Dobie Gray, 1940-2011

Ah, the odd connections of music. Dobie Gray recorded "The In Crowd" in 1965. It was written by Billy Page, arranged by his brother Gene and produced by Fred Darian.



UK readers are more likely to remember Ramsey Lewis's cover version. America will probably remember Dobie more for "Drift Away". Written by Mentor Williams, brother of singer-songwriter Paul Williams, it was first recorded by John Henry Kurtz.  Dobie had drifted physically and mentally to Nashville, and was connected through work for A&M.  The guitar solo is by session man Reggie Young, formerly of the Bill Black Combo, who opened for The Beatles on their first US Tour. Mentor Williams is married to Lynn "Rose Garden" Anderson.

• 1145 Update: Correspondents are urging consideration of Dobie's seventh single and first US chart success "Look At Me" from 1963, and "Out on the floor" from 1966, which became a UK hit in 1975 - both favourites of the Northern Soul scene.