Diana's "Baby It's Me".....

[Glenpwood]

RELEASE DATE! [[Sort of )

Baby Its Me is being released November 28th according to CD Japan but not the expanded version we've all been waiting for, its a SMH-CD carboard sleeve straight reissue with no bonuses. Lets hope this means Universal will not undercut the expanded versions sales by putting out Baby Expanded before 11/28. They are also listing Ross 78 which has never made it to CD as coming that day as well.... [[all ten Ross solo LPs appear to be involved much like the Supremes reissues earlier this summer)

[grapevine]

...Funny though, you look at the Motown releases in 1977 versus the releases in 1967 and it's like night and day. The "machine" had certainly slowed down...

...1977 was a very busy year for Motown releases...

An Evening With Diana Ross [[Live!) Diana Ross
Deep In My Soul SmokeyRobinson
Down To Love Town TheOriginals
Gettin' Ready MichaelQuatro
Keep It Comin' ValerieSimpson
Moods And Grooves TheJu-Par Universal Orchestra
One To One Syreeta
Suite For A Single Girl JerryButler
The Sundowners WendelAdkins
You're What's Missing In My Life GC Cameron
Class Reunion DelaneyBramlett & Friends
Live! At The London Palladium Marvin Gaye
Motown's Preferred Stock - Stock Option 1 Various Artists
Motown's Preferred Stock - Stock Option 2 Various Artists
Motown's Preferred Stock - Stock Option 3 Various Artists
Totally Táta TátaVega
Commodores TheCommodores
In Good Taste Flavor
Mandré Mandré
Songs Of Love Charlene
Give And Take TheDynamic Superiors
Havin' A House Party WillieHutch
In My Stride DavidRuffin
Thelma & Jerry ThelmaHouston & Jerry Butler
Albert Finney's Album AlbertFinney
Big Time [[Soundtrack) SmokeyRobinson
Rarearth RareEarth
Country Days And Country Nights Pat Boone
Feel The Fire JermaineJackson
Greatest Hits TheMiracles
Kenny Seratt KennySeratt
Slick EddieKendricks
Sly Slick And Wicked SlySlick & Wicked
The Country Side Of Pat Boone Pat Boone
This Is Dorsey Burnette DorseyBurnette
I Sing My Songs For You Phillip Jarrell
Rich Love, Poor Love Syreeta& GC Cameron
Baby It's Me DianaRoss
Love Away Her Memory Tonight Jerry Naylor
New Old-Fashioned Love Ronnie Dove
Porter Sings Porter PorterJordan
Presenting Bob And Penny Bob & Penny
The Devil In Me ThelmaHouston
The Sundowners WendelAdkins
Turnin' On HighInergy
A Little Love SusanAllanson
Commodores - Live! TheCommodores
Doug Momary DougMomary
It All Comes Out In My Song Jerry Butler
Livin' In The Country RonnieDove
Please Take Me Back Larry Groce
Tucker And Schoonmaker Rick Tucker& Lloyd Schoonmaker
Wendell Adkins Wendel Adkins
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Marty Mitchell
Looking Back [[Anthology) Stevie Wonder

[carlo]

Thank you for the info, Glenpwood! I wish I could buy all of those cardboard sleeve reissues being released. I guess I will only buy Ross [[1978), since it's the only one I don't have on CD and I can't afford to buy all of these albums yet again! Too bad they aren't reissuing her live albums "Live at Caesar's Palace" and "An Evening With Diana Ross" in Japan as well.

[carlo]

...Those cardboard sleeve reissues are over $30 each. Ouch!

[soulster]

...1977 was a very busy year for Motown releases...

