & Sandra Spotswood)
"Just As You Are"
[[A Blackwood Music Production)
Label: Maxx 330
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/Qir1Frc497I

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

Artist: JACKSON, JEROME
Title: "I Never Believed In Love""
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Camerica
Released: 1980
https://youtu.be/-XIXxWbvvmo



Artist: JACKSON, WALTER
Title: "Stay Awhile With Me"
[[Van McCoy & Joe Cobb)
Producer: ???
From: "I Want To Come Back As A Song"
Label: Chi Sound - CH-LA733-G
Released: 1977
https://youtu.be/7akX7dpouzw

[Philles/Motown Gary]

K

Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Giving Up"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Maxx 326
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/xkx2YSICoZw

------------------------‐------------------
MOTOWN COVER VERSION OF GLADYS/PIPS' REMAKE
"Giving Up"
https://youtu.be/5xH0-bTCaYA
--‐------------------------------------


Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "[[There Will Never Be) Another You"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Maxx 329
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/10Ob9hWcbH4

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

Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Lovers Always Forgive"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Maxx 329
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/y5Fx9t8YiEo

------------------------------------'

Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Either Way I Lose"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Maxx 331
Released: 1964
https://youtu.be/tkpIa1_QCaI


Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Stop And Get A Hold Of Myself"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Maxx 334
Released: 1965
https://youtu.be/Z9NWGxcXxFs


Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Why Don't You Love Me"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Maxx ???
Released: 1965
https://youtu.be/wnZMa5-OJSM

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Still Together" / "Claudine")
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Buddah / Sequel - NEX CD 206
Released: LP 1977 / CD 1992


"Little Bit Of Love"
[[Van McCoy)
1974
https://youtu.be/pVYzCsQN4g4

"Walk Softly"
[[Van McCoy)
1977
https://youtu.be/P_fbdEHTkzk

"Baby Don't Change Your Mind"
[[Van McCoy)
1977
https://youtu.be/6IjDftWaXpA

"Home Is Where The Heart Is"
[[Van McCoy)
1977
https://youtu.be/L6eobc1UDzo

"To Make A Long Story Short"
[[Van McCoy)
1977
https://youtu.be/WPG2HsYeQe0



Artist: KNIGHT, GLADYS & THE PIPS
Title: "Come Back And Finish What You Started"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
Producer: Van McCoy & Charles Kipps
From: "The One And Only"
Label: Buddah
Released: 1978
https://youtu.be/tDd3GH0sOi4



L

Artist: LAMARR, TONI
Title: "Just In The Nick Of Time"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Van McCoy & Ken Williams
Label: Buddah - BDA 10
Released: 1967
https://youtu.be/bYO0dGXBrtE


Artist: LANCE, MAJOR
Title: "Wait 'Til I Get You In My Arms"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Ted Cooper
Label: Okeh - 4-7284
Released: 1967
https://youtu.be/pXOWUDvBqLs

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: LATTISAW, STACY
Title: "Young And In Love"
Producer: Van McCoy
Background Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity, Zulema Cusseaux, Esther Marrow, J.J. Jackson, Richard Harris, Van McCoy
Label: Cotillion - SD 5214
Released: June 13, 1979

[NOTE: This album was released just 23 days before Van's fatal heart attack on July 6,1979. Stacy Lattisaw was a mere 12 years old at the time of this recording.]


1) "When You're Young And In Love" [[Ballad Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/sITC3urlhNo

2) "Love Is Here Beside Us"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/WTPhtwSk0os

3) "Rock With Me"
[[Writer's Credit N/A)
https://youtu.be/Ye3X1XexhO4

4) "Three Wishes"
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/uunwNV6WwQA

5) "Spinning Top"
[[R. Ledbetter - M. Steals - M. Steals)
https://youtu.be/-8enFtmXYKI

6) "Dedicated To The One I Love"
[[L. Pauling - R. Bass)
https://youtu.be/EhJyJWRxZEw

7) "Downtown"
[[T. Hatch)
https://youtu.be/E2Sy3FLbves

8) "When You're Young And In Love" [[Dance Version)
[[Van McCoy)
https://youtu.be/vLeN9w919Bc

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: LEWIS, BARBARA
Title: "Baby I'm Yours"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Bert Berns - Ollie McLaughlin
Label: Atlantic - 45-2283
Released: 1965
https://youtu.be/xKZ7o7EXHFM

[Philles/Motown Gary]

M

Artist: MARVELETTES, THE
Title: "When You're Young And In Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: James Dean & William Weatherspoon
Label: Tamla TM274
Released: 1967
https://youtu.be/xZtGGZmTE0E

Previously Unreleased version with Spoken Intro:
https://youtu.be/3kauGG6fxYo

[Philles/Motown Gary]

In addition to Van McCoy's Columbia, Buddah, AVCO/H&L, and MCA albums which were covered in detail in Part 1 of this salute, here are some rarities you'll surely find interesting!


