Houston, Texas born singer Beau Williams may be one of the greatest Soul voices of the past 30 years, but he still remains relatively unknown outside of the Gospel world. Williams was performing at an early age, and his clear, booming Gospel voice began winning local talent contests for him by the time he was a teen. He began providing backup vocal work in the late 70s and nearly became the Temptations' lead singer after the departure of Louis Price in 1980.
With the help of George Benson, Williams landed a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1981. He recorded four albums for Capitol during 1982-86 which were of uneven quality but which included a number of notable ballads that showed off his strong, multi-octive Sam Cooke-like voice. "Elvina," "I Think I Know You," "The Last Time I Made Love" and the booming "Another Place and Time" earned for Williams critical acclaim and an international following but little success in the U.S. He achieved his only notoriety in America when he became the winning male singer on the TV talent show Star Search in 1983 (which was designed as an amateur show, though oddly Williams won after he had already released two albums). In 1989 Williams went back to his roots, signing with Light Records and releasing the Gospel album Wonderful. He scored a number one Gospel hit with the title cut, a Sam Cooke remake. His follow up album, Love, also hit the top 5 and included another hit Cooke cover, "That's Heaven to Me." Williams recorded three more less popular Gospel albums, the last being 1996's They Need to Know on Insync Records, before his solo recording career faded. Williams continues to perform in Gospel shows around the U.S.
(born June 3, 1942, Chicago, Ill., U.S. — died Dec. 26, 1999, Roswell, Ga.) U.S. singer-songwriter and guitarist. He became a vocalist and guitarist with the Impressions in 1957. Together with Sam Gooden (bass) and Fred Cash (low tenor), Mayfield (high tenor) devised a much imitated vocal style. Mayfield was a self-taught guitarist, and when he tuned his instrument to a natural chord, he achieved a subtle lyricism that was also influential. Mayfield's songs, including "It's All Right" (1963), "People Get Ready" (1965), and "Choice of Colors" (1969), were inspirational and humanistic. The high point of his solo career (from 1970) was the influential soundtrack to Superfly (1972), and he became a major force in the development of the musical style known as funk. He was paralyzed when a lighting tower fell on him during a concert in 1990.
Smooth soul singer Lew Kirton was born in Barbados and grew up singing in his church choir; he later performed with island vocal groups as Jiggs Kirton. Also an accomplished drummer, he later moved to the United States and took over the drum chair in Sam & Dave's touring revue in 1969. He joined the Philly-styled soul group the Invitations in 1972 as lead vocalist, and they attracted some attention with singles like "They Say the Girl's Crazy" and "Look on the Good Side." Kirton went solo in the late '70s, signing with the Miami-based TK label family (best known for hits by George and Gwen McCrae) in 1977. Teamed with writer/producer Clarence Reid (whose alter ego was, of course, the bawdy comedian Blowfly), his first releases on the Marlin subsidiary included the future collector's item "Do What You Want, Be What You Are." 1978 saw the single release of his best-known song, "Heaven in the Afternoon"; two years later, he issued his first full-length album, Just Arrived, on another TK subsidiary, Alston. After recording as a guest vocalist with B. Baker's Chocolate Company, Kirton left TK and moved to New York. His second album, Talk to Me, appeared in 1983 on the Believe in a Dream label, and spawned singles in the title track and "Don't Give Up Your Dream (Hang On in There)." One further single, "Don't Wanna Wait," was released on MCA in 1986; despite having completed another album, Kirton has yet to find an outlet for its release. Just Arrived was later reissued by the British label Expansion under the title Heaven in the Afternoon, with bonus tracks from Kirton's earlier singles included...This is my fav tune...just amazing!
O'Bryan Burnette was one of the more popular pop/soul singers of the mid-80s and landed a handful of hits under the moniker "O'Bryan" during his short recording career. A North Carolina native, O'Bryan first hit the charts with the popular, controversial 1982 song "Gigolo." Introduced to Soul Train host Don Cornelius by legendary Philly producer Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey, O'Bryan the next year became the voice behind "Soul Train's A Comin'," the popular music show's theme song.
