First recorded by Evie Sands (US #114 1965).
First released by Jackie Ross (1965).
Hit versions by Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles (US #89/R&B #36 1966), Vanilla Fudge (US #38 1968).
From the wiki: “In 1965, Evie Sands began her lasting collaboration with the producer/composers Chip Taylor (‘Wild Thing‘, ‘Angel of the Morning‘) and Al Gorgoni with the release of the single ‘Take Me For a Little While’ (written by Trade Martin).
“But, prior to its release, a test pressing of Sands’ recording was stolen by a Chicago-based producer, shopping it to established Chess Records recording artist Jackie Ross who was coming off the major Pop-Soul hit ‘Selfish One’. Ross was unaware of the duplicity involved, and left Chess shortly afterwards. Regardless, her producers loved the song, and recorded, pressed and released Ross’ version within 48 hours, beating Sands’ version to the street by a week.
“The ensuing battle between the two versions killed whatever chance either single had to chart nationwide. Even though part of the ensuing legal settlement dictated that the Ross recording be withdrawn from distribution, the public legal struggle set Sands’ career back even before it even had a chance to get started.
“Sands’ follow-up single, ‘I Can’t Let Go‘, was lost amidst the post ‘Take Me For a Little While’ chaos, leaving Brit invaders the Hollies clear to score a hit cover in the spring of 1966.