Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Photo: Motown - Billboard, page 25 10 July 1965
Usage: Wikipedia Public Domain

Hey there, music lovers! I’m Gail Nobles, & you’re listening to the Podcast Oldies Show. Let’s talk about a great song from the Motown era: “I’ll Always Love You.” This sweet tune was crafted by the talented duo of William "Mickey" Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter. They produced this delightful single for The Spinners, a group hailing from Detroit that really knows how to bring the soul!

This was their first song to chart after joining the Motown family in 1964, making it a big moment for The Spinners. It was also their third hit overall! The song climbed up the Billboard Hot 100, landing at a cool number 35. And on the R&B singles chart, it reached even higher, peaking at number 8.

Bobby Smith, the main lead singer, poured his heart into the vocals, giving the song that classic Motown vibe we all adore. So, if you haven’t listened to “I’ll Always Love You,” it’s definitely worth a spin! Love songs like this are what musical magic is all about!

Oldies

Photo: Spotify Promo
Music intro: Gail Nobles

Let’s get into the enchanting world of The Dramatics and their soulful hit “Your Love Was Strange.” Like a captivating thunderstorm, the song sweeps listeners off their feet and wraps them in the kind of romance that is both electrifying and enigmatic.

The opening lines set the stage with imagery that mirrors nature's whimsical dance. “Like April showers, your love came down on me” evokes the freshness of spring—how unexpected love can feel like a nourishing rain, revitalizing the heart in an instant. The pitter-patter of raindrops resonates with an intimacy, each sound a gentle reminder of the tender moments shared, drawing the listener in.

But just as rain can spring sudden storms, so too does love reveal its dual nature. The chorus, “Your love was strange,” is repeated with an infectious urgency, encapsulating the feelings of confusion and exhilaration that often accompany romance. It’s a beautiful contradiction; love was strange because it defies expectations—it ignites passion with unpredictable flair. Those kisses “like lightning” not only spark a fire within but also serve as a delightful reminder of how love can shock us, awaken parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed.

As the metaphor of thunder breaks through, “the words 'I love you' were like thunder’s crashing rays,” we are reminded that declarations of love can be profoundly transformative, much like the storm itself. It shakes us awake, inspires awe, and leaves an indelible mark on our souls.

The Dramatics, with their signature falsetto harmonies and smooth melodies, have crafted an auditory experience that’s both heartfelt and hauntingly beautiful. The reverberations of this timeless classic linger long after the last note fades, echoing in the hearts of those who dare to feel so deeply.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to The Podcast Oldies Show

Promo card: Spotify
Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

The Velvelettes, those fabulous songbirds of Motown, really knew how to break a heart with their sweet harmonies and touching lyrics. Hailing from that legendary Motown sound, they brought a unique flavor to the scene, and “It’s Twilight Time” is just a stellar example of their talent!

Let’s talk about that opening line—“The night my lover said goodbye.” Can you feel the emotional weight just dripping from those words? It’s all about that moment of heartbreak, setting the stage for a story we can all relate to. And boy, do they paint a picture! When the moon fades from the sky, you can almost see the shadows creeping in, can’t you?

The depth of feeling they convey in phrases like “Black was the night he left me” and “Black were the days to come” pulls you right into their world. It’s a reminder of love lost and longing for the light that once was. And don’t we all know that struggle? That desire for everything to return to ‘twilight time,’ that magical moment when love was fresh and everything felt right.

With that lush instrumental background and those silky smooth vocals, The Velvelettes wrap us with a warm feeling as they long for those happiest times. It’s a classic Motown gem, showcasing not just their talent, but the emotional resonance that makes music timeless. The song highlights how delicate love can be, and every time you spin it, you’re reminded of the beauty and heartache that life brings. With the Velvelettes, it’s always a celebration of those unforgettable emotions! So, crank it up and let that Motown magic take you away!

I'm Gail Nobles and you're listening to The Podcast Oldies Show.

Photo: Rob Gosenson - wikiportret.nl
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Keyboardist background: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Do you remember the song by the Trammps Hold Back the Night? It’s from their 1975 The Legendary Zing Album. The single is a dynamite blend of disco and soul.

