Club Nouveau

Club Nouveau is an R&B group from Sacramento, California that first gained success in the mid ’80s.

The group was formed by record producer\singer Jay King in 1986 after his previous group, the Timex Social Club disbanded. Originally, the members consisted of Jay, Valerie Watson, Samuelle Prater, Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy. They were signed to Warner Bros. Records.

During that same year, they released their debut single, “Jealousy” which peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart (along with the B-side, “Malicious Jealousy”), staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

It also peaked at #80 on the UK Singles chart, #12 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Modern Girls.”

On December 6, 1986, Club Nouveau released their debut studio album, “Life, Love & Pain” peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “Situation #9” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. It also peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The third single, a cover version of Bill Withers’ 1972 song, “Lean On Me”  became a hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in March of 1987, Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for a week in April of 1987 (staying on the chart for 10 weeks).

The song also peaked at #3 on the UK Singles chart, #31 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. Internationally, it was successful in Canada, New Zealand, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Switzerland, West Germany and Austria.

The success of “Lean on Me” earned the group a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song” and a Grammy nomination for “Best R&B Performance.” It was also certified Gold in the United States and Silver in the United Kingdom.

The fourth single, “Why You Treat Me So Bad” peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. It also peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on chart for 6 weeks.

The song has been sampled by various artists such as Luniz, Puff Daddy, Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti.

The fifth single released from the album, “Let Me Go” didn’t make the charts. The last single, “Heavy On My Mind” peaked at #42 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. The last single.

In 1987, Club Nouveau was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Who’s That Girl” with the track, “Step By Step” which was released as a single in Japan, but it’s unknown how it charted.

On May 24, 1988, they released their sophomore album, “Listen to the Message” which peaked at #98 on the Billboard 200 and #44 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. 

Samuelle and Thomas left the group before recording the album, and were replaced with Kevin Irving and David Agent.

The lead single, “It’s a Cold, Cold World!” peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The follow-up singles from the album: “For the Love of Francis” and “Envious” failed to chart at all.

On October 23, 1989, Club Nouveau released their third studio album, “Under a Nouveau Groove” which peaked at #39 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single, “No Friend of Mine” peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The follow-up singles, the title song and “Momentary Lover” didn’t make any impact on the charts. Afterwards, David left the group and Denzil went on to form a production duo with Thomas called Foster & McElroy.

On April 30, 1992, the group released their fourth album, “A New Beginning” on Columbia Records which peaked at #80 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Oh Happy Day” peaked at #45 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The follow-up singles from the album: “I Like Your Way”, “When Will You Come Back To Me” and “Watch Your Step” failed to make the charts at all.

In 1994, Club Nouveau released the single, “Ghetto Swang” which didn’t make the charts at all.

On October 10, 1995, they released their fifth studio album, “Everything is Black” on the Rip-It record label which flopped on the charts along with the follow-up single, “Let It Go.”

In 1998, the group released their first compliation album, “The Collection Volume 1” on the Lightyear Entertainment label.

One of the tracks from the album, “What Kind of Love (Secret Rendezvous) was released as a single, but didn’t make any impact on the charts.

In later years, nothing much was heard from Club Nouveau and the members of the group focused on other projects. In 2009, Samuelle reunited with the group.

In June of 2015 (nineteen years after the release of their previous album), Club Nouveau released their sixth album, “Consciousness” on their own record label, Nouveau Music. 

One of the tracks from the album, “That Ain’t Love” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

These days (according to research), Club Nouveau continues to perform and tour with Jay, Valerie and Samuelle as the current lineup.

To see Club Nouveau’s official website, go to:

https://clubnouveau.me/

To follow Club Nouveau on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/theclubnouveau/

To see a video for “Jealousy”, go to:

To see a video for “Situation #9”, go to:

To see a video for “Lean on Me”, go to:

To see a video for “Why You Treat Me So Bad”, go to:

To see a video for “Let Me Go”, go to:

To see a video for “Heavy On My Mind”, go to:

To see a video for “Step By Step”, go to:

To see a video for “It’s a Cold, Cold World!”, go to:

To see a video for “For the Love of Francis”, go to:

To see a video for “Envious”, go to:

To see a video for “No Friend of Mine”, go to:

To see a video for “Under a Nouveau Groove”, go to:

To see a video for “Momentary Lover”, go to:

To see a video for “Oh Happy Day”, go to:

To see a video for “When Will You Come Back to Me”, go to:

To see a video for “I Like Your Way”, go to:

To see a video for “Watch Your Step”, go to:

To see a video for “Ghetto Swang”, go to:

To see a video for “Let It Go”, go to:

To see a video for “That Ain’t Love”, go to:

[updated on 12/22/2021]

Samuelle

Samuelle (born Grady Samuelle Prater from Sacramento, California) is an R&B singer from the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Samuelle was the lead singer for R&B group Club Nouveau. After they released their debut album, he left the group to pursue a solo career.

In 1990, he released his only solo album, “Living in Black Paradise” on Atlantic Records which peaked at #37 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “So You Like What You See” topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for 2 weeks in late October of 1990, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. It also peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The follow-up single, “Black Paradise” peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Greedy Man” didn’t make the charts at all. Between 1991 and 1995, he provided vocals for artists such as Alexander O’Neal, Michael Cooper and F-Mob.

