To Know Her Is To Love Her

The other great piece of news for afficionados of the music of the 60s is now that Cameo-Parkway Records have finally seen the light of day recently in the form of a box set, October 11th will see the release of greatest hits packages of its major stars, among them and none more anticipated than Dee Dee Sharp’s.

Dee Dee’s best work there was not of the top ten and rarely the top 40 but the woman can sing the grapes off the wallpaper. Like her contemporary Darlene Love, Ms. Sharp might have reached heights worthy of her talent had all the elements been set in motion. Furnished with gospel infused vocal talents her voice burns brightly on more than one noteworthy “single” that are finally available on compact disc.

One is a collaboration with her one time spouse Kenny Gamble, “I Really Love You,” another is the Northern Soul gem, “Deep Dark Secret” written by Ed Rambeau, cited below in “Big Town Girls” and the third is a knock down version of “To Know Him Is To Love Him.”

While “Mashed Potatoes,” “Do the Bird” and “Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)” are fun and cute, the true woman therein rocked out on subsequent less successful outings. In relatively recent PBS specials it is apparent that Ms. Sharp continues to sing sublimely. She’ll take you right back to Church.

Eventually, billed as Dee Dee Sharp Gamble, on Philadelphia International Records in the mid 70s the listening public was treated to outstanding interpretations of “I’m Not In Love” and “Ooh Child” among others. If only those two albums were to become available.

In the meantime, finally some of her best un-popular recordings will be accessible to those who have waited a long time. Those in the know do know that it was well worth the wait.