Pat Lewis - Don't You Worry Baby, The Best Is Yet To Come

This wonderful song was originally recorded by Bessie Banks on the Quality label in 1974, and was an anthem at Blackpool Mecca. I felt it was perfect for Pat Lewis's sultry voice, so cut it on her in the mid 1990s. So here we are with another fabulous gem from my favourite Detroit girl. I have recorded more songs on Pat Lewis than on any other artist in my entire life. She is the true consummate professional. In the early sixties, Pat along with her sister Diane Lewis, formed a group called "The Adorables" along with two other sisters Betty and Jackie Winston. They signed with Golden World Records, owned by Ed Wingate, who along with Joanne Bratton managed the group. Pat then went on to fulfill her dream and ventured out on her own as a single artist. She recorded her first single at Golden World Records, "Can't Shake It Loose." She also began singing background vocals for "The Andantes", the background group for Motown Records, so she began singing background at Motown, starting with Stevie Wonder's "Uptight", and also worked for numerous other recording studios. She also recorded a lot at Brunswick in Chicago on Jackie Wilson's album, "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher." In 1966, Golden World Records was sold to Motown. Pat then signed with Solid Hit Bound Records, owned by Don Davis and LaBaron Taylor, where she recorded several singles, "Look At What I Almost Missed," along with "Warning," and "No One To Love". In 1967, Aretha Franklin asked her to become one of her background singers on the road. She remained with Aretha off and on for a few years traveling and recording in the studio. In 1969, Don Davis owner of United Sound Recording Studio (writer/producer for Stax Records) called in Pat and her sister Diane for yet another session which was for Isaac Hayes' album "Hot Buttered Soul." Pat was hired to arrange and record background vocals. When the album was released it was a hit. Isaac asked if they wanted to travel with him. Pat gave Aretha Franklin her notice and they became "Hot Buttered Soul." Pat remained with Isaac Hayes from 1969 to 1982 as his opening act and his studio group. In 1989 she teamed up with Motorcity Records, and recorded more lead and backing vocals than any other artist, as well as rejoining The Andantes.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Northern-Soul
• Detroit
• Motown
• Motorcity
• Diva
• Girl-Groups
• Classic-Soul
• Blackpool-Mecca
• Femme
• Female-Singers
• Disco

[bappek]

It´s a shame that her voice is so weak, the song itsef is really good.

[IanLevine]

Weak ???????? WEAK !!!!!!!! She's an absolute legend. Her voice is like silk, like a long lost bittersweet memory drifting away on a summer breeze.

You need your ears cleaning out.

[owlowll]

What a superb song...

Thanks from Montreal

[PixieDread]

You must have a hearing problem! Pat Lewis is superb.

[lambrettacraig]

Very nice Mr Levine. Love the original but still a very nice cover by Pat Lewis

[brick654]

Where can I get an mp3 version of this?

[brick654]

Does anyone know if this song is available for download anywhere? I can't seem to find it on Amazon.

[mudhens4ever]

I'm not familiar with Pat Lewis at all. Her voice is wonderful. I kind of agree with Bappek, at least for this recording. Maybe her voice isn't really weak, but a bit overshadowed by the instrumental music. I found myself straining to hear just a little during the first half of the song. But then, like IanLevine said, maybe I need my ears cleaned.

[bobrofmad]

a pleasant memories

love from London

[TagTV]

A fabulous version, exceptional vocal.

5 stars all the way.

Thanks Ian.

[Will, Liverpool].

[shonuffissexy]

Pat Lewis a music treasure, wonderful voice and skill please know it.

[sommersfan]

I always found the Bessie Banks version very comforting-the lyrics, the messege, the chugging horns, the general 'feel' of the track. What a thrill for this evening, here's a version I'd never heard before. Excellent. Like to hear Pearly Gates do this one in 2008.