In 1995, Samuelle released the single, “All That Matters To Me” on the Bellmark Records label which didn’t make the charts at all.

In 2005, he and his brother released the single, “Don’t Worry There’s Love in The Ghetto” independently under the name Samuelle and Dylnn.

Around 2009, Samuelle reunited with Club Nouveau and has been performing with them ever since. In 2011, he joined the reformed version Timex Social Club with and performs with them occasionally.

To see a video for “So You Like What You See”, go to:

To see a video for “Black Paradise”, go to:

To see a video for “Greedy Man”, go to:

To see a video for “All That Matters To Me”, go to:

[updated on 12/22/2021]

Whistle

Whistle was a hip-hop\R&B music group from Brooklyn, New York during the mid-’80s and ’90s.

The group formed in 1985 and originally consisted of Garvin Dublin, Brian Faust and Rickford Bennett. They later signed a record deal with Select Records.

In 1986, Whistle released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #24 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “(Nothing Serious) Just Buggin'” peaked at #7 on the UK Singles chart and #17 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Please Love Me” peaked at #91 on the UK Singles chart, but didn’t make the charts in the United States.

The third single from the album, “Just for Fun” peaked at #61 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The last single, “Barbara’s Bedroom” peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

During that same year, Whistle released a holiday single, “Live At The North Pole.” The track from the single,  “Santa Is a B-Boy” which managed to peak at #92 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

In 1988, they released their sophomore album, “Transformation” which peaked at #42 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. During that time, two new members were added to the group: Kraze and Tarek Stevens (who replaced Garvin after he left the group).

The first single, “Falling in Love” peaked at #41 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The second single, “Still My Girl” peaked at #95 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Right Next to Me” peaked at #52 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1990, Whistle released their third studio album, “Always & Forever” peaked at #34 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, a cover version of Heatwave’s 1976 song, “Always & Forever” peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Bad Habit” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, (staying on the chart for 10 weeks) and #13 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. It also peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single released from the album, “Do You Care” (featuring jazz musician Najee) peaked at #69 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1992, the group released their last album to date, “Get The Love” which peaked at #75 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “If You Don’t Say” peaked at #53 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single, “I Am” peaked at #92 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

In 1995, Whistle released their greatest hits compliation album, “The Best of Whistle” which didn’t make the charts.

The only single released from the album, “Chance For Our Love” (which was originally featured on their debut album) peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #20 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B Singles chart.

Afterwards, it seems as if Whistle has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what the members of the group are currently up to these days.

To see a video for “(Nothing Serious) Just Buggin'”, go to:

To see a video for “Please Love Me”, go to:

To see a video for “Just for Fun”, go to:

To see a video for “Barbara’s Bedroom”, go to:

To see a video for “Santa Is a B-Boy”, go to:

To see a video for “Falling in Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Right Next To Me”, go to:

To see a video for “Always & Forever”, go to:

To see a video for “Bad Habit”, go to:

To see a video for “Do You Care”, go to:

To see a video for “If You Don’t Say”, go to:

To see a video for “I Am”, go to:

To see a video for “Chance For Our Love”, go to:

[updated on 12/23/2021]

Pebbles

Pebbles (born Perri Arlette McKissack on August 29, 1964 in Oakland, California) is an R&B singer from the late ’80s and ’90s. She got the nickname “Pebbles” when she was 10 years old due to her resemblance of the cartoon character, Pebbles Flintstone from the animated sitcom, “The Flintstones.”

Pebbles is one of four children in her family. Her parents divorced when she was 6 years old and her mother worked as a waitress and a housekeeper to make ends meet. She is the cousin of R&B singer Cherrelle.

In 1981, when she was 16 years old, she made her musical debut as a back-up singer for percussionist/band leader Bill Summers and funk\R&B band Con Funk Shun. She co-wrote one of Con Funk Shun’s singles, “Body Lovers.”

At the age of 19, a local musician gave Pebbles a production deal which fell through after she became pregnant with her daughter, Ashley, who was born in January of 1983. She was married to Ashley’s father from 1983 to 1984.

While working at a real estate office in Oakland, California, she met contractor, George L. Smith, whom she married in 1985. George gave Pebbles $8,000 for a demo tape and video for the song, “Mercedes Boy” which led to her signing a record deal with MCA Records.

In 1987, Pebbles released her debut single, “Love/Hate” which was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Beverly Hills Cop II.” The song peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

In October of that same year, she released her follow-up single, “Girlfriend” became a hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on the UK Singles and topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks in February of 1988, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.

The song was originally intended for Vanessa Williams’ 1988 debut album, “The Right Stuff.” According to L.A. Reid, Vanessa’s record label showed interest in her recording the song, but after Pebbles heard the song and offered Reid more money and two cars for a chance to record it, it was given to her. Due to the incident, Vanessa never spoke to L.A. Reid again.

It also earned Pebbles her first Grammy Award nomination in 1989 for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance”, but she lost to Anita Baker and her song, “Giving You the Best That I Got.”

