Kim Weston
Kim Weston is an American soul singer best known for her Motown hits in the 1960s. Born Agatha Nathalia Weston on December 20, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, she rose to prominence with songs like "Love Me All the Way" and her duet with Marvin Gaye, "It Takes Two."
Weston began performing at age three in church with the gospel group Wright Specials. She signed with Motown's Tamla label in 1961 after a hiatus from music, achieving her first minor hit with "Love Me All the Way," which reached No. 24 on R&B charts.
Her solo track "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" peaked at No. 4 on R&B charts in 1965. The duet "It Takes Two" with Marvin Gaye became her biggest success, hitting No. 14 on pop charts and No. 4 on R&B in 1966.
Weston left Motown in 1967 amid royalty disputes, marrying producer Mickey Stevenson and moving to MGM Records. She pursued acting roles in films like Changes (1969) and recorded later works, including the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
Kim Kim Kim
Written-By – C. Pauling, M. Tynes, W. Stevenson, W. Hutchison 3:33
A2 The Love I've Been Looking For
Written-By – Clarence Pauling, Willie Cooper, Ernest Shelby 3:39
A3 What Could Be Better
Written-By – Leon Ware, Victoria Basemore 2:47
A4 When Something Is Wrong With My Baby
Written-By – David Porter, Isaac Hayes 3:59
A5 Love Vibrations
Written-By – C. Colbert, W. Stevenson 2:50
B1 Buy Myself A Man
Written-By – Marvell Thomas 3:11
B2 Got To Get You Off My Mind
Written-By – Delores Burke, J. B. Moore, Solomon Burke 2:46
B3 Soul On Fire
Written-By – K. Weston, W. Stevenson 2:33
B4 Brothers & Sisters (Get Together)
Written-By – K. Weston, W. Stevenson 2:46
B5 Penny Blues
Written-By – Toby Ben 3:38
B6 The Choice Is Up To You (Walk With Me Jesus)
Written-By – Marvell Thomas, W. Stevenson 3:17
Label: Volt – VOS 6014
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Kim Weston's Kim Kim Kim album is praised as a showcase for her powerful, soulful voice, featuring lush arrangements from Stax's Al Bell, Isaac Hayes, and Clarence Paul, blending warm ballads like "You Just Don't Know" with funkier tracks like "Soul on Fire," but its rich soul sound, though brilliant, was perhaps not commercial enough for major pop crossover, making it a must-have for soul fans but a harder find.
Production: Stellar work by Al Bell (Stax) and Clarence Paul (key to Stevie Wonder), with Isaac Hayes also involved, creating a lush, gospel-infused soul sound.
The album truly highlights Weston's strong, versatile vocals, which critics often felt were underrated, capable of delivering both heartfelt ballads and upbeat funk.
Standout Tracks:
"You Just Don't Know": A majestic opener that immediately showcases her talent.
"Love Vibrations": An excellent, groovy, up-tempo track with rumbling bass.
"Soul on Fire": A psychedelic, groovy soulful number with Isaac Hayes's stamp, featuring chicken scratch guitar and congas.
"Brothers & Sisters (Get Together)": A conscious, peace-loving funk track.
The album offers pure, heartfelt soul music that captures the essence of Motown's depth, featuring tracks rarely found on compilations, making it essential for serious fans.
While perhaps not a massive commercial hit due to its deep soul nature, Kim Kim Kim is a highly regarded album for its pure musical quality, excellent arrangements, and Kim Weston's flawless, powerful vocals, making it a treasured piece for soul music aficionados.