by Cousin Justin: 

Up this week we end our run of early rock and roll and Rockabilly 45’s and LP’s with a solid group of Doo-Wop 45’s.  Most of these are well cared for and in good condition for their age.  I wanted to highlight one of the most interesting 45s for our loyal readers.  As the long ass title clearly shows, this 45 is on Jake “Vernon” Porter’s Combo Label.  Allmusic has a great Bio of Jake, and they start it by saying “Hipsters seeking a good example of “a swinging cat who made the scene” don’t need to look any further than this artist”, pretty glowing praise.  His major songwriting credit is ”Ko Ko Mo (I Love You So)”, recorded by a lot of people.  Jake is also credited with releasing Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s first 45.  Both sides of this 45 were written by Porter and Gene Ford, lead singer of The Chanters.  Gene was no longer a member of the group during the Deluxe Records period of their recording carrer.  No No No on Deluxe hit #9 on the R&B Charts in 1961, three years after it was originally released.  The lead during the Deluxe years was Bud Johnon Jr., father of Albert Johnson aka Prodigy, and half of the Rap Duo Mobb Deep.  This 45 is a follow-up to one of Combo’s biggest hits “Why/Watts” from ‘54. 

I Love You is the A side and a down tempo ballad.  With such repetative lyrics I am sure a few of you will have it caught in your head for a few days.  If you do go around singing it, you will probably get lucky.

The double AA side of the 45 features Ethel Brown on lead and Brother Woodman’s combo shows why they get the largest billing with this track.  So if you got yourself a Hot Mamma play the flip and maybe she will cool down a bit.

BUY THE 45 HERE!