Barbara Mason [1966] - Hello Baby [Arctic #126]

A 1966 B side (and non-album track) of 'Poor Girl In Trouble' that didn't chart even on US R&B chart.

Barbara Mason released her first single in 1964 on Crusader,  sister label to Charger on which Dobie Gray released his three top tunes and an album and Mason also had a single released in 1965. Later that year she signed to Arctic, a label set up by Philadelphial DJ Jimmy Bishop which has a special place in the hearts on UK Northern Soul devotees, releasing many records played on the scene and the birthplace of The Trammps who were known on Arctic as The Volcanos.

Her first release was the label's second single. She didn't have to wait long for her first big hit which came with her third release in 1965 'Yes I'm Ready' which reached #2 R&B and #5 Hot 100, Sadly she never managed to follow-up the hit or better those chart positions, recording right up to 1984 releasing almost 50 singles, 15 of those on Arctic in the 60s.  She had a brief period at National General in 1970-71 (4 singles) before joining Buddah in 1972-75 (approx. 13 singles). In 1978 she released a couple of 45s on Prelude before joining WMOT in 1980 and finally West End in 1984. 

Chart positions mean nothing to soul aficionados and her 60s and 70s recordings (in particular) are still sought after by followers of NS and also much loved by the Lowrider scene.

A few others from her Arctic catalogue that are of interest include:

NS/Crossover:  'Don't Ever Want To Lose Your Love', 'Keep Him', 'Bobby Is My Baby' (which has the same backing as The Rotations  ('Put A Dime On) D-9' on sister label Frantic), 'Ain't Got Nobody', 'Don't Ever Go Away', 'Half A Love', 'You Better Stop It'

Lowriders: 'Is It Me', 'If You Don't (Love Me, Tell Me So)', 'Game Of Love', 'Oh, How It Hurts',  'I'm No Good For You', '(I Can Feel Your Love) Slipping Away', 'You Never Loved Me (At All)'

She was still performing up until 2016 and released a CD in 2007.