A Dallas recording (Houston Express) from 1970 discovered in a batch of unmarked master tapes and issued by Real Side records in UK (RIP Francis T). This has an 'across the board' appeal i.e. Northern Soul, Modern Soul, Crossover and Lowrider. Surprisingly little known when I spun it out in the last couple of years. It was released in 2008 (allegedly 300 white promos and 500 black issues) when I picked my copy up. It now sells for 3 figures (up to £125).
This appears to be her only known recording ... unless of course she recorded by another name ... surely a talent like this must have made more recordings? The label states 'The Unknown Soul Girl'. so perhaps the name Gloria Shannon may have been made up as this may have just been found on an unlabelled tape? Anyone with further info please leave a comment. Sadly Francis T is no longer with us to ask. This also appears to be the last 45 released on Real Side.
I have read comments that the backing track was from an intended soundtrack that Berry Gordy commissioned at United Sound Studios, Detroit 1972/73 arranged by Mike Terry with Funk Brothers & Detroit Symphony Orchestra but it was never released and that apparently it is still in the vaults. No one knows who recorded the vocals.
Some further info from Roger Banks last year who listed one of six original 10" acetate cuts of this for sale. He played it a Wilton, Bretby & Lea Manor (Albrighton) late 90s early noughties to a muted response. He states that it is an obscure tape find - so I guess Gloria Shannon IS a made up name as original artist is unknown. I have heard someone suggest that it may be Gloria Scott, who was originally from Texas but she moved to San Francisco where she met Sly Stewart (Stone) and cut a 45 as Gloria Scott & The Tonettes in 1964 and later in 1965 she joined The Ikettes so I doubt that it is her, although the vocals do sound similar.
Digging around a bit more and this was originally posted on Real Side's website:
"Imagine our surprise when, after listening to what felt like hours of run-of-the-mill rock 'n' roll and country music, we heard the opening bars of this magnificent mid tempo Northern Soul gem!
Nothing is known about this sublime masterpiece other than it was recorded a circa 1970 and has been collecting dust ever since. The master tape box gives little away, other than a Dallas, Texas address and it is unlikely that, after more than three decades, the mystery will ever be solved.
In 2004 Real Side Records cut 10 collectors acetates and the record picked up plays around the country courtesy of top DJs Tim Brown, Ginger Taylor and Roger Banks. Since being in circulation rumours have been rife about the song and it hs been suggested that the mysterious Gloria is in fact Gladys Knight?
Let's just enjoy it for what it is - the best undiscovered Soul record in decades!"
Gloria Shannon [2008] - Shine My Lovelight [Real Side RSR 112-45]
SoulStrutter's Rating: 8.75
Nice crossover track on the flip, probably overshadowed by quality of A side? ... but still a damn good side.
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