Frankie & Johnny
I'll Hold You / (I'm) Never Gonna Leave You
Decca : 26.050 Belgium
Detail
- Artist: Frankie & Johnny
- A Side: I'll Hold You
- B Side: (I'm) Never Gonna Leave You
- Label: Decca
- Format: 45s
Condition
Description
Description
Today for Nev, his much loved Northern Soul anthem, as the beyond-rare April 1966 Belgium Decca press. As you'd expect giving up crisp/clean/loud utterly reliable Decca fidelity.
We credited Johnny Curtis & Maggie Bell with being the only Glaswegians to record a Northern Soul classic, I think we can because this is more than a classic, it is part of the very fabric of the scene, being hugely popular with the dancefloor and highly sought after collector's and DJ quest; whether it be the USA Hickory release or the April 1966 British Grail?
Glasgow is certainly a far common source of classic Northern Soul but this recording for British Decca, certainly underlines two rasping Celtic vocals of note, cradled by yet another standout Johnny Harris orchestral backdrop. With Johnny Harris later working with Johnny Curtis on an impressive Parlophone release, Harris considered Curtis the perfect sounding-board for Maggie Bell's gravel-coated vocal to rebound off. This is not the first time Johnny Harris has been highlighted on these pages either, just like John Schroeder he was an underestimated talent who produced, arranged and crafted so many great "Brit-Soul" recordings.
Discovered first on it's ultra rare UK Decca 22376 release, it stayed an exclusive spin for a just a few privileged DJs. Then to surprised British NS pioneers some USA Hickory 45's started to trickle onto the scene, then Frankie & Johnny went viral and F & J became a monster play, countrywide. With the "impossible" UK Decca press quickly elevated to "Holy Grail" status. But this Belgium release we have found is so much rarer than the UK born.
Before you today is not a UK press or indeed a USA Hickory copy, for which the supply flow from America has also long since dried up but the April 1966 Belguim Decca press in Decca sleeve, on of the ultimate possible formats, for those of you seeking out the very rarest possible attire for your Northern Soul anthem collection.
Look, listen and dream of owning a sight you have maybe never see before.
Condition Report
Strong gloss on vinyl reveals some soft surface hairlines under light, but plays totally clean, listen. Two clean labels although their is a very soft sticker grace left hand side under the Decca logo, possibly not visible on the image, housed in cool Decca sleeve. Looks just gorgeous.A Side
- Title: I'll Hold You
- Title: (I'm) Never Gonna Leave You
B Side
- Year: 1966
- City: Belgium