Genuine Parts

Genuine Parts were a female freestyle\dance music duo from the late ’80s that consisted of members Ivette and Diley. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to the Pizzazz record label.
In 1986, they released their debut single, “Did It Feel Like Love” which peaked at #32 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks) and #17 on Bllboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
Their follow-up singles, “Show Me (What To Do)” (released in 1987) and “I Don’t Care For You” (released in 1988) failed to make the charts at all.
In 1989, Genuine Parts released their last single, “Start Our Love Again” on Atlantic Records. Afterwards, it seemed as if the duo faded into obscurity.

In 2007, it was announced that Genuine Parts has officially retired due to Ivette and Diley’s personal commitments.

To see a video for “Did It Feel Like Love”, go to:

To see a video for “I Don’t Care For You”, go to:

To see a video for “Show Me (What To Do)”, go to:

To see a video for “Start Our Love Again”, go to:

Simple Pleasure

Simple Pleasure were an R&B trio from New Jersey that consisted of ex-military men Vann Holland, Gerald Drummond and Rodney Gibson.

The trio were previously stationed at the McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey & wrote songs for Queen Latifah and even starred in her music video for the song, “Fly Girl.”

In 1992, the trio released their only self-titled album on Reprise Records. It’s unknown how or if their album ever charted.

The first single from the album, “Where Do We Go” peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Never Before” peaked at #52 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. After that, it seemed the group has faded into obscurity. 

These days, Vann Holland is the owner and founder of an apparel and accessories company called Revolution Riche.  It is unknown what Gerald Drummond and Rodney Gibson are up to today.

To see the music video for “Where Do We Go,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDTpfu0uPqc

To see the music video for “Never Before,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AdCYVGAUOI

[updated on 04\17\2016]

After 7

After 7 is an R&B music group from Indianapolis, Indiana that originally consisted of the Edmonds brothers: Melvin (born on November 2, 1954) and Kevon (born on February 25, 1958) and their friend, Keith Mitchell.

Melvin and Kevon are the older brothers of singer-songwriter\producer Babyface. In the late’ 70s, Kevon met Keith at Indiana University Bloomington where they decided to form a music group as a hobby and added Melvin.

During that time, Keith worked at John Hancock in Chicago, Illinois, Kevon worked at Eli Lilly and Co. and Melvin worked at Chrysler Corp. The three of them would come together to perform in Indianapolis.

By the late ’80s, Babyface had already built a successful music career as a singer, songwriter and record producer. He invited his brothers and Keith out to Los Angeles, California, named them After 7 and helped get them a record deal with Virgin Records.
In August of 1989, After 7 released their self-titled debut studio album which peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The album was certified platinum by the RIAA in November of 1990.
The lead single, “Heat of the Moment” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The song originally peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100, but when it re-entered the chart in late 1990, it managed to peak at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1991. It also peaked at #87 on the U.K. Singles chart and #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The follow-up single, “Don’t Cha Think” peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
The third single, “Ready or Not” became After 7’s first number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. It also peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.
The fourth single from the album, “Can’t Stop” became another number-one R&B hit for the trio, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in August of 1990, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The song also peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, #54 on the U.K. Singles chart, #13 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart (staying on the chart for 16 weeks) and #13 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The last single released from the album, “My Only Woman” peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In the summer of 1990, After 7 went on tour with rapper MC Hammer; during that same year, they won an NAACP Image Award for “Best New Male Artist or Group”.
In 1991, they were featured on the soundtrack to the film, “The Five Heartbeats” with the track, “Nights Like This”.