In 1983 O'Bryan again hit the charts, this time with an excellent midtempo remake of Stevie Wonder's "You and I," arguably topping the master's original version. It hit the Soul Top 20 and continued the young singer's ascent. Momentum carried his next album, Be My Lover, to the top five, but he never again had a major pop or soul hit. During this period, O'Bryan was issuing a number of X-Rated music videos that were too racy for MTV but were showing in alternative venues and overseas. By the time of 1986's Surrender, O'Bryan's creative output had slowed, though he managed a minor hit with the dance cut "Tenderoni." Unfortunately, it became the coda for his 80s recording career. In 2007, two decades after his last hit, O'Bryan independently released a new album called F1RST (click below to see review). While it was a hit-or-miss project, there were enough bright spots to make it a minor hit on the indie charts and to signal a welcome return of a talented singer.
Byrd Pressley was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He traveled around the world entertaining with The New Century Platters. Byrd later formed the Byrd Pressley Band. In the mid eighties he was managed by Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother, and Toni Chambers for their Company, Personal Touch Management. Byrd also was a special guest performer for the Miss Maryland Pageant. He had several songs released in Europe that hit the UK charts.
Born in Detroit in 1932, his studies at Wayne State University (1954) were interrupted by military service, during which he played in an Air Force band. He then attended the Manhattan School of Music (MA in music education). At the same time he was the favorite studio trumpeter of the bop label Presitge (1956-58), though he also recorded frequently for Riverside and Blue Note. He gave performances with George Wallington (1955), Art Blakey (1956), and along with Gigi Gryce was a member of the Jazz Lab Quintet (1957). He also performed with Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and others, before settling into a partnership with Pepper Adams (1958-61). After studying composition in Europe (1963-63) Byrd began a career in black music education, teaching at Rutgers, the Hampton Institute, Howard University, and (after receiving a law degree, 1976) North Carolina Central University; in 1982 he was awarded a doctorate by Columbia Teachers College. Following the death of Clifford Brown in 1956, Byrd was for a few years arguably the finest hard-bop trumpeter. He had not only a masterful technique, displayed on all his albums from this period, but also a beautiful tone. He resumed playing in the 1970s and made several pleasant recordings in a jazz-rock style. His best-selling album Black Byrd led to the formation of his students into the Blackbyrds, a hit group of the mid-1970s.
Leroy Hutson is an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and instrumentalist, best known as former lead singer of the R&B vocal group, The Impressions.
He has been characterized as the best-kept secret of Seventies Soul, most recently noted in the June 29, 2006 issue of Rolling Stone magazine. He is the father of producer JR Hutson.
Awesome record out of Chicago, realized with the help of The Chi-Lites manager
Marshall Thompson in a joint effort to financially support the 'Probation Challenge'
program. Revenues made from sales of the record would be donated to fund education
programs, with the purpose to give people a 'second chance' and prevent encarcelation.
A noble and unselfish project by this band that didn't just seek stardom and fame.
Canadian-born singer/songwriter Glenn Lewis' sensational debut for Epic, World Outside My Window, was like a breath of fresh air when it was issued on March 19, 2002, just two days before the first day of spring. The buzz had been building around Lewis due to the album's lead single, "Don't You Forget It," which has a strong Stevie Wonder influence. The singer freely lists Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Gap Band-lead singer Charlie Wilson as some of his musical idols. Here we go with an amazing performance of " Rock With You " by MJ ...just Stunning...
Lenny Williams (born Leonard Charles Williams, February 16, 1945, Little Rock, Arkansas) is an American singer known for his work in the R&B and soul music genres. During the 1970s, he was the lead vocalist for Tower of Power. As a soloist, he made several hit recordings, including Cause I Love You and Choosing You.
