Andantes Special with Louvain Demps

Welcome to a Podcast, this time only interview, originally sent out via PCRL radio in the late 1990's. This week I found an interview (via Mickey's archive) I did with Ms Louvain Demps. This lady was one of Motown's premier background vocalists from the studio group The Andantes.

Louvain, 'Beans' Bowles ,Clay McMurray (Rear), me+Frances Nero

Firstly let me explain just how it came about it involved the late Frances Nero, who was a very, very, dear friend called me and said; "hey Bill let's have a BBQ at the weekend?" so of course it took around one second to accept the invitation. Frances kindly asked me to invite some friends, so a few calls were made; J.J. Barnes, Sylvia Moy, Ivy Jo Hunter, Hattie Littles and a bunch of other people all headed out to Frances' home in Southfield. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon as we made our way along the Southfield freeway with expectations of a lazy afternoon and a long night hanging with Detroit music royalty ... and that's just the way it was. Midway through the evening Frances said; "Hey Bill, Louvain's on the phone, come say hi," and being the gentleman that I am, I did as I was told, lol, now Louvain said; " I'm gonna be in Detroit in a couple of days will you still be there?" and thankfully my answer was yes! 

Always in the background (Marvin & Kim)

So plans were made to meet up at Frances's home a few days later. I got to thinking this is just too-good-a chance to pass! so I suggested an interview while we were together there. I had never seen or heard a real 'in depth' interview with any members of The Andantes, just the usual sound bites for documentaries, etc., The interview that took place was a roller-coaster ride of tears laughter and pure emotion. I have really never put a lot of planning into interviews I would much rather let it go in the direction it naturally takes and this was a perfect example.

I am happy to say during more recent times The Andantes have been given recognition for there amazing part in helping to create The Motown Sound most noticeably there induction into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, sadly Marlene Barrow died in February 2015. Louvain currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.  Step back with me 20 years-or-so and hear first hand a slice of The Motown story, with added music.

Jackie Hicks, , Marlene Barrow (RIP), Louvain Demps

Chart-topping hits they sang on:
"My Guy" - Mary Wells
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" - Four Tops
"Reach Out I'll Be There" - Four Tops
"Love Child" - Diana Ross & the Supremes
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" - Marvin Gaye
Brenda Holloway
"When I'm Gone"
"Operator"
"You Can Cry on My Shoulder"
"Together 'Til the End of Time"
The Four Tops
The Andantes appeared as backing vocalists on 14 singles for the Four Tops. These releases include:
"Baby I Need Your Loving"
"Without the One You Love (Life's Not Worth While)"
"Ask the Lonely"
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)"
"It's the Same Old Song"
"Something About You"
"Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)"
"Reach Out I'll Be There"
"Standing in the Shadows of Love"
"Bernadette"
"7-Rooms of Gloom"
"You Keep Running Away"
"I'm in a Different World"
"Still Water (Love)"
The Supremes
They appeared as backing vocalists on seven singles for The Supremes. These releases include:
"Children's Christmas Song"
"In and Out of Love"
"Forever Came Today"
"Love Child"
"I'm Livin' in Shame"
"The Composer"
"No Matter What Sign You Are"
Martha & the Vandellas
They appeared as backing vocalists on twelve singles for Martha & the Vandellas. These releases include:
"You've Been in Love Too Long"
"Love (Makes Me Do Foolish Things)" (B-Side of "You've Been in Love Too Long")
"My Baby Loves Me" (with the Four Tops)
"I'm Ready for Love"
"Jimmy Mack"
"I Promise to Wait My Love"
"Forget Me Not" (B-Side of "I Promise to Wait My Love")
"I Can't Dance to That Music You're Playing" (with Syreeta Wright)
"(We've Got) Honey Love"
"Taking My Love (And Leaving Me)"
"I Should Be Proud"
"Bless You"
The Marvelettes
They appeared as backing vocalists on 14 singles for the Marvelettes. These releases include:
"Tie a String Around Your Finger" (b-side of "As Long as I Know He's Mine")
"I'll Keep Holding On"
"Don't Mess with Bill"
"You're The One"
"The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game"
"When You're Young and in Love"
"My Baby Must Be a Magician"
"Here I Am Baby"
"Destination: Anywhere"
"What's Easy for Two Is So Hard for One"
"I'm Gonna Hold On As Long As I Can"
"That's How Heartaches Are Made"
"Marionette"
"A Breath-Taking Guy"
The Temptations
They appeared as backing vocalists on five recordings for the Temptations.
"It's Growing"
"Last One Out is Broken Hearted"
"Just Another Lonely Night"
"That'll Be the Day"
"Love Woke Me Up This Morning"
Marvin Gaye
They appeared as backing vocalists on (at least) 15 singles for Marvin Gaye. These releases include:
"Baby Don't You Do It"
"What Good Am I Without You"
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)"
"I'll Be Doggone"
"Pretty Little Baby"
"Ain't That Peculiar"
"One More Heartache"
"Take This Heart of Mine"
"Little Darling (I Need You)"
"Your Unchanging Love"
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"
"Too Busy Thinking About My Baby"
"That's the Way Love Is"
"The End of Our Road"
"Save the Children"
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
They also appeared as backing vocalists on these following recordings and singles for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell:
"This Poor Heart Of Mine"
"Give In, You Just Can't Win"
"When Love Comes Knocking At My Heart"
"Two Can Have A Party"
"Come On And See Me"
"Oh How I'd Miss You"
"Love Woke Me Up This Morning"

Songs from Wikipedia page 2016