On November 16, 1987, she released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200, #56 on the UK Albums chart and #5 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It was certified Platinum in the United States by the RIAA with sales of 1,000,000.

The follow-up single from the album, “Mercedes Boy” became Pebbles’ second number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in May of 1988. It also peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #42 on the UK Singles chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for 2 weeks, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The third single, “Take Your Time” peaked at #41 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single from the album, “Do Me Right” peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. During that time, she divorced her second husband, George. 

In July of 1989, Pebbles married L.A. Reid. During that same year, she formed a production company called Pebbitone. In 1990, she gave birth to her son, Aaron.

In August of 1990, she released the single, “Giving You the Benefit” which topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for three weeks in October of that same year (staying on the chart for 16 weeks), making it Pebbles’ third number-one R&B hit. 

It also peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot Hot 100, #73 on the UK Singles chart, #4 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart and #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

On September 11, 1990, Pebbles released her sophomore album, “Always” which peaked at #37 on the Billboard 200 and #12 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The second single from the album, “Love Makes Things Happen” (featuring Babyface) became Pebbles’ fourth number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for 2 weeks in the winter of 1991, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. It also peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #24 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

The third single, “Backyard” (featuring Salt-n-Pepa) peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also peaked at #30 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single released from the album, “Always” peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The song featured backing vocals from Babyface, Johnny Gill and her cousin, Cherrelle.

In 1991, Pebbles began managing R&B group TLC after members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes signed production, management and publishing deals with Pebbitone. She found the third member of the group, Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas (who was a part-time back-up dancer for R&B group Damian Dame at the time). 

In 1993, she founded her own record label, Savvy Records. By 1994, TLC had become one of the most successful music groups of the ’90s, thanks to their sophomore album, “Crazysexycool.”

On September 12, 1995, she released her third studio album, “Straight from My Heart” which peaked at #146 on the Billboard 200 and #43 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The only single released from the album, “Are You Ready?” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. 

During that same year, TLC filed for bankruptcy due to Pebbles’ alleged mismanagement with their funds. The conflict damaged her marriage to L.A. Reid, whom she divorced in 1996 and Pebbitone sued LaFace Records for $10 million.

In 1997, Pebbles underwent a religious conversion, changed her stage name to Sister Perri and became a minister, founding Women of God Changing Lives Ministries. In 2000, she married former Major League Baseball player Otis Nixon; by 2004, they were divorced.

On February 8, 2008 (thirteen years after the release of her previous album), she released her fourth and first gospel music album, “Prophetic Flows Vol I & II” on the Angel Child, Inc. record label which peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart.

In February of 2011, Pebbles was named the executive producer and host of Essence’s National R&B Search. In 2012, she married her fifth husband, administrative law judge Excel Sharieff. These days (according to research), she is still involved with her ministry.

To see Pebbles’ official website, go to:

https://pebbles2day.com/

To see Sister Perri’s official website, go to:

http://sisterperri.com/

To see the website for Women of God Changing Lives, go to:

http://wogcl.org/

To follow Pebbles on Twitter, go to:

https://twitter.com/pebbles2day

To see a video for “Love/Hate”, go to:

To see a video for “Girlfriend”, go to:

To see a video for “Mercedes Boy”, go to:

To see a video for “Take Your Time”, go to:

To see a video for “Do Me Right”, go to:

To see a video for “Giving You the Benefit”, go to:

To see a video for “Love Makes Things Happen”, go to:

To see a video for “Backyard”, go to:

To see a video for “Always”, go to:

To see a video for “Are You Ready?”, go to:

To see a video for “Let Freedom Reign” (from her “Prophetic Flows Vol. I & II” album), go to:

[updated on 12/19/2021]

Cheryl Pepsii Riley

Cheryl Pepsii Riley (born Cheryl Bridget Riley on October 18, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York) is an R&B singer from the late ’80s and ’90s.

Cheryl was born in Brooklyn, New York to James Madison Riley and Lucia Viola Riley. In her teen years, she attended Clara Barton High School. After completing high school, she worked as a nurse for handicapped children. She also studied music at Hunter College.

In 1982, she began her music career as the lead singer for the band, Stargaze. Full Force member Bowlegged Lou asked Cheryl to record the song, “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” but she turned it down because she didn’t want to spread herself too thin. The song would ultimately became a hit for Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam.

In 1988, Cheryl released her debut studio album, “Me, Myself And I” on Columbia Records which peaked at #128 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Thanks For My Child” topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in November of 1988, staying on the chart for 21 weeks. 

The song was written by Bowlegged Lou, which was based on his experience with the complications of his wife’s first pregnancy. Cheryl still had her nurse’s job when it hit number one. It also peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The follow-up single, “Me, Myself and I” peaked at #18 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Every Little Thing About You” (featuring Full Force) peaked at #55 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1991, she released her sophomore album, “Chapters” which peaked at #62 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single, “How Can You Hurt the One You Love” peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The second and last single from the album, a cover version of Aretha Franklin’s 1968 song, “Ain’t No Way” peaked at #45 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The song featured backing vocals from R&B group Ex-Girlfriend.

In 1993, Cheryl released her third studio album, “…All That!” which didn’t appear to make the charts at all.