SHARON RIDLEY & VAN McCOY
"I'm In Your Corner"
[[Van McCoy - Ray Anderson)
Producer: Van McCoy
Silver Blue Records - SM 802
Released: 1973
https://youtu.be/Fob3X0Cs_ew

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


All releases below are sung by artist VAN McCOY unless otherwise specified:

"Follow Your Heart"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Clyde Otis
Liberty - 55457
Released: 1962
https://youtu.be/Kmj369v5cd8

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

"Lonely"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Clyde Otis
Liberty - 55457
Released: 1962
https://youtu.be/kugnIXj6is8

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

"Love Can Mess Up Your Mind"
Rockway - R.711
Released: 1963
https://youtu.be/eW6g6nv7hLE

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

"Baby I'm Yours" [[Original Songwriter Demo)
Recorded: 1965
https://youtu.be/lrVPqMbidNw

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

"Hey Lover" [[Unreleased Acetate)
Recorded: 1965
https://youtu.be/rbppjEWcSxo

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

"Starlight, Starbright"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Daedelus Productions
Columbia 4-43495
Released: 1966
https://youtu.be/hNGF-XrZUI0

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

"This Is The Way We Fall In Love"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Daedelus Productions
Columbia 4-43495
Released: 1966
https://youtu.be/xN8ZIbJl908

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

"I Will Wait For You" [[B-Side Only)
[[N. Gimbel - M. LeGrand)
Producer: Mitch Miller
Columbia 4-43694
Released: 1966
https://youtu.be/CJQoeW7Zzc0

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

"I'm Out Of My Mind [[In Love With You)"
[[Van McCoy)
Producer: Mitch Miller
Columbia - 4-43925
Released: 1966
https://youtu.be/Z0WL4ibi1gk

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

"Pledging My Love"
[[F. Washington - D. Robey)
Producer: Mitch Miller
Columbia - 4-43925
Released: 1966
https://youtu.be/dW0MTQYTXqA

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

"I Started A Joke" [[Instrumental)
[[B. Gibb - R. Gibb - M. Gibb)
Producer: Van McCoy
Epic 5-10470
Released: 1969
https://youtu.be/dZCJ6yKEUiY

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

"Tony's Theme" [[Instrumental)
[[T. Edwards)
Producer: Van McCoy
Epic 5-10470
Released: 1969
https://youtu.be/YJPBhqZ3iMA

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

"To Make My Father Proud [[To Make My Mother Smile)"
[[Bob Crewe - Larry Weiss)
Producer: Bob Crewe
CGC 115
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/7SeGMU4_Cjk

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

"Where There's A Heartache [[There Must Be A Heart)"
[[Burt Bacherach - Hal David)
Producer: Bob Crewe
CGC 115
Released: 1970
https://youtu.be/wViuHdxhUHs

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

"Every Year When Summer Turns To Fall"
[[No Information Available)
https://youtu.be/Wv_gXIVOBxw



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

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: MOORE, MELBA
Title: "This Is It"
Producer: Van McCoy
Label: Buddah BDS-5657
Released: 1976


1) "This Is It"
[[Van McCoy)
"A Tom Moulton Mix"
https://youtu.be/gwx5jNxOxOo

2) "Free"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/2ma81svsnHE

3) "One Less Morning"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/JiezhKXeZ08

4) "Make Me Believe In You"
[[Curtis Mayfield)
A Tom Moulton Mix"
https://youtu.be/6ib6ruzt8xk

5) "Lean On Me"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/wHNb9OqfhsA

6) "Stay Awhile With Ne"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/e5P9YKoCtZc

7) "Play Boy Scout"
[[Nino Ferrer)
https://youtu.be/QzAOqKBFKY4

8) "Blood-Red Roses"
[[John Lewin - Michael Valenti)
https://youtu.be/IlKzFY3mnTs

9) "Brand New"
[[E. Robinson)
Arranger: Benny Diggs
Chorus: New York Community Choir
https://youtu.be/yCqqW1SFq_4


BONUS TRACKS:

10) "This Is It" [[12" Version)
https://youtu.be/S4FeAaA4UUo

[NOTE: Unfortunately, the first notes of the 12" Version above were chopped off -- not by YouTube, but on the Expanded CD itself. Somebody at FunkyTownGrooves' Quality Control was asleep at the switch.)


