Soul Music
This song was written and recorded by soul/R&B singer Barbara Mason. It was her first big hit and went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Chart and #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. It was released as a single and on her album Yes, I’m Ready. She also re-recorded it for her 1973 album Give Me Your Love. During this time, the British Invasion was happening, but America also had the sounds of soul growing strong. Personnel for the recording of “Yes, I’m Ready” included those who became big in the “Philly Sound.” This includes Kenny Gamble, who was a backup singer on the track and later worked with Leon A. Guff to produce many gold singles and albums with their Philadelphia International Records label. Also on the track were Bobby Eli and Norman Harris on guitar, Ronnie Baker on bass, and Earl Young on drums. They were part of the MFSB studio musicians based in Philadelphia, who worked closely with Gamble and Huff.
Barbara Mason was born in Philadelphia and began writing and performing in while still in her teens. She also had success with “Sad, Sad Girl,” “Oh How it Hurts,” Bed and Board,” and “Give Me Your Love.” She began her own publishing company in the late 1980s and continued to perform.
