Pining For Soul
Lu Pine Records was a small label in Detroit, Michigan, active during the late-1950s and 1960s.
The company released records by artists such as Joe Stubbs (brother of Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs), Eddie Floyd, The Falcons and The Ohio Untouchables (later renamed the Ohio Players).
Lu Pine might be most notable for releasing the first recorded material from The Supremes, then known as The Primettes, in March 1960. The quartet (later a trio) recorded two sides for the label: ‘Tears of Sorrow’ (with Diana Ross on lead) and ‘Pretty Baby’ with Mary Wilson out front.
The single failed to make a lasting impression, so The Primettes signed with Motown Records in January 1961.
Lu Pine’s other real success was The Falcons‘ ‘I Found A Love’, featuring future Atlantic star Wilson Pickett on lead vocal.
Cherry Red are proud custodians of Lu Pine, one of the best kept secrets of the Detroit soul scene of that period.