The Masters- (John Oats) RARE First Press CR-1008 - I Need Your Love/Not My Baby

$

220

The Masters – I Need Your Love / Not My Baby – Crimson Records CR-1008 (1966) – 7” Vinyl Single

RARE • UNPLAYED • HISTORIC JOHN OATES RECORDING

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🔹 FEATURES & HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Artist: The Masters

• Title: I Need Your Love / Not My Baby

• Label: Crimson Records – CR-1008

• Format: 7” Vinyl, 45 RPM

• Country: U.S.A.

• Released: 1966

• Genre: Funk / Soul

• Style: Soul

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🔹 TRACKLIST

Side A:

“I Need Your Love” – 1:55

(Written by John Oates, Pat Collins)

Side B:

“Not My Baby” – 2:42

(Written by John Oates, Pat Collins)

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🔹 WHY THIS RECORD MATTERS

Before his global success as half of Hall & Oates, John Oates fronted The Masters, serving as lead vocalist and guitarist. This ultra-rare 1966 release on Crimson Records offers a glimpse into the formative years of one of the most successful duos in pop music history. Both songs were written by Oates and Pat Collins, showcasing early songwriting talent that would later define a generation of blue-eyed soul.

This single was recorded at the legendary Virtue Studios in Philadelphia, with horn arrangements by Bobby Martin and engineering by Frank Virtue—the same studio and production pedigree that helped launch Philadelphia’s golden age of soul. The sound is rich, brassy, and unmistakably soulful.

Although released around the same time as the Soul Survivors’ breakout hit “Expressway to Your Heart” (also from Crimson Records), this single was quickly overshadowed—making surviving copies extremely scarce. That historical context has transformed this release into a coveted gem among serious collectors.

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🔹 CONDITION

• Vinyl: Brand New / Never Played

• Sleeve: Supplied in a protective plain white sleeve

• From original stock: This copy has been carefully preserved and is direct from the original distributor’s inventory, untouched for decades.

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🔹 A COLLECTOR’S MUST-HAVE

This record is an essential acquisition for fans of Philadelphia Soul, Hall & Oates collectors, and 1960s rare groove enthusiasts. The sound quality, songwriting pedigree, and pristine condition make this one of the most desirable pre-fame John Oates releases in existence.

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🕵️‍♂️ LOST NITE ENTERTAINMENT GUARANTEE

At Lost Nite Entertainment, we specialize in sourcing rare and original vinyl direct from label stock and personal archives. All products are:

• 💿 Factory-Sealed or Unplayed – Guaranteed never used or previously circulated.

• 📦 Shipped Same Business Day – Professionally packed for safe arrival.

• 💯 Backed by Full Refund Guarantee – If returned unopened in original condition.

We are the home of Collectables Records Corp., Alpha Home Entertainment, Gotham Distributing Corp., and more. With over 225 years of combined experience, the team at Lost Nite knows music history inside and out—because we helped make it.

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Add this rare piece of soul history to your collection before it’s gone.

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Let me know if you’d like a short version for eBay or a version with visual header graphics!