An Evening With Diana Ross [[Live!) Diana Ross
Deep In My Soul SmokeyRobinson
Down To Love Town TheOriginals
Gettin' Ready MichaelQuatro
Keep It Comin' ValerieSimpson
Moods And Grooves TheJu-Par Universal Orchestra
One To One Syreeta
Suite For A Single Girl JerryButler
The Sundowners WendelAdkins
You're What's Missing In My Life GC Cameron
Class Reunion DelaneyBramlett & Friends
Live! At The London Palladium Marvin Gaye
Motown's Preferred Stock - Stock Option 1 Various Artists
Motown's Preferred Stock - Stock Option 2 Various Artists
Motown's Preferred Stock - Stock Option 3 Various Artists
Totally Táta TátaVega
Commodores TheCommodores
In Good Taste Flavor
Mandré Mandré
Songs Of Love Charlene
Give And Take TheDynamic Superiors
Havin' A House Party WillieHutch
In My Stride DavidRuffin
Thelma & Jerry ThelmaHouston & Jerry Butler
Albert Finney's Album AlbertFinney
Big Time [[Soundtrack) SmokeyRobinson
Rarearth RareEarth
Country Days And Country Nights Pat Boone
Feel The Fire JermaineJackson
Greatest Hits TheMiracles
Kenny Seratt KennySeratt
Slick EddieKendricks
Sly Slick And Wicked SlySlick & Wicked
The Country Side Of Pat Boone Pat Boone
This Is Dorsey Burnette DorseyBurnette
I Sing My Songs For You Phillip Jarrell
Rich Love, Poor Love Syreeta& GC Cameron
Baby It's Me DianaRoss
Love Away Her Memory Tonight Jerry Naylor
New Old-Fashioned Love Ronnie Dove
Porter Sings Porter PorterJordan
Presenting Bob And Penny Bob & Penny
The Devil In Me ThelmaHouston
The Sundowners WendelAdkins
Turnin' On HighInergy
A Little Love SusanAllanson
Commodores - Live! TheCommodores
Doug Momary DougMomary
It All Comes Out In My Song Jerry Butler
Livin' In The Country RonnieDove
Please Take Me Back Larry Groce
Tucker And Schoonmaker Rick Tucker& Lloyd Schoonmaker
Wendell Adkins Wendel Adkins
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life Marty Mitchell
Looking Back [[Anthology) Stevie Wonder

Wow! I only own three of those!

[davidh]

Baby Its Me is one of my favorite DR albums.love it.
hmmm,if Ross 78 comes out on cd ,i may have to pick that one up as well

[carole cucumber]

[QUOTE=grapevine;124158]...1977 was a very busy year for Motown releases...

However

http://www.bsnpubs.com/motown/mc/mc.html

Several of the titles quoted were not released commercially.

[motown_marc]

I just read this on Andy Skurow’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/home.php#!/andy.skurow?hc_location=timeline
Last night was the opening of Motown The Musical. As promised, here are some details. It was incredible. As I approached the street heading towards the red carpet, the screams were insane. Diana Ross had arrived and was taking pictures with Smokey and Mr. Gordy. The people who walked the carpet was solid A list, from Motown Royalty HDH, Gladys Knight, Ross, Robinson, and so many others. Also on the red carpet: Jane Fonda and beau Richard Perry [[who was recently interviewed by Christian John Wikane for our upcoming Diana Ross - Baby It's Me - Expanded Edition), Sting, Bono and more.
Seems like the expanded edition is on its way.

[ejluther]

Great news!

[dba]

Yes I posted on Andy's wall saying the BIM news was exciting.
Of course Andy we would love any more little hints you may have . . .

[Methuselah2]

One thought about the cigarette-smoke cover: I remember thinking when it came out that they subsequently might have had Diana's first name added to the artwork for use as the album's front cover--perhaps thinking just "Ross" wasn't enough. The album was released as ROSS and the record itself is labeled ROSS. I thought the artwork was so much more effective without it--as is shown in the small photo of the artist's rendering on the back cover. If it was a marketing decision to have "Diana" added, it really wasn't necessary. Moreover, it detracts from the artist's beautiful and striking and original concept. I'd love to know if it was, in fact, a marketing decision. Anyone know?

[aarondillon2011@gmail.com]

How soon is soon?

[supremester]

I have to disagree with just about everyone here - including: SURPRISE!: Marv - I don't care for this album that much. I think, next to Funny Girl and Red Hot Rhythm & Blues, it's the album that gets the least amount of spins on my turntable. I don't think it's a bad album, but nothing really compels me to grab it. My faves, Come In From The Rain and Same Love That Made Me Laugh didn't get single attention. I adore Gettin Ready For Love - until the chorus begins. I know the writer tried to "pop" it up' but this was ridiculous. That wonderful jazzy verse is light years from the chorus. I knew it wouldn't hit - how do you program THAT??? Answer: you don't. Your love Is So Good, I felt, was a run-of-the-mill, uninspired dance song that peaked at #15 dance - where it should have. Miss Ross should have kept Don't Leave Me This Way and given Your Love Is So Good to Thelma. I like the album enough to play it, but there's nothing really with an edge except the verse of Gettin Ready and maybe "Same Love" so I'm not surprised the singles failed - in fact, I'm surprised Gettin Ready hit #25. Maybe if it had been out a month before the album, the extra sales would have helped it chart better and get more adds. The success of the album always surprised me as well, but, as a follow up to the best LP of her career, I'm sure a lot of people snapped it up expecting more of the same. Their disappointment evidenced in the total lack of interest in 78's hodge podge "Ross" [[which I prefer.)

