Bob Brady - Everybody's Going To A Love-In

Bob Brady and The Con-Chords were a white group in the 1960s from Baltimore, who everyone thought were black, mainly because Bob sounded so much like Smokey Robinson. It took a lot of trouble but I tracked him down for The Strange World Of Northern Soul, and we redid two of his hits, this one later becoming famous on the KFC commercials in the UK. "Everybody's Going To A Love-In" by Bob Brady and the Con Chords, was simultaneously a storming soul dancer and a giddy slice of exploito-pop, the tune was, if not the band's biggest record, the one for which they are best remembered. One of the better "blue eyed soul" bands of the era, they had an ace in the hole with lead singer Brady who often sounded more like Smokey Robinson than the man himself. The band was formed in East Baltimore in 1965, and released all their records on their very own label, Chariot Records, until Bob was later signed as a solo act to A&M. The members at the time of the first two records were: Bob Brady - lead vocals - George Layfield - lead vocals, backup vocals - Jim Samuel - piano, organ, backup vocals - Dennis Zwirlein - guitar, backup vocals - Tony Constantino - trumpet, baritone sax, tenor sax, vibes, backup vocals (although his primary instrument was drums) - Dave Wladkowski - alto sax, baritone sax - Larry Sprigg - trombone, vibes - John Drexler - drums - Vince Sansone - bass guitar - John Drexler was replaced on drums with Marty Fisher. Vince Sansone was replaced with Tommy Thompson on bass. Tommy was also a talented sax player. In 1964 the band was called simply the ConChords and was playing local teen centers. At that time George Layfield was the lead singer. (After Brady joined, George sang lead on about 1/4 of the songs, especially Steve Wonder and James Brown type stuff.) In addition to the original members there were two additional backup singers Wayne Mattes and Bob Gehrig. Lou Patti played trumpet. Some time in late '64 or early '65 Bob Brady joined the group, and Mattes and Gehrig departed. Shortly thereafter Lou Patti was replaced on trumpet with Tony Constantino, who played trumpet as a third instrument, but was probably the best drummer in town and a tremendous sax player and more than adequate on trumpet. Tony had played drums and other instruments professionally all over the east coast and Italy since he was a young boy. "More More More Of Your Love", a Smokey Robinson cover, became massive on the Northern Soul scene because it was faster and more generic than the original. This song, "Everybody's Going To A Love-In", was their only UK release.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Northern-Soul
• Classic
• Sixties-Soul
• Male-Soul
• Soul-Groups
• Motorcity
• Blue-Eyed-Soul

[manyshadesofbrown]

Well done Mr Levine, great song and great text to go with it!! Love it! Now... Ill trade you your Frank Wilson for a picture of David Beckham? Please?

[IanLevine]

My copy of Frank Wilson is the UK reissue.

[sewitt60]

I always thought this was a cover up...how wrong was I in later years! Great tune, and voice.

[imbees2]

How can he sound so much like Smokey? It's weird. But it sounds good

[imbees2]

How can anybody sound like Smokey. I'm flabbergasted!

[martin230255]

Proves their is no division whether your white or black,I also thought I was listening to William Smokey Robinson.KTF

[soulhoney56]

Used to think this was Smokey !! First heard this in the late 60's (I think). I was very young and just getting into Tamla/Northern. I used to say about it to my mates - no wonder no one knew it !!! Of course I know different now (and have for sometime, of course). One of my absolute favourites now - god it used to haunt me DOH !!!!

[soulhoney56]

I first heard this song years ago (late 60's I think) and actually thought it was Smokey !! (I was so young and just learning !) - just beginning to get into Tamla/Northern. I used to say to people about it and that I thought it was by Smokey - no wonder I couldn't get a hold of it all those years ago ! DOH !!! I know different now, of course !!

[sidney0212]

Love it.If I was listening instead of watching I would swear this guy was black.Excellent track.KTF

[leedsbulldog]

what a sound

[leedsbulldog]

Dewsbury - Earslheaton Youth Club 1968 - 15 Years Old, Levis Brogues, wishing I had a Scooter, Jean Bannister, sneaky bottle of Cider, Ahh those years , next record on - Bob Kuban and the In Men - Both on Bell Records , and another White Soul Man although Walter Scott was the Voice

[hwdj]

Ahhhh, my old boss, without him I would have never made it in the business I still have all the old 45's.