Rare Earth is an American rock band affiliated with Motown‘s Rare Earth record label (which was named after the band), who were particularly famous in the late 1960s and the 1970s. Although not the first white band signed to Motown, Rare Earth was the first big hit-making act signed by Motown that consisted only of white members, although a Chicano percussionist later joined the group.
The group formed in 1961 as The Sunliners, and changed their name to “Rare Earth” in 1967. After recording an unsuccessful debut album “Dream/Answers” on the Verve label in 1968, they were signed to Motown in 1969. The band was the first act signed to a new Motown imprint that would be dedicated to white rock acts. The record company didn’t have a name for the new label yet, and the band jokingly suggested Motown call the label “Rare Earth.” To the band’s surprise, Motown decided to do just that.
The main personnel in the group included Gil Bridges (saxophone and vocals ), Pete Rivera a.k.a. Peter Hoorelbeke (lead vocals and drums), John Parrish a.k.a. John Persh (bass guitar, trombone and vocals), Rod Richards (born Rod Cox, guitar), Ray Monette ( guitar ), Edward “Eddie” Guzman (congas and assorted percussive instruments), Mark Olson (keyboard, vocals, some song writing), and Kenny James (born Ken Folcik, keyboards). [1]The personnel lineup changed considerably over the years, with three members of the group dying during the 1980s and 1990s, and the only original member currently left in the group is Bridges.
(I Know) I’m Losing You
“(I Know) I’m Losing You” is a 1966 hit single recorded by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label.
Among the most notable covers of “I’m Losing You” was a 1970 version by Motown rock band Rare Earth for their Ecology album. Rare Earth’s ten-minute cover was edited for single release, and peaked one position higher than the Temptations’ original on the U.S. pop charts, at number seven.
http://djallyn.org/media/rare_earth-im_losing_you.flvYour love is fadin’, I feel it fade
Ah, your love is fadin’, I feel it fade
Ah, your love is fadin’, woman I feel it fadeAh, woman, woman your touch, your touch has gone cold
As if someone else controls your very soul
I’ve fooled myself long as I can
Can feel the presence of another manIt’s there when you speak my name
It’s just not the same
Ooo babe, I’m losing you
It’s in the air
It’s there everywhere
Baby, baby, babe, I’m losing youWhen I look into your eyes
A reflection of a face, I see
I’m hurt, down-hearted and worried, girl
‘Cause that face doesn’t belong to meIt’s all over your face
Someone’s takin’ my place
Ooo baby, I’m losing you
You try hard to hide
The emptiness you feel inside
Oo babe, I’m losing youI can’t bear the thought of losing you
Ah woman, can’t you see what I’m goin’ through
I’m losin’ my mind (losin’ my mind)
And it’s all because of you
I can’t bear the thought of losing you
I’m losin’ my mind (losin’ my mind)
And it’s all because of you
I can’t stand the thought of losing you
(89)