The Trammps, those legendary pioneers of disco really know how to get the party started and Hold Back The Night is no exception. With that contagious beat and soaring vocals, this track creates an electrifying atmosphere that simply begs you to hit the dance floor. The beat and those horns just scream celebration.

Now let’s talk about the lyrics. It’s a heartfelt anthem about love and longing all wrapped up in that wonderful disco sound. The way the lead vocalist passionately sings about not wanting to say goodbye to the night just connects with all of us who’ve ever experienced those magical moments under the stars. When that chorus hits, it’s like a call to arms for every soul out there to embrace the night!

You’re listening to The Podcast Oldies Show. Hold Back the Night is today’s topic. I’m Gail Nobles. Whether you’re spending the single at a retro party or just jamming in your living room. remember The Trammps invite you to hold back the night.

Music Intro: Gail Nobles
Singing Background Actors: Gail Nobles

Today I'm thinking of The Sweet Inspirations welcome to the Podcast Oldies Show.

 The Sweet Inspirations are Dionne Warwick, Dee Dee Warwick. Doris Joy, and Cissy Houston. An R&B girl group mostly known for their work as backup singers on studio recordings for other R&B and rock artists. A founding member of the group was Dionne Warwick, who was later replaced by her aunt, Cissy Houston.

The Sweet Inspirations was founded by former members of The Drinkard Singers, a long-running Gospel singing group whose membership included Cissy Houston (née Drinkard), mother of Whitney Houston, and Lee Warwick, who was Cissy's sister and the mother of Sweet Inspirations members Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick.

As a backup group, the Sweet Inspirations was in high demand among producers, publishers, artists, and songwriters in the early 1960s. The original lineup included Doris Troy and the two Warwick sisters, Dionne and Dee Dee. Both Troy and Dionne Warwick enjoyed solo careers with hits in 1963, "Just One Look" and "Don't Make Me Over" respectively, on which the Sweet Inspirations can be heard. 

 The group saying they song entitled Sweet Inspiration. Sweet Inspiration is the title of a Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham composition written for, and first recorded in 1967 by, the Sweet Inspirations. It became a Top 20 hit reaching #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1968. 

 I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Podcast Oldies Show.

The Persuaders are a New York City - based R&B vocal group best known for their gold hit single in the 1970s, "Thin Line Between Love and Hate". It sold over a million copies, topping the Billboard R&B chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on October 29, 1971.

 They have a song titled Peace in the Valley of Love from their 1972 album titled The Persuaders. They sound like a gospel group. They have great harmony when they sing Peace in the Valley of Love. You can sense the peace from the background vocals as the lead singer tales his story.

 The original members of the group Persuaders are Douglas Smoky, Scott, Willie Holland, James Barnes, and Charles Stodghill. They formed the group in New York in 1969 after previously singing with other local groups. Scott Holland and Barnes had been members of the Independents, whereas Stodghill had previously sung with the group The Topics.

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Photo: Public Domain https://flic.kr/p/2mqPf24

Brenda and the Tabulations we're an R&B group formed in 1966 in Philadelphia originally composed the Brenda Payton, Eddie L Jackson, Maurice Coates, and Jerry Jones. They perform the song title Rght On The Tip Of My Tongue. It reached number 10 on the US R&B chart and number 23 on the US pop chart in 1971.

The song is noted for lead singer Brenda Payton's spoken recitation in the Coda section, which leads to the song's surprising end.

The song ranked #97 on Billboard magazine's Top 100 singles of 1971.

 Right On The Tip Of My Tongue is the like listening to an illustration. The background vocalist sing as Brenda Payton speaks near the end of the song. They help you to see and feel what was happening in the song. Brenda and the Tabulations paints a picture in the mind.

I'm Gail Nobles, and you're listening to The Podcast Oldies Show.

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Today we're going to talk about David Ruffin and the song Statue of a Fool. Hello! I'm Gail Nobles welcome to the oldies show. Statue of a Fool is a song written by Jan Crutchfield which has been recorded by a number of country artist.

But when you hear the voice of David Ruffin singing it, it sounds different and the song credit names are both Jan Crutchfield and David Ruffin. The song comes from David's album Who Am I released in 1975. Statue of a Fool became a hit for David.