The song peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, #36 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart (staying on chart for 14 weeks) and #7 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. During that same year, they were the opening act for Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight World Tour”.
In August of 1992, After 7 released their sophomore album, “Takin’ My Time”. The album peaked at #76 on the Billboard 200 and #8 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. It was certified platinum by the RIAA.
The lead single, “Kickin’ It” peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #40 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart.
The follow-up single from the album, “Baby, I’m for Real/Natural High” (a medley of The Originals’ 1969 song, “Baby I’m For Real” and Bloodstone’s 1973 song, “Natural High”) peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 24 weeks. It also peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #26 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.
The third single, “Can He Love U Like This” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song also peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
The last single released from the album, “Truly Something Special” peaked at #49 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1994, After 7 was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “Sugar Hill” with the track, “Gonna Love You Right” which peaked at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
During that same year, they were featured on the soundtrack, “Beverly Hills 90210: The College Years” with the track, “Not Enough Hours in the Night” which peaked at #56 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
In July of 1995, the group released their third studio album, “Reflections” which peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200 and #7 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single, “‘Til You Do Me Right” peaked at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 31 weeks. The song also peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.
The follow-up single from the album, “Damn Thing Called Love” peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. It also peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
The third single, “How Do You Tell The One” peaked at #60 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The last single released from the album, “I Like It Like That” peaked at #46 on the ARIA Charts in Australia.
After the release of “Reflections”, Melvin Edmonds left the group. In March of 1997, After 7 released their greatest hits compliation album, “The Very Best of After 7” which peaked at #97 on the Billboard 200 and #24 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The album featured a cover version of Hall & Oates’ 1975 song, “Sara Smile” which peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

During that same year, the group disbanded. Melvin and Kevon joined Babyface and K-C & JoJo to form a quintet called Milestone, who released the single, “I Care ‘Bout You” for the soundtrack to the film, “Soul Food”.
In October of 1999, Kevon released his debut solo album, “24\7”. The title song became a hit, peaking at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 32 weeks.
Kevon invited Melvin’s son, Jason Edmonds to tour with him as a background singer for years. His sophomore album, “Who Knew” was released in 2009.

By the late 2000s, After 7 began touring again along with Jason, who replaced Melvin in the group; however, they decided not to record any music again without Melvin’s participation. In later years, Melvin battled health issues; in 2011, he suffered from a stroke.
By 2015, Melvin was able to reunite with the group; during that same year, they released the single, “I Want You” which peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart. They also recorded a version of the song with Babyface.
In October of 2016, After 7 released their fourth studio album, “Timeless” on the eOne Music label which peaked at #7 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up singles from the album, “Let Me Know” (which peaked at #6), “Runnin’ Out” (which peaked at #3), “Too Late” (which peaked at #8) and “If I” (which peaked at #8) gained some success on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart.

On May 18, 2019, Melvin Edmonds died from unknown causes at the age of 65. Shortly afterwards, Jason left the group and was replaced by Danny McClain.
In August of 2021, After 7 released their fifth studio album, “Unfinished Business” on The SoNo Recording Group record label.

The two charting singles from the album, “Bittersweet” (which peaked at #8) and “No Place Like You” (which peaked at #11) made Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart. These days, the group continues to perform together.

To see After 7’s official website, go to:
https://after7music.com/

To follow After 7 on Instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/after7music/

To follow After 7 on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/After7Music

To see After 7’s Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/After7Music/

To follow Kevon Edmonds on Instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/therealkevonedmonds7/

To see a video for “Can’t Stop,” go to:

To see a video for “Heat of the Moment”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Ready or Not”, go to:

To see a video for “My Only Woman”, go to:

To see a video for “Nights Like This”, go to:

To see a video for “Kickin’ It”, go to:

To see a video for “Baby, I’m for Real/Natural High”, go to:

To see a video for “Can He Love U Like This”, go to:

To see a video for “Truly Something Special”, go to:

To see a video for “Gonna Love You Right”, go to:

To see a video for “Not Enough Hours in the Night”, go to:

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

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

To see a video for “How Do You Tell the One”, go to:

 

To see a video for “I Like It Like That”, go to:

To see a video for “Sara Smile”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Runnin’ Out”, go to:

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

 

Troop

Troop (stands for “Total Respect Of Other People”) was an R&B group from Pasadena, California that started their career in the late-’80s.

The group consisted of childhood friends Steve Russell, Allen McNeil, Rodney Benford, Reggie Warren, and John Herreld. After winning a talent show on television, Troop signed to Atlantic Records.
In 1988, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #133 on the Billboard 200 chart and #19 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The group’s first single “Mamacita” was a hit, peaking at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single “My Heart” peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album “Still in Love” peaked at #19 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

In 1989, Troop released their second album “Attitude” which peaked at #73 on the Billboard 200 chart and #5 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The group’s first single “I’m Not Soupped” peaked at #19 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The second single from the album, “Spread My Wings” topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for 2 weeks in April of 1990, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.

