California Soul

"California Soul" is a funk-soul 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

 * Nick Ashford then released his own version in June 1968 on Verve 10599.
 * The song was then issued as a single by American pop quintet the 5th Dimension in late 1968.
 * 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.
 * A version appears on the 1970 studio album War & Peace by Edwin Starr (Gordy Records). Cash Box said that this version "glimmers with the special touch of a motor city arrangement and the vocal fuel ignited by this splendid team."
 * Marlena Shaw recorded a version in 1969, which appears on her album The Spice Of Life.

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.

The 5th Dimension version

 * All vocals by the 5th Dimension: Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson
 * Written by Ashford & Simpson
 * Produced by Bones Howe

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version

 * All vocals by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell/ Valerie Simpson )
 * Written and produced by Ashford & Simpson
 * Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers