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Taylor took the demo
tape to Red Bird Records owners Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who
signed the group to their Blue Cat imprint. "The Boy From New York City"
was released in December 1964 and by March 1965 the song had climbed to
number eight on the pop charts and number six on the R&B charts. A few
months later, in May 1965, the group followed up with "He Ain't No
Angel" (written by Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich), which, despite its
enduring sound, barely scratched the pop Top 100. The next two singles
failed to reach their intended audience, and the Ad Libs were soon
dropped from the Blue Cat roster. They continued to record for a number
of labels, and three singles later the Ad Libs signed with Share Records
of New York and recorded their last Top 40 hit, "Giving It Up" (number
34 R&B). As ever, biographies seldom tune in (excuse the pun) to the records that we on the scene see as important, preferring to focus on chart success rather than out and out quality. Three of the four that I have selected from my box were issued in 1966 and the last one hit the streets in 1969. The first is from their period at the legendary New York label Blue Cat. Issued on #123 and written by John Taylor, “Johnny my boy” was actually the flip side to “I’m just a down home girl”, although it is the “Johnny” track that has attracted attention on our scene over the last 20 or so years. Arranged and produced by George Goldner and Artie Butler, the tune thumps along in an innocent sort of way with lilting vocals. Our very own John Quinn believes that it was written about him, however I suspect that the writer may have had his own ego in mind at the time. After leaving Blue Cat, the Ad Libs made the move to 1841 Broadway joining Karen records. Staying with Taylor as their writer they released the incredible “Think of me” on Karen #1527 backed with “Every boy needs a girl”. Different to their earlier releases and in my opinion their best, I have a feel that this could be due to the influence of the legendary Ollie McLaughlin who produced the record. If you don’t own the record have a listen and see if you agree. The next from the box is arguably the best known on the scene. Their only release on the label, “New York in the dark” was issued on AGP #101 in1966. Written by the evergreen Taylor and arranged by Lonnie Levister, this number has some of the trademark sound of their earlier hit namesake, although it retains the haunting melody that has made it such an anthem on our own scene. Last, but not least is a 45 that to my knowledge was first brought to our scene by Dave Godin in the late 1960’s shortly after its release in 1969. I remember reading an article in an early Blues and Soul where Dave outlined this records journey into the world of our All Nighters. Released on Van McCoy’s Share label #106, “Nothing worse than being alone” is one of those tunes that has stood the teat of time, and perhaps needs a bit more turntable time. Written and produced by Joe Cobb and Mr. McCoy we have 2.23 mins of sheer perfection. Excellent vocals and brilliant backing. The original label is a multi coloured feast which really looks refreshing amongst some of the labels of its era and it can still be located for only a few dollars if you’re prepared to search. Give this one a try if you don’t already have it and I’m sure that you too will pay tribute to Mr Godin's immaculate taste in Soul music. Just to end, a complete discography of the Ad libs for reference. All the best until next time. Steve The Creators
(members Hugh Harris, James Wright (later member of The Spellbinders),
John Alan, Danny Austin and Chris Coles) The Ad-Libs (Members Mary Ann Thomas, Hugh Harris, Danny Austin, Norman Donegan And David Watt) Blue Cat 102 - The Boy
From New York City / Kicked Around - 1965 Johnnie Boy 01 -
Santa's On His Way / I Stayed Home (New Years Eve) - 1989
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