Michael (the Lover)

"Michael (the Lover)"[nb 1] is a soul song originally performed by American Chicago soul group the C.O.D.'s.

"Michael"
Single by The C.O.D.'s
B-side"Cry No More"
Released1965
Format7", 45rpm
GenreSoul
Length2:35
LabelKellmac/One Derful
1003
Songwriter(s)Larry Brownlee
Producer(s)Leon Singleton

The song was written by the group's lead singer Larry Brownlee[nb 2] who was murdered in 1978. It was released as a single on Kellmac Records in the United States and Stateside in the United Kingdom and made it to number 5 on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart in 1965. The song was produced by Leon Singleton and arranged by Pete Matthews.[1]

The song was later remade by the Mad Lads, appearing on their 1966 album The Mad Lads In Action (Volt 414), and by the Northern soul Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band (Piccadilly 7N 35359). Washington's version reached #39 on the UK charts. The 1980 song "Geno", a tribute to Washington and his band, notes "You were Michael the lover, the fighter that won".

Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band version
"Michael"
Song by Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band
A-side"Michael"
B-side"(I Gotta) Hold On To My Love"
Released1966
Format7", 45rpm single
LabelPiccadilly 7N.35359
Composer(s)Larry Brownlee
Producer(s)John Schroeder
Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band singles chronology
"Que Sera, Sera"
(1966)		 "Michael"
(1966)		 "Always"
(1967)

Their version got to #39 in February 1967.[2] It appeared on the Marble Arch compilation album, Stars of 67 which also featured "Puppet on a String" by Sandie Shaw and "Universal Soldier" by Donovan.[3]

Other versions by Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band includes a live version appears on Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky-Butt ... Live! album.[4] An unreleased version recorded by Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band in 1968 appears on the Holdin' On With Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band EP which was released on the Acid Jazz label in 2013.[5]

Notes
  1. Sometimes written "Michael the Lover" or simply "Michael" (on the original C.O.D.'s single release).
  2. But credited to Brownlee, Lewis, and Washington on an Emase Records single.

References
  1. Kellmac Records 1003 A 7" 45 rpm single label
  2. Music VF.com - Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band Top Songs 1967, Michael
  3. Billboard, September 23, 1967 - Page 66 Pye to Bow New Classical Label
  4. Discogs - Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band – Hand Clappin' Foot Stompin' Funky-Butt... Live!
  5. 45Cat - Geno Washington And The Ram Jam Band - Discography, UK
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