Barbara Randolph - Mister Wonderful

Barbara Randolph was one of my favourite Motown girls, She was so tall, elegant, and fabulous, full of charm and poise and grace. She was married to Eddie Singleton, former A&R executive at Motown in the 1960s. Eddie's first wife had been Berry Gordy's ex-wife, Raynoma Gordy, also known as Miss Ray, who ran off with Eddie and together they formed Shrine Records, which, supposedly, got blacklisted by every radio station in the USA, out of their loyalty to Motown. Eddie married Barbara, but had the amazing situation of Raynoma still living in their house. Barbara's biggest Motown classic was "I Got A Feeling", a true anthem, and in fact only recently, Motown put out an entire CD of her work there, including many unreleased recordings. Her version of "Baby Don't You Do It" has to be heard to be believed. After Motown, she acted in a couple of films, recorded for Eddie's label Tarca, and then signed to Motorcity, where we did an entire album called "Breaking Into My Heart". This song, "Mister Wonderful", was written by Sylvia Moy and myself, about her love for Eddie, and indeed she sings it straight to him as she records it, captured on this amazing video for posterity. Years later, she suddenly and without warning left Eddie, and told him she'd fallen out of love with him, something he couldn't come to terms with, so he moved to South Africa. It transpired that she knew she was wasting away from Cancer, and didn't want him to see her die slowly, so she left him, and lied to him, just to spare him the agony, and he only found this out after her death. Knowing this tragedy makes this video so poignant, and knowing how deeply they loved each other really brought tears to my eyes. She was lovely, and is much missed.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Motown
• Northern-Soul
• Detroit
• Motorcity
• Girl-Groups

[IanLevine]

I was heartbroken to hear recently that Eddie Singleton had died. Barbara passed away first, and now Eddie. What a sad story. They were so in love, as this video shows so clearly.

[Sheven718]

wow ! what a touching story, i have been wondering what had happenned to barbara randolph for many years, she, along with chris clark had become somewhat of a mystery to me, i had records by both of them back in the 60s being a D J "i got a feeling was always a sure fire tune to get people dancing, i've learned more about her today than i ever had in 43 years of loving her couple of singles, many thanks for posting ian, regards dave

[SOULINTEGRITY]

excellent

[OuKrokodil]

@IanLevine I knew Eddie in South Africa. What a sad state to see what he had become. He was trying to get a record company off the ground called Mother City records but sadly never realised his dream. I remember him showing me one of his original Shrine records-really impressive.

[johngaco]

Exellent stuff Ian.She was superb.

[TooDarnSoulful]

gorgeous soul music :)) ktf

[madforit03]

If it had been recorded in the 60s or 70s then this track could have filled the Highland Room dance floor every saturday - its a gem.

[MotownMaster]

well im sure there together now

[magictouch76]

Barbara Randolph replaced Zola Taylor with the Platters in 1965. She did one album with the group which was their best LP effort of the '60s...'The New Soul of the Platters-Campus Style" on Mercury. It was the Platters' last Mercury release. She had some tremendous solos on the album, most notably "The Big Forget", written by the group's manager Buck Ram.

[refici222]

she has a great voice good video

[privateed21]

Barbara was a very dear friend of mine from Jr. high until her passing......God bless her and thanks for the memories ..I'll see you agan on Country Club Drive......Late......Jump