With the Motown focus on the likes of The Temptations, Four Tops and The Miracles, The Contours never reached a wide mainstream popularity.
They did release Do You Love Me, though, in 1963 and then again in 1988, following its inclusion in the movie, Dirty Dancing, which saw it hit three and eleven respectively in the US charts.
Apart from that though, you’re looking at peaks in the forties and fifties during their seven-year residence with Motown.
One of the lead singers during this time was Dennis Edwards, who went on to replace David Ruffin in The Temptations. A hard act to follow but a worthy contender.
Talking of contenders, it’s a two-horse race for my favourite track from The Contours.
While Just A Little Misunderstanding really does push it all the way, it’s Baby Hit And Run that just gets its nose across the finishing line first.
However, put me on the spot in a month’s time and I may reverse the honours. It really is that close.
Although it was released as a single in 1974, you can tell Baby Hit And Run is a much earlier song, originally recorded in the mid-sixties.
There was a Contours track I used to play at gigs Stewart First I Look At the Purse. Re Denis Edwards fine vocalist as you say, he cut a disc Johnny On The Spot which is as rare as the proverbial hen`s teeth. I believe it goes for a four figure sum, if you can find a copy?
I like that track, it almost got a mention in the blog entry!
Although he was always going to be slightly in the shadow of David Ruffin, nevertheless a great talent in his own right.