Shorty Long was a gifted R&B singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist best known for his 1968 hit “Here Comes the Judge.” Though small in stature—standing just over five feet tall—his talent was enormous. He brought humor, soul, and musicianship to every performance.
A versatile artist who played multiple instruments and wrote much of his own material, Long stood out at Motown, even among giants. Sadly, his rising career was cut short by a tragic boating accident in 1969, just as he was poised for greater fame. Still, his legacy lives on through his energetic recordings and his influence on R&B and funk.
| Full Name | Frederick Earl “Shorty” Long |
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| Stage Name | Shorty Long |
| Birth Date | May 20, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Birmingham, Alabama, USA |
| Death | June 29, 1969 (aged 29), Detroit River, Michigan |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Funk |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer |
| Years Active | Early 1960s – 1969 |
| Labels | Tri-Phi Records, Motown (Soul Records) |
| Major Hits | “Here Comes the Judge,” “Devil with the Blue Dress,” “Function at the Junction” |
| Top Chart Hit | “Here Comes the Judge” (#8 Pop, #4 R&B) |
| Instruments Played | Piano, Organ, Guitar, Harmonica, Drums, Trumpet |
| Notable Traits | Self-producer at Motown, comedic and satirical lyricism |
Early Life and Musical Talent
Born Frederick Earl Long on May 20, 1940, in Birmingham, Alabama, Shorty showed musical promise early in life. Despite his nickname, he had big talent. He could play:
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Piano
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Guitar
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Organ
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Trumpet
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Drums
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Harmonica
He even had a reputation for being a sharp hand-clapper, a small but meaningful detail in rhythm and blues performance.
As a young man, he performed in local clubs and also worked as a radio disc jockey, honing both his stage presence and musical taste.
Breakthrough in Detroit
In the early 1960s, Long moved to Detroit, Michigan, the heartbeat of soul music at the time. There, he was discovered by Harvey Fuqua, co-founder of Tri-Phi Records. Long recorded a few singles for Tri-Phi, but none gained commercial traction. Distribution issues and financial difficulties led Fuqua to sell Tri-Phi to Motown. As part of the deal, Shorty Long became a Motown artist.
Motown and Early Struggles
Unlike most Motown artists at the time, Long had the rare privilege of writing and producing his own material. In fact, only Smokey Robinson shared that same creative freedom during the 1960s.
In 1964, Long released his first Motown single under the Soul Records subsidiary:
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“Devil with the Blue Dress On”, co-written with William “Mickey” Stevenson.
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Although it received limited attention, it would later become a hit when covered by Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels in 1966.
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In 1966, Long released:
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“Function at the Junction,” co-written with Eddie Holland Jr.
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The song had a vibrant, funky rhythm, but it charted modestly.
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Another minor single followed in 1968:
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“Night Fo’,” written with Clarence Paul
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It reached #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #42 on the R&B chart.
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These early efforts built a foundation but didn’t launch Long into the mainstream—yet.
Breakthrough Hit: “Here Comes the Judge”
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In 1968, Shorty Long finally struck gold.
His new single, “Here Comes the Judge,” was inspired by a comedy skit on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, where comedian Pigmeat Markham popularized the phrase. Interestingly, both Long and Markham released songs titled “Here Comes the Judge” around the same time—but with entirely different styles and lyrics.
Shorty Long’s version was a funk-infused, upbeat courtroom satire with spoken lyrics and a driving groove. The song became his biggest hit:
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#8 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#4 on the R&B chart
It was catchy, funny, and funky—a perfect mix for late-1960s audiences. The hit also led to the release of Long’s full-length LP titled Here Comes the Judge, featuring both the title track and other new material.
A Unique Artist Within Motown
Shorty Long didn’t quite fit the Motown mold. While Motown leaned toward polished, radio-friendly pop-soul, Long brought grit, humor, and a touch of funk. His stage presence was electric, and he brought originality to every track.
Motown recognized his talent and gave him rare artistic freedom. He produced many of his own songs and covered diverse material, such as:
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“A Whiter Shade of Pale” – a soulful reinterpretation of the Procol Harum classic.
His music stood out because it combined R&B, blues, and early funk, with a strong sense of storytelling.
Tragic Death
Just as his star was rising, tragedy struck.
On June 29, 1969, Shorty Long died in a boating accident on the Detroit River. He was only 29 years old. A friend who was with him also perished in the incident.
Long’s death shocked the Motown community. His funeral was attended by major artists, including Stevie Wonder, who played harmonica in his honor.
Shortly after his passing, Motown released a posthumous compilation album titled The Prime of Shorty Long, which included his best-known work along with unreleased tracks.
Legacy
Though Shorty Long’s life was brief, his impact was lasting. He is remembered as:
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One of the few Motown artists to self-produce
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A pioneering figure in the bridge between R&B and funk
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A performer with undeniable charisma and originality
“Here Comes the Judge” remains his signature tune, still used in films, TV shows, and pop culture references today.
Artists and critics alike have praised his versatility and stage presence. Had he lived longer, many believe he could have become a major force in 1970s soul and funk.
Final Thoughts
Shorty Long may have had a short life, but his artistry was anything but small. From his Motown beginnings to his breakthrough with “Here Comes the Judge,” he proved himself a true original—funny, funky, and fearless. His music still brings smiles and nods of appreciation decades later. Though the world lost him too soon, his spirit lives on through the joyful grooves he left behind.