The lead single, “Gimme” peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Guess I’m in Love” peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1995, Cheryl released the single, “Good Lovin'” on the Pleasure Records label. After taking a break from music, she re-emerged in the late ’90s when she appeared on The Beatnuts’ album, “A Musical Massacre” on the tracks, “I Love It” and “Look Around.”

In 2000, she was featured on Snatch’s single, “Let Me Love You Boy.” In later years, she appeared in various Tyler Perry plays including “Madea’s Class Reunion”, “Madea Goes to Jail”, “Why Did I Get Married?”, “Laugh to Keep from Crying”, “Madea’s Big Happy Family” and “A Madea Christmas.”

In 2005, she was featured on the song, “Father Can You Hear Me” (with Tiffany Evans, Terrell Carter and Tamela Mann) which peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart.

In 2006 (thirteen years after the release of her last album), Cheryl released her fourth album, “Let Me Be Me” on her own record label, SodaFace Records. One of the tracks from the album, “Come Over” peaked at #87 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Songs chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 2012, she released the single, “I Need You To Know.” Three years later in 2015, she released her fifth studio album, “Still Believe.”

These days (according to research), Cheryl is still performing music and hosts a live weekly event called “Black Velvet Mondays, Musicians and Singers Jam” in the Village in New York City.

To follow Cheryl on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/cherylpepsii/

To see a video for “Thanks For My Child”, go to:

To see a video for “Me, Myself and I”, go to:

To see a video for “Every Little Thing About You”, go to:

To see a video for “How Can You Hurt The One You Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Ain’t No Way”, go to:

To see a video for “Gimme”, go to:

To see a video for “Guess I’m In Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Good Lovin'”, go to:

To see a video for “Come Over”, go to:

To see a video for “I Need You To Know”, go to:

[updated on 12/24/2021]

Madame X

Madame X was an R&B trio from Los Angeles, California that was put together by Bernadette Cooper from pop\R&B band Klymaxx.

The members consisted of Iris Parker, Valerie Victoria and Alisa Randolph. After securing a record deal with Atlantic Records, Bernadette began searching and auditioning girls to be part of the trio. 

Iris was discovered working at a clothing store that Bernadette frequented, Valerie was discovered at a Popeye’s restaurant and Alisa was the last member chosen from an audition at the Solar Building.

In 1987, Madame X released their only self-titled album which peaked at #162 on the Billboard 200 and #29 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The trio’s debut single, “Just That Type of Girl” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. 

It also peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Fatal Beauty.”

The follow-up single, “I Want Your Body” peaked at #56 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. 

Madame X had a limited promotional tour and mostly made appearances during it. They made appearances as guest artists and presenters at The BET Awards, the Soul Train Music Awards and The American Music Awards. They also appeared on “Showtime at The Apollo.”

In 1988, the trio performed the title track on the soundtrack to the film, “Action Jackson” which managed to peak at #83 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

Afterwards, it seemed as if Madame X faded into obscurity. Alisa released a solo album in 1990; sadly, in December of 2005, she died of breast cancer. 

According to research, Valerie is a member of The Platters. As of 2003, Iris has her own line of perfumes and fragrances: Pompadour, Lynn Parfumerie, Hashem Brothers Cairo and Egypt, and opened a boutique called Dea Di Notte.

To see a video for “Just That Type of Girl”, go to:

To see a video for “I Want Your Body”, go to:

To see a video for “Action Jackson”, go to:

[updated on 12/24/2021]

Klymaxx

Klymaxx is a female pop\R&B band from Los Angeles, California during the ’80s and ’90s.

The band was created by Bernadette Cooper in 1979. The first line-up consisted of Bernadette, Lynn Malsby, Lorena Porter Shelby, Ann Williams and sisters Denise and  and Cheryl Walk.

Denise and Cheryl later left the band and were replaced by Joyce “Fenderella” Irby. The band expanded with members Robbin Grider, Judy Takeuchi and Ann Williams.

Klymaxx were discovered by SOLAR Records executive Margaret “Sissy” Nash and signed to the label by president Dick Griffey.

In 1981, they released their debut studio album, “Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman” which didn’t make the charts at all. The album title was taken from the slogan of “Ladies’ Home Journal” magazine.

The lead single, the title song peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The follow-up single, “I Want To Love You Tonight” didn’t make any impact on the charts at all.

On September 14, 1982, Klymaxx released their sophomore album, “Girls Will Be Girls” which also didn’t make the charts. They became the first music act to work with producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

The first single, “Wild Girls” peaked at #78 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

The follow-up singles: “Convince Me”, “Heartbreaker (I’m Such A Mess)” and “The Man in My Life” didn’t make the charts. Afterwards, Ann was dropped from the band by their record label.

In 1982, the band released the single, “Multi-Purpose Girl” which was supposed to be featured on their next album, “Girls in the Band” which was scheduled to be released in 1983, but for unknown reasons, the album was never released.

Klymaxx later left SOLAR Records and signed a record deal with Constellation Records; at that point, Judy had left the band, reducing it to Lorena, Cheryl, Robbin, Lynn, Joyce and Bernadette.