The third single, a cover version of the Jackson 5’s song “All I Do is Think of You” peaked at #47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a second number-one R&B hit for the group, topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week in June of 1990,  staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The fourth single, “That’s My Attitude” peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single, “I Will Always Love You” peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

In 1991, Troop was featured on the single, “For the Love of Money\Living for the City” featuring Queen Latifah, which was featured on the “New Jack City” movie soundtrack which was a moderate R&B hit.

In 1992, Troop released their third album, “Deepa” which peaked at #78 on the Billboard 200 chart and #21 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “Whatever It Takes (To Make You Stay)” peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single, a cover version of the Deele’s song, “Sweet November” peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100, #25 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and became Troop’s third number-one R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for a week, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

In 1994, the group released their fourth album, “A Little Sumpin, Sumpin” which peaked at #80 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The album didn’t reach the same success as their previous ones and the only single to chart was “Do Me” which peaked at #78 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.In 1998, Troop released their fifth album, “Mayday” which peaked at #99 on Billboard’s Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Once again, the album was unsuccessful and the only single to chart was “The Way I Parlay” that managed to peak at #65 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

After that, the group took a break, working on various projects. In 2004, Troop reunited and began touring the United States.

They have headlined a number of shows and shared the stage with artists such as Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Keith Sweat, Silk, Mario, and Jon B.

In October of 2006, Troop contacted the internet radio station, The Mixx and have worked together to make the Mixx the radio home of Troop.

Steve Russell dubbed the singing voices for the 2006 movie, “Dreamgirls” and also written songs for Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks, and Jennifer Hudson. 

In 2010, he released his debut solo album “So Random” from his own record label, Motel Music Media. The album is available on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Allen McNeil (now goes under the name, Mr. Al Mac) is the owner and founder of AMMG/AL MAC Media Group & AL MAC Enterprises. He has released two solo albums and is also currently auditioning for acting roles.

To see Troop’s official MySpace page, go to:

http://www.myspace.com/trooprbband

To see Troop’s official Facebook page, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/OFFICIAL-TROOP-RB-BAND/164814650263

To see Allen McNeil’s MySpace page, go to:

http://www.myspace.com/almac1

To see the music video for “Mamacita,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mFxbWojnAQ

To see the music video for “My Heart,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYP7-Z3NtL8

To see a fan-made video for “Still in Love,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOi1eQQOc50

To see a video of Troop performing “I’m Not Soupped” on the Arsenio Hall Show, go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C8he1H7_GI

To see the music video for “Spread My Wings,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd_krYK8NeA

To see the music video for “All I Do Is Think of You,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT6Cj-DJSjc

To see the music video for “That’s My Attitude,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NipZo3XNGw

To see a fan-made video for “I Will Always Love You,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYEgsJ0XczI

To see the music video for “Whatever It Takes (To Make You Stay),” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0CvYf_GROk

To see the music video for “Sweet November,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBrPB0IVO70

To see a fan-made video for “Do Me,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH2-2CyEZLY

To see a fan-made video for “The Way I Parlay,” go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJjVzpV9dS8

[updated on 05\30\13]

George Lamond

George Lamond (born George Garcia on February 25, 1967 in Washington, D.C.) is a freestyle\dance music singer from the late ’80s and ’90s.

As a toddler, George and his family moved to Puerto Rico where he lived until he was 7 years old when his family relocated to The Bronx, New York.
In August of 1989, he released his debut single, “Without You” which peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. It also peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles chart.

His follow-up single, “Bad of the Heart” became a hit, peaking at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop music charts where it peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In July of 1990, George released his debut studio album, “Bad of the Heart” which peaked at #104 on the Billboard 200.
The third single, “Look Into My Eyes” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. It also peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The fourth single, “No Matter What (with singer Brenda K. Starr) peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1991.
The last single released from the album, “Love’s Contagious” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In September of 1992, George released his sophomore album, “In My Life” which peaked at #32 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart. The first single from the album, “Where Does That Leave Love” peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The follow-up single, a cover version of New Kids on the Block’s 1991 song, “Baby, I Believe in You” peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The last single released from the album, a cover version of the Jackson 5’s 1969 song, “I Want You Back” peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
Afterwards, George was dropped from Columbia Records, but he later signed a new record deal with the Sony Latin record label. In 1993, he released his third studio and first Spanish-language album, “Creo En Ti”.

