Jr Walker with Thelma Houston " I Need You Right Now

[jack020]

Great combination of Jr and Thelma with strings arranged by Gene Page!

[BayouMotownMan]

Great combination of Jr and Thelma with strings arranged by Gene Page!

This was first issued on his 1976 Hot Shot lp, and I think maybe his best album. Most of it, like this track, was produced by Brian Holland. The lp has several of HDH's Invictus tracks re-worked for Junior. I never tire of this album, but Motown pretty much just sat on it. Side A is especially good.

[jack020]

I have it on
https://www.discogs.com/master/274820-Jr-Walker-Smooth


Is this a leftovers compilation?

[BayouMotownMan]

I Need You Now first appeared in 1976 on Junior's Hot Shot lp. Smooth I think came in 1978 and also included this and some other vault tracks. Jr had already left for Norman Whitfield's label as I recall. This lp was likely a contract release. I would call Motown productions each month back then when I was a DJ to get the lowdown on what was coming out. I rememeber a lady telling me about this lp and the accompanying single "Hard Love." I told her how I always loved Junior's work and was Hard Love going to be big and she responded, "I don't think too big." How is that for promotion?