Bessie Banks
Bessie Banks released the original version of Go Now. The song, with a very similar arrangement, was first released by the Moody Blues in the UK in 1964 and it rapidly became a number 2 top ten hit. It would probably have been number one if the Beatles had not held that position. The original was released in the UK on RED BIRD in 1964 (BC 106) but was swamped by the cover version.The Moody Blues appeared at the Twisted Wheel club in Manchester the week they released the record and gave an excellent performance. The supporting act was a group called The Others - can't remember what they were like and they seem to have disappeared off the radar.
Bessie Banks' original version is an exceptional recording. However, the Moody Blues did make a very good cover, although dyed in the wool soul fans preferred the original at the time.
Bessie Banks Go Now was a massive hit at
Manchester's soul club venues whilst everywhere else
you would only hear the Moody Blues.
In
1963 Bessie released Do It Now / (You Should Have Been A) Doctor USA Spokane label
In
1964 At RED BIRD / Tiger Records Go Now / It Sounds Like My Baby'and Blue
Cat. Tiger and Blue Cat were both under the Red Bird banner.
In
1966 Go Now was re-released on Soul City label
In
1967 Bessie Banks joined Verve Records and released I Can't Make It
(Without You Baby) / Need You.
1976 Baby You Sure Know How To Get To Me. / Try To Leave Me If You Can (Betcha
Can't Do It).
1976
- The Best Is Yet To Come
