I love the wordless chorus that kicks off this classic single recorded at Cincinnati’s King Records studio by Otis Williams in 1962, “When We Get Together“:
“When We Get Together”
Otis Williams (1962)
Released with “Only Young Once” as its B-side — both songs recorded July 19, 1962. Says Billboard in its August 18, 1962 edition:
OTIS WILLIAMS
♠♠♠♠ “When We Get Together” — Williams, fresh out of a two-year stint in the service, turns out a good, dramatic ballad job to a smart, steady beat. Femme chorus helps. Good side that could move. (Lois, BMI) (2:59)
This song is an example of what music enthusiasts and scholars would call “popcorn” beat. As it turns out, “When We Get Together” is not a remake of the original 1955 DeLuxe recording by The Charms but rather a different song written by “Ray Starr” a.k.a., Ray Pennington.
1955 DeLuxe single
“The Charms“
1962 King ‘makeover’
“Otis Williams”
The Charms =
Otis Williams, Donald Peak, Richard Parker, Rolland Bradley, and Joe Penn
Auction Alert!
In 2009, someone (from France) paid the equivalent of $810 in US currency to own an original copy of the 1957 DeLuxe album release Otis Williams And His Charms Sing Their All-Time Hits. Expect to pay three figures for your copy.
