Jack Montgomery [1966] - Dearly Beloved [Scepter #SCE 12152] PLUS Discography

I'm not quite sure when this side went 'big' as I'd been off the NS scene for most of the 80s and 90s, I don't recall hearing it before 1983, but I do remember it being a floor-filler in 1998/99 and it was re-issued on UK Soul City in 2000 which might suggest that it had only recently become popular around then. Incidentally it was re-issued as 'My Dear Beloved', the title used on one of the Scepter releases, which may have been a second issue?

Initially the Scepter release was sought after for the other side 'Do You Believe It' which appeared on one of the very first NS compilations compiled by Ian Levine, 'Disco Demand's Solid Soul Sensations' on Pye in 1975 which I probably wore out when it was released. It was reissued on CD in 2004 with ten additional tracks, which included 'Dearly Beloved'.

I recall in 1998/99 it was valued around £75 as I was keen to get hold of it. It is now well into 3 figures (one sold on discogs for £400 but you should get one for less than that).

Jack Montgomery's real name was Marvin Tyrone Jones. He was given the stage name Jack Montgomery by Detroit songwriter, musician Don Juan Mancha who ran 60s Groove City label (which released two NS 'monsters' Sam Ward's - 'Sister Lee' and The Professionals - 'That's Why I Love You' / 'Did My Baby Call' their version of Steve Mancha's Wheelsville track). 

Discography

Montgomery only released 4 singles, 3 of them played on the NS scene. 

1966 - 'Dearly Beloved' / 'Do You Believe It' [Scepter #SCE 12152]

1967 - 'Don't Turn Your Back On Me' / 'Never In A Million Years (Inst)', [Barracuda #BRC-101]

1968 - 'Baby, Baby Take A Chance On Me' / 'Baby Take A Chance On Me (Inst)' [Revue #R 11009]

19?? - 'Beauty Isn't Born' / 'Beauty Isn't Born (Inst)' [Auston's #001] 

The last release is a mellow soul ballad. It is the only release on the label and the date of release is unknown but I would guess it was his last release late 60s/early 70s. The 1967 release on Barracuda is also the only (known) release by the label.

The Honey Bees released a vocal version of 'Never In A Million Years' on Garrison in 1967 produced by Montgomery, Mancha and arranged by Mike Terry. The same personnel were also credited on Just Brothers 'Carlena', an earlier release on the same label.

Montgomery is also credited (as Marvin Jones) for co-writing Satisfaction Unlimited's 'I Know It's Love' and 'Come On Back' with Winford (Johnny) Terry (founder of Garrison) for their 1972 album 'Think Of The Children' released on Holland, Dozier, Holland's Hot Wax label.

Montgomery died in 1982 aged only 40.