From the MCRFB news archive: 1968
Music Happenings In and Around Detroit Town, 1968
DETROIT — The Delfonics have just ended a 10-day engagement at the 20 Grand Club, with the Vibrations and Barbara Mason the current attraction at that night spot. This is Miss Mason’s first appearance in Detroit. . . . The Phelps Lounge presented a somewhat Motor-town revue of sorts May 24 – June 2 including Jimmy Ruffin, the Parliaments, the Bandwagon, Betty Lavette, Jimmy Delphs, Little Carl Carlton, and Louis Curry. The recording of “Baby Make Your Sweet Music” by the Bandwagon was one of the first to break as a result of a promotional film. The record was listed as a national breakout here after an initial four weeks of TV film exposure. . . . Diana Ross and the Supremes have just completed a six-day engagement at the Fisher Theater, located in the Fisher Building on W. Grand Blvd., just several blocks away from the Motown studios. . . . From Detroit has come two productions on the popular phrase “here comes the judge.” One is by the Buena Vistas on the local Marquee Records and the other hit is by Shorty Long on Motown’s own Soul records subsidiary. . . . Florence Ballard, formerly of the Supremes and now recording for ABC Records, appeared last Thursday, June 6, on the Swingin’ Time TV show for host Robin Seymour on CKLW TV 9.
WCHB Radio will present its annual “WCHB Talent Contest” on Saturday, June 22 at the Fox Theater. Each year the station holds auditions for new local talents and presents the best acts in one show along with various artists of the Motown stable. The Motown acts chosen to perform this year have not been announced as of yet.
. . . . The June Jazz Festival is booked into the Masonic Temple Auditorium for Saturday, June 22. Jazz artists scheduled to appear include Donald Byrd and his Quintet, Quartet Tres Bien. Jean DuShon, Stanley Turrentine, and the Shirley Scott Trio. . . . Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass will appear in concert on Monday, June 17, at the Cobo Hall Arena. . . . WKNR-FM has initiated a progressive rock format, slated officially commencing Monday, June 10, and reports excellent reaction after only a few days of operation, according to WKNR-AM and FM music director Paul Cannon. END
ADDENDUM (Update): Donald Byrd, legendary jazz man from Detroit, died February 7, 2013 at age of 80. For more on this obit/story, go here, courtesy the freep.com online.
(Information and news source: Billboard; June 15, 1968).