One of the most popular saxophonists of all time, Grover Washington, Jr. was long the pacesetter in his field. His roots were in R&B and soul-jazz organ combos, but he also fared very well on the infrequent occasions when he played straight-ahead jazz. A highly influential player, Washingtonpushed himself with the spontaneity and risk-taking of a masterful jazz musician. Grover Washington, Jr.'s, father also played saxophone and was his first influence. The younger son started playing music when he was ten, and within two years was working in clubs. He picked up experience touring with The Four Clefsfrom 1959-1963 and freelancing during the next two years, before spending a couple years in the Army. He moved to Philadelphia in 1967, becoming closely identified with the city from then on, and worked with several organists, including Charles Earlandand Hjonny Hammond Smith, recording as a sideman for the Prestige label. His biggest break occurred in 1971, when Hank Crawford could not make it to a recording date for Creed Tasylor's Kudu label; Washingtonwas picked as his replacement, and the result was Inner City Blues, a big seller. From then on he became a major name, particularly after recording 1975's Mister Magicand Feels So Good, and later 1980's Winelight; the latter included the Bill Whitershit "Just the Two of Us." Although some of his recordings since then found him coasting a bit,Washingtonusually stretched himself in concert. He developed his own personal voices on soprano, tenor, alto, and even his infrequently-used baritone. Grover Wahsington Jr. recorded as a leader for Kudu, Motown, Elektra, and Columbia and made notable guest appearances on dozens of records ranging from pop to straightforward jazz. He died of a sudden heart attack on December 17, 1999 while taping an appearance on CBS television's The Saturday Early Show; Washingtonwas 56. The posthumous Ariawas issued early the following year.
Hey dear soulful friends. Today i'm doin' a Midnight Groove special post with some of my favorite joints and grooves. First out is Jamelia. born 11 January 1981, Her profesional music career began in 1999, when she release her debut single, "So High", followed by a more successful single, "I Do". She then release her debut full-length studio album, Drama in June 2000. Jamelia went onto release further successful singles, including "Superstar" and "Thank You" which charted at number three and number two on the UK Singles Charts respectively, with "Superstar" charting at number one in Australia and becoming platinum certified in Australia. She went onto further release another two studio albums, Thank You (2003) and Walk with Me (2006), before being dropped by her then-label, Parlophone.
Jamelia - Call Me (Goodfelles' Risin Remix)
Year: Rhythm Series Label: 2000
Atlantic Starr - You
Year: 1998 Label: Sound
Sweetback feat. Amel Larrieux - You Will Rise (Energise Mix)
b. 1st September 1943, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Maryland, U.S.A.
d. 20th November 2002, Barryville, Sullivan County, New York, U.S.A.
Webster Lewis was a fine pianist, clarinetist, conductor and arranger.
Webster was born 1st September, 1943 to the late Webster S. Lewis, Sr. and the late Virgie Gaines Lewis.
Although born in Baltimore, Webster Lewis moved to Los Angeles in the mid 1970's.
Prior to his move, Webster played the live circuit, cutting 'Live At Club 7' on Counterpoint Records, a three track live album that included his version of the Isley Brothers 'It's Your Thing'.
Lewis is a great favourite of punters and musicians alike, although he never attained mainstream success he thoroughly deserved...
Los Angeles born American singer-songwriter best known for his classic soundtrack for "The Mack". He also worked with many Motown artists, including The Jackson 5 for whom he co-wrote the hit "I'll Be There". Sadly Willie passed away at his Dallas home in September 2005 aged 60.
If Jimmy Buffet grew up in Detroit, it would sound like this. Rays new album IM FREE equals and surpasses his earlier hits. Produced, composed, arranged and sung by Parker, IM FREE showcases a new found beginning for this exceptional artist and embraces a variety of musical styles including Urban, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Reggae. This album represents a lot more than just a song or a project, says Ray. For the first time in many years I feel free to express myself the way I used to when I first started!
Utilizing the cream of L.A.s studio A team along with Ray himself on both acoustic and electric guitar, IM FREE exhibits a new maturity for the man who first gained fame writing and recording youth based love songs, both with his band RAYDIO (You Cant Change That) and later as a solo artist (Ghostbusters). With more adult themes to sing about, Ray wrote every song on the album with the exception of the David Gates/Bread hit Guitar Man. From the beautiful acoustic guitar opening on Mexico to the closing instrumental Gibsons Theme, Parker takes the listener on a heartfelt journey that is both musically stunning and lyrically moving .
Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, and Producer Ray Parker Jr. had hits as Raydio (the million-selling Jack and Jill, You Can't Change That), Ray Parker Jr. and Raydio (Two Places at the Same Time, A Woman Needs Love [Just Like You Do]"), Ray Parker Jr. (the number one R&B and pop gold single "Ghostbusters"), and co-wrote hit songs for Rufus and Chaka Khan (the number one "You Got the Love" from fall 1974) and Barry White ("You See the Trouble With Me" from spring 1976).
