The Valentines

From Nashville Underground Music Archive
Jump to navigation Jump to search
ValentinesCMHOF.jpg

A soul group active in the 1960s and 70s. Best-known for their single "Gotta Get Yourself Together," they reunited after the success of the Night Train to Nashville exhibit.

History[edit | edit source]

They were "Discovery of the Year" in a local talent contest in the summer of 1966. The Valentines performed with: King James (Nixon) & the Scepters, The Charades, The Majestics, The Imperials, and others, before meeting up with Raymond & the Soul Searchers.

Their first singles were produced by Mac Gayden for John Richbourg and his Sound Stage 7 label. Continuing that tradition, Mac Gayden also produced their 2015 CD release.

Their hit single, "Gotta Get Yourself Together" was also written by Mac Gayden, who wrote most of their early sides. Arrangement for that single was given to Bergen White, who also arranged much of their their work, and 'The Music City Four.' According to music historian Red Kelly, The Music City Four were Tim Drummond Bass, Mac Gayden Guitar, Kenny Buttrey Drums, Bob Wilson on Keyboards and Troy Seals as a plus one on guitar.

In 2023, The Valentines performed with Jimmy Church filling in with Frank Howard and James Moon. First at a benefit concert for Mac Gayden and then at an event at the Country Music Hall of Fam to celebrate the opening of the digital exhibit for Night Train to Nashville.

Valentinespromo.jpg

Members[edit | edit source]

The original members in 1966 were:

Paul Granberry, Ellis Kelly, Thomas Morrow, Charles Myers and James Moon.


In 1969, signing with John Richbourg Productions, were:

Charles Myers, James Moon, James Clemmons and Paul Easley


The lineup on the 2015 CD, produced by Mac Gayden, was:

Frank Howard, Charles Myers, James Moon, Paul Easley

Releases[edit | edit source]

Valentines7.jpg


1969: Gotta Get Yourself Together (7", single), Sound Stage 7, cat# SS7-2646

1970:

If You Love Me (Really Love Me) / Breakaway (7" single), Sound Stage 7, cat# SS7-2663

If You Love Me (Really Love Me) ‎(7"), Monument, MOCS 2663

2012:

The Valentines / The Ohio Players - Breakaway / Love Slipped Through My Fingers , Outta Sight, cat# OSV-073

The Continental Showstoppers* / The Valentines (12) - Not Too Young / Breakaway ‎(7", Single, Soul7, cat# SOUL7-026

2014:

Old School Knew (CD), Wild Child Records, unknown cat#

PXL 20230206 230037595.jpg

External References[edit | edit source]

https://www.discogs.com/artist/3707005-The-Valentines-12

https://www.45cat.com/record/ss72646

https://www.45cat.com/artist/the-valentines-soul

http://redkelly.blogspot.com/2007/07/joe-simon-moon-walk-part-ii.html