The Originals - Green Grow The Lilacs (1969) Soul - Rare Soul + Bonus Tracks

This was the groups debut album. Formerly known as the Detroit Prophets when they recorded IMHO one of the greatest northern dancers/songs to come out of Detroit " Suspicion" recorded in 1965 which wouldnt see a release till years later.While spending most of their existence in the shadow of Motown's biggest acts, the Originals had a brief shining moment and a couple of now classic songs that will forever secure their place in Soul Music history. At their prime consisting of bass singer/songwriter Freddie Gorman (most noted for his composition "Please Mr. Postman" for the Marvelettes,also Detroit Born soloist on Ric Tic, Rene, & Miracle), tenors C.P. Spencer( Detroit Born in The voice masters,The Spinners & also recorded a solo album in 1984) and Hank Dixon, and baritone Walter Gaines,as well as Joe Stubbs(Detroit Born in the Falcons,Contours & 100% Proof Aged In Soul....Levi,s Brother) . Spencer left in 1973 and was replaced by Ty Hunter(from Detroit in the Voice masters,Glass House). Spencer rejoined the group in the late 1970s . The group broke out in 1970 after several years as a 2nd tier Motown group.  Their vehicle was an absolutely beautiful ballad written by labelmate Marvin Gaye, "Baby I'm For Real." The song's arrangement and the group's performance were both perfect, and it became an instant soul classic that quickly topped the Soul charts.  Gaye helped the following year with a successful sequel, the similarly strong "The Bells."  However, while similar help from Stevie Wonder ("It's a Shame") gave the Spinners the foundation for a sterling 20 year chart career, the Originals' star fell quickly after the two hits.  Their visibility within Motown decreased when the label moved to Los Angeles and the Originals chose to stay in Detroit.  Though they landed a couple more Soul top 20 hits in 1971 ("We Can Make It Baby" and "God Bless Whoever Sent You"), it would be a half decade and a move to the West coast before the Originals would again have a hit, as the group reemerged as a disco act in 1976 with the hit "Down to Love Town."  They left Motown in the late 70s and signed with Fantasy Records, where they scored a minor dance hit with a remake of the 50's hit "Blue Moon." The Originals ceased recording by 1981 and, after a brief comeback in Europe as part of Ian Levine's Motorcity Recordings project (YUK!) in 1982, broke up.  Hunter died, but the remainder of the group reunited from time to time to play the oldies circuit, mostly in Europe.  Gorman died on June 13, 2006 at age 67. Baritone Walter Gaines died in 2012....LEGENDS!..."Suspicion" included as BONUS TRACKS. Till i got the request for their albums i hadnt played this gem in years..what a debut album and no wonder they went massive on the northern Scene!

AMM

                                                        **********REQUEST**********

                                                                       The Tasters!

                                                                    BONUS TASTER

Bonus Tracks

13 Bonus - The Detroit Prophets(The Originals) - Suspicion (Unissued)
14 Bonus - The Funk Brothers -  Suspicion (unissued)