" California Soul" is a funk-soul music tune written by Ashford & Simpson, issued originally as the B-side of the Messengers' single "Window Shopping" in 1967 under the Motown group of labels.
Other recordings
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Nick Ashford released his own version in June 1968 on Verve 10599.
[ Record World, July 27, 1968, p. 166]
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The song was then issued as a single by American pop quintet the 5th Dimension in late 1968.
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The song was also covered by Motown vocal duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It was Gaye's and Terrell's last single together when released in early 1970.
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A version appears on the 1970 studio album War & Peace by Edwin Starr (Gordy Records).
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Marlena Shaw recorded a version in 1969, which appears on her album The Spice Of Life.
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Stone Throw Records recorded a version in 2021, which would later be included in the intro for the September 2021 Apple Event.
Chart performance
Both the 5th Dimension's version and the Gaye-Terrell version were modest chart hits. The 5th Dimension's performed better, reaching number 25 on the pop singles chart.
Marvin and Tammi's cover was the B-side of "The Onion Song". The duo's version of "California Soul" reached number 50 pop but never charted on the US R&B chart.
The duet was released after Terrell's death from a brain tumor in March 1970.
Credits
The 5th Dimension version
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version
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All vocals by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell/ Valerie Simpson
[The Complete Motown Singles, Volume 9: 1969, Motown/Hip-O Select, 2008, p.109])
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Written and produced by Ashford & Simpson
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Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers
Certifications and sales
Marlena Shaw version
