Kid’s Soul Cover
I’m hoping that all you lovers got your Valentine’s Day on this week, and that my 45 Soul is for Lovers mix was enjoyed by all. Big love to Mixcloud, who has given me a little push and got my mix out to a whole grip of new listeners. Many thanks! Today, as I was going through some 45’s, I came across this side. I had remembered that I had it, but of course misplaced it. I will forewarn you that it’s not a huge banger, but more of a novelty record. So, that being said, let’s get into 3 Stars with “The Jersey Slide Pt. 1” on Stang Records.
The world has been filled with child stars and groups: The Five Stairsteps, the Osmonds, the Partridge Family, but none more famous than the Jacksons. Performances, cartoons, tours, the Apollo Theater, the Jacksons set a high bar in regards to child groups or family groups for that matter. However, in living rooms across the world, Moms and Dads were having their kids sing Jackie Wilson and James Brown, hoping for a chance to have Johnny or Mary to be the next big child star. There was no American Idol. There were local talent shows, churches, and block parties where these children could showcase their talent. True, these everyday kids did not have the luxury of a certain record company to help them out with the music, but this didn’t stop these determined kids (or their parents) from putting music out there. This side is featured on Numero Group’s release Home Schooled: The ABCs Of Kid Soul in 2007.
Originally put out on Joe and Sylvia Robinson’s Stang label, “The Jersey Slide” obviously is a dance craze that most likely didn’t catch on. Joey, Leland, and Jeffery aka the 3 Stars give you their follow up to the “Jersey Bounce”. It wasn’t just meant for Jersey people, apparently New York, Baltimore, Houston and Chicago were all encouraged to get their slide on. Obviously trying to cash in on a dance craze, this chunky guitar filled sides music plays second fiddle to the higher recorded vocals, where the kids are center stage. Part 2 is a bit more uptempo, with the added horns and a grown up shouting out places where the Jersey Slide is known (my fave is “they doin’ it down in Canada!”, even though it was recorded in New Jersey, clearly below Canada). Interesting side. Although I’m a New Yorker now, I will always still have love for Jersey, even the “Jersey Slide”. Keep Diggin’!
Download or Listen to 3 Stars – Jersey Slide Pt. 1 and 2 from the Stang Records 45
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