The Detroit Emeralds
The Detroit Emeralds formed in the early 1960s in Little Rock, Arkansas, originally as a vocal harmony group consisting of four Tilmon brothers: Ivory (born September 14, 1941), Abrim (January 12, 1945–July 6, 1982), Cleophus, and Raymond Tilmon. After Cleophus and Raymond departed, Abrim and Ivory teamed up with childhood friend James Mitchell as lead vocalist, relocated to Detroit, Michigan—hence adopting the "Detroit Emeralds" name—and signed with Ric-Tic Records, scoring their first R&B chart hit "Show Time" in 1968.
The group moved to Westbound Records in 1970, where they refined their silky smooth R&B/soul sound with orchestral strings and horns arranged by Johnny Allen, often recording demos in Memphis at Willie Mitchell's Hi Studios before finalizing in Detroit. Key hits followed, including "Do Me Right" (1971), "You Want It, You Got It" (1972), "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)" (R&B Top 10, pop #24), and their signature "Feel the Need in Me" (US R&B #22 in 1973, UK Top 5; re-released 1977 hitting UK #12). Abrim Tilmon wrote, arranged, and produced most tracks, with backing from musicians like those in Chapter 8 (1971-1973).
By 1974, lineup splits led to competing versions of the group; Abrim formed one faction while James Mitchell, Ivory Tilmon, and Marvin Willis continued touring with rotating musicians like Dave Dean (keyboards) and The Flaming Emeralds. Albums tapered off after Let's Get Together (1978), their final major release. Abrim died of a heart attack in 1982 at age 37, halting reunion plans; Ivory passed in 2014. James Mitchell also co-wrote The Floaters' massive "Float On." The group remains celebrated for their effortless soul vibe across five Westbound LPs.
Do Me Right
A2 Wear This Ring (With Love) (A. Tilmon, J. Mitchell 3:13)
A3 Long Live The King (A. Tilmon, S. Beatty, T. Grazcyk 3:30)
A4 What You Gonna Do About Me (. Garrett 3:17)
A5 You Can't Take This Love For You, From Me (A. Tilmon, S. Beatty, T. Grazcyk 3:12)
A6 Just Now And Then (A. Tilmon 3:21)
B1 Lee (A. Tilmon, S. Beatty, T. Grazcyk 2:48)
B2 If I Lose Your Love (A. Tilmon, J. Mitchell 3:16)
B3 And I Love Her (J. Lennon, P. McCartney 3:15)
B4 I Can't See Myself (Doing Without You) (W. Garrett 3:18)
B5 Holding On (H. Weems, N. Toney 2:42)
B6 Admit Your Love Is Gone (A. Tilmon, S. Beatty, T. Grazcyk 3:11)
Label: Westbound Records – WB 2006
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Do Me Right is the debut studio album by American vocal group the Detroit Emeralds, released in 1971 through Westbound Records. The album is an "unmistakable classic of sophisticated soul" and is recognized for its impeccable songwriting, vocal arrangements, and a strong backing band. It successfully launched several chart hits.
The album was produced by Katouzzion, with arrangements and conducting by A. Tilmon, S. Sanders, and W. Mitchell.
It produced several successful singles, including the title track, "Do Me Right," which reached No. 7 on the R&B chart, and "Wear This Ring (With Love)," which reached No. 18 on the R&B chart. Other tracks like "If I Lose Your Love" also charted.
The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 23 on the R&B albums chart and No. 151 on the Billboard 200.
You Want It, You Got It
Written-By – A. Tilmon
2:56
A2 There's A Love For Me Somewhere
Written-By – A. Tilmon
2:23
A3 I'll Never Sail The Sea Again
Written-By – A. Tilmon
3:34
A4 Take My Love
Written-By – A. Tilmon
3:37
B1 Feel The Need In Me
Written-By – A. Tilmon
3:37
B2 I've Got To Move
Written-By – A. Tilmon
3:01
B3 Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)
Written-By – A. Tilmon
3:46
B4 I Bet You Get The One You Love
Written-By – A. Tilmon, J. Mitchell
2:09
B5 Till You Decide To Come Home
Written-By – A. Tilmon
2:43
Label: Janus Records – 6310 207
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Detroit Emeralds' You Want It, You Got It (1972) is a well-regarded soul-funk album, praised for its smooth grooves and standout tracks like "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)" and "Feel the Need in Me," earning high marks from critics like AllMusic (5/5) and Robert Christgau (B+), showcasing a polished sound with enduring funk appeal, despite moderate chart performance compared to singles.
The album was recorded in Memphis at Willie Mitchell's studio, featuring Al Green’s rhythm section. This influence is evident in its seamless, soulful dance music and sophisticated horn and string arrangements.
It delivers a classic, polished soul-funk sound, often compared to Curtis Mayfield, moving beyond raw Detroit grit. It's anchored by major hits, particularly the iconic "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)" and the funky "Feel the Need in Me," making it a must-own for fans of the era.
The album is anchored by several major singles that performed well on both R&B and Pop charts:
"You Want It, You Got It": The title track reached #5 on the US R&B charts and #12 in the UK.
"Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)": Often cited as the album's highlight, this track hit #4 on the R&B chart and #24 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Feel the Need in Me": A classic soul-funk groover that reached #22 on the R&B charts and #4 in the UK.
Reviewers describe it as a very pleasant, often mellow, yet groovy listen, with memorable melodies and strong singalong potential.
While the album itself charted well (Top 40 R&B, Top 100 Pop), its hit singles cemented its place in soul-funk history, making it a beloved record for its enduring quality and iconic tracks.