Where did they get that song?

Sources of Australian Pop Records from the 50s, 60s and 70s plus some Aussie originals and some New Zealanders

Originals / Covers / Remakes / Songwriters / Chart Positions

What have they done to my song?

Melanie Safka

Obscure Originator Dept: Willie Harper

Australian pop star Ray Brown released his version of New Kind Of Love in February 1967, the B-side of a double-sided hit with The Same Old Song (#12 Australia).

The original version of New Kind Of Love (1962) was one of several singles recorded by Willie Harper for the Alon and Sansu labels, both co-owned by Allen Toussaint, the major New Orleans producer, songwriter, arranger, singer and pianist.

The consensus is that Willie Harper should have been better known. It's safe to say that more people have heard his voice than would know his name.

He was a constant presence in the background of Allen Toussaint's studio productions, and his own releases were typically written, produced or arranged by Toussaint. A Willie And Allen single from 1967 is by Harper and Toussaint.

Right from the start of Ernie K-Doe's hit Mother-In-Law (1961 #1 USA, #8 Australia), you hear a deep voice singing and repeating the single word Mother-in-law. That's Benny Spellman, but the voice that echoes him, there and throughout the song, is Willie Harper.

The composer of New Kind Of Love is Earl King, another multi-skilled New Orleans musician. Although it is admired by R&B and soul fans, it had only localised success at the time.

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