"California Soul" is a funk-soul tune written by Ashford & Simpson, issued originally as the B-side of the Messengers' single "Window Shopping" in 1967 under the Motown group of labels.
Contents
Other recordings
Nick Ashford released his own version in June 1968 on Verve 10599.
The song was then issued as a single by American pop quintet the 5th Dimension in late 1968.
The song was also covered by Motown vocal duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It was Gaye's and Terrell's last single together when released in early 1970.
A version appears on the 1970 studio album War & Peace by Edwin Starr (Gordy Records). Cash Box said that this version "glimmers with the special touch of a motor city arrangement and the vocal fuel ignited by this splendid team."
Marlena Shaw recorded a version in 1969, which appears on her album The Spice of Life.
Stone Throw Records recorded a version in 2021, which would later be included in the intro for the September 2021 Apple Event.
Chart performance
Both the 5th Dimension's version and the Gaye-Terrell version were modest chart hits. The recording by the 5th Dimension performed better, reaching number 25 on the pop singles chart. Gaye and Terrell's cover was the B-side of "The Onion Song". The duo's version of "California Soul" reached number 50 pop but never charted on the US R&B chart. The duet was released after Terrell's death from a brain tumor in March 1970.
Credits
The 5th Dimension version
All vocals by the 5th Dimension: Billy Davis Jr., Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson
Written by Ashford & Simpson
Produced by Bones Howe
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version
All vocals by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell/ Valerie Simpson)
Written and produced by Ashford & Simpson
Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers