Message from the Music Know-It-All

I just wanted to let you know that I will be taking a little hiatus from the blog to focus on other work and do some more music research for the blog. But, don’t worry, I’m not giving up on my blog. I will try to come up with some new entries soon.

I will let you know when I will update the blog again. Until then, please enjoy the rest of the previous blog entries and feel free to comment on them if you please.

Yours Truly,
The Music Know-It-All

The Boys

The Boys are an R&B group from the late ’80s and early ’90s that consisted of the Abdulsamad brothers from Carson, California: Khiry (born on November 8, 1973), Hakeem (born on March 26, 1975), Tajh (born on December 10, 1976) and Bilal (born on April 17, 1979).

Along with their music career, some of the brothers have acting experience as well, appearing in various television shows and movies.

Khiry and Hakeem first began singing when they were 9 and 5 years old respectively. Their younger brothers would later join them when they first began entertaining in public for tips. 

The brothers first began singing in public when they were unable to afford a Father’s Day gift for their father, Jabari. Their mother, Angela suggested that they sing at the beach in Venice, California which turned out to be a good idea as they earned more than $50 in just a few hours.

During the summer of 1984, Jabari took his sons to Venice Beach every weekend where they earned $12,000 which helped them pay for their school clothes and books.  The Boys were only allowed to perform in public during their summer break. 

Their parents’ goal was to shape their sons into productive adults. Even though Jabari majored in early childhood education in college, he worked as an ironworker and ran a carpet cleaning business for extra income.

In the summer of 1986, the brothers decided that they didn’t want to perform at the beach anymore and wanted to make records. Angela and Jabari attended a four-week course at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College called “Entertainment Management” which taught them the ropes of the entertainment industry.

The Boys later performed at local talent shows and private parties. One day at a talent show they were performing at, the announcer asked Angela the group’s name. At first, she responded with “my boys,” but later changed her answer to “the Boys” and the name stuck.

Jabari delivered a self-produced demo to MCA, Motown and Solar Records. All three companies wanted to sign them, but in the end, they chose to sign with MCA Records.

After Berry Gordy retired from Motown Records, The Boys were moved to the label and Jheryl Busby became in charge of it. Not only could they sing, the brothers wrote and produced their own songs, making them Motown Records’ youngest producers. 

While working on their debut album, The Boys befriended Babyface and L.A. Reid (who worked on the songs: “Lucky Charm,” “A Little Romance” and “Dial My Heart”). At first, they didn’t like the songs, but changed their minds after Babyface performed them live at their house.

In September of 1988, they released their debut single, “Dial My Heart” which topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in December of that same year, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.

It also peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, #61 on the UK Singles chart, #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

On October 29, 1988, The Boys released their debut studio album, “Messages From the Boys” which peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “Lucky Charm” became the group’s second number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in April of 1989, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also peaked at #94 on the UK Singles chart and #14 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The third single from the album, “A Little Romance” peaked at #29 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The last single, “Happy” peaked at #57 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 8 weeks.

In 1989, they released the VHS, “Video Messages From The Boys.” During that same year, they were featured on the Motown Records holiday compliation album, “Christmas Cheers From Motown” with the track, “Christmas Cheer.”

In 1990, the group was featured on Earth, Wind & Fire’s song, “Heritage” which peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

In March of that same year, The Boys released the single, “Crazy” which became their third and last number-one R&B hit to date, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in September of 1990.

The song also peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #57 on the UK Singles chart. It was also featured in a commercial for Pepsi.

During that time, Jabari established a 900 number where fans could talk with The Boys in supposedly “real time” which became successful and he was able to do this without interference or compensation to Motown Records because he kept all of the group’s ancillary rights.

Motown wanted to get the group a manager due to their parents’ inexperience in managing, but Jabari and Angela refused to do so, and they continued to manage their sons’ career.

Their next single, “Thing Called Love” which peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

On September 18, 1990, The Boys released their self-titled sophomore album which peaked at #108 on the Billboard 200 and #24 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The third single from the album, “Thanx 4 The Funk” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #8 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The last single, “I Had a Dream” failed to make the charts.

On June 27, 1992, the group released their third and last studio album, “The Saga Continues…” which peaked at #191 on the Billboard 200 and #45 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

Their last charting single, “The Saga Continues…” peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The other singles released from the album: “Tonite” and “Doin’ It Wit Tha B” flopped on the charts.

