Rhythm and Blues and Disco come together in a spectacular show featuring MAXINE NIGHTINGALE “Lead Me On” ★ “Right Back Where We Started From” THE MANHATTANS “Shining Star” ★ “Kiss and Say Goodbye” PEACHES AND HERB “Reunited” ★ “Shake Your Groove Thing” EVELYN “CHAMPAGNE” KING “Shame” MARTHA REEVES Heat Wave ★ Dancing in the Street Alternates and Additions FRANCE
A musical institution, Blood Sweat & Tears has left an indelible mark on the American music scene since 1968. One of the greatest horn bands in the history of popular music, BS&T’s alumni roster reads like a Who’s Who of the world’s greatest jazz and rock musicians. As BS&T has evolved through the years, it
Reggie and Vincent Calloway’s songs have been nominated for 5 Grammys. They recorded over ten #1 singles and were voted by Billboard magazine as one of the greatest music production teams of all time. Their prolific talents as top music producers, hit writers, musicians and artists have attracted some of the biggest names in music.
The Chi-Lites were formed in Chicago in 1959. Originally called the Hi-Lites, they consisted of Marshall Thompson, Creadel “Red” Jones, Eugene Record, Robert Lester and Clarence Johnson. As the Hi-Lites they released a number of singles on local labels then in 1964 they changed their name to Marshall & the Chi-Lites; the ‘C’ being added
For three decades, the Commodores have remained a force in the music industry. “The Legends of Motown,” “The Mighty, Mighty Commodores,” “Hit after Hit after Hit,” “All The Excitement, All The Emotion.” Just like their hit song “Brick House”, the Commodores have created a foundation that just won’t budge. After being discovered by Berry Gordy in
The road to a Motown recording contract wasn’t an easy one for The Contours. Berry Gordy wasn’t very impressed following a 3-song audition in 1959 and sent them packing. Hubert Johnson, one of the original members of The Contours thought his cousin, the legendary Jackie Wilson might be able to help the group with some
The Crystals were one of the most successful girl groups of the 1960s. Barbara Alston , Mary Thomas , Delores “Dee Dee” Kennibrew, Merna Girard and Patricia “Patsy” Wright formed the band in high school under the leadership of Alston’s uncle, Benny Wells. The group soon signed with Phil Spector’s label Philles Records. Spector then
Billboard magazine notes that with no less than 55 hit singles, which include “Don’t Make Me Over”, “Anyone Who Had A Heart”, “I Say A Little Prayer”. “Do You Know The Way To San Jose”, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”, among many other classics, the legendary Dionne Warwick is the second most charted female of
Felix Cavaliere was born Nov. 29, 1942 in Pelham NY. His mother was a pharmacist and his father was a dentist. His mother wanted only the best for her only son, and had dreams of him becoming a classical pianist. To reach this goal, Felix was instructed in piano 3 times a week from the
No other popular quartet stayed together with original personnel intact for as long as the legendary Four Tops. And no other group associated with the American 60s sound has succeeded in remaining as fresh, joyful, lively, and timely. The Four Tops created a special magic that continues to delight audiences of all ages and nationalities,
Born in Detroit, Michigan on September 19, 1942, Freda grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, which inspired her growing interest in music. While still in school, she began her musical career by singing radio commercial jingles in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Her polished voice caught the attention of music executives and
They are called “The Friends of Distinction” and for much of the last two decades, this talented four member, sophisticated jazz, R&B styled vocal group has distinguished itself in major entertainment arenas across the US. and Europe. The original Friends of Distinction was formed in 1968 by Floyd Butler and Harry Elston, both alumni of
One of the most influential groups in the history of R&B, Charlie Wilson and his brothers, Robert and Ronnie, made themselves famous with their nonstop humorous funk grooves. You can probably get a witness of their style from many of the “new school” performers such as, R. Kelly, Keith Sweat, Ruff Endz, Guy, Blackstreet, Jagged
For those who weren’t there, it’s hard to imagine the impact of the arrival of Disco. For a decade, it made New York City the center of the universe, the decadent, dazzling and glamorous palace of all the night life in the world. Disco created a whole new heaven of stars, and the biggest of
“A Unique and Talented Performer” “One of A Kind Voice” “A Singer for All Ages” These are just some of the descriptions of JoJo, lead singer of the Mary Jane Girls. Her vocals on such hits as “All Night Long,” “In My House,” and “Candy Man” created an unmistakable sound heard world wide for the
KC and The Sunshine Band is one of the most recognizable names from the disco craze of the ’70s. KC, otherwise known as Harry Wayne Casey garnered a total of nine Grammy nominations, winning three of them, including two for his work on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, and an American Music Award as well.
Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley is a very strong female funk band and dynamic vocal group, with the purpose and intent to deliver uncompromising grooves with style, class and taste. Klymaxx smash Billboard hits from the 80s remain popular on radio stations all over the world. “Meeting In The Ladies’ Room”, a high spirited number you just
Little Anthony & the Imperials enjoyed one of the longest career runs of any doo wop group, adapting their honey-smooth style to fit the sweet uptown soul sound of the mid-’60s. Right from the beginning, Little Anthony’s aching way with a ballad was the group’s calling card, but their repertoire was balanced by more R&B-inflected
Taking their name from the popular mixed drink, the Manhattans began their legendary musical journey after being spotted at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. They placed third in the competition, but their undeniable musical star power earned them their first recording contract. Joe Evans, a former Motown musician, had just started Carnival Records and
Martha Reeves was born in Eufaula, Alabama. Her parents Ruby and Elijah Reeves moved to Detroit, Michigan before her first birthday. Martha’s mother has been her greatest inspiration and teacher. Ruby and Elijah both sing and play the guitar solely for the family’s delight and pleasure. Raised on the east side, she attended Russell Elementary
The Marvelettes occupy an esteemed place in the history of American popular music as the group that caused Motown, and most notably Berry Gordy to change the label’s focus from single bluesy soul artists (previously Barrett Strong’s “Money” had been the label’s biggest seller) to a smooth orchestrated harmonic sound that transcended the prior racial
Say the word “Miracles” and all kinds of images from the golden era of the Motown Record Corporation comes to mind. The Miracles were the first Motown group to break through bringing Berry Gordy’s fledgling Detroit record company its first gold record for selling a million copies. The song was “Shop Around” and the year was 1960.
High octane, turbo, high performance, super-charged – MITCH RYDER & The Detroit Wheels didn’t need to hail from the Motor City for those adjectives to be tossed their way, but it was certainly appropriate that they called Motown home. It was Mitch and The Wheels who served as the musical bridge between the Motown soul
It was in 1957 when Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles began as a quintet called the Triumphs of McKinley High School in Canton, OH. In 1960, they became the Mascots but were renamed The O’Jays in 1963 after legendary radio D.J. Eddie O’Jay. Things began to take off for
Over an illustrious career that has spanned close to 4 decades, Peaches & Herb have established themselves as an international household name. This dynamic duo’s hitmaking reputation has been firmly etched into the public consciousness with nearly 60 records that have made the charts since “Let’s Fall In Love” began its climb up the charts in the
