Shorty Long facts for kids

Frederick Earl "Shorty" Long (born May 20, 1940 – died June 29, 1969) was an American soul singer, songwriter, and musician. He also helped produce music for Motown's Soul Records. Shorty Long was so talented that he was added to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1980.

Shorty Long's Music Career

Shorty Long was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined Motown Records in 1963. Before that, he was with a label called Tri-Phi/Harvey. This label was owned by Berry Gordy's sister, Gwen, and her husband, Harvey Fuqua.

Early Songs and Hits

Shorty Long's first song with Motown was "Devil with the Blue Dress On" in 1964. He wrote this song with William "Mickey" Stevenson. It was the very first song released on Motown's Soul label. This new label was made for artists who played more blues-style music, like Shorty Long.

Even though his song didn't become a national hit, another group, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, covered it in 1966 and made it famous. Shorty Long's first big hit was "Function at the Junction" in 1966. This song reached number 42 on the national R&B music charts. Other songs he released included "It's a Crying Shame" (1964) and "Chantilly Lace" (1967).

His Biggest Hit: "Here Comes the Judge"

Shorty Long's most famous song was "Here Comes the Judge". In July 1968, it became a huge hit. It reached number 4 on the R&B charts and number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

This song was inspired by a funny act on a TV show called Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. A comedian named Pigmeat Markham had a judge act. Pigmeat Markham later released his own song called "Here Comes the Judge". It was similar but had different words. His song came out three weeks after Shorty Long's and also became a hit.

Later Songs and Talents

In 1969, Shorty Long released more songs like "I Had a Dream" and "A Whiter Shade of Pale". He only released one music album while he was alive, called Here Comes the Judge (1968).

Shorty Long was very talented and could play many instruments. He played the piano, organ, drums, harmonica, and trumpet. He also hosted many of the Motortown Revue shows and tours. He helped write some of his own songs, including "Devil with the Blue Dress On," "Function at the Junction," and "Here Comes the Judge".

Shorty Long was one of the few Motown artists who was allowed to produce his own music in the 1960s. The only other artist allowed to do this was Smokey Robinson. Marvin Gaye, another famous Motown singer, once said that Shorty Long was a "beautiful cat" who had hits but was later "ignored by Motown." Marvin Gaye said he tried to help artists like Shorty Long get more attention at Motown.

Shorty Long's Passing

On June 29, 1969, Shorty Long and a friend were in a boat accident. Their boat crashed on the Detroit River in Michigan, and they both drowned.

At his funeral, Stevie Wonder played the harmonica. After playing, he placed the harmonica on Shorty Long's casket as a final tribute. A writer named Roger Green wrote about Shorty Long, saying he was a man who sang what he wanted. He sang everything from blues to love songs, and from wild songs to songs about a perfect world. Roger Green said Shorty Long was "short in stature but big in talent."

Motown released Shorty Long's last album, The Prime of Shorty Long, in November 1969. This was five months after he passed away.

Discography

Albums

• 1968: Here Comes the Judge (LP, SS/SM 709)
• 1969: The Prime of Shorty Long (LP, SS-719)

Singles

• 1964: "Devil with the Blue Dress On"/"Wind It Up" (Soul 35001)
• 1965: "It's a Crying Shame"/"Out to Get You" (Soul 35005)
• 1966: "Function at the Junction"/"Call on Me" (Soul 35021)
• 1967: "Chantilly Lace"/"Your Love is Amazing" (Soul 350031)
• 1968: "Night Fo' Last" (Vocal) /"Night Fo' Last" (Instrumental) (Soul 35040)
• 1968: "Here Comes the Judge"/"Sing What You Wanna" (Soul 35044)
• 1969: "I Had a Dream"/"Ain't No Justice" (Soul 35054)
• 1969: "A Whiter Shade of Pale"/"When You Are Available" (Soul 35064)