Sing Yeah Sing

Two previously unreleased tracks from the legend singer, songwriter, producer and arranger, never before on any released format.

Licensed courtesy of Van McCoy Music Inc.

The "Sing Yeah Sing" acetate was discovered by Kev Roberts in 1977 when he cleaned out April Blackwood publishing's office. As far as we can recall, he went on to sell it to Jim Wensiora, and since changed hands a couple of times since.

The Acetate of "Wait Till I Get You In My Arms" came via a UK collector and resides in the collection of Alan Kitchener. This of course being a demo take of the Major Lance track which backs the Iconic "You Don't Want Me No More" and a version by Kenny Carlton on his Blue Rock release "Lost and Found" penned by Van himself.

Van’s musical venture started when his brother, Norman, Jr. and a few high school buddies formed a street corner singing group called the Starlighters. Van became the lead singer, writer, and music director for the group. They quickly moved from school programs and talent shows to recording their first 45rpm single, The Birdland, named for a popular dance of the late 50s. The group appeared on stage in Washington, D.C. at the Howard Theatre, and in Philadelphia at the Royal plus The Apollo in NY. Vi Burnsides, a musician from the famous Sweethearts of Rhythm all female band, took the Starlighters with her to enhance her performance tours on the east coast corridor. This gave them their first exposure to audiences in theatres and stages in major cities away from home. The Starlighters ended as military draft, marriage and college called them away one by one.

Van, who had entered Howard University, left after two years, and moved to Philadelphia, then later to New York, to begin a serious music career. The late Reginald Morrison, a local building contractor and relative of a Starlighter backed his first solo music venture and later Jocko Henderson, a popular Philadelphia Disc Jockey, was the first to play Van’s records and later formed Vando Record label with Van.

Van was hired by the late Florence Greenberg as a staff writer at Scepter Records. He worked with Messrs. Lieber and Stoller and with writer/producer, Clyde Otis. David Kapralik, A&R at Columbia Records, hired Van as a songwriter with April Blackwood Music. Van wrote hits for Chad and Jeremy, Ruby and the Romantics, Irma Thomas, Nancy Wilson, Barbara Lewis and others. He also formed the original Peaches and Herb duo. Impressed with the smooth and mellow quality of Van’s own voice, Columbia’s famed, “Mitch Miller,” produced an album of beautiful ballads sung by Van McCoy. Nighttime is Lonely Time, is now a collector’s item.

Van continued with his real love, writing and producing music for other artists. He wrote for Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Roberta Flack, Vikki Carr, Tom Jones, Nina Simone, Jackie Wilson, Gloria Lynn, Brenda and the Tabulations, Nat Cole, Melba Moore, Stacey Lattisaw, David Ruffin, The Shirelles, Chris Bartley, Chris Jackson, and the list goes on-and-on.

Van formed the Soul City Symphony orchestra, and with singers Faith, Hope and Charity, produced several albums and gave many performances. In 1975 he recorded the Grammy nominated Disco Baby album with the Grammy winning, Gold single, The Hustle. The Disco explosion of the mid-70s propelled Van and the Hustle into a worldwide tour.

Van McCoy was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of stardom and life in the fast lane. He never got back to the mellow life and fun career he had so dearly cherished. The 39-year-old star was stricken with heart failure in his fashionable home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and died July 6, 1979 at Englewood General Hospital. Van McCoy is well known on the soul scene with his name being credited on so many great songs and for most people he has already gained the status of a “Legend”.

Tracklist

A.   Sing Yeah Sing
B.   Wait Till I Get You In My Arms