Early years and establishment
The group was founded in 1961 by Bertha Barbee McNeal and Mildred Gill Arbor on the Western Michigan University campus, where they were students. Bertha brought in her cousin Norma and Mildred brought in her younger sister Cal/Caldin/Carolyn and Cal’s best friend Betty Kelly.
The group signed to Motown Records in late 1962 and started recording in January 1963. They recorded at the Hitsville USA studio with Motown and “There He Goes” and “That’s The Reason Why” produced by William Stevenson was released as a 45 via the IPG label (Independent Producers Group). The recordings include a very young Stevie Wonder playing harmonica. While the group awaited their chance at stardom, they recorded for many producers, some of which were re-recorded by other artists including fellow labelmates, the Vandellas and the Supremes. The Velvelettes were not used to provide backing vocals since Motown already had its in-house backing group, the Andantes.
The Velvelettes got their break chartwise in the spring of 1964 thanks to young producer Norman Whitfield, who produced “Needle In A Haystack” as a single for the group, on Motown’s VIP imprint. “Needle In A Haystack” peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 in mid-1964. The group recorded its follow-up, “He Was Really Sayin’ Somethin’”, with Whitfield again producing, and spent time on various Motown-sponsored tours as a support act. In September 1964, after recording “Dancing In The Street” earlier in June, Betty Kelly officially left the group to join Martha and the Vandellas. The Velvelettes continued performing, with various members leaving and rejoining, as family matters dictated, until June 1965 by with time Millie, Norma and Bertha had decided to devote all of their time to raising their families.
[edit] Later years and dissolution
With a song on the charts and a place on several concert tours, an album project was commenced using songs already recorded. However, with the growing success of label mates, The Supremes, Motown’s attention was diverted and the project was left unfinished. Cal was recruited two new members for concert performances Sandra Tilley who was introduced by her friend Abdul Fakir of the Four Tops, and Annette McMillan who was an excellent dancer. In their appearance on “Where The Action Is”, Cal appears with Annette and a new girl recruited especially for the perfamce, Gail from Baltimore.
Motown released two additional singles, “Lonely Lonely Girl Am I” and “A Bird In The Hand” on their VIP imprint. Both singles did not reach the same chart levels as their predecessors. The Velvelettes continued to record new material until September 1967 with the Nick Ashford and Valerie song “Bring Back The Sunshine” which is more widely known by its title “Dark Side Of The World”. The last Velvelettes 45 release had been “These Things Will Keep Me Loving You”, which dented the 1966 R&B charts.
Cal began dating lead singer of the Monitors, Richard Street. Richard disuaded Cal from continuing with the Velvelettes preferring that his wife care for the home. Cal eventually decided to break up the group. Sandra Tilley joined Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, replacing Rosalind Ashford. Carolyn “Cal” Gill then married future Temptation Richard Street in November 1969.
In 1971, “These Things Will Keep Me Loving You” became a hit in Great Britain, peaking at number 34 on the British singles chart. Despite the new success, the group didn’t decide reunite until 1984, following a rare concert appearance by the cousins and the sisters at the request of Bertha. Together the, Gill sisters and Barbee cousins then went on to re-record their original hits and some new songs for the album One Door Closes for Motorcity Records. The group continues to tour today.
In 2006, The Velvelettes contributed to the double CD “Masters of Funk, Soul and Blues present A soulful tale of two cities”. Detroit stars such as Lamont Dozier, Freda Payne, George Clinton and Bobby Taylor recorded remakes of classic soul songs from Philadelphia International Records. The Velvelettes sang “One of a kind love affair” by The Spinners. The other CD featured Philly stars such as Jean Carne, Bunny Sigler, Ted Mills or Jimmy Ellis doing Motown classics.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
1966: The Velvelettes (not completed)
1984: One Door Closes
1996: Best of the Velvelettes
1999: The Very Best of the Velvelettes
2004: Motown Anthology
[edit] Singles
1963: “There He Goes”
1964: “Needle in a Haystack” (US #45)
1965: “He Was Really Sayin’ Somethin’” (R&B #21, US #64)
1965: “Lonely Lonely Girl Am I”
1965: “A Bird in the Hand (Is Worth Two in the Bush)”
1966: “These Things Will Keep Me Loving You” (R&B #43, UK #34[1]) …
MY LOVE IS FOR DOOWOP AND FARE DOOWOP .50′S.60′S & Golden Oldies SOUND.!!
Duration : 0:3:16
[youtube rRlo68YmmUc]
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Respect but Marvin …
Respect but Marvin Gaye’s version is my favorite
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
I was certainly too …
I was certainly too young to remember this song. Thanks for uploading these forgotten groups and their beautiful songs. It’s a pleasure to listen to always.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
This is good, The …
This is good, The Tempts version is the best, then I believe this version is right after. Excellent version
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
The Temptations and …
The Temptations and Miracles were safe from the Andantes.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
@missbirdsong
…
@missbirdsong
I’m glad you like this version too.
Cal sounds so sexy on this one.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
you welcome.
you welcome.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Gladys’ version is …
Gladys’ version is superior. This one is enjoyable too! Thanks.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
my pleasure.
my pleasure.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Now I remember this …
Now I remember this group! Because I certainly remember this song. Thanks so much for the posting!
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
the exact backing …
the exact backing track as gladys knight and the pips’ version.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
yes a great song
yes a great song
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Was ANYBODY safe …
Was ANYBODY safe from The Andantes? They’re mixed in the backgrounds here, too!
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Excellent history …
Excellent history of the Velvelettes.
And this song is simply wonderful…one of my favourites
There’s a exhibition in Kalamazoo at the moment for the ladies at the Valley Museum. Do try and see it
March 1st, 2010 at 11:10 am
Good tunieee
Good tunieee