The Gentle Touch is an unknown pop-psych group with female vocalists, who released 3 singles on American label Kapp in 1967-68. Best known of these seems to be the final one featuring a version of “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” popularized by soul group The Tams in the same year. Their first single was actually a radio jingle written for a jewelers, called “A Maier & Berkele Diamond Ring”. It was first released locally by the company themselves, before Kapp picked it up and had them rework it as “My One and Only Diamond Ring” and issued it with a new b-side.
Their middle single was first introduced to me through a cover version by Greek group The Happy Balloon, whose only album otherwise consists of much more well-known sunshine pop compostions, such as “Temma Harbour”. I heard the original on the Lost Jukebox series, and it remains one of my favourite songs. The image above is from a recent ebay auction, but the 45 seems easier to find as a UK release on London (their only international release as far as I know, which says something of the song’s quality, written by one Fred Haber). At least that’s the version I just secured a copy of.
The fact that the jewelers, who existed until recent years, were from Atlanta, Georgia, suggests that the group were of similar origins. Here’s their discography. Not to be confused with the Toronto group of the same name, whose lone 45 on RCA Victor has been compiled on Wyld Canada.
Kapp 836: “My One and Only Diamond Ring” / “Rain, Rain, Rain”, 1967
Kapp 871: “Among the First to Know” / “Merry Go Round”, 1967
Kapp 882: “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” / “Rainbows “, 1968
11 Comments
Add Yours“My One and Only Diamond Ring”/”Rain, Rain, Rain” (released June 1967)*small article in Billboard about the release during that month.
“Among The First To Know”/”Merry Go Round” (November 1967)
*not sure about exact month of 3rd single
The Gentle Touch featured two sisters Sue & Patty Nunn
I have a London Records issue of “Among The First To Know”. I’m not sure if they released the other 2, though.
cheers, brogues
brogues, no i think that was only one on london. mine should turn up this week!
thanks for the info colin!
My sister and I are the two sisters who recorded A Maier and Berkele Diamond Ring, aka My One And Only Diamond Ring, Among the First to Know, Merry Go Round, Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy, and more! We changed our name to Saturday’s Photograph when we moved to Columbia Records, if memory serves. We released A Gentle Loving San Francisco Man with them, again, if I am remembering correctly. It’s cool to find this on the internet. We both still live in Atlanta with our families.
Love this band!!
Hey Sue, are You still around ? I looked high and low for the original Maier and Berkely version and finally found it; actually several with different versions. I have been in radio 47 years in Atlanta. Would love to hear from You or Your sister.
I probably have copies of the 45 record. Let me know if you’d like me to send you one.
Hi Sue! Long time since you wrote but I wanted you to know I loved your music. I first purchased “Among the First to Know” and after purchased the other singles, even Saturday’s Photograph. I converted them to digital and now play them on a CD-R so I can listen while working. I hope you and your sister are doing well.
Hi! Yes, my sister and I are still around and doing well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
So glad to hear that. After searching for years I found copies of Maier and Berkely Diamond Ring. One 45 has the original song with 2 other cuts on the flip side meant for voice over. Also have My One and Only Diamond Ring; plus Be Young…etc and The First to Know. I’ve been in Atlanta radio 50 years. Did You happen to meet Lee Holley around 1968 or so at WRDW, Augusta ? He was a roadie for The Classics Four.