Chico Leverett (Baby Don't Leave) / Work Work 1963 Bethlehem 45-3062 G+

$

99

🎶 Chico Leverett – "Baby (Don't Leave)" / "Work Work" (Bethlehem 45-3062) – Rare Detroit R&B 45 from the Early Motown Era 🎶

Up for sale is a vintage original 45 RPM single by Chico Leverett, featuring the emotionally charged “Baby (Don’t Leave)” backed with the high-energy “Work Work”, released on the Bethlehem label (catalog number 45-3062). This hard-to-find record captures a fascinating piece of early Detroit R&B history and showcases a young artist closely associated with the beginnings of the Motown sound.

🎤 About the Artist:

Chico Leverett was part of The Satintones, one of the earliest vocal groups signed to Berry Gordy’s Tamla/Motown label. While still with the group, Leverett released a small number of solo records, including this standout 1960 release on Bethlehem Records—a label best known for jazz, but occasionally home to soul and R&B gems.

Leverett's smooth vocal delivery and heartfelt phrasing on “Baby (Don’t Leave)” mark him as a notable if underrated contributor to the early soul era. His work bridges the gap between doo-wop, R&B, and the nascent Motown sound.

🎶 Track Details:

• Side A: “Baby (Don’t Leave)”
  A moody, soulful plea with classic early 60s instrumentation and background vocals. The production has a haunting, bluesy edge with clear roots in doo-wop.

• Side B: “Work Work”
  A punchy uptempo R&B number with driving rhythm, handclaps, and a sense of urgency. Great for DJ spins and Northern Soul sets. Rarely turns up in clean playable condition.

💽 Record Condition:

This record has been visually and audibly inspected and is confidently graded  G+ / Good Plus

Well-loved and well-played. Scratches and scuffs are more prominent, andsurface noise will be apparent throughout. Still spins and plays without skips, or loud pops or scratches. very playable but not ideal for critical listening..

• Visual: Moderate signs of wear and handling with surface scuffs and light marks, but nothing deep or feelable. Labels show minor wear but no writing or major damage.

• Audio: Plays through cleanly on both sides with no skips. Some light surface noise in quieter passages, consistent with grade, but both sides maintain solid audio presence with good volume and clarity. Very enjoyable listening experience.

Note: Play-tested on a properly aligned Audio-Technica AT-LP120 turntable with a conical stylus, suitable for vintage mono 45s.

📦 Packaging:

• Shipped in a new poly-lined anti-static inner sleeve for protection

• Packaged in a professional 45 RPM mailer with cardboard stiffeners for safe transit

💥 A scarce R&B 45 from the dawn of the Detroit soul explosion, featuring a rare solo outing by a foundational Motown artist. Essential for collectors of early soul, Detroit R&B, and Bethlehem label rarities.

Be sure to check my other listings for more rare 45s from the golden era of soul and rhythm & blues!