Born May 1, 1954, in Detroit, MI, Parker started out as a teenaged session guitarist playing on sessions recorded for Holland-Dozier-Holland's Hot Wax and Invictus Records whose roster listed Freda Payne, Honey Cone, Chairman of the Board, 100 Proof Aged in Soul, Laura Lee, and 8th Wonder. He'd also play behind the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Spinners, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and other Motown acts when they appeared at the Twenty Grand Club. In 1972, Wonder called Parker to ask him to play behind him on a tour that he was doing with the Rolling Stones. Parker thought it was a crank call and hung up the phone. Wonder called back and convinced Parker that he was the real deal by singing "Superstition" to him.
Later, Parker played on Wonder's albums Talking Book (1972) and Innervisions (1973). Moving from Detroit to Los Angeles, Parker got into session work playing on sides by Leon Haywood, Barry White, arranger Gene Page, and working with Motown producer Clarence Paul on Ronnie McNeir's 1976 Motown debut, Love's Comin' Down, and he appeared in the picnic scene in the Bill Cosby/Sidney Poitier comedy classic Uptown Saturday Night.
Deciding to become a recording artist, Parker got a deal with Arista Records in 1977. Not confident on his singing ability, he put together a band that included vocalist Arnell Carmichael, bassist/singer Jerry Knight (who later had his own solo hit with "Overnight Sensation" and as half of Ollie & Jerry and co-produced hits by the Jets), guitarist Charles Fearing, Larry Tolbert, and Darren Carmichael. However, on record, Parker played most, if not all of the instruments. Though after racking up hits, Arnell et al. were paid a retainer so they'd be available if Raydio had a hit record and needed to tour.
His first LP, Raydio, went gold, peaking at number eight R&B in spring 1978. The LP included the gold, number five R&B hit single "Jack and Jill" (lead vocal by Jerry Knight), "Is This a Love Thing," and the charting single "Honey I'm Rich." The hits continued with Ray Parker, Jr. and Raydio's gold, number four Rock On (the single "You Can't Change That" was number three R&B, number nine pop in the spring of 1979); the gold, number six R&B Two Places at the Same Time from spring 1980 ("Two Places at the Same Time" was number six R&B in spring 1980); and the number one gold record A Woman Needs Love from 1981 ("A Woman Needs Love [Just Like You Do]" -- the first song Parker sung all the way through without trading vocals -- held the number one R&B spot for two weeks and went number four pop in spring 1981). Then, as Ray Parker, Jr., The Other Woman held the number one R&B, number 11 pop spot in spring 1982 ("The Other Woman" was number two R&B for four weeks).
One of Parker's biggest hits and best loved songs, "Ghostbusters" was initially submitted for the background score of the Dan Aykroyd/Harold Ramis/Bill Murray/Ernie Hudson comedy. Director Ivan Reitman thought that the song should be released as a single.The "Ghostbusters" music video is one of the funniest and star-studded videos ever made (breakdancing Bill Murray style). "Ghostbusters" parked at the number one R&B spot for two weeks and the number one pop for three weeks on Billboard's charts in summer 1984.
Parker also wrote and produced hits for New Edition ("Mr. Telephone Man" -- Parker originally recorded this with Jr. Tucker for his 1983 self-titled Geffen album), Randy Hall ("I've Been Watching You [Jamie's Girl]," the refreshing "Gentleman"), Cheryl Lynn ("Shake It Up Tonight" from In the Night), Deniece Williams (the 1979 ARC/Columbia LP When Love Comes Calling, the 1981 Bang LP Brick, Summer Heat), and Diana Ross ("Upfront" from her 1983 RCA LP Ross).
Parker left Arista for Geffen then MCA before returning to Arista because of his relationship with Arista president Clive Davis.
The Controllers are an American soul and R&B vocal group, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, who had a series of successful recordings in the late 1970s and the 1980s.
