Northern Soul icon Frank Wilson has passed away at the age of 71 following a battle with prostate cancer.
The Northern Soul scene specialised in turning little known performers into stars. Leafing through forgotten 45s, DJs were able to turn forgotten songs into anthems – often resurrecting careers in the process. No artist epitomised this more than Frank Wilson.
The songwriter joined Motown in 1965, heading up their embryonic Los Angeles before moving to Detroit. A noted songwriter and producer, Frank Wilson only recorded a handful of singles. 'Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)' was recorded in 1965, but ditched. According to legend, close friend Berry Gordy objected to Frank Wilson entering the whirlwind life of a solo performer.
Whatever the truth, the record was ditched leaving only a handful behind. Gradually filtering into the Northern Soul scene, the record would become an icon. Epitomising both the sound and the scene's slavish devotion to uncovering rare cuts, 'Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)' is arguably the pinnacle of Northern Soul. Later becoming a sought after collector's item, original copies – if you can find one – can go for up to £25,000 at auction.
Always bemused by his unexpected fame, Frank Wilson deeply appreciated the love and affection towards his work by those British die hards. Passing away yesterday (September 27th) the Motown singer leaves behind him an indelible impact on British youth culture.
Here's 'Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)'.
