Not Too Long Ago (okay, 1965)

The Uniques with lead singer Joe Stampley

Not Too Long Ago
by Bill Fullerton

note: This was first posted last year. Since then the music video clip, Not Too Long Ago, vanished from YouTube. Now it's back. If you want a copy, better save it fast.

Those interested in the music, dancing, and styles from the early and mid '60's, should check out this music video clip of, NOT TOO LONG AGO, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyEvsD5bqEA&feature=related by a '60's group from Springhill, La. called, The Uniques. The lead singer with the horrible hair-cut is, Joe Stampley, who these days earns his daily bread singing country. And, yes, you will need the sound turned on.

The Uniques had some near-misses, but never managed the leap into the national big time. They survived the early Beatles onslaught, but were washed away by the "hippie" music of the late sixties. Stampley pulled a Kenny Rogers and switched to country music. To the best of my knowledge, the rest drifted out of the business.

"Not So Long Ago" wasn't their biggest hit, it just happens to be the one with a video clip on YouTube. The group's signature song was a version of Art Neville's love ballad, "All These Things," so potent it may still hold the unofficial record for instigating unplanned pregnancies.

Harry Connick, Jr., Elvis Costello and others have "covered" the tune.

Here's a link to a short audio clip, followed by a copy of the lyrics.


All These Things

The touch of your lips next to mine
Get me excited, make me feel fine.
The sound of your voice, your sweet hello
The fire inside me, when I'm holding you close.

Your love's so warm and tender.
Your thrill is so devine.
It is, All These Things,
That make you mine.

If you would leave me, I surely would die.
When you started to go, I started to cry.
Now I've got it bad, but that's alright.
As long as you're near me every night.

Your love's so warm and tender.
Your thrill is so divine.
It is, All These Things,
That make you mine.

Music Break...

Now I got it bad, but that's alright.
As long as your near me every night.
Your love's so warm and tender.
Your thrill is so divine.
It is, All These Things,
That make you mine.


If you're into downloading songs and/or want to hear preview clips of these and other hits by The Uniques, one place you can check-out is, MUSIC ITCH