Mia Manchester [2021] - Show And Tell [Sound Gems Records]

Another cover courtesy of Sound Gems by Mia Manchester which I have always considered was originally released by Al Wilson but have just discovered that Johnny Mathis did the first version of "Show and Tell" just before him in May 1973. I don't believe I had ever heard his version until doing this post! 

The song was written by Jerry Fuller who Northern Soulies will know for his 1966 stomper "Double Life" on Challenge and most will know for his song "Young Girl" a #1 hit (UK) for Gary Puckett & The Union Gap in 1968. The 'definitive version of "Show And Tell" was recorded by Al Wilson the same year as Johnny Mathis (1973) which was a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit yet only reached #10 R&B!

SecondHandSongs lists only a dozen versions but there are many more than that as there are at least another dozen not listed: Bobbi Marchini  (1973), Maceo (1974), Cleo Laine (1974 LP), Professor Lett And Study (1974 LP),  Don Julian & The Larks (1974 LP), The I.G's (1975), Elusion (1982 LP), Contrast (1984 LP), Willie Clayton (1987), David Cassidy (1998 LP), Eddie Leon (2001 LP which also contains his modern soul gem "Just Got Tired Of Waiting" written by Tommy Tate).

Details

Rating:	8
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Classic Soul / cover Version
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Sound Gems Records
Cat No:	None
Date:	19/11/2021
Key/BPM:	10B/93
Value:	£1