Players Association wasn’t exactly the band du jour in disco’s heyday, but they did manage to strike up a modest cult following with their first two releases, reissued here by the excellent Ace records imprint. Make no mistake, this isn’t pure commercial disco ala the chart toppers of the time, rather this is a wonderful hybrid of jazz, funk and disco by skilled musicians. Granted, many of the better tunes on here are covers, but “Hustlin” and “Ride The Groove” are probably the best two tracks the band ever recorded. This is quite easily all of the Players Association one could possibly want or need in their record collection
Year : 1977 Label : Vanguard
This is my favourite Hit...a real BOMB!!!!Amazing Synth...
Marlon 'The Magician' McClain (Guitars and Background Vocals)
Bruce Carter (b. Bruce Edward Carter, 28th December 1956, d. 12th August 2006, Portland, Oregan, U.S.A., Drums)
Tony Collins (Trumpet / Flugelhorn)
Donald Hepburn (Keyboards and Background Vocals)
Michael Hepburn (Keyboards and Background Vocals)
Nathaniel Phillips (Bass and Background Vocals)
Bruce Smith (Percussion and Background Vocals)
Sherman Davis (Lead Vocals and Background Vocals)
Pleasure blended soul, funk and jazz with a tough street edge and became a cult group on the underground black music scene of the late 70's.
Bruce Edward Carter, as a teenager, formed a Portland R & B band called the Franchise with friends Marlon McClain on guitar and Nathaniel Phillips on bass.
In 1972, the band merged with a rival band, the Soul Masters, to form Pleasure.
Strong Love is an amazing smooth jazz funk - soul tune...I just adore this sound!
From the moment Chaka came on the music scene, as a member of the sophistofunk band Rufus, one of the first multi-racial pop/rock/soul bands, it was apparent that someone of vocal importance was emerging. Chaka was a new breed of singer -- self-taught and she bluntly ignored tradition. When it wasn't fashionable for singers to record their own background vocals, Khan made her own fashion statement and arranged her own -- laying down one track while assembling another -- competing with herself endlessly until all of her trademark vocals were seamlessly matched.
Chaka's unprecedented contralto and incalculable vocal range, originality and delivery (not to mention her sublime physical presence!), set new standards in the music world and in recent years, Chaka's style has been emulated by a legion of female singers. Although imitation is the sincerest form of flattery -- Chaka Khan is clearly in a class by herself. Her vocal style, identifiable in a flash, is a major force of nature in music, a sound like no other.
When Chaka first emerged, she was a young girl from Chicago with relentless enthusiasm and a God-given talent for singing. Born Yvette Marie Stevens on March 23, 1953, in the Chicago suburb of Great Lakes, she formed her first group, The Crystalettes, at the age of 11 and began her professional career at 15. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells, and a few years later, while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program, she adopted the name Chaka, which is African for "Woman of Fire". Her full African name is Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi. She later acquired Khan from a brief marriage in her late teens.
After quitting school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, The Babysitters. She worked as a file clerk by day and sang in local clubs at night. At 18, she made her move to Los Angeles and hooked up with a group of fledgling musicians called Rufus. Two years later, in 1973, their self-titled debut album "Rufus" was released. Their second album "Rags To Rufus" (1974) contained the Grammy award winning classic "Tell Me Something Good", and all of a sudden they found themselves being the name on everybody's lips. Chaka had set out to become a singer and instantly became a star.
In the years to come, Rufus and Chaka Khan would prove to be one of the most influential pop, rock, funk and R&B groups around and the central reason was Khan's amazing vocal talents and electrifying stage presence. With a string of classic gold and platinum albums like "Rufusized", "Ask Rufus", "Street Player" and "Masterjam", the band endured as one of music's most popular and successful groups of the seventies. In 1978, Chaka made her solo album debut and had an instant hit with "I'm Every Woman", penned by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. She was now a star in her own right and enjoyed great success with her following albums "Naughty" (1980), "What Cha' Gonna Do For Me" (1981) and "Chaka Khan" (1982).
Chaka would continue to record three more albums with Rufus but it was inevitable that she eventually would step out her own. In 1983, she left the group for good. And after Chaka -- there was no more Rufus. They said "thank you and goodbye" with one of the best live albums ever released -- "Live: Stompin At The Savoy". The album produced the immortal Grammy winning single "Ain't Nobody", which turned out to be one of their biggest hits and a song that, maybe more than any other, defines the inimitable vocal style of Chaka Khan.
