Detroit’s BOBBY HUTTON is one of hundreds of cult soul heroes – unknown in the mainstream but lauded and revered by serious collectors and soul connoisseurs. Much of his underground reputation is based on his 1973 ABC album ‘Piece Of The Action’ and the storming single, ‘Lend A Hand’. Sadly, both have long been out of print for a lomg, long time. Much in demand, Expansion Records are gearing up to reissue the set in vinyl and CD formats along with a couple of vinyl 45s.
First a little context. Bobby or “Harold” Hutton kick started his career after winning a talent show at Detroit’s famed 20 Grand nightclub. That led to a dalliance with Motown before young Harold moved to Chicago where he joined Chess to replace Bobby McClure as duettist with Fontella Bass – logically (maybe) he changed his name to “Bobby”.
After Chess the young singer signed to Philips where he released a number of singles including ‘You’re My Whole Reason’ which written by Donny Hathaway. This was the song that Bobby performed on the very first nationwide “Soul Train” Show in 1971! Quite a coup!
Hutton’s next port of call was ABC Dunhill where he released a couple of singles including the Northern Soul anthem ‘Lend A Hand’, and of course the ‘Piece Of The Action’ album. After ABC Bobby continued working but the ‘Piece Of The Action’ album remains the jewel in his crown.
This new Expansion release is the LP’s first reissue and delivers all the original’s ten tracks. The CD edition offers 21 cuts – the original album 10 and 11 “bonuses”. There are also two BH vinyl 45s on offer – ‘Loving You, Needing You, Loving You, Wanting You / ‘Watch Where You’re Going and, naturally, ‘Lend A Hand’ / ‘Come See What’s Left Of Me’.
Learn more @ https://www.expansionrecords.com/
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