In October of 1984, they released the single, “The Men All Pause” which peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks. 

It also peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

On November 30, 1984, Klymaxx released their third studio album, “Meeting in the Ladies Room” which peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The follow-up single, “Meeting in the Ladies Room” peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. It also peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The third single from the album, “I Miss You” became the band’s biggest hit to date, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song also peaked at #89 on the UK Singles chart, topped the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada and peaked #11 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The fourth single, “Lock and Key” peaked at #47 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. The last single from the album, “Love Bandit\I Betcha” didn’t chart.

In 1986, “The Men All Pause” was re-released as a single and peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100.

During that same year, the band released their fourth self-titled album which peaked at #98 on the Billboard 200 and #25 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Man Size Love” peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #86 on the UK Singles chart. It also peaked at #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 9 weeks) and #43 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Running Scared.”

The follow-up single, “Sexy” peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #18 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single, “I’d Still Say Yes” peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. It also peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks. The song’s success helped the album reach Gold status.

The fourth single from the album, “Divas Need Love Too” peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. The last single, “Fashion” didn’t make the charts. 

In 1987 (shortly after the album’s release), Bernadette left the band to pursue a solo career. Motown Records offered Joyce a solo record deal with the intention of her remaining with Klymaxx, but her solo deal didn’t sit well with the other members and she was kicked out of the band.

In 1988, Bernadette formed a music trio called Madame X. In 1989, Joyce released her solo album, “Maximum Thrust” and Bernadette released her solo album, “Drama According to Bernadette Cooper” in 1990. At that point, Lorena, Cheryl and Robbin were the remaining members of the band.

In 1990, Klymaxx released their fifth studio album, “The Maxx Is Back” on MCA Records which peaked at #168 on the Billboard 200 and #32 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. Drummer Maria Martinez joined the band after Bernadette left and was featured on the album. She performed & toured with the band during that time.

The lead single, “Good Love” peaked at #89 on the UK Singles chart, #23 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Private Party” peaked at #62 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. The last single released from the album, “When You Kiss Me” didn’t make the charts.

In 1994, the band released their sixth and last studio album to date, “One Day” on Joyce Irby’s record label, Eighteen Sixty Three EP Wrekudz which didn’t make the charts. At the point, the line-up consisted of Joyce, Robbin, Lorena, Cheryl and Terri Lyne Carrington.

The lead single, “All I Think About Is You” peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot R&B singles chart. The follow-up single, “4 The Ole Dawg N U” didn’t make any impact on the charts.

Afterwards, Klymaxx had disbanded and the members went on to pursue separate projects. Following the breakup, there was a legal confrontation involving Cheryl’s unauthorized use of the band’s name and trademark. The court ultimately ruled that the “Klymaxx” name and trademark can be used by any original member, but the member’s name must be featured as to not to mislead the public. 

In 2004, they reunited for the VH1 network series, “Bands Reunited”; however, Cheryl was not allowed to perform with them.

These days (according to research), there are three versions of Klymaxx currently performing: Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper, Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley and Joyce Irby & Klymaxx.

To see the website for Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper, go to:

https://www.klymaxxbernadettecooper.com/

To follow Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/Klymaxxbernadettecooper/

To follow Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper on Instagram, go to:

http://www.instagram.com/klymaxxbcofficial

To see the website for Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley, go to:

https://klymaxx.com/

To follow Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/Klymaxx-ft-Cheryl-Cooley-706823702794909/

To follow Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/klymaxxmusic/

To see the website for Joyce Irby & Klymaxx, go to:

https://klymaxxfm.com/home

To follow Joyce Irby & Klymaxx on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/KlymaxxFM

To follow Joyce Irby & Klymaxx on Instagram, go to:

http://instagram.com/klymaxxFM

To follow Bernadette Cooper on Instagram, go to:

http://www.instagram.com/bernadettecooperofficial

To follow Joyce Irby on Instagram, go to:

https://instagram.com/JoyceIrby

To see a video for “Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman”, go to:

To see a video for “I Want to Love You Tonight”, go to:

To see a video for “Wild Girls”, go to:

To see a video for “Convince Me”, go to:

To see a video for “Heartbreaker (I’m Such A Mess)”, go to:

To see a video for “The Man in My Life”, go to:

To see a video for “Multi-Purpose Girl”, go to:

To see a video for “The Men All Pause”, go to:

To see a video for “Meeting in the Ladies Room”, go to:

To see a video for “I Miss You”, go to:

To see a video for “Lock and Key”, go to:

To see a video for “Love Bandit”, go to:

To see a video for “I Betcha”, go to:

To see a video for “Man Size Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Sexy”, go to:

To see a video for “I’d Still Say Yes”, go to:

To see a video for “Divas Need Love Too”, go to:

To see a video for “Fashion”, go to:

To see a video for “Good Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Private Party”, go to:

To see a video for “When You Kiss Me”, go to:

To see a video for “All I Think About Is You”, go to:

To see a video for “4 The Ole Dawg N U”, go to:

[updated on 12/24/2021]

Boys Club

Boys Club was a pop music duo from Minneapolis, Minnesota that consisted of Eugene Wolfgramm (who went under the name Gene Hunt) and Joe Pasquale.

