Songs with Earlier Histories Than the Hit Version

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Come See About Me

First single release by Nella Dodds (US #74 1964).
Hit versions by The Supremes (US #1/R&B #2/UK #27 1964), Jr. Walker & The All Stars (US #24/R&B #8 1967), Shakin’ Stevens (UK #24 1987).
Also recorded by Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels (1966).

From the wiki: “The Supremes’ recording of ‘Come See About Me’ was recorded on July 13, 1964 during the sessions that produced the album Where Did Our Love Go, released in August 1964. But, the release of ‘Come See About Me’ as a promotional single was held back while the album’s first two singles, ‘Where Did Our Love Go’ and ‘Baby Love’, charted.

“However, when 14-year old Nella Dodds’ Wand Records cover recording – a production precursor of what would eventually evolve into Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff’s classic 1970s ‘Philly Sound’ – was released as a single in October 1964 and entered the Billboard Hot 100 in early November, the Supremes’ version was then rushed into release and quickly passed Dodds’ single on its way to #1.

“‘Come See About Me’ would be Dodds’ highest-charting single. She was scheduled to have an accompanying vinyl album released in the mid-60s, but it never materialized. This Is A Girl’s Life was to have been a compilation of Dodds’ twelve single releases between 1964-66, including ‘Come See About Me’, plus an additional three unreleased songs. The album was finally released (on CD) in 2007.

“For the Supremes, ‘Come See About Me’ became their third of five consecutively-released promotional singles to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ‘Come See About Me’ topped the chart – twice, in fact, in non-consecutive weeks: the week of December 13, 1964 and, again, January 10, 1965. After its first week at #1 in December, the Supremes were toppled by the Beatles’ ‘I Feel Fine’. The following week, ‘Come See About Me’ again hit #1, toppling the Beatles.”

The Supremes, “Come See About Me” (1964):

Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, “Come See About Me” (1966):

Jr. Walker & The All Stars (1967):

Shakin’ Stevens, “Come See About Me” (1987):

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