[luke]

Anyone know what Richard Perry said?

[marv2]

Relating to this thread......

[soulster]

Supremester, I guess you aren't a fan of scatting.

[dba]

This is one of my four favorite 70's Diana Ross albums [[the others being Diana Ross 1970, Surrender and The Boss)and I am tapping [[patiently) for the expanded release of BIM.

Here's Getting Ready For Love for those who love the song [[like me). Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywbUh0KjNPQ

[soulster]

I like the album because it is NOT the typical Ross album.

[Jaap]

Your love is so good for me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3sQ2x10B5g

[Penny]

Your love is so good for me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3sQ2x10B5g

I fell in love to that song. I was on a dance floor in Honolulu, Hawaii and "Your Love Is So Good For Me" came on. It was magic.

Penny

[aarondillon2011@gmail.com]

Any official news yet?

[JohnnyB]

[QUOTE=aarondillon2011@gmail.com;163655]Any official news yet?[/QUOTE
I've been so excited for this release, more so than for any Diana Ross or Supremes expanded collection. I hope it's coming soon!!

[dba]

Also one of my favorites and I am tapping [[patiently) for any news.

[davidh]

I was hoping to get some info on this album by now, I was told by Andy that Universal music was going thru some changes and therefore all releases were on hold. is this still the case or are they holding out on us as these r the last two Ross solo albums for Motown in the 70s?

[alanbill1074]

It's a bummer that as soon as we get to the two Motown albums I most want to see expanded - Baby It's Me and Ross, we end up with issues. Record companies are strange beasts. Thank God the Japanese [[for once) actually spent money and re-issued something we wanted instead of firing out the same old products.

[vgalindo]

I have bought all the Supremes and Diana Ross expanded editions and was really looking for Baby It's Me and Ross 78. Does anyone know if they are cancelled or will we one day see a release of these in the deluxe edition? Why isn't Harry, George, or Andy saying anything? An update would be wonderful.

[LuvHangOva]

My favorite Diana Ross of all time!!!!!! Followed by Surrender. Richard Perry's vision of Diana Ross is soooo perfect.

This is the expanded reissue is THE one I've been waiting for!!

[JohnnyB]

My favorite Diana Ross of all time!!!!!! Followed by Surrender. Richard Perry's vision of Diana Ross is soooo perfect.

This is the expanded reissue is THE one I've been waiting for!!

Ditto - I've bought each Diana/Supreme expanded edition wishing and hoping for a Baby It's Me announcement. This is the one I've been most anxious for. Andy has recently suggested on Facebook more than once that we need to reach out to Universal and request the release of BIM. Reading between the lines, perhaps the powers-that-be don't realize there is still a fan base for these releases--this is just my speculation, not a statement from Andy.
Hopefully we'll have a release by the end of the year!

[pghmusiclover]

Ditto - I've bought each Diana/Supreme expanded edition wishing and hoping for a Baby It's Me announcement. This is the one I've been most anxious for. Andy has recently suggested on Facebook more than once that we need to reach out to Universal and request the release of BIM. Reading between the lines, perhaps the powers-that-be don't realize there is still a fan base for these releases--this is just my speculation, not a statement from Andy.
Hopefully we'll have a release by the end of the year!

How does one "reach out to Universal" these days? They are so huge that I have no idea where to write at this point. Any recommendations?

[longtimefan]

OIbviously, something is going on becasue -- in the past -- Harry / Andy has responded to fans about such issues. Recall that the last three releases -- TCMS 12A, Martha, and Four Tops -- were delayed. While I am thankful for all of the HipO releases that have come my way over the years, I am still anxious to support them financially by buying future issues.

[hwume]

How does one "reach out to Universal" these days? They are so huge that I have no idea where to write at this point. Any recommendations?

feel free to email us at classic.motown@umusic.com

[Jimi LaLumia]

ANOTHER good reason for a MOTOWN CON which I suggested in a different post;
so many folks who don't do message boards, but would buy the expanded editions if they knew they existed, would go hog wild at a booth/kiosk area featuring the existing inventory that's out there... everything would be sold/gone in an instant... I'm surprised that these titles aren't made available in a kiosk situation at MOTOWN/THE MUSICAL.. I mean, c'mon people, sleeping at the wheel is soooo ungroovy..