The duo was created by Don Hunter Powell in 1988 after Eugene left his family band, The Jets after their sophomore album, “Magic” was released.

In 1988, they released their only self-titled album on MCA Records which peaked at #93 on the Billboard 200. The first single from the album, “Danglin’ On A String” didn’t make any impact on the charts.

The follow-up single, “I Remember Holding You” became a hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

The last single released from the album, “The Loneliest Heart” peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the 1989 film, “She’s Out Of Control.”

During that time, they were featured on the soundtrack to the 1988 film, “License To Drive” with the track, “Time Starts Now.” By 1990, Boys Club had disbanded.

During that same year, Eugene briefly reunited with The Jets for their greatest hits compliation album, “The Best of The Jets.” According to research (as of 2010), he does marketing for a developer in Salt Lake City, Utah and runs a music production company.

In the ’90s, Joe released two solo albums: “P⋅R⋅E⋅Y” (in 1991) and “Riccochet” (in 1994). Afterwards, he worked as a songwriter and played in various bands until 1994 when he left the music business. In later years, he worked in technology, the director of operations for The GTD.com and worked as a house designer\builder.

These days (according to research), Joe lives in Nashville, Tennessee where he has his own studio production business as of 2009.

To see a video for “I Remember Holding You”, go to:

To see a video for “Danglin’ On A String”, go to:

To see a video for “The Loneliest Heart”, go to:

To see a video for “Time Starts Now”, go to:

[updated on 12/23/2021]

The Jets

The Jets is a pop\R&B\dance music band from Minneapolis, Minnesota that gained success throughout the mid-’80s.

The original line-up consisted of the eight oldest children of the Wolfgramm family: LeRoy (born on July 19, 1965), Eddie (born on August 14, 1966), Eugene (born on September 24, 1967), Haini (born Heinrich Wolfgram on January 25, 1968 on January 25, 1968), Rudy (born Rudolph Harold Wolfgramm on March 1, 1969), Kathi (born Katherine Wolfgramm on September 6, 1970), Elizabeth (born on August 19, 1972) and Moana (born on October 13, 1973).

Their parents, Maikeli (or “Mike”) and Vaké originally came from the country of Tonga; they have 17 children: 15 by birth and 2 (Eddie and Eugene) by adoption. They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The band originally called themselves Quasar after a then-popular (now defunct) brand of television sets, but they changed their names to The Jets, which was taken from Elton John’s song, “Bennie and the Jets” on the suggestion of their former manager, Don Powell, who helped them get a record contract with MCA Records.
On October 14, 1985, they released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
The lead single, “Curiosity” peaked at #41 on the UK Singles chart and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks. It also peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
The follow-up single, “Crush on You” became their first hit song, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the UK Singles chart.

It also peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 21 weeks), #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. In 1997, Aaron Carter covered the song for his self-titled debut album which peaked at #9 on the UK Singles chart.
The third single from the album, “Private Number” peaked at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #28 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. It also peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The last single released from the album, “You Got It All” topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart for 2 weeks in March of 1987. It also peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #79 on the UK Singles chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.

In 1997, Britney Spears recorded the song for her debut album, “…Baby One More Time”, but it was released on certain international editions of her second album, “Oops!… I Did It Again” and the “Oops!…I Did It Again (Remixes and B-Sides)” vinyl release.
On November 30, 1986, the band released their only Christmas music album, “Christmas with the Jets” which didn’t make the Billboard charts.
A promotional single, “On Christmas Night” was released, but didn’t chart. One of the tracks from the album, “Christmas in My Heart” was released as an airplay-only single in the United States, but it was released as a single in Japan.
In May of 1987, The Jets released the single, “Cross My Broken Heart” which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

It also peaked at #19 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #11 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Beverly Hills Cop II”.
On September 27, 1987, they released their sophomore album, “Magic” which peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 and #26 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The second single from the album, “I Do You” peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, #39 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #19 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
The third single, “Rocket 2 U” peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, #69 on the UK Singles chart and #3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. It also peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

In 1989, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”, but lost to Gladys Knight & the Pips with their song, “Love Overboard.”
The fourth single released from the album, “Make It Real” topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart for 3 weeks in late June of 1988, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The song also peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #47 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #24 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The Spanish-language version, “Allá Tu” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.
The fifth single, “Sendin’ All My Love” topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for a week in October of 1988, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. It also peaked at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #72 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
The last single from the album, “Anytime” missed the Hot 100, but managed to peak at #35 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. In 1988, Eugene left The Jets and formed a music duo with Joe Pasquale called Boys Club and scored a pop hit with the song, “I Remember Holding You” a year later.

In 1989, the band was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “The Karate Kid Part III” with the track, “Under Any Moon” featuring Glenn Medeiros. During that same year, they performed the theme song for the Disney animated series, ” Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers”.
On July 8, 1989, The Jets released their fourth studio album, “Believe” which peaked at #107 on the Billboard 200.
The first single from the album, “You Better Dance” peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #73 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. It also peaked at #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
The second single, “The Same Love” peaked at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #15 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
The song, “Under Any Moon” was re-issued as a single, but didn’t make the charts. The last single from the album, “Somebody to Love Me” also failed to make the charts at all.
On July 13, 1990, The Jets released their greatest hits compliation album, “The Best of The Jets” which didn’t make the charts. At that time, Eugene reunited with the band.
The lead single, “Special Kinda Love” peaked at #83 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. The follow-up single, “Forever in My Life” didn’t make the charts.