I've seen David Ruffin performed the song with the Temptations. During his performance, he would stand still like a statue. It sounds as if someone considered himself in the lyrics a foolish person in a relationship. David acted out the powerful words very well, and the song had a soulful melody, and now the song is a classic. When David sings the song, I can feel the emotion coming from him. When your heart is broken, it can be hard to get over someone to move on. So maybe that's why the song is called Statue of a Fool.

Statue of a Fool is a powerful song. It is a great example of what great songs are all about. The song is timeless.

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the podcast oldies show.

Story by: Gail Nobles

Have you ever heard of a duo called Kool Blues? They are a duo that remains reminds me of another duo call Sam and Dave. Kool Blues are two singers named John Prim and William Gilbert. They are a soul duo that remind me of Sam and Dave when they sing a song titled “I'm Gonna Keep On Loving You." It's a song that was released in 1972 on Capsoul Records.

Some of you might remember Kool Blues and their songs and some of you may not. It's my first time hearing them and their song I'm Gonna Keep On Loving You. It's a song that's new to me. It's like a new oldie to add onto the playlist.

So when you have time, give Kool Blues a listen. They have other great songs too.

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Podcast Oldies Show.

Photo: Reginald Wickham - copyright holder
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Welcome to the Podcast Oldies Show. Today you hear about a group call Black Ivory.
Hello! I'm Gail Nobles. Black Ivory was originally known as the Mellow Souls and formed in Harlem New York in the summer of 1969. The group got their start by auditioning over the phone with musician Patrick Adams. Adams began to train and develop the group.

The group featured songwriter and prolific disco producer Leroy Burgess, Stewart
Bascombe, and Russell Patterson. They were managed by Patrick Adams and executive at the Today/Perception record company. Burgess was the lead voice of the majority of their hits in the early 1970s. Their 1972 debut album Don't Turn Around became a top 20 hit spending 19 weeks on the Billboard R&B albums chart and peeking at number 13. Black Ivory scored three top 40 R&B hits in 1972 including the singles Don't Turn Around (number 38) and You and I (number 32) from their debut album.

The group recorded several uptempo songs in the disco vein, such as "Big Apple Rock", "Walking Downtown (On a Saturday Night)", "What Goes Around (Comes Around)" and, later, "Mainline" but, not being known for the style, they were unable to compete when disco became the dominant music style.

I love some of the group ballads such as: You Mean Everything To Me.
In 1995, the group reunited and returned to the stage on the Classic Soul circuit, featuring all three original members, with Stuart Bascombe doing most of the leads.

Music intro by: Gail Nobles
Cover image by: Gail Nobles

How many of you have headed of the group Crystal's Image? If you have never heard of them, that's good because now you can learn about them and add their songs to your list. They are a soul group founded by Frank Gillespie, Larry Scales and Richard Alexander, all from Benton Harbor, Michigan.

They have a song titled A Friend released in the year of 1980. You can hear the groups song on YouTube. The song has a soul disco style.

They sing: Why can't we be friends until the end?


Why can't we? The lyrics are pretty good lyrics. It's a great song to listen to. They sound like a very good group.


I'm Gail Nobles & you're listening to the Oldies Show....

Hello I'm Gail Nobles on the Podcast Oldies Show. Before I get started, I just want you to know about a Facebook page to follow calked Keep Our Music Alive. They remind you of all the great singers, music groups, and bands. That’s Keep Our Music Alive on Facebook.
From that very page, I found out about a group called Jimmy Briscoe and The Little Beavers.

In the 1970s, when The Jackson 5's popularity gave rise to many other teenage groups, five young men from Baltimore, Maryland were discovered at a talent show in Baltimore by music promoter Paul Kyser. They recorded a number of singles, starting with Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", backed with "Sugar Brown", in 1971 on Atlantic Records and then for the Pi Kappa label distributed by Buddah Records as one of its subsidiary/affiliated labels. Their album My Ebony Princess, released by Pi Kappa in 1974, was reviewed as a "top album pick" by Billboard magazine;[3] the title cut gave them their greatest success. The group's vocal harmony set them apart from the other groups, though lack of distribution left them relatively unknown to the public. Other releases included "Where Were You (When I Needed You)", "I Only Feel This Way When I'm With You", "I'll Care For You", and "So Sweet The Love".