11) "Free" [[Extended Version)
https://youtu.be/dzLoSGPZVj8

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Artist: MOORE, MELBA
Title: "Melba"
Producer: Van McCoy & Charles Kipps
Background Vocals: Faith, Hope & Charity, Jocelyn Shaw, Lorraine Moore, Penny Blassingame
Label: Buddah BDS-5677
Released: 1976


1) "The Way You Make Me Feel"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/Ar0Hi8XvJOY

2) "Good Love Makes Everything Alright"
[[Van McCoy - Richard Harrisl
https://youtu.be/s-y51mToA1s

3) "The Long & Winding Road"
[[John Lennon - Paul McCartney)
https://youtu.be/44Hu-AJdE2s

4) "Ain't No Love Lost"
[[Curtis Mayfield)
https://youtu.be/DFme28q3sdc

5) "The Greatest Feeling"
[[Van McCoy - Richard Harris)
https://youtu.be/hC57x1TANoc

6) "Mighty Clouds Of Joy"
[[Buddy Buie - Robert Nix)
https://youtu.be/XjSjkIDqr0w

7) "I Need Someone"
[[Charles Kipps)
https://youtu.be/be1BfCMvNo8

8) "So Many Mountains"
[[Van McCoy - Joe Cobb)
https://youtu.be/a1Zq4wLwtJY

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks for your patience! The uploading for VAN McCOY - Part 3: VAN'S ARTISTS [[A-M) is complete. Let the comments begin!

[reese]

I remember Aretha debuting LADIES ONLY [the first single from LA DIVA] on Mike Douglas on my birthday in 1979. I wasn't too thrilled with it but later in the show she sang another song from the album, WHAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED YOU. That was one I loved and eventually I was able to get a copy of LA DIVA.

I consider LA DIVA to be the best of Aretha's latter-day Atlantic albums. I think ROLLING STONE even gave it a passable review. Particular faves of mine are ITS GONNA GET A BIT BETTER, HONEY I NEED YOUR LOVE, REASONS WHY, HALF A LOVE [the second single], and WHAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED YOU. I even came around to liking LADIES ONLY after a few listens.

Re Aretha, I also love her versions of Van's FOLLOW YOUR HEART, SO SOON, SWEET BITTER LOVE [1965, 1967, and 1985 versions], LEAN ON ME, and WALK SOFTLY.

[reese]

Re Van's work with Gladys and the Pips, I am a big fan of their Maxx album. It took years for me to get a copy. In the meantime, I bought a cd collection that contained most of the album. I really enjoyed GIVING UP, EITHER WAY I LOSE, and STOP AND GET AHOLD OF MYSELF. But I really love the group's 1970 remake of GIVING UP.

Their work with Van during the Buddah years was great as well. I have fond memories of BABY DON'T CHANGE YOUR MIND as it reminds me of that summer of 1977. I spent it down South with my grandparents and they played this record incessantly. Gladys hasn't performed it in the US in years, although she still performs it in the UK as it was a big hit there. It took years before I was able to buy the STILL TOGETHER album. While I do find the album only so so [as I do most of their Buddah albums], I did enjoy HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS and LITTLE BIT OF LOVE.

Van's productions of WHAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED YOU, BE YOURSELF, and COME BACK AND FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED on their THE ONE AND ONLY album are also favorites.

[smallworld]

A Van McCoy song not mentioned above is "Take Me As I Am." As far as I know, it was only ever released by one act: Lulu.



I would love a CD of Van McCoy demos. The recent Stax set of writer demos gives me hope that such a release may happen one day.

[reese]

I forgot to say thanks to you and Kenny for uploading all of this info!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I forgot to say thanks for uploading all of this info!

You're welcome, Reese. I prepared the wording, the CD photos, and the audio links. Pretty much everything that you're seeing and hearing. I then email it all to Kenny and he uploads it for me. Chronicling Van McCoy was easy for me because I already have -- and love -- all of his music. All I had to Google or research was the songwriter credits and year of release.

Gotta go now and clean up the erratic line spacing in Van's Artists [[N-Z).

[Philles/Motown Gary]

A Van McCoy song not mentioned above is "Take Me As I Am." As far as I know, it was only ever released by one act: Lulu.



I would love a CD of Van McCoy demos. The recent Stax set of writer demos gives me hope that such a release may happen one day.

Wow! Lulu's "Take Me As I Am" is beautiful! Very Spector-esque! In my CD collection, I specialize in Van McCoy's '70s productions which are my favorite of his works. My possession of his '60s productions is sporadic.