The Jets later became frustrated by how little money that they made and how much their manager, Don Powell made. They ultimately filed for bankruptcy and fired Don. In 1991, Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 19 years old; she eventually had her breast removed and has been in remission since then.
In 1995, the band released their sixth studio album, “Love People” on the Liberty Park record label which didn’t make the charts. By the mid-’90s, the Wolfgramm family left Minnesota, with various family members moving to California, Arizona, Hawaii and Utah.
In 1997, The Jets released their seventh album, “Love Will Lead the Way” on the Shadow Mountain record label. At that point, not all of the original members remained in the group. After Elizabeth and Moana left the band, the Wolfgramm brothers carried on with their younger sisters taking their place and attempted to form a pop music group called JETT17.
In 1998, they released their eighth album, “Then & Now” on the Cold Front record label. At that point, the band only had four of the original members remaining, but they also added three of their younger siblings to it.
Around that time, The Jets disbanded as the members got married, focused on their families and found work outside of music. In the 2000s, two greatest hits compliation albums were released: “20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of The Jets” (in 2001) and “All Their Best” (in 2004).
In 2006, Moana and Elizabeth formed a gospel music quintet featuring the oldest women of the Wolfgramm family, and released an album called “My Sisters”. During that same year, The Jets released the album, “Versatility” on the Hip-O Records label.

In October of 2009, the original members of The Jets (except for Elizabeth, who was pregnant at the time) reunited to perform at the Mega 80s & 90s Music Festival in Honolulu, Hawaii at the Blaisdell Center Arena along with Ready for the World, The Cover Girls and En Vogue.

On April 9, 2010, all the original members of the band (except for Eugene) performed at the State Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota for their 25th anniversary reunion show.
On January 15, 2014, the Jets released the album, “Reunited” on the Refinement Records label. At that point, the band consisted of Eddie, Elizabeth, Haini, Kathi, Leroy, Moana, Rudy and their sister, Natalia.

In 2015, the band celebrated their 30th anniversary in the Philippines in Manila and Cebu. In July of that same year, they performed at a concert in Orem, Utah with Debbie Gibson. In 2019, they were featured on the TV One network documentary series, “Unsung.”

These days, Eddie, Kathi, Elizabeth, Moana and Natalia perform as the current line-up of The Jets while LeRoy, Haini and Rudy perform as “The Jets 80s and 90s Experience” (along with their sister, Etvise, cousin Vanessa Naeta, LeRoy’s son, Evan and keyboardist\singer Mychael Pollard) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As of 2010, Eugene does marketing for a developer in Salt Lake City, Utah and runs a music production company.

To see The Jets’ official website, go to:
https://thejetsoriginalfamilyband.com/

To follow The Jets on Facebook, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/thejetsofficialfamilyband/

To follow The Jets 80’s and 90’s Experience on Facebook, go to:
https://www.vegas.com/shows/concerts/the-jets-experience/

To follow The Jets on Instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/thejetsband/
https://www.instagram.com/the80sjets/

To follow The Jets on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/jetsband

To see a video for “Curiosity”, go to:

To see a video for “Crush on You”, go to:

To see a video for “Private Number”, go to:

To see a video for “You Got It All”, go to:

To see a video for “On Christmas Night”, go to:

To see a video for “Christmas in My Heart” (from their “Christmas with the Jets” album), go to:

To see a video for “Cross My Broken Heart”, go to:

To see a video for “I Do You”, go to:

To see a video for “Rocket 2 U”, go to:

To see a video for “Make It Real”, go to:

To see a video for “Anytime”, go to:

To see a video for “Sendin’ All My Love”, go to:

To see a video for “You Better Dance”, go to:

To see a video for “The Same Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Somebody to Love Me”, go to:

To see a video for “Under Any Moon”, go to:

To see a video for “Special Kinda Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Forever in My Life”, go to:

To see a video for “Love People”, go to:

To see a video for “Ooh Baby” (from their “Then & Now” album), go to:

To see a video for “Pass Me By” (from their “Reunited” album), go to:

 

Force MDs

The Force MDs are an R&B group from Staten Island, New York who began their career in the early ’80s.

The group originally consisted of the Lundy brothers: Stevie D., Antoine (“T.C.D.”) and Rodney (“Khalil”); their uncle, Jesse Lee Daniels; and their friends, Trisco Pearson and Charles “Mercury” Nelson.

They started out performing on the street corners of Times Square, New York and during trips on the Staten Island ferry. After connecting with DJ Roger “Dr. Rock” Daniels, they performed as Dr. Rock & the Force MCs. In the summer of 1981, they were discovered by hip-hop promoter Vansilk. 

The group continued to work on their unique sound which consisted of a fusion of doo-wop harmonies and hip-hop music that involved singing and rapping, and one of the members’ “human beatbox” melodies at underground hip-hop shows.

