Frequent readers of this blog know that I occasionally like to highlight obscure 1960s R&B singles that never made it big on the charts but were later somewhat revived by England’s Northern Soul scene. Today’s classic song of the day is one such obscure tune, “Do It” by Pat Powdrill. This track, released in 1966 on the equally obscure Downey Records label, was actually the B side of a 45; another obscure tune, “I Can’t Hear You,” was the A side.
As you have probably now guessed, “Do It” did absolutely nothing, which is probably why you don’t remember it. The label’s biggest, and perhaps only, hit was the instrumental “Pipeline” by the Chantay’s, released in 1963. “Do It” came three years later and quickly vanished into obscurity.
The song, “Do It,” was written by Roger Atkins and Helen Miller. It was first recorded by a group called the Marvelows, in 1965, then covered by Ms. Powdrill a year later. Mr. Atkins was a pro songwriter who also co-wrote (with Helen Miller) “Make Me Your Baby” for Barbara Lewis, (with Carl D’Errico) “It’s My Life” for the Animals, and (with Neil Sedaka) “Workin’ on a Groovy Thing” for the 5th Dimension. Ms. Miller, in addition to co-writing “Make Me Your Baby,” also penned or co-penned (with Howard Greenfield) “Foolish Little Girl” for the Shirelles and “It Hurts to Be in Love” for Gene Pitney, and (with Estelle Levitt) “Don’t Say You Don’t Remember” for Beverly Bremers.
With that kind of songwriting royalty at work, it’s no surprise that “Do It” is a catchy little number. It’s got a driving Motown-like beat, a nice melody supported by an appealingly simple chord progression (although the move to minor in the last half of each verse is interesting), powerful vocals, and professional production values. It would’ve sounded right at home on the charts in late 1966; no doubt Downey’s lack of stature and promotion contributed to the single’s early demise.
Pat Powdrill was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but moved with her family to Los Angeles when she was eight. She got her first recording contract, with Reprise Records, in 1963, when she was just 15 years old. She released three singles with Reprise that went nowhere, then recorded a handful of tracks (including “Do It”) that were released by Downey Records. In 1967 she became an Ikette for the Ike and Tina Turner Review, staying with them for three years. After that she got work as a backing vocalist, singing with the likes of Diana Ross, the Brothers Johnson, Dr. John, and Shalamar. She passed away in 1996, age 48.
