It's not that it's better or worse, just different. This recording is great in its own right, in its own day. It shows the difference between the simpler production of the early 60's and the lavish overproduction on the late 60's, the reggae-esque feel of the original versus the Americanized standard the Supremes sung. It shows the song is great in and of itself if it can transcend time, like so many other songs that became Motown classics.
@spintation exactly they killed it, this version is way better, the only reason Diane's version hit number 1 is because everyone took it as her saying that her Mary and Cindy will be together again, im almost certain if she wasnt leaving The Supremes at that point, thier version would only have gone top 30, and not to number 1
My father, sister, and I heard this on WCBS (New York's oldies station) over 10 years ago and were blown away by it; I love the Supremes version, but really, this one just seems to have so much more feeling without the strings and gloss. I've tried to find it ever since, and have been frustrated every time. Thank you so much for posting it!
Rev. Robert (Jackey) Beavers has been pastoring in his hometown of Cartersville, Georgia for the past 30 or so years. He will be put to rest tomorrow, November 2, 2008. The homegoing will be at Liberty Square Church in Cartersville at 3:00 P.M.
i like this version - almost has a bit of a country feel to it, but i must say i honestly do prefer the diana ross version (with johnny's amazing training vocals), johnny bristol rules whatever song or version (even if he just wrote it and didnt appear on the record)
Yeah but this version is way better, and originally it was offered to JR Walker as a follow-up to "What Does It Take" but he said "Go ahead and give it to The Supremes", LOL
"Someday We'll Be Together" was going to be DIANA ROSS first solo single. Thus, Mary and Cindy were'nt on the recording. It was Berry Gordy idea to release it as "DIANA ROSS and The SUPREMES" ......lauching pad for DIANA solo career! It sold millions and straight to #1 on POP and R&B charts.
According to the liner notes on the CD box set: "THE COMPLETE MOTOWN SINGLES VOL. 9: 1969", Berry Gordy originally wanted to release "Someday We'll Be Together" as Diana's first solo. But Supremes' manager Shelly Berger believed it was better suited as The Supremes' swan song.
Imma say it one more time, The Supremes version ISNT The Supremes its just Diana Ross with 2 sessions singers so its a sham, and this version is way better and the only reason Diana Ross did this song is cuz Jr walker turned it down after recording "What Does It Take To Win Your Love"
@MotownMaster _ Not to be contrary to you.... but those things don't make the version 'way better'! If you like it better, I feel you. And it's all good! But I don't feel it's way better just because Mary and Cindy wasn't on it! It was more than two bg singers as well! I know who they are..... and it was not right that they didn't put Mary and Cindy ON it, but tried to FOOL people with Ms. Water's Voice!
@stage7 Mary & Cindy aren't on it because, when it was recorded, it was competing for the positon of being Diana Ross' first solo single. Mary & Cindy were already busy recording "New Supremes" material with Jean Terrell.
The decision to release it as "the last Supremes single" was a belated one after Motown realized the marketing potential of using a song called "Someday We'll be Together" to send the Diana-led version of the group off with.
@GarudaStudio I know 'exactly' why Mary and Cindy weren't On the recording! I know all of that! BUT MY point is, that they could've added them TO the recording just like they add 'others' to THEIR recordings after 'they've' finished the session! It's happened many times. And when it was decided that it was going to be a Supremes' song, they could've without a 'notion', done it. But it WAS evident that it was 'tried' to fool us with the Mary Wilson 'sound'! That's why they turned it up!
@stage7 By the way, this was in NO way a 'begrudgery' comment! I'm just 'colorful' and expressive with my speech to be more effective. I TOTALLY agree that it was realized to have GREAT marketing potential to do it that way as a last Supremes' single with Diane! Tho' the girls were recording with JEAN, No one knew that then. And as Diane, Jean recorded, alot with the Andantes withOUT the Supremes. Much of the recording was separate... and then put together.
@stage7 With That said, I still say Mary and Cindy COULD'VE been added to the recording of Someday once it was decided to be a Supreme Song instead of just feigning the sound with 'another' voice and blurring it with still more 'waterfalls'... :-) I think it would've sounded 'better' WITH them! They proved that 'Live'!
