On this inaugural episode we interview 83-year-old soul singer Willie Jones about his early years on the Chitlin’ Circuit, his influence on an entire generation of Motown stars, the making of his 1959 record “Fast Choo Choo”, and staying out of trouble on Hastings Street in Detroit.

Produced by Mike Dutkewych
Mastered by David Jerkovich
Interview conducted by Mike Dutkewych & Adam Stanfel, June 30, 2019

Episode 01 | Willie Jones

Before the Marvelettes, the Vandellas, and the Supremes, it was Bobbie Smith & the Dream Girls who were onstage and on rotation in Detroit. The group's lead voice and star-power belonged to a teenager named Elma Holman, soon known from the 20 Grand to the Apollo Theatre as Bobbie Smith. The Dream Girls cut nine singles between 1959 and 1962. Bobbie did two more on her own—most notably 1964's magnificent "Miss Stronghearted". Then she left the business and never returned. On this episode, the spirited singer graces us with a rare interview wherein she speaks candidly about her career, her family, and her complicated relationship with the tremendous music she made all those years ago.

Produced by Mike Dutkewych
Mastered by David Jerkovich
Interview conducted by Mike Dutkewych, July 26, 2019

Episode 02 | Bobbie Smith

The list of artists with both Fortune Records and Motown on their discographies is exceptionally short, and of those there is certainly no vocalist as rousing and powerful as Gino Parks. But despite his natural talent, his music career was relatively brief and without the success or accolades it deserved. On this episode, Gino takes us through his auspicious beginnings with Andre Williams, his happenstance first session at Motown, and the late ’50s/early ’60s nightclub scene in Detroit.

Episode 03 | Gino Parks

The untold stories of Detroit music, one record at a time. Brand new oral history interviews with artists who created some of the most unforgettable forgotten records of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Learn more: http://onerecordproject.com

One Record

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