Look at Gwen Owens’ catalog of originally issued 45s and they span soul’s golden decade almost precisely. Gwen’s singing extended beyond that though, singing in the group Hot later in the 70s and having one more single released in her name in 1979, whilst still a member of Hot. Her 60s recordings were mostly cut in Detroit, where she grew up; and her 70s output was mostly recorded in Muscle Shoals. In the 70s and into the 80s she continued in the music business as a session and backing singer, for some big names too. Into this century she was singing with a gospel group The Melodious Hearts.
Gwen is still very much alive. I can say that with confidence as I have found her, very much current, Instagram account. She occasionally puts up pictures of her old publicity shots, including one she described as her very first one. She was, and I have no doubt still is, a very attractive lady. On the internet it seems her birth date is most often quoted as June 19th, 1953 but I’m not sure that can be true. That would have made her 11 when she recorded her first single. But elsewhere I have seen someone quoting an article from the Michigan Chronicle dated June 19th , 1965 (coincidentally her birthday) where it refers to her two 1964 released 45s and states that she was just graduating from Pershing HS in Detroit, which would have most likely made her 16 or 17 when she first recorded.
Her 1967 45 - Just Say You’re Wanted And Needed - is a very rare record that commands very high prices on the Northern scene. It is a belter. even allowing for the somewhat out of tune horns. Looking at Gripsweat it seems only five copies have gone through Ebay in the last 12 years or so, and if one in decent condition came up for sale now I’m betting it would sell for $5k+.
This Josie release of hers is not a rare or in demand record, but it is a good one. I had heard the B side - It Ain’t Hardly Over - years ago and had it mentally filed as one to get at the right price. Now I have finally secured a copy it is the A side that is really grabbing me.
Gwen Owens– Keep On Living 1969
The newspaper clip is from Record World July 12th, 1969
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