After their record contract with Motown Records expired in 1993, The Boys were offered a six-year deal which they initially accepted, but then they decided that they didn’t want to record music for the label anymore. Motown even offered them their own label deal, but they ended up passing on the two music acts they were producing for.

After leaving Motown, the Abdulsamad brothers stepped out of the spotlight in favor of pursuing a journey of self discovery. During that time, they moved to West Africa, focusing on studying and traveling along with developing their music production skills.

In 1998, they began releasing new music independently under the name Suns of Light. Since then, they have released various indie solo projects and producing music.

These days, Hakim and Bilal reside in Gambia where they operate two recording studios. Khiry works in film & video production in Los Angeles, California. Tahj works in merchandising in Atlanta, Georgia.

To follow The Boys on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTheBoys

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

To see a video for “Lucky Charm”, go to:

To see a video for “A Little Romance”, go to:

To see a video for “Happy”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Heritage” (with Earth, Wind & Fire), go to:

To see a video for “Crazy”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Thanx 4 the Funk”, go to:

To see a video for “I Had a Dream”, go to:

To see a video for “The Saga Continues…”, go to:

To see a video for “Tonite”, go to:

To see a video for “Doin’ It Wit Tha B”, go to:

[updated on 12/27/2021]

Important Message from the Music Know-It All

Because of some problems with my computer, it will be awhile until I can put more blog entries up. I will write some blog entries, but I will be unable to put up the video links and pictures on until further notice.

Until then, please enjoy the rest of my previous blog entries and keep the positive comments coming.

Yours Truly,
The Music Know-It-All
————————————————————————————————-
UPDATE: 08\20\08
My computer situation has been resolved and I will try to update the blog as much as I can.
Yours Truly,
The Music Know-It-All

Surface

Surface was an R&B group from New Jersey during the ’80s and early ’90s that consisted of Bernard Jackson (born on July 11, 1959 in Stamford, Connecticut), David Townsend (born on May 17, 1955 in Inglewood, California) and David Conley (born on December 27, 1953 in Newark, New Jersey).

The original line-up consisted of David Townsend, David Conley and vocalist Karen Copeland.

David Townsend was the son of late singer-songwriter Ed Townsend and was a member of the band, Port Authority in the ’70s along with David Conley, who was the bass player for funk music band Mandrill from 1978 to 1981.

During the ’70s, Townsend was a friend and colleague of drummer and songwriter, Everett Collins, who played with the Isley Brothers and founded a band called Sunrize with Townsend as the guitarist.

Townsend and Conley later became resident songwriters for EMI, writing songs for artists such as Sister Sledge and New Edition. Encouraged by their success as songwriters, they called themselves Surface and began recording their own music.

In 1983, they released their debut single, “Falling in Love” on the Salsoul Records label which peaked at #67 on the UK Singles chart and #84 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

In 1984, Surface released their follow-up single, “When Your X Wants You Back” which peaked at #52 on the UK Singles chart. Afterwards, Karen broke up with Conley and she left the group, eventually becoming a schoolteacher; according to Conley and other people, she is now deceased.

During that same year, Conley and Townsend met Bernard Jackson. The three of them met each other when Bernard moved from Stamford, Connecticut to New York to pursue a music career. While he was in New York, Bernard’s godfather told him that he should contact his nephew (who turned out to be David Townsend). 

Together, the three of them began writing songs together in contemplation of finding a new lead female vocalist who would sing them, but after auditioning several women, they were unable to find a new one, so Bernard was named the new lead singer instead.

Afterwards, Surface moved to Los Angeles, California to search for more mainstream success. 

In 1986, their song, “Let’s Try Again” attracted the attention of Larkin Arnold from Columbia Records, who signed the group to the label and released the song as a single. The song peaked at #84 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

During that same year, Bernard met a friend, Brian Simpson and recorded a demo tape of a track that he had written called “The First Time”. He believed that the song would be a hit and he hired a recording studio to get the best professional conditions for the track.

On October 1, 1986, Surface released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #55 on the Billboard 200 and #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The track, “The First Time” was not featured on the album and it remained unreleased.

The follow-up single, “Happy” peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, #56 on the UK Singles chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for two weeks, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. It also peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The third single, “Lately” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. 

In 1987, “Let’s Try Again” was re-released as the last single from the album and peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. During that same year, Everett Collins joined the group as a singer-songwriter\keyboardist.

