Melvin Davis [2021] - Thinking Of You / Let Love In Your Life [Diggin' Deep #DD014]

The lastest release on Sean Hampsey's Diggin' Deep label are two sides from Detroit's Melvin Davis originally written in 1979. 

It will be the first appearance of Davis' 'Thinking Of You' on vinyl although co-writer Tim Murray released it in 1982 and it has appeared on two CD compilations. 

The flip side 'Let Love In your Life was released twice on vinyl, by Charisma in 1983 and by Davis himself in 1991.

Davis recorded around 8 45s in the 60s on various labels before joining Holland Dozier Holland at Invictus in the 70s where he recorded a couple of solo singles and was also a member of The 8th Day.  In 1975 he formed his own label, Rock Mill, which ran until 1984 releasing material on himself, Charisma and Liz Taylor which amounted to around 10 releases.

He wrote many songs which have been played on the Northern Soul scene recorded by Darrell Banks, J.J. Barnes, Edward Hamilton, Johnnie Mae Matthews, Steve Mancha and himself. In 2005 he recorded a version of Jackey Beavers' 'I Need My Baby' with Bryan Davis (his son?) on (reactivated) Rock Mill, which is credited to Davis and Clyde Wilson (aka Steve Mancha) although the original by Beavers is credited to Don Davis, so I'm not sure whether they actually wrote it but didn't get credit at the time?

Melvin Davis [2004] - Thinking Of You [Rock Mill/Hayley #RMR 1001]

First released on 'His Greatest Recordings' CD in 2004 and then on a 2012 compilation CD from Hayley 'More Soulful Serenades'.

Tim Murray [1982] - Thinking Of You [Detroit Traks #531825]

Murray released his version in 1982, his only record and the only release on the label.

Mel Davis [1991] - Let Love In Your Life [Rock Mill #RM5238]

Originally written in 1979 but released in 1991 on his own Rock Mill label. It was also released on the 2004 CD compilation 'His Greatest Recordings'.

Charisma [1983] - Let Love In Your Life [Rock Mill #RP 8267]

Charisma were a group formed by Jerry Green (a former member of The Contours between 1964-68) with his brother Ray. The song was was speeded up a bit for Charisma to record on Davis' Rock Mill label in 1983. It was their only releasee as the group split up after recording it.