California Soul

"California Soul" is a funk-soul tune written by Ashford & Simpson, issued originally as the B-side of the Messengers' single "Window Shopping" in 1967 under the Motown group of labels. Other recordings Nick Ashford then released his own version in June 1968 on Verve 10599. The song was then issued as a single by American pop quintet the 5th Dimension in late 1968. The song was also covered by Motown vocal duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It was Gaye's and Terrell's last single together when released in early 1970. A version appears on the 1970 studio album War & Peace by Edwin Starr (Gordy Records). Cash Box said that this version "glimmers with the special touch of a motor city arrangement and the vocal fuel ignited by this splendid team." Marlena Shaw recorded a version in 1969, which appears on her album The Spice Of Life. Chart performance Both the 5th Dimension's version and the Gaye-Terrell version were modest chart hits. The 5th Dimension's performed better, reaching number twenty-five on the pop singles chart. Marvin and Tammi's cover was the B-side of "The Onion Song". The duo's version of "California Soul" reached number fifty pop but never charted on the US R&B chart. The duet was released after Terrell's death from a brain tumor in March 1970. Credits