DESCRIPTION:
NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED - (Imperial 66131) Out of Los Angeles, this September 1965 recording which treads into Spectorsound territory, is one of the most atmospheric, soulfully, spine-tingling performances by the legendary O'JAYS during their early beginings. Originating from Ohio, it wasn't until they headed west to California in 1963, that their fortunes in the music biz would really begin to take off. With the help of record producer/arranger/composrer, H.B. Barnum, the group issued two singles on his Little Star label as well as contrbuting various background vocal work with Jimmy Norman also on Little Star and Josephine Sunday on Birthstone. The next step was a move to Imperial Records. Their first charting single with the label, 'Lonely Drifter' in September of 1963, was a sign of bigger things to come. At this point in time, Imperial was purchased by Liberty Records which brought the opportunity for recording much more lavish and sophisticated pop/soul recordings. By the spring of 1965, Barnum had been replaced by producers, Tommy LiPuma and Joe Saraceno with arrangements by Harold Battiste Nick De Caro. The session for 'Let It All Out', written by pop music genius, Van McCoy was booked at Hollywood's United Recorders with a large ensemble of L.A. 'Wrecking Crew' laying down a dramatic and simply perfect, Nick De Caro arranged backing track. The sublime and powerful vocals of William Powell would ultimately help propel the single to peak at # 29 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Nina Simeone would also record her unique version of the song in the fall of 1965.