(December 1, 2024) During the 1960’s and 1970’s, Motor City legends The Detroit Emeralds proved time and time again that the great soul/R&B that emanated from that landmark city didn’t begin and end with that record label over on West Grand Boulevard. One of many leading acts on Westbound Records, DE’s hits such as “You Want It – You Got It” , “Do Me Right” and “Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)” were soul smashes that even made inroads onto Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Chart. While the original lineup parted ways by the end of the 1970’s, group co-founder James Mitchell Jr. now leads a new grouping of the Detroit Emeralds.
Just in time for the holidays, Mitchell and company give us the upbeat single, “Christmas Fun.” Kicking off with a Merry Christmas greeting from each member (a la the famous hellos on the Floaters’ classic, “Float On”, which was co-written by Mr. Mitchell!), the Emeralds waste no time declaring that Christmas is a fun, joyous occasion with family and friends. From the sleighride to waking up on the morning-side of Christmas day, kissing under the mistletoe and enjoying the lights, these gentlemen of soul make their point. While some vocals may be slightly rusty in a couple of spots, those can be overlooked as the overall tune is solid and joyous.
“Christmas Fun” is the fine way for the Detroit Emeralds to wrap up 2024, along with James Mitchell Jr. being honored by the Detroit City Council with this year’s Spirit of Detroit Award on December 19th(congratulations, sir!) A 180-gram vinyl LP is in the works for the spring of 2025, which will include an unearthed 1976 demo by the original lineup of the group (this musicologist can’t wait to hear that!)
To James and the Detroit Emeralds, keep on keeping on!
By Kevin Goins
