The Winstons - Color Him Father LP (1969) Metromedia - CD (2011) Fuel - Rare Soul (FLAC)

A Mixed race group, The Winstons are one of soul music’s best known “one hit wonders”! That “one hit” was of course the ever lovely ‘Color Him Father’ (US spelling). However, it’s that hit single’s B side that has secured the Winstons a place in the music history books. Before I get to that, however, maybe a little history. Originally hailing from Washington DC, the sextet was made up musicians who had (variously) played with people like Otis Redding and the Impressions. In 1968 the Impressions link won them a contract with Curtom Records but their stomping ‘Need A Replacement’ single had little impact. So in 1969 they signed to Metromedia Records where they recorded the sweet and sentimental, Impressions-flavoured ‘Color Him Father’. The song’s naïve sentimentality must have touched a nerve. It quickly became a million seller hitting no. 1 R&B and no. 7 on the US pop 100. Oh, it also won the Grammy for Best R&B song of the year! The follow up, a cover of the John Hurley song ‘Love of the Common People’ was a moderate top 100 hit but keen to cash in on the popularity of ‘Color Him Father’ Metromedia rushed out a Winstons’ album named for their iconic hit. However, the label had difficulties promoting the album and the group soon folded citing difficulties in touring the southern US due to their inter racial line up, and their sole album seemed to  sink into obscurity. But the club jocks in the UK ever vigilant have never forgotten this great soul group. The CD has 4 bonus tracks as opposed to the LP...Great Stuff!

AMM

                                                                      The Tasters!

 

                                                          

Line Up

G.C. Coleman (vocals, drums)
Richard Spencer (lead vocals, tenor saxophone)
Ray Maritano (vocals, alto saxophone)
Quincy Mattison (vocals, lead guitar)
Phil Tolotta (second lead, organ)
Sonny Peckrol (vocals, bass guitar)