Chaka Khan is among the few singers who have left a group and continued to reap ever greater success. Album after album has produced Top Ten hits including "I'm Every Woman", "This Is My Night", "Got To Be There", "What Cha' Gonna Do For Me", and her biggest hit "I Feel For You" -- the rap-tinged Prince classic which scored on the charts in 1984 and earned her a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Female Vocalist.
Chaka has always delighted in working with an outstanding array of talented contemporaries across genres. She has contributed to more than 70 different albums, working with artists as diverse as David Bowie, Quincy Jones, The Manhattan Transfer, Lenny White, Joe Henderson, Eric Clapton, Gladys Knight, Stephen Bishop, Guru, Joni Mitchell and Brandy. On her own recordings, she's hosted guests like The Artist, Miles Davis, Bobby McFerrin, Larry Graham, Queen Latifah, Dizzy Gillespie, Me'Shell Ndeg閛cello and the guys of Toto.
Always searching for ways to execute her originality and inspiration, Chaka recorded a jazz album, "Echoes Of An Era" (1982). This album ran the gamut of musical moods that served notice of a creative giant step for the richly talented and dynamic singer.
Heavily involved in charitable work, Chaka Khan has established The Chaka Khan Foundation to assist drug and alcohol treatment and/or services for women and their children, to support battered women and those with HIV. Says Chaka: "It's time to build up and time to give back." Her life harmonious and focused, Khan is just as likely to be at a 1PM board meeting about her foundation and starring at a sold out 10PM concert.
Chaka's most recent album "Come 2 My House" (1998) is a classic blend of her talent and demonstrates even further growth of her vocal abilities and creative prowess. She is what she is and she'll only do what she likes. Many people like to place her in the soul and R&B category, some call her a jazz singer -- some might even call her a disco diva. Nothing could be more wrong. On her albums you will find everything from bittersweet soul ballads, blistering pop covers, funk-drenched rap, smoky jazz renderings and all the way through the jungle to energetic rock n' roll, spiritual gospel, powerful disco, syncopated funk, steamy R&B and, yes -- back again. "Come 2 My House" was co-produced by The Artist and Chaka and proves, yet again, ample evidence that Chaka Khan will always transcend any categorization.
Like any other singer, Chaka Khan has been given several more or less fitting nicknames. But no, she's not the Queen of Soul, not the Godmother of R&B nor the Grand Lady of Funk. Yes, she may me divalicious -- but she's not a soul or disco diva. Chaka has perfected a style, a sizzling stage presence and intimacy with her adoring fans that keeps them stuck like glue. The New York Times once wrote: "Chaka Khan's singing is extraordinary. She can coo with a girlish sweetness, cut to the bone with a nasal Dinah Washington, turn, whisper a breathy invitation or proclaim high-flying jubilation." In New York Newsday, the words were equally flattering: "Her huge voice refuses to acknowledge any state other than sheer ecstasy."
My Fav tune ever...CLOUDS!!!!
An incredible display of vocals by the great Chaka Khan,,with great accompaniment of Whitney and Cissy Houston, Mark Stevens,Charlotte Crossley and Chaka herself on background vox!
Formed in the early '80s in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Mint Condition began as lead singer Stokley Williams, guitarist Homer O'Dell, keyboardist Larry Waddell, keyboardist/saxophonist Jeff Allen, keyboardist/guitarist Keri Lewis, and guitarist/bassist Rick Kinchen.
The six talented musicians combine a variety of influences and experiences to shape their own sound. Williams began playing classic West African instruments at the age of four, while O'Dell grew up listening to his father play blues bass and singing with him in a family group. Waddell played in a recording arts band at school and mastered keyboards by listening to jazz greats Oscar Peterson and Herbie Hancock. Exposed to his father's extensive jazz collection, Allen played keyboards and sax in local bands throughout his high school years, as Lewis was mastering keyboards, percussion, and guitar while attending school. Kinchen's first and strongest influence was his family, all of whom played instruments and encouraged his interest in music. He developed his skills as a bass player by listening to records by Stanley Clarke and Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson. Kinchen played in various bands in his native Chicago and performed at several productions at Kennedy-King College before moving to the Twin Cities.