@stage7 Motown hadn't used Mary and Cindy on any Supremes single recording in years (duets with the Temptations excepted) - I don't think they were particularly concerned about them being on this one either. Of course, ideally that's what should ahve been done, but Motown saw The Supremes as just Diana Ross. I don't even think they ever meant to give the New Supremes (who, with Terrell on lead and with Wilson & Birdsong actually singing, were much better) a fair shot.
i had always heard the history of this song was pulled from 61 and reworked for the supremes in 69, but never heard it until now. this is great along with the rest of your postings motownmaster. thanks for sharing.
It's not that it's better or worse, just different. This recording is great in its own right, in its own day. It shows the difference between the simpler production of the early 60's and the lavish overproduction on the late 60's, the reggae-esque feel of the original versus the Americanized standard the Supremes sung. It shows the song is great in and of itself if it can transcend time, like so many other songs that became Motown classics.
Russebby 8 months ago
Great song. Interesting background story about how Bristol's vocals were added to the Diana Ross version.
alang13 9 months ago
I LOVE MOTOWN!
simon4186 1 year ago
No they killed it as in they nailed it, did it, brought it on home!!!
spintation 1 year ago 2
@spintation and i mean killed it, as in ruined the sentimate of the song
MotownMaster 1 year ago
Sweet but the Supremes kill it.
spintation 1 year ago
@spintation exactly they killed it, this version is way better, the only reason Diane's version hit number 1 is because everyone took it as her saying that her Mary and Cindy will be together again, im almost certain if she wasnt leaving The Supremes at that point, thier version would only have gone top 30, and not to number 1
MotownMaster 1 year ago
WELL...I love them both, a whole lot. Each has its often separate winning characteristics. Wonderful lyric and musical structure.
strandwolf 1 year ago
Comment removed
DjangoDietCola 2 years ago
Sounds like an old Sam Phillips recording. Brilliant!
deyoungaza 2 years ago 2
You're right, I liked this version better as well. I also remember when this one came out. I didn't know that Johnny was Johnny Bristol.
Kris Peterson
iffenwhat 2 years ago
Is it me or were early Detroit recordings ska-like? There's something Caribbean about this version.
To be honest, I prefer the Supremes' version but this is cool too.
timmy841212 3 years ago 7
@timmy841212 Definitely has a similar song structure and instrumental arrangement. Sounds like it could have been a Desmond Dekker tune.
djangledoobledangus 1 year ago
@timmy841212 _yeah, it IS 'Caribbean-ish', Timmy! I agree with you about alot of 'early Detroit recordings' too! :-D
This IS a 'cool' version as well.
stage7 1 year ago
didn't know the supremes was a cover, love this version
dlk008 3 years ago
My father, sister, and I heard this on WCBS (New York's oldies station) over 10 years ago and were blown away by it; I love the Supremes version, but really, this one just seems to have so much more feeling without the strings and gloss. I've tried to find it ever since, and have been frustrated every time. Thank you so much for posting it!
encrapulation 3 years ago 2
I'm surprised to see the Diana version isn't an original.
Good to hear this. :)
fossie32 3 years ago
Rev. Robert (Jackey) Beavers has been pastoring in his hometown of Cartersville, Georgia for the past 30 or so years. He will be put to rest tomorrow, November 2, 2008. The homegoing will be at Liberty Square Church in Cartersville at 3:00 P.M.
wkmeadors 3 years ago
James Brown's 2nd funeral service was held there.....did Rev. Beavers perform the service?
d820m 2 years ago
i like this version - almost has a bit of a country feel to it, but i must say i honestly do prefer the diana ross version (with johnny's amazing training vocals), johnny bristol rules whatever song or version (even if he just wrote it and didnt appear on the record)
jayceegallagher 3 years ago
Crazii Jackey is my Grandfather!!! this is So Cool I love the Diana Ross version 2 but Big ups to J & J!!
letzplayhouze 3 years ago
OK...i must confess that the Supremes' version is much, much better produced! Thanks for sharing however. It was good to hear the original version.
sivatmin 3 years ago
I prefer the supremes version, better harmonies more soulful.
jeremymp68 4 years ago
Yeah but this version is way better, and originally it was offered to JR Walker as a follow-up to "What Does It Take" but he said "Go ahead and give it to The Supremes", LOL
MotownMaster 4 years ago
@MotownMaster __I could Definitely Hear THIS as a Jr. Walker Song! WAY yes!!!!!
