Dayton, Ohio Songwriters Contribute to Motown Legend's Legacy
- Christina Chaffin
DAYTON, Ohio – When Motown Records released Michael Jackson's second solo album Ben, August 1972, songwriters Arthur "Hakim" Stokes, Floyd Weatherspoon, Dana Meyers and Allen "Venny" Levinsky were thrilled. Their song "What Goes Around Comes Around" was featured on Jackson's newest release, giving them a reason to celebrate. Dayton songwriters Stokes and Weatherspoon remember the song's history and said they are proud it featured on a Jackson-Motown album.
Stokes said the song was written between 1970 and 1971, while in a group called The Four Corners, (Stokes, Weatherspoon, Meyers, and Jerome Johnson.)
Meyers, Weatherspoon and Stokes performed the song for Levinsky, who was a friend of Motown songwriter Hal Davis. "The song was created at a rehearsal and put together with words and a melody," Stokes said. "Venny liked it enough to send it to Hal."
The writers were excited about the possibility of Motown buying their song, but weren't sure it would happen. "If you knew Venny, you'd know he liked to stretch the truth, so we didn't believe he knew Hal," Weatherspoon said. "When Hal came to town, Venny said, ‘This is Hal Davis.' We didn't believe him." The writers were shocked to discover Levensky was serious about being friends with Davis, and found out the two grew up together.
Stokes said the song was written between 1970 and 1971, while in a group called The Four Corners, (Stokes, Weatherspoon, Meyers, and Jerome Johnson.)
Meyers, Weatherspoon and Stokes performed the song for Levinsky, who was a friend of Motown songwriter Hal Davis. "The song was created at a rehearsal and put together with words and a melody," Stokes said. "Venny liked it enough to send it to Hal."
The writers were excited about the possibility of Motown buying their song, but weren't sure it would happen. "If you knew Venny, you'd know he liked to stretch the truth, so we didn't believe he knew Hal," Weatherspoon said. "When Hal came to town, Venny said, ‘This is Hal Davis.' We didn't believe him." The writers were shocked to discover Levensky was serious about being friends with Davis, and found out the two grew up together.
Davis traveled to Dayton frequently to visit Levensky, and during one of his visits, he met the writers of "What Goes Around Comes Around." Davis heard the song in Los Angeles when Levensky sent it to him, and according to Stokes, "Hal liked the song."
Davis and the writers talked about the song and two other tracks planned for Jackson. "Hal played us some tracks – songs without words," Weatherspoon said. "He let us hear ‘Got to Be There' and ‘I Wanna Be Where You Are' without words." When Ben was released, Motown sent the writers copies of the album, and according to Stokes, he and the writers were excited to hear Jackson sing their song. Stokes said, "Michael sounded amazing." |
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The Dayton songwriters wrote another song Motown bought, called "I'm Glad it Rained." The song remained unreleased until 1995, when Motown issued it on Soulsation! – A Jackson 5, 4-CD box set. Stokes said he and the writers were happy to hear the Jackson 5's version, but surprised by the lyrics. "Lyrically the song was changed, but I liked their version" he said. "When they put an album together, they sift through a lot of material. It was pleasing just to know [the song] made the grade." Motown bought the song after Levensky sent their recording to Davis.
"They put a lot of spice in to it, but that's the music business," Weatherspoon said.
After Jackson's album Ben released, The Four Corners traveled to Kansas City to perform several shows. When their two-week gig ended, the group moved to Los Angeles. "Hal became our point of contact," Stokes said.
"They put a lot of spice in to it, but that's the music business," Weatherspoon said.
After Jackson's album Ben released, The Four Corners traveled to Kansas City to perform several shows. When their two-week gig ended, the group moved to Los Angeles. "Hal became our point of contact," Stokes said.
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After The Four Corners moved California, they reformed their band. Members Kerry Rutledge, Curtis Sanford, Larry Hines and Lloyd Jones joined Stokes in creating Platypus. (Weatherspoon was an original member, but left the group to move back to Dayton).
Stokes never worked with Jackson, but was able to meet him. He and Rutledge wrote a song and Rutledge presented it to Davis in his office. "Hal didn't end up using the song, but it was a slow, love ballad called ‘Make Me Feel Good,'" Stokes said. "Hal liked the song and set it up so Kerry and I could meet in his office. Hal had Michael come over to the office that day. Michael thought it was a good song with a good melody." Though Jackson and Davis enjoyed the song, Stokes said he never found out if Jackson recorded the song. |
Weatherspoon and Stokes said they treasure their memories at Motown, and are grateful their music was recorded by Jackson solo and the Jackson 5. "Just to have any contact with greatness is amazing," Stokes said.
Weatherspoon said he and the other writers were touched by Jackson. "We're part of history," he said. "Michael's one of the greatest entertainers and for us to even have a little part in his history is mind-blowing."
Original article link: Dayton, Ohio Songwriters Contribute to Motown Legend's Legacy
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