The band was featured at the 1986 Minnesota Black Musician Awards program and built a strong core following for themselves in a five-state area (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Dakota, and Nebraska) as a result of their dazzling, highly energetic live shows. Mint Condition came to the attention of Minneapolis soul producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as a result of a showcase performance in 1989. The band had steady success beginning with the hits "(Breaking My Heart) Pretty Brown Eyes" and "Forever in Your Eyes" from their debut Meant to Be Mint, and with "Nobody Does It Betta" and "(U Send Me) Swinging" from their second album From the Mint Factory; they continued with the platinum success of the single "What Kind of Man Would I Be" from their gold album Definition of a Band. Going into the 21st century, Mint Condition was the only high profile R&B/pop band with a major-label recording represented by their excellent Life's Aquarium, issued in November 1999. ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
Instant funk formed in the early 70s by Raymond Earl, Scotty Miller and guitarist Kim Miller originally called The Music Machine. Music Machine started out backing local Philladelphia act, The TJN's. In 1971 their manager Jackie Ellis decided to rename the band Instant Funk because of their ability to, "find a groove and lock in to it instantly."
Bunny Sigler discovered the band and they became his backing band before becoming a feature band in their own right. They released their first independent album, "Get Down With the Philly Jump," in 1976.
Members:
Raymond Earl (bass)
Scotty Miller (drums)
Kim Miller (guitar)
Dennis Richardson (keyboards)
James Carmichael (lead vocals)
Larry Davis (horns)
Eric Huff (horns)
Johnny Onderlinde (horns)
George Bell
Charles Williams (percussion)
The group was started in 1976 in White Plains, New York by trumpeter Duke Jones (who left the band prior to their first recordings), drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, percussionist and flautist Joseph Phillips, and three brothers: David Lewis (vocals and guitar), Wayne Lewis (keyboards and vocals), and Jonathan Lewis (percussion and trombone). Other members of the band were lead singer Sharon Bryant (who was later replaced by Barbara Weathers), trumpeter William Sudderth, and saxophonist Damon Rentie (who was replaced by Koran Daniels). In 1977 the band came to Westwood, California and performed on the nightclub scene under the name "Newban" which was changed on their debut hit single.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Atlantic Starr scored several hits on the R&B charts. However, significant crossover success (onto the pop charts) did not come until halfway into the 80s, with the release of their As The Band Turns album, and the single "Secret Lovers." By this time, the band had pared itself down to a quintet, consisting of the three Lewis brothers, Phillips, and Weathers. In 1987, the band solidified their pop success by scoring a #1 pop (and R&B) hit with "Always," a slow jam off their album All In The Name Of Love. Following this success, Weathers left for a solo career, and she was replaced by Porscha Martin for the band's next album, 1988's We're Movin' Up. Although this album was not quite as successful as its predecessor, it did produce another #1 R&B hit with "My First Love."
The band would continue to score hits on both the R&B and Pop charts into the early 90s. 1991 saw the introduction of yet another new female lead singer, when Martin was replaced by Rachel Oliver for the album, Love Crazy[1]. This album featured the band's biggest hit of the 90s, with "Masterpiece" reaching #3 on both the pop and R&B charts in early 1992.The Group toured to Japan in 1992 with yet another lead vocalist at the helm "Crystal Blake" (Studio vocalist for Stevie Wonder,and lead on " Bust A Move" w/ Youmg M.C.)
Following the release of Love Crazy, Atlantic Starr's relationship with Warner Bros. Records dissolved, and in 1994, the band recorded one album for Arista: Time. That album was a commercial disappointment and the single "I'll Remember You" only made it to the fifties on Billboard's R&B and pop singles charts. Time (which was David Lewis' last album with the band) found a fifth female singer, Aisha Tanner, replacing Oliver. And when 1999's Legacy was distributed by the small, independent Street Solid label, Atlantic Starr unveiled yet another lineup—one that consisted of two Lewis Brothers (Wayne and Jonathan) as well as Oliver (who had returned and replaced Tanner) and a new male singer named DeWayne Woods. Although Legacy received little attention, Atlantic Starr still continue to perform.