In September of 1988, Surface released the single, “I Missed” peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

On October 11, 1988, they released their sophomore album, “2nd Wave” which peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200 and #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

The follow-up single from the album, “Closer Than Friends” became their first number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks in March of 1989, staying on the chart for 23 weeks. It was also moderately successful on the pop charts, peaking at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The third single, “Shower Me With Your Love” peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in July of 1989, making it the group’s second number-one R&B hit. It also peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The fourth single from the album, “You Are My Everything” (featuring Regina Belle) became the third number-one R&B song for Surface, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks in November of 1989, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The last single, “Can We Spend Some Time” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

In 1990, Surface released their third studio album, “3 Deep” which peaked at #65 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The lead single, “The First Time” (which was originally recorded in 1986) became Surface’s biggest hit to date, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in late January\early February of 1991. 

The song topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for a week in January of 1991 (staying on the chart for 22 weeks) and topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks in February of 1991. It also peaked at #60 on the UK Singles chart, #18 on the RPM Top Singles chart in Canada and #7 on the music charts in New Zealand. It was certified Gold by the RIAA.

The follow-up single, “All I Want Is You” (featuring Regina Belle on backing vocals) peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single, “Never Gonna Let You Down” peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, #17 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and #24 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The last single released from the album, “You’re the One” peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1991, the group released the compliation album, “The Best of Surface…A Nice Time for Loving.” The only single released from the album, “A Nice Time for Lovin'” peaked at #52 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. 

During that same year, they recorded the song, “A World Of Our Own” which was featured in the film, “Return to the Blue Lagoon.”

Bernard and David Townsend left Surface in 1994 and they disbanded during that same year. In 1999, they released their fourth and last studio album to date, “Love Zone” on the Victor Entertainment label in Japan.

A few years later, Surface announced a return to live appearances; however, they were cancelled when David Townsend was discovered deceased at his home at the age of 50 on October 26, 2005. The surviving members of the group went on to separate projects in later years. Around 2014, David and Bernard reformed under the name ReSurface and released the single, “Diamonds and Pearls.”

These days (according to research), David still performs as ReSurface along with singer John Feva. In 2015, they released the album, “Where Have You Been.” Everett Collins works as a music teacher in williamsburg, Virginia. It’s unknown if Bernard is still currently active with his music career.

To follow ReSurface on Facebook, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/surfaceresurface/

To see ReSurface’s official website, go to:

http://www.surfaceresurface.com/

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

To see a video for “When Your X Wants You Back”, go to:

To see a video for “Let’s Try Again”, go to:

To see a video for “Happy”, go to:

To see a video for “Lately”, go to:

To see a video for “I Missed”, go to:

To see a video for “Closer Than Friends”, go to:

To see a video for “Shower Me with Your Love”, go to:

To see a video for “You Are My Everything”, go to:

To see a video for “Can We Spend Some Time”, go to:

To see a video for “The First Time”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Never Gonna Let You Down”, go to:

To see a video for “You’re the One”, go to:

To see a video for “A Nice Time for Lovin'”, go to:

To see a video for “A World of Our Own”, go to:

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

[updated on 12/27/2021]

Corina

Corina (born Corina Katt Ayala in Manhattan, New York) is a freestyle\dance music singer from the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Corina was raised in New York in the South Bronx and Harlem. As a child, she would listen to her mother’s old records and perform in front of the mirror.

After noticing her talent, Corina’s mother signed her up for singing and dance lessons. By the time she was 14 years old, she was entered in various beauty contests and talent competitions where she was named Miss Hispanic America and was first runner-up as Ms. Puerto Rico.
In 1987, she met her manager, Pepper Negron, who introduced her to music producer Carlos Berrios and was signed to a record deal with Cutting Records. During that same year, she released her debut single, “Out of Control” which didn’t make the charts.
Corina’s follow-up single, “Give Me Back My Heart” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The song also peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In 1990, she released the single, “Loving You Like Crazy” which peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. During that same year, she appeared in the film, “East Side Story”.
In April of 1991, she released the single, “Temptation” became a hit, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. It also peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. Internationally, the song was moderately successful in Australia and Canada.
In 1991, Corina released her self-titled debut album on ATCO Records which didn’t appear to make the Billboard 200 chart.
The follow-up single, “Whispers” peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The last single released from the album, “Now That You’re Gone” peaked at #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

During that time, Corina was featured on television shows such as “Live With Regis & Kathie Lee”, “Entertainment Tonight”, “Showtime at the Apollo” and “Club MTV.”

