Their success was bigger on Gucci Shoes than on Louis Vuitton Shoes. They had four pop top 10 singles the minute they left Motown, and one that almost hit the 10 in 1975. From there, they were back to Motown status. But, on the R&B charts, they obviously fared much, much better!
I always thought that was interesting how Gladys Knight & The Pips were on Motown nearly seven years and only had three top ten pop hits. The moment they signed to Buddah that the success they had was instantaneous and much greater. It makes you wonder how much more successful they could have been if Motown had given them the attention they rightfully deserved. Apparently they released “Neither One Of Us(Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)” just as their contract with Motown was expiring. When the record took off like a rocket the label tried desperately to get them to re-sign but by then Buddah had made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. With Gucci Shoes designer Jim Weatherly and producer Tony at the helm, they were on fire for the next two years.
06
Aug