The Controllers are a soul and R&B vocal group originally from Birmingham Alabama who had a series of successful recordings in the late 1970s and the 1980s. They made a beautiful song titled My Love Is Real. The song was written by David Camon. He was also a talented artist who passed away in 2016 in Birmingham Alabama. My Love Is Real was produced by Frederick Knight. He is also a singer, songwriter, and record producer born in Birmingham Alabama.

My Love Is Real is a beautiful sounding song. To hear it, I suggest that you listen to the song fro YouTube. My Love Is Real by The Controllers. I’m Gail Nobles, and you’’re listening to the Podcast Oldies Show.

Song: I Learned The Hard Way
Song by: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Song written by: Bosco Mann

Photo credit: kallerna - Own work
Usage: CC BY-SA 3

Podcast Vocals: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist & Drummer: Gail Nobles

Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings made an electrifying song, I Learned the Hard Way.

(Singing Song)

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, I Learned the Hard Way. They made a video for that song.it was like a movie and Sharon Jones was a great actress in the video. The backup singers were great in some of the scenes just singing.

I learned the Hard Way is a great song that you can feel. I Learned the Hard Way is the name of Sharon Jones & The Dap-King’s fourth studio album. It was released in April of 2010 on Daptone Records. The album debuted at number 15 on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 23,00 copies in its first week. Upon its release, I Learned the Hard Way received generally positive reviews from most music critics.

The single I Learned The Hard Way is a song written by Bosco Mann. He is the producer behind the signature sound of Daptone Records as well as a bandleader and bassist for the Dap-Kings. He wrote an amazing song with an amazing sound. It’s a song that should be played forever on the radio. In my opinion, it’s a timeless classic.

I’m Gail Nobles, & you’re listening to Classic Waves.

Song: I'm Just Thinking About Cooling Out
Song by: Jerry Butler
Photo credit: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA - Jerry Butler
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Vocals by: Gail Nobles

Jerry Butler - “I’m Just Thinking About Cooling Out” on the Philadelphia International Records label, the style: Disco & Soul released in 1978. A song produced by Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff. Written by Jerry Butler, Kenneth Gamble, & Leon Huff.

“Busy rushin’ to and fro. Searchin’ for it high and low. Tryin’ to get what I think I want Only to find that I - I really don’t.
Got to go relax myself. I think I’ve over taxed myself. Tired of all the stress & strain I need a minute to rest my brain.
I’m just thinking about coolin’ out …”

I’m sure there’s a lot of hardworking people out there that need a break. I’m sure that many can relate to Jerry’s song. Real feelings in a song and how you can relate to others is what makes a good song. “Im just Thinking About Cooling Out” is a really good song. According to discos.com, the single was last sold on Jan 14, 2023 on vinyl.

You’re listening to the Podcast Oldies Show, and I’m you’re host, Gail Nobles.

Audio: XERB Rosarito Beach, Mexico - Monday, March 15, 1971
By: Free the Airchecks
Usage: Archive.org - Public Domain
Uploaded by 92.9 Kick FM
https://archive.org/details/WolfmanJack-XerbRosaritoBeachMexico-MondayMarch151971

Hello! I’m GN & you’re listening to the Podcast Oldies Show. I love oldies & radio personality, Wolfman Jack. The most famous US radio personality of all time. I loved the Wolfman’s character.

(Acting) Do you dig it man?

That’s what he would ask if he were alive to hear conversations about him. When he played a song sometimes, he would let you know what song was coming up next.

(Acting) Here’s Daryl Hall & John Oats - I Can’t Go For That.

I loved his voice & and he would make quiet a bit of noise while playing the music. (Wolf sound) Yea, you might remember him most from his howling wolf sound. I loved everything about the Wolfman. Even his look.

In Dec. 1963, he took a demo tape to XERF, but instead ended up operating the station. For eight months, he aired The Wolfman Jack Show. XERF was the most powerful commercial radio station on earth.

I’m going to share with you now one of Wolfman’s commercials from XERB which the Wolfman moved to in 1965. It was another powerful clear-channel radio station. It was the sister station of Mexican radio station, XERF. I’m going to take you now back down Radio Memory Lane.