In 1983, they gained more credibility and respect from local fans after they competed in an emcee lyrical battle against the Cold Crush Brothers from the Bronx. 

By 1984, the Force MDs signed a record deal with Tommy Boy Records, changing their image to a contemporary R&B group. In May of that same year, they released their debut single, “Let Me Love You” which peaked at #49 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

On September 14, 1984, the group released their debut studio album, “Love Letters” which peaked at #185 on the Billboard 200 and #28 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “Tears” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks. It also peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

The third single from the album, “Forgive Me Girl” peaked at #93 on the UK Singles chart and #49 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The fourth and last single, “Itchin’ for a Scratch” peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. 

It also peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #49 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles chart. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Rappin’.”

On December 15, 1985, Force MDs released their sophomore album, “Chillin'” which peaked at #69 on the Billboard 200 and #14 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Tender Love” became a hit for the group, peaking at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. 

It also peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #23 on the UK Singles chart and #2 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Krush Groove” (where they also appeared in).

The follow-up single, “Here I Go Again” peaked at #98 on the UK Singles chart and  #18 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single from the album, “One Plus One” peaked at #29 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single, “Walking On Air” didn’t make the charts, but the B-side, “I Wanna Know Your Name” peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

In May of 1987, Force MDs released the single, “Love is a House” which topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for two weeks in September of that same year, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. It also peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #97 on the UK Singles chart.

On June 11, 1987, they released their third studio album, “Touch and Go” which peaked at #67 on the Billboard 200 and #12 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The second single, “Touch and Go” peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “Couldn’t Care Less” peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

In 1988, Force MDs released the single, “Deep Check” which peaked at #48 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for a week) and #66 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

During that time, the group’s popularity began to fade. In 1989, they were featured in the film, “Limit Up”, on the soundtrack to the film, “Lean On Me” with the track, “After 12” and on rap group Stetsasonic’s song, “Float On.”

In 1990, the group released the single, “Are You Really Real?” peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

On September 4, 1990, they released their fourth album, “Step to Me” which peaked at #74 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. At that point, Trisco and Mercury left the group, and were replaced by original member Khalil (who had initially left earlier in their career) and new member Shawn Waters.

The follow-up single, “Somebody’s Crying” peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

On February 18, 1992, Force MDs released their greatest-hits compliation album, “For Lovers and Others: Force M.D.’s Greatest Hits” which didn’t make the charts.

The only single released from the album, “Your Love Drives Me Crazy” peaked at #78 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

On November 8, 1994, the group released their fifth studio album, “Moments in Time” on the Nuwr record label which flopped on the charts.

The three singles released from the album: “It’s a Funk Thang”, “Last To Know” and “From The Back” also failed to make any impact on the charts.

In 1995, Mercury died from a fatal heart attack. A year later, the group’s former collaborator, DJ Dr. Rock died suddenly of natural causes. Three years later in 1998, T.C.D. died of Lou Gehrig’s disease, having suffered from the disease for two years.

In 1999, the remaining members of Force MDs released the single, “Messin Around” which didn’t make any impact on the charts.

On September 19, 2000, they released their sixth album, “The Reunion” on the Mad Love Records label which failed to chart at all.

On March 20, 2001, their second greatest-hits compliation album, “Let Me Love You: The Greatest Hits” was released. In April of 2010, a reformed version of Force MDs made their first national TV appearance in over a decade on the BET network talk show, “The Mo’Nique Show.”

In September of 2015, they were featured on an episode of the TV One network documentary series, “Unsung.” On September 16, 2016, Trisco died of Stage 4 cancer. In 2017, the group released the single, “Don’t Rush.”

These days, Force MDs continue to perform with Stevie D, Khalil and their nephew, Zieme as the current line-up. In 2020, they released the singles: “Make U Happy” and “Fly with You.”

To see the Force MDs’ official website, go to:

https://theforcemds.com/

To follow Force MDs on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/officialforcemds/

To see a video for “Let Me Love You”, go to:

To see a video for “Tears”, go to:

To see a video for “Forgive Me Girl”, go to:

To see a video for “Itchin’ for a Scratch”, go to:

To see a video for “Tender Love”, go to:

To see a video for “Here I Go Again”, go to:

To see a video for “One Plus One”, go to:

To see a video for “Walking On Air”, go to:

To see a video for “I Wanna Know Your Name”, go to:

To see a video for “Love is a House”, go to:

To see a video for “Touch and Go”, go to:

To see a video for “Couldn’t Care Less”, go to:

To see a video for “Deep Check”, go to:

To see a video for “After 12”, go to:

To see a video for “Float On” (with Stetsasonic), go to:

To see a video for “Are You Really Real?”, go to:

To see a video for “Somebody’s Crying”, go to:

To see a video for “Your Love Drives Me Crazy”, go to:

To see a video for “It’s a Funk Thang”, go to:

To see a video for “Last To Know”, go to:

To see a video for “From The Back”, go to:

To see a video for “Messin’ Around”, go to:

To see a video for “Make U Happy”, go to:

To see a video for “Don’t Rush”, go to:

To see a video for “Fly With You”, go to:

[updated on 12/26/2021]