Donzella Pettijohn was a 14-year-old high school student from Havre de Grace when she traveled along with her family members to Philadelphia in search of a recording contract. Her family’s band did not secure a contract but Florence Greenberg – owner of Scepter / Wand Records overheard Donzella singing and offered her a contract.
Florence suggested the nickname Nella Dodds and took her into the studio where they recorded a version of the Supremes album cut “Come See About Me”. Nella’s version of the song had begun to get some airplay when Motown’s Berry Gordy rush-released the Supremes cut as their next single. The release by the Supremes quickly surpassed Nella’s version going on to become a number one national hit.
Dodds continued recording under the direction of Kenny Gamble, Jimmy Bishop, and Luther Randolph. After several more singles through 1967 she retired from the music business. She later went on to work as a minister in the Baltimore area.
Nella Dodds Discography:
1964 Wand 167 Come See About Me / You Don’t Love Me Anymore
1964 Wand 171 Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers / A Girl’s Life
1965 Wand 178 Your Love Back / P’s and Q’s
1965 Wand 187 Come Back Baby / Dream Boy
1966 Wand 1111 Gee Whiz / Maybe Baby
1967 Wand 1136 Honey Boy / I Just Gotta Have You