(Commercial Playing)

On July 1, 1995, Wolfman Jack left us. He never left my mind & heart. What would he say right now? He’d probably say: I Love You Baby!”

You’re listening to the Podcast Oldies Show. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Song: If You Leave Me Now
Song by: Chicago
Song written by: Peter Cetera
Photo credit: Sven Mandel - Own w
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Podcast vocals: Gail Nobles
Wave sound: soundbible.com

CLASSIC WAVES

Today’s Topic: Chicago

If You Leave Me Now is a song by the rock group Chicago, from their album Chicago X. It was written and sung by bass player Peter Cetera and released as a single in 1976.

The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for two weeks, making it the first number one hit for the group as well as hitting number one on the Easy Listening charts. “If You Leave Me Now" was also Chicago's biggest hit internationally,

The song won Grammy Awards for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s) (strings) for arranger Jimmie Haskell and producer James William Guercio[10] and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus, the first Grammy Award won by the group. It also received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. In addition, by August 1978 it had sold 1.4 million copies in the United States alone. It has been certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.

I remember the song, If You Leave Me Now. I was a little girl when I first heard it. It was a sad song to me. It always made me think about a loved one in the same way the lyrics were written. It made me think as I got older that the writer of the song may have had some of my feelings. I’ve always loved the sound of the music. It was music that I could sleep to.

I’m Gail Nobles, and you’re listening to Classic Waves.

Song: Looking for a Brand New Game
Song by: The Eight Minutes

Podcast intro by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Podcast vocals: Gail Nobles

Today’s topic is about a group like the Jackson Five called The Eight Minutes. Their song is titled, Looking for a Brand New Game.

The group called The Eight Minutes came out of Chicago. In the group were two families. The Sudduths and the Goggins plus Juwanna Glover and Carl Monroe. They started out in the late sixties. It is said that the group never really impacted the charts though they had a very high level of quality in their records. I don’t understand that. They sound great to me. They were an awesome group.

They have other songs I think are great like, Take My Love Don’t Set Me Free, I Can’t Get No Higher, Find the One Who loves You, and Here’s some Dances. You can hear all these songs on Spotify.

I’m Gail Nobles & you’re listening to the Podcast Oldies Show. And remember, look for the song, Looking for a Brand New Game. Song by the Eight Minutes.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Vocals: Gail Nobles
Photo credit: Alex Marshall - Own work
Usage: CC BY-SA 3.0

It was a top 50 hit in the UK. Honest I Do Love You by Candi Staton in 1978. The song had a disco style and Staton had smooth style vocals. I love her background singers too. They had awesome and beautiful harmony. The band played the music well.

Honest I Do Love You is written by Dave Crawford. Considering the words to the song, he must have really loved someone. And Candi Staton performed the song so well. She brought it to life. The song was produced by Dave Crawford and arranged by Sylvester Rivers.

The lyrics say: If I could count up the songs in my life that’s used the word.
I’d be humming for days
Melodies some you’ve never heard.
Not like no other time you heard it,
and you know it’s true
Honest I do
You know I do
I do love you

You’re listening to The Podcast Oldies Show. I’m your host Gail Nobles.

Vocals by: Gail Nobles
Keyboardist and drummer: Gail Nobles
Song by: Skip Mahoney and The Casuals

Skip Mahoney & the Casuals we’re a soul-funk-disco group. Together they were formed in 1965. The song, Bless My Soul was released in 1976 on the abet label.

It is said that the song is a rare oldie, and I’ve never heard the song until today. I’ve never heard of the group. There are so many great oldies that you might not have heard and this song is a great oldie. The group is awesome.

There are four men in the group. George Norris, James Purdie, Matthew Allen, and Skip Mahoney. Purdie could play and arrange and write songs. The group cut other tunes like “Your Funny Moods, (Seems Like) The Love We Had is Dead and Gone, We Share Love, I Need Your Love, Town Called Nowhere, I’m Looking Away From My Past, and Struggling Man.

Skip Mahoney and the Casuals are a great vocal group. Mahoaney has a shimmering falsetto.

You’re listening to the Podcast Oldie Show. A show about oldies. I’m you’re host, Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening. (Song)

Today’s topic is Skip Mahoney and the Casuals. To hear the original song, go to Spotify.com.