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First I Look at the Purse
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Wikipedia article
"'First I Look At the Purse'" (G7044) is a 1965 song recorded by R&B group the Contours on Motown Records' Gordy label. It was written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, the authors of the Temptations' first hit single, "The Way You Do the Things You Do".
Background
"First I Look at the Purse" was the last Contours hit featuring original lead Billy Gordon. It also features the renewed line-up of Contours, as several original members had left back in 1964. Shortly after its release, Gordon departed the group, and Motown, due to personal problems. He was replaced with Joe Stubbs, brother of lead singer of fellow Motown group the Four Tops, Levi Stubbs.
In the early 2000s, the Contours performed the song on the PBS special 'Motown: The Early Years'. They still sing it in their live shows today. It has also appeared in several Contours' Motown "Greatest Hits" CD compilations.
Chart performance
"First I Look at the Purse" reached #57 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100, and the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart, peaking at #12.
Credits
* Lead vocal by Billy Gordon
* Backing vocals by Sylvester Potts, Council Gay, and Jerry Green
* Spoken intro by Bobby Rogers (of the Miracles)
* Guitar by Huey Davis
* Other instrumentation by the Funk Brothers
Cover versions
This song is the opening track on The J. Geils Band's 1972 album Live Full House and their 1973 album Bloodshot.
References
Category:The Contours songs
Category:The J. Geils Band songs
Category:Motown singles
Category:1965 songs
Category:Songs written by Smokey Robinson
Category:Songs written by Bobby Rogers
Category:Song recordings produced by Smokey Robinson
Category:Gordy Records singles
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