I Want a Guy


"I Want a Guy" is a song written by Freddie Gorman, Berry Gordy and Brian Holland and was the debuting single for Motown girl group The Supremes in 1961. It was also recorded by The Marvelettes on their album Please Mr. Postman. Featuring Diana Ross in lead, the song was a doo-wop ballad similar to what the Supremes had been recording since forming as "The Primettes" two years earlier.
The song's lyrics tell about a lonely woman who wants a new lover who won't mistreat her and always be loyal to her.
When issued, the song failed to chart forcing Berry Gordy to find other options for the teenage quartet - its full lineup included Barbara Martin alongside Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. Three members of the group, in fact, had already recorded a single, "Tears of Sorrow"/"Pretty Baby", in their previous quartet, "The Primettes". In between the two singles the teenaged girls would replace Betty McGlown with Martin, and the new quartet would be recording under a new name. This song would be issued as a b-side of a Marvelettes hit later that year and would be led by Wanda Rogers, one of her first with the group. Their version, more up-tempo than the original, also would not chart nationally, but became a regional hit.

Personnel

The Supremes version
The Marvelettes version