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This is a photo of Estus Patterson and Lester Patterson, better known as the Patterson Twins.
Hailing from Magee, Mississippi, the duo had a slew of funk and soul 45s in the 1970s and '80s, a full-length debut in 1978, and, after a long hiatus, released subsequent albums as recently as 2007. Below you’ll find their first record Let Me Be Your Lover. There are some serious funk heaters on this one.
Prior to this project, Discogs dates their first release as the 1970 45 "If It's Something You Got And It's Worthwhile Having Hold On To It" b/w "Come On Everybody Get With The Beat Let Me Take You To Soul City U.S.A.," which they released as the Soul Twins.
In 1973 King Records put out their 45 "Back In Love Again" / "Come To Me," which was co-produced by Troy Shondell and George Leinenweber. Today you can track down a copy on Discogs for pretty cheap.
When YouTube curator salvmac uploaded "Back In Love Again" in 2010 he described the single as, "one side of one of the greatest double-sider 45s in the history of soul!"
I love the a-side, but for me, the b-side "Come To Me" is the winner. (Listen to it on any streaming platform with Songwhip.) I find the emotion and energy of their vocals so moving. The arrangement and production are also A+. It's an earnest, honest, heartfelt piece of musical gold.
Fortunately for me, in 1980 the Tokyo-based label P-Vine Special compiled six 45s by the Patterson Twins and six 45s by The Wallace Brothers on the release The Wallace Brothers & Patterson Twins. That compilation is now available on streaming. (Spotify / YouTube)
I stumbled upon "Come To Me" while I was compiling songs for Less Than 1,000 Spins.
When I put together my playlists I look at them as a springboard for appreciating the artists and the albums the individual songs come from. If only a handful of people listen to "Come To Me" on anything else by this dynamic duo after I write this it's worth it. So here's to the Patterson Twins and their incredible b-side "Come To Me." I hope you enjoy it.