Gentleman June Gardner [1966] - It's Gonna Rain / Last Night [EmArcy E-4050]

A 'Marmite' record that has been huge in Northern Soul circles over recent years by Gentleman June Gardner. I suspect that it probably originated in, and migrated from, the Popcorn scene in Belgium.

The tune was written by Sonny Bono and was originally recorded by Sonny & Cher as the B side to 'I Got You Babe' and on their debut album 'Look At Us' in 1965.  I've put both versions up for comparison.

Gentleman June Gardner [1966] - It's Gonna Rain [EmArcy E-4050]

Albert Samuel Gardner was a jazz drummer and band leader from Louisiana and worked in Lionel Hampton's bands.  This is a NOLA production so no doubt Wardell Quezergue was involved in arrangement.

As far as I can tell he released 3 45s and an album 'Bustin' Out' released in 1966 which contained both sides of this 45 and his first 45 on Blue Rock 99 Plus 1 / Mustard Greens.  His other 45 is an instrumental of Tennessee Waltz / The Jolly Little Megget on Hep' Me in 1971... which is of no interest here!

Interestingly, 45Cat lists an unreleased Blue Rock 45 of this record with Cat. No. B-4050 but no label scan. EmArcy was a Mercury jazz label and as Blue Rock was Mercury's blues/R&B/Soul label perhaps they decided a release on EmArcy was more appropriate?

Gentleman June Gardner [1966] - Last Night [EmArcy E-4050]

Hammond-driven cover of The Mar-Kays hit which was the official A side.

Sonny & Cher [1965] - It's Gonna Rain [Atco 45-6359]

This is the stereo 45 version which is a different take to the LP version.

Sonny & Cher [1965] - It's Gonna Rain [Atco SD-33-177]

Album version