The Players
An R&B vocal group from Chicago, Illinois, USA. The original members of the band were lead Herbert Butler, Collis Gordon and John Thomas. The Players were formed in 1966 when Gordon and Thomas recruited Butler to sing lead for them on a song they had written, ‘He’ll Be Back’, a marvellous lament about the plight of a girl whose boyfriend was fighting in the jungles of Vietnam.
The trio was recorded by Calvin Carter, the long-time producer at Vee Jay Records, and signed with the west coast-based Minit Records subsidiary of Imperial Records. In the middle of the session Carter replaced Gordon and Thomas in the background with the veteran Dells. ‘He’ll Be Back’ became a national hit (number 24 R&B), deservedly so, but the follow-up, ‘I’m Glad I Waited’ (number 32 R&B), lacking the back-up talent of the Dells and the songwriting talents of Gordon and Thomas, was a pale reflection of the previous hit.
The Players made an album and toured with a new line-up of Butler, Joe Brackenridge, Otha Lee Givens and Tommie Johnson, but with no more forthcoming hits, they eventually faded.
(Provided by AllMusic)
He’ll Be Back
Songwriter – C. Gordon, J. Thomas
2:37
A2 Peace Of Mind
Songwriter – A. King, D. Bupp
2:53
A3 When A Man Loves A Woman
Songwriter – A. Wright, C. Lewis
2:10
A4 Since I Don't Have You
Songwriter – J. Vogel, J. Beaumont, Rock, Taylor, J. Verscharen, Martin, Lester
2:27
A5 I'm Glad I Waited
Songwriter – A. Smith
2:45
A6 I Wanna Be Free
Songwriter – Gordon, Butler, Thomas
2:29
B1 Sunny
Songwriter – Bobby Hebb
3:01
B2 There's Got To Be A Way
Songwriter – J. Simmons
2:43
B3 I Love You A Thousand Times
Songwriter – I. Foxx, L. Dixon
2:31
B4 Why Do I Love You
Songwriter – Butler, Givens, Johnson
1:50
B5 Why Did I Lie
Songwriter – Butler, Givens, Johnson
2:20
B6 Get Hep To Love
Songwriter – Butler, Givens, Johnson
Label: Minit – LP-24006
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
The Players' 1967 album "He'll Be Back" is a classic of sweet, sad 60s soul, centered around the hit single of the same name about a soldier going to Vietnam, featuring lead singer Herbert Butler and members of The Dells, known for its heartfelt vocals and touching harmonies, creating a memorable but rushed studio effort that birthed a successful single and tour despite its quick production.
Reviews highlight its strong R&B roots, emotional depth, and lasting appeal as a quintessential 60s soul record, even if it's a product of its era's recording practices. The title track, "He'll Be Back," was a significant R&B hit, known for its poignant story and perfect harmonies.
The Players were a studio group, primarily comprising Herbert Butler and members of The Dells (Barksdale, Carter, Allison, McGill), with other singers added for live performances.
It's a quintessential 1960s soul album, characterized by sweet melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and rich vocal arrangements, capturing the emotional depth of the era's R&B.
The album explores themes of love, loss, and separation, particularly in the context of the Vietnam War, giving it a poignant, bittersweet quality.
Despite being a quick, rushed follow-up to the single, it's remembered fondly as a great example of 60s soul music.
In summary, "He'll Be Back" is a beloved piece of 60s soul, praised for its emotional resonance and classic sound, even though it was a product of studio expediency.
He ll Be Back