[stopinthenameoflove]

ANOTHER good reason for a MOTOWN CON which I suggested in a different post;
so many folks who don't do message boards, but would buy the expanded editions if they knew they existed, would go hog wild at a booth/kiosk area featuring the existing inventory that's out there... everything would be sold/gone in an instant... I'm surprised that these titles aren't made available in a kiosk situation at MOTOWN/THE MUSICAL.. I mean, c'mon people, sleeping at the wheel is soooo ungroovy..

Jimi I totally agree, if someone was going to buy a program [[programme over here) they would certainly buy a cd. The sales would be enormous!

[carole cucumber]

[QUOTE=Jimi LaLumia;178327
so many folks...would buy the expanded editions if they knew they existed.....I'm surprised that these titles aren't made available in a kiosk situation at MOTOWN/THE MUSICAL.....[/QUOTE]

From the Motown The Musical official website it appears that only ''Motown the Musical [[Original Broadway Cast Recording)" is available at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
The fact that "Motown The Musical- The Classic Songs That Inspired The Broadway Show!" is not listed leads me to believe that those in charge of merchandising do not want any other cd [[even those that feature the original artists) competing with the cast album.
Perhaps there is some sort of stipulation that has been agreed to by UMG to hold off on releasing U.S. product so as to give the cast album a chance to grow in sales.
That may be one of the factors that has influenced the delay of the expanded edition of "Baby It's Me".

[davidh]

hopefully we will get some news ,one way or another soon.hopefully,like it'd coming late summer.......late fall.........Christmas?????

[thisoldheart]

feel free to email us at classic.motown@umusic.com

this seems rather telling ... and not in a good way!

[johnjeb]

How does one "reach out to Universal" these days?

With your credit card!

Buy what they have already released and they will release more.

Maybe we'll get it for the holidays. As I mentioned in the Hip-O thread I've bought several Motown titles this year that are keeping me occupied and satisfied.

[longtimefan]

this seems rather telling ... and not in a good way!

I agree. For Harry just to tell us to "write" with no additional comment[[s) is unusual. This is not a criticism of Harry.


While I am grateful for all of the releases that we have received as customers, I fear that "things are changing" for HipO releases. I remain hopeful, however -- and ready to purchase. :-)

[supremester]

Well, a few days ago a friend asked me to play Gettin ready For love for him. He heard it on the radio and liked it. THE RADIO??? I asked? When, 40 years ago? No, over the weekend. OK, so we played the entire album and, without any expectations, I liked it. I guess since i felt there were no hits on it, that it colored my view of the project. It's still not in my top ten, or twenty maybe, but I enjoyed it. Why are hits important? Or were? Because what happens when there are no hits???? Scatting? I'm ok with it. I love reading how much others love material that I'm soft on. The creative process is an amazing one!

Supremester, I guess you aren't a fan of scatting.

[vgalindo]

hopefully we will get some news ,one way or another soon.hopefully,like it'd coming late summer.......late fall.........Christmas?????

I emailed Universal with the email that Harry provided. I hope it does some good. "Baby It's me" is my favorite Diana Ross album. When it was first released I couldn't stop playing it. I wore that vinyl record out. I really couldn't understand why this great album didn't have any big hits. I love every song. I do have this on cd but was really looking for for the deluxe version from Hippo Select. I wish we could just get an answer yes or no??

[762rob]

A lot of times people involved are just not free to comment.

I know it is like this with my corporate job. Lots of stuff I'm not authorized to speak about.

[longtimefan]

Hello everyone, so glad everyone is excited about Baby It's Me, what a great thread. No release date yet, but it is still in the works. As for Gettin' Ready For Love, yes, Diana did perform it during the recording of the HBO special, but it was cut out of the aired video. She does it really fast, but really well. Hope we can get it into the hands of the fans soon.

Posted exactly a year ago!
p.s. Thanks, Andy for all you have done as an advocate for Motown music!!

[vgalindo]

Has anyone heard anything new? Will we get any new releases in 2014? I sure hope so.

[marybrewster]

Has anyone heard anything new? Will we get any new releases in 2014? I sure hope so.

I've been wondering the same thing. Did a little browsing on Facebook this weekend and came across this page for the "Expanded Editions":

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Di...08890062656296