:-D I Do wonder why he 'passed' on it! It's So 'HIM' of that period!
stage7 1 year ago
"Someday We'll Be Together" was going to be DIANA ROSS first solo single. Thus, Mary and Cindy were'nt on the recording. It was Berry Gordy idea to release it as "DIANA ROSS and The SUPREMES" ......lauching pad for DIANA solo career! It sold millions and straight to #1 on POP and R&B charts.
supremes1964 4 years ago
According to the liner notes on the CD box set: "THE COMPLETE MOTOWN SINGLES VOL. 9: 1969", Berry Gordy originally wanted to release "Someday We'll Be Together" as Diana's first solo. But Supremes' manager Shelly Berger believed it was better suited as The Supremes' swan song.
jim02026 4 years ago
My Darling Angel,
If you made it here, you are a genius. Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you all day. You are the love of my life, my favorite person.
AD
EmilyBeadle 4 years ago
Imma say it one more time, The Supremes version ISNT The Supremes its just Diana Ross with 2 sessions singers so its a sham, and this version is way better and the only reason Diana Ross did this song is cuz Jr walker turned it down after recording "What Does It Take To Win Your Love"
MotownMaster 4 years ago
@MotownMaster _ Not to be contrary to you.... but those things don't make the version 'way better'! If you like it better, I feel you. And it's all good! But I don't feel it's way better just because Mary and Cindy wasn't on it! It was more than two bg singers as well! I know who they are..... and it was not right that they didn't put Mary and Cindy ON it, but tried to FOOL people with Ms. Water's Voice!
I like 'em both....to different degrees.
stage7 1 year ago
@stage7 Mary & Cindy aren't on it because, when it was recorded, it was competing for the positon of being Diana Ross' first solo single. Mary & Cindy were already busy recording "New Supremes" material with Jean Terrell.
The decision to release it as "the last Supremes single" was a belated one after Motown realized the marketing potential of using a song called "Someday We'll be Together" to send the Diana-led version of the group off with.
GarudaStudio 1 month ago
@GarudaStudio I know 'exactly' why Mary and Cindy weren't On the recording! I know all of that! BUT MY point is, that they could've added them TO the recording just like they add 'others' to THEIR recordings after 'they've' finished the session! It's happened many times. And when it was decided that it was going to be a Supremes' song, they could've without a 'notion', done it. But it WAS evident that it was 'tried' to fool us with the Mary Wilson 'sound'! That's why they turned it up!
stage7 1 month ago
@stage7 By the way, this was in NO way a 'begrudgery' comment! I'm just 'colorful' and expressive with my speech to be more effective. I TOTALLY agree that it was realized to have GREAT marketing potential to do it that way as a last Supremes' single with Diane! Tho' the girls were recording with JEAN, No one knew that then. And as Diane, Jean recorded, alot with the Andantes withOUT the Supremes. Much of the recording was separate... and then put together.
stage7 1 month ago
@stage7 With That said, I still say Mary and Cindy COULD'VE been added to the recording of Someday once it was decided to be a Supreme Song instead of just feigning the sound with 'another' voice and blurring it with still more 'waterfalls'... :-) I think it would've sounded 'better' WITH them! They proved that 'Live'!
stage7 1 month ago
@stage7 Motown hadn't used Mary and Cindy on any Supremes single recording in years (duets with the Temptations excepted) - I don't think they were particularly concerned about them being on this one either. Of course, ideally that's what should ahve been done, but Motown saw The Supremes as just Diana Ross. I don't even think they ever meant to give the New Supremes (who, with Terrell on lead and with Wilson & Birdsong actually singing, were much better) a fair shot.
GarudaStudio 1 month ago
This version is great but The Supremes version is the best. I can see why they hit #1 and this didnt chart
miguel2942 4 years ago
This is such a treat for us that love the Motown sound! Thank you MotownMaster!
blackteacher1 4 years ago
this version is way better then The Supremes, their version is a sham, cuz its just Diana Ross first of all Mary and Cindy arent even on the song
MotownMaster 4 years ago
Wow, not anywhere CLOSE to being as good at the supremes!
czecher81 4 years ago
i had always heard the history of this song was pulled from 61 and reworked for the supremes in 69, but never heard it until now. this is great along with the rest of your postings motownmaster. thanks for sharing.
d1dddd2 5 years ago 3
This version kick's The Supremes' versions butt.
Ben606 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing all of these great sides!
rhythmsearch 5 years ago
Wow!! A great find!!
Greetings from Spain
Take a look to my Four Tops video
kinkman1979 5 years ago