Format Details: 60th Anniversary "diamond" Edition Crystal Clear Lp
Release Date: 01 May 2017
Label: Soul Jam
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 8436559463027
Genres: R&B
Description
Initially composed of siblings and cousins, Gladys Knight & The Pips was among the most popular rhythm and blues and soul groups of the 1960s and '70s. The group was unusual at the time for having a female lead singer and male backup singers. Knight combined precise classic-pop elegance with pure R&B power and soul searching.
The group cut a number of singles and albums for different labels before signing with Berry Gordy at Motown. This essential release presents Gladys Knight & The Pips' underrated debut long play, Letter Full of Tears, which was originally issued in 1962 by the small Fury label. It contains regional hits such as the title song (a reading of Don Covay's "Letter Full of Tears"), the stomping "Room in Your Heart," and their first smash – a cover of Johnny Otis' "Every Beat of My Heart." In addition to the original LP, this remastered collector's release also contains 10 bonus tracks, consisting of hard-to-find sides issued by Fury, Brunswick or Vee Jay during the same period. Although the group eventually went on to greater commercial success in the mid- and late '60s, all of these wonderful songs form the building blocks of their musical legacy. This CD is truly an time-tested treasure, as well as an indispensable set for aficionados of early soul.
Description
Charly Records presents
LETTER FULL OF TEARS
GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS
This CD/LP Special Edition collates, for the first time, the complete recordings from the groups breakthrough hit to the famed signing with Motown Records.
This vinyl LP and extended CD version of 'Letter Full Of Tears' is the definitive introduction to the group's foundation years, where Gladys Knight's voice was as surprising as it was brilliant, fully formed, and distinctive from the start. It also showcases the breathtaking group harmonies, honed from nearly a decade of performing together.
This was the time when the group perfected - through hours on stage and working with famed Motown dance coach Cholly Atkins - the routines that would make them stand apart and excite audiences. In short this is where the legend of Gladys Knight And The Pips began!
This fabulous package contains the complete Fury and Maxx productions including the Top Ten Billboard R&B hits "Every Beat Of My Heart" (#15), "Letter Full Of Tears" (#3) and "Giving Up" (#6).
Curated and annotated by Dean Rudland, Acid Jazz
Tracklisting
Tracklisting
Tracklisting
John Lee Hooker
James Brown
John Lee Hooker
Johnny Shines & Robert Jr. Lockwood
Freddy King
Professor Longhair
Martha & The Vandellas
Etta James
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight & The Pips
