Bonnie & Sheila

Bonnie Perkins and Sheila Howard only had one recording session at Malaco, as part of Wardell Quezergue’s iconic “Groove Me” date.  The funky “You Keep Me Hanging On” was leased to King, without either of the singers being aware of this apparently, but sales were poor and they don’t seem to have pursued a musical career any further.  However, one of the girls (nobody seems to remember who) also cut the brilliant waltz time ballad ListenYou’re Not The One For Me which has remained in the can until now.  The heartfelt aching lead and Wardell’s lovely melodic sweet string arrangement make this a side to savour. It was revived in the 1990s by New Orleans singer Mathilda Jones for Cleon Floyd’s Justice concern.

UPDATE ~ My great freind Greg Burgess writes to say that "Bonnie Perkins was a member of The Queenettes who recorded for Lynn Productions, part of Reggie Hines' Greenville stable. Their tracks are "Don't Mistreat Me", "Maybe" and Make My Life Worth Living" all three of which can be found on the Folkways album"Roots Rhythm And Blues"  issued around 1968. The Queenettes (with or without Bonnie Perkins) also cut a 45 for Eddie Bo's short lived Fun records." Were the Lynn Productions tracks ever issued on 45?

Discography

You keep me hanging on / I miss you ~ KING 6352 (1971)

Note ~ The excellent "You're Not The One For Me" can be found on the Soulscape UK CD "Strung Out". Special thanks to Garry Cape and Paul Mooney.

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