We'll keep our fingers crossed for those Van McCoy demos on CD!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Re Van's work with Gladys and the Pips, I am a big fan of their Maxx album. It took years for me to get a copy. In the meantime, I bought a cd collection that contained most of the album. I really enjoyed GIVING UP, EITHER WAY I LOSE, and STOP AND GET AHOLD OF MYSELF. But I really love the group's 1970 remake of GIVING UP.

Their work with Van during the Buddah years was great as well. I have fond memories of BABY DON'T CHANGE YOUR MIND as it reminds me of that summer of 1977. I spent it down South with my grandparents and they played this record incessantly. Gladys hasn't performed it in the US in years, although she still performs it in the UK as it was a big hit there. It took years before I was able to buy the STILL TOGETHER album. While I do find the album only so so [as I do most of their Buddah albums], I did enjoy HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS and LITTLE BIT OF LOVE.

Van's productions of WHAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED YOU, BE YOURSELF, and COME BACK AND FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED on their THE ONE AND ONLY album are also favorites.

Reese, I, too, love all of the tracks that you mentioned! Aretha also recorded "What If I Should Ever Need You" -- a beautiful Charles Kipps tune.

[sansradio]

One more:

[sansradio]

And, as DJ Khaled would say, "another one":

[sansradio]

And here’s a fun bonus: Lonette McKee in the original film Sparkle giving Van the Billie Holiday treatment:

[Philles/Motown Gary]

One more:

Sansradio, I had this Aretha album [["You') back in 1975. It's not the year I discovered Van McCoy, but it's the year I was getting serious about him and his many, MANY productions on an amazingly-large array of artists. Now that Aretha has left us, I remain hopeful that her family will FINALLY allow the reissue of her remaining albums which never got a rightful CD release -- especially "La Diva".

[Philles/Motown Gary]

And, as DJ Khaled would say, "another one":

Wow! I love this bluesy version! And Jennifer Holliday looks fantastic!

[reese]

Both Jennifer and Lonette's versions of GIVING UP seem to be inspired by Donny Hathaway's interpretation. In fact, in the notes for her album GET CLOSE TO MY LOVE, Jennifer calls the song "the Donny Hathaway classic" or something like that.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Reese, I have to admit that I'd never heard Donny Hathaway's version of Van's "Giving Up" until now. All I can say is Wow!!!

[Boogiedown]

I remember Aretha debuting LADIES ONLY [the first single from LA DIVA] on Mike Douglas on my birthday in 1979. I wasn't too thrilled with it but later in the show she sang another song from the album, WHAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED YOU. That was one I loved and eventually I was able to get a copy of LA DIVA.

I consider LA DIVA to be the best of Aretha's latter-day Atlantic albums. I think ROLLING STONE even gave it a passable review. Particular faves of mine are ITS GONNA GET A BIT BETTER, HONEY I NEED YOUR LOVE, REASONS WHY, HALF A LOVE [the second single], and WHAT IF I SHOULD EVER NEED YOU. I even came around to liking LADIES ONLY after a few listens.

Re Aretha, I also love her versions of Van's FOLLOW YOUR HEART, SO SOON, SWEET BITTER LOVE [1965, 1967, and 1985 versions], LEAN ON ME, and WALK SOFTLY.

It's a great album that sounds like real effort was put into it by Aretha and all concerned...

Too bad this song uses the "d" word so often , but its a lot of fun , as disco was meant to be ....kind of in the Paul Jabara frenzied vein:



I can't help but smile when I listen to this . we're disco queens , we're disco queens ..... you know what that means .... Aretha was a good sport ... had this been put in the hands of a good remixer ....she could've had a big club hit with it ...

arranged by Arthur Jenkins who also arranged another guilty pleasure of mine :




come on now, name even one other record with a blaring yacht horn !!

[sansradio]

Sansradio, I had this Aretha album [["You') back in 1975. It's not the year I discovered Van McCoy, but it's the year I was getting serious about him and his many, MANY productions on an amazingly-large array of artists. Now that Aretha has left us, I remain hopeful that her family will FINALLY allow the reissue of her remaining albums which never got a rightful CD release -- especially "La Diva".

Mega-amen to that, PMG. Apparently, it was Aretha's express wish that her remaining analog-only '75-'79 Atlantic output never be reissued, but, like you, I nurse hope. Some of the tracks resurfaced on her career-spanning box set of a couple of years ago, so there's every reason to keep our fingers crossed. She was at her vocal peak in these years, IMHO. [I'm friendly with her son Kecalf on social media, but can't bring myself to ask him about such a tetchy subject.]

P.S.: Happy you like Jennifer's "Giving Up"! "Thunderous" is the word!