
In a nutshell, it was about dueling black record-label owners in a fictional Midwestern city in the 1960s... inspired, in part, by stories I’d heard about Ed Wingate whilst researching George Clinton’s early years as a songwriter in Detroit.
There was a crime element to show. One of the label bosses was backed by the Mafia; the other by a black numbers kingpin.
I couldn’t sell the show. For one thing, setting it in the past would make it extra expensive.

That was my big problem with “Dreamgirls.” The songs felt phony.
So I went searching for music.
Wanna hear some great ’60s songs that you probably never heard before? Click the titles below.
1. “I’ve Got That Feelin’ ” – Darrell Banks
2. “You’ve Changed Me” – Brenda Holloway
3. “In the Twilight Zone” – The Astors
4. “Can’t Win” – The Invincibles
5. “My Hi-Fi, Albums and Me” – Joyce Kennedy
6. “I’m Not Ashamed” – Bobby McClure
One of the label bosses was backed by the Mafia; the other by a black numbers kingpin.
ReplyDeletePayola, numbers runners.... That could've worked. :-)
I didn't realize the Manhattans went that far back.
Definitely a good idea for making the music work! I dug all the songs too, shame about the show :(.
ReplyDelete"Can't Win" SCREAMS Curtis Mayfield's name,,,,,although I'm not sure that. But the melody/lyrics sound like they were written by him.
ReplyDeleteGreat set/idea.
And OOOOOOMG!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Mother's Finest's own Ms.Joyce Kennedy sang this long,,,,,she even joined a Doo-wop group @ some point early of her career.
There's no mistaken that voice,,,,,mm mm mm, sheer HEAVEN!
^ Glad you likes.
ReplyDeleteA wealth of music and true stories to draw upon from those Detroit days.
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kinda show.
^ Fold in a little Don Robey... yeah, it would've rocked.
ReplyDelete