In 1994, she was featured on Symphony of Brotherhood’s single, “Over You.” She also made guest-star appearances on “All My Children”, “One Life to Live”, “As the World Turns”, “New York Undercover” and “Cosby.” From 1996 to 1997, she attended the William Esper Acting Studio in New York.
In 1997, Corina released a cover version of Nocera’s 1986 song, “Summertime Summertime” on the So So Def record label which peaked at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100, #24 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #64 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1999, she starred as Frida Kahlo in the film, “Cradle Will Rock.” In the 2000s, she focused on acting and producing. In 2005, she produced the short film, “Beauty” and starred in her own one-woman show, “Fear and All of Me” in 2007.
In 2011, Corina released the single, “Aunque Me Duela” and directed the short film, “What Are Friends for?!” in 2012.

During the 2010s, she created a comedy web series, “Lupita Says” and directed the pilot for a semi-autobiographical sitcom called “Latin in America.” In 2017, she starred in her second one-woman show, “Voices In My Head”.
These days, Corina continues to perform as an actress, producer and singer. In 2021, she released the single, “Tni Li Neshika” on her own record label, Kattbox Records.

To see Corina’s official website, go to:
https://www.corinakattayala.com/

To follow Corina on Instagram, go to:
http://instagram.com/thefirstcorina

To follow Corina on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/CorinaKattAyala

To see Corina’s YouTube page, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQAGVE8VzFGuFF4J9PYxK1A

To see a video for “Out Of Control”, go to:

To see a video for “Give Me Back My Heart”, go to:

To see a video for “Loving You Like Crazy”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Whispers”, go to:

To see a video for “Now That You’re Gone”, go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Tni Li Neshika”, go to:

Timex Social Club

Timex Social Club is a male R&B group from Berkeley, California during the mid-’80s.

The group was founded by Marcus Thompson in 1985 and was produced by Jay King. Originally, they were known as the Timex Crew and consisted of Marcus, Gregory “Greg B” Thomas, Michael Marshall, Craig Samuel and Darrien Cleage. 

By 1986, Greg B, Darrien and Craig had left the group. Alex Hill and Kevin Moore were added to the group and their name was changed to Timex Social Club. Later that year, Ocea Savage was added to the group on keyboards and background vocals.

During that same year, they released their only album, “Vicious Rumors” on the Danya Records label which peaked at #29 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Rumors” became a number-one hit on the R&B and dance charts, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks in July of 1986 (staying on the chart for 24 weeks); topping Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart; and topping Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart for 3 weeks during that same month, staying on the chart for 11 weeks)

The song also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on the UK Singles chart. 

The success of “Rumors” led to Russell Simmons hiring Timex Social Club as the opening act for 38 dates on Run DMC’s “Raising Hell” tour. During the second half of the tour, Fred Busby performed with the group and replaced Michael to help the group complete the remainder of the tour.

They also opened up for artists such as New Edition, Midnight Star, The S.O.S. Band, Kool & the Gang and Jermaine Jackson.

The follow-up single from the album, “Mixed Up World” peaked at #81 on the UK Singles chart and #15 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single, “Thinkin’ About Ya” peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. 

Afterwards, Timex Social Club disbanded. Their producer, Jay King went on to form another music group, Club Nouveau, who gained success with the single, “Lean on Me.”

In 2011, Marcus released a book called “How Do Rumors Get Started: The True Story of Timex Social Club.” During that same year, he and Samuelle (from Club Nouveau) reformed Timex Social Club, and began performing again.

These days (according to research), it appears as if Marcus is still performing as Marcus Thompson’s Timex Social Club with Samuelle making occasional appearances. He also owns and operates the GroovBooth and Old SKool DJs & Photo Booth.

Michael and Ocea are each pursuing solo careers. Alex ran the mr.blunt.com website and lives in Northern California (as of 2011). 

Fred lives in Woodstock, Georgia; he worked with various artists such as Dionne Warwick, Jermaine Stewart, George Duke, Toni Tony Tone and David Frank. He also released an EP called “Oakland Soul Entertainment Presents Buz” in 2006.

Kevin worked and wrote songs for artists such as Digital Underground and Test of Time. He was fatally shot on August 4, 1992; he is survived by his wife and three daughters.

To see the website for Marcus Thompson’s Timex Social Club, go to:

https://timexsocialclub.myfreesites.net/

To see Michael Marshall’s website, go to:

https://www.michaelmarshallusa.com/

To see Ocea Savage’s website, go to:

https://www.oceasavage.com/

To see a video for “Rumors”, go to:

To see a video for “Mixed Up World”, go to:

To see a video for “Thinkin’ About Ya”, go to:

[updated on 12/22/2021]