Biography
One of Motown's stronger early releases arrived via Gordy Records in the form of "Come Into My Palace" by Lee & the Leopards, complete with a hokey '50s-style bass line and fervent vocal shouts. Lee Henry Moore fronted the group, whose lineup featured Prentiss Anderson alongside several unidentified members. Moore joined Brian Holland and William Stevenson to write the April 1962 track, which the Supremes later reworked as a ballad while the Leopards delivered an up-tempo novelty rendition. Motown kept the Supremes' recording unreleased for more than twenty-five years, though Brenda Holloway and her sister Patrice Holloway eventually cut a duet version. Both sides of the original Gordy single, including the flip "Trying to Make It," were unusually leased to Laurie Records in 1963, reversing the typical direction of such deals. The following year the act recorded another Lee Moore composition, "Don't Press Your Luck," backed with "What About Me" on Fortune Records. Given that the financially strained label had already failed to elevate Nolan Strong & the Diablos to greater success, Lee & the Leopards stood little chance of breaking through. KZ Records later put out a track or two, and the group may have issued additional one-off singles on other minor imprints.