The lead single, “Baby Creo En Ti” peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Latin Songs chart. The follow-up single from the album, “No Morira” (with singer Lisa Lopez) peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Latin Songs chart.
In 1994, George released the single, “It’s Always You” on the Tommy Boy record label which didn’t make any music charts at all.
In 1999, he released his fourth studio album, “Entrega” which peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and #13 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical\Salsa Albums chart.
The only single from the album to chart was “Que Te Vas” which managed to peak at #6 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical\Salsa Airplay chart and #23 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.

In late 1999, George was approached by producer Robert Clivilles to be part of a male music group project for Sony Music Japan called Urban Society which he accepted. The group recorded a full-length album with George’s vocals; however, the album was ultimately shelved due to contract issues with Sony Japan which caused the release date of the album to be delayed several times.
In 2000, he released his sixth studio album, “GL” which peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical\Salsa Albums chart.
The lead single, “Jurare Quererte”, peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical/Salsa Airplay chart. The follow-up single, “Volver Amar” peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical\Salsa Airplay chart.
In 2006, George released his seventh studio album, “Oye Mi Canto” on Sony International. The album failed to chart along with the single, “Raspa”.
After taking a break from recording music, George’s friend, producer Giuseppe D presented him with the idea to release a dance-pop music cover of Journey’s 1981 song, “Don’t Stop Believing”. The song was released on the Robbins Entertainment record label and became a number-one hit on the 103.5 KTU radio station in New York. It also received success on other radio stations as well.

These days (according to research), George continues to perform and record music. As of 2011, he resides in Staten Island, New York and has three sons.

To see George Lamond’s official website, go to:
http://www.georgelamond.net/

To see George Lamond’s Facebook page, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/georgelamond

To follow George Lamond on Instagram, go to:
http://www.instagram.com/therealgeorgelamond

To see a video for “Without You”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Look Into My Eyes”, go to:

To see a video for “No Matter What”, go to:

To see a video for “Love’s Contagious”, go to:

To see a video for “Where Does That Leave Love?”, go to:

To see a video for “Baby, I Believe In You”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Baby Creo En Ti”, go to:

To see a video for “No Morira”, go to:

To see a video for “It’s Always You”, go to:

To see a video for “Que Te Vas”, go to:

To see a video for “Jurare Quererte”, go to:

To see a video for “Volver Amar”, go to:

To see a video for “Don’t Stop Believin'”, go to:

More Posts on the Way

Hello!!

I’m still doing blog research, but more posts will be on the way as soon as possible. Until then, stay patient and check out my other entries!!

The Music Know-It-All

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men were an R&B quartet from Atlanta, Georgia that consisted of members Aaron Hilliard, David Morris, Tony Amey and Demail Burks.

The group made their first appearance on the LaFace Family Christmas album with the track “Silver Bells” which peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 2 weeks.

In 1994, the group released their first album “A Thang For You.” It’s unknown how or if it ever charted. 

The only single released from the album “A Lil’ Something” peaked at #73 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

A year later in 1995, A Few Good Men released their sophomore album “Take A Dip” which peaked at #53 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album “Tonite” peaked at #118 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #44 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

 

The group’s well-known hit song to date “Have I Never” peaked at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

After that, it seemed that the group faded into obscurity. Their whereabouts are unknown.

To see the music video for “Have I Never,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCeZsC7X36M

To see the music video for “A Lil Somethin,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OczsrfY0Jc

To see the music video for “Tonite,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QkYD74fhXY

[updated on 05\30\13]

Leschea

Leschea (born Schea A. Boatwright in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York) was an R&B\hip-hop singer from the late ’90s. She was a former member of the group, Masta Ace Incorporated.

Leschea started singing and performing when she was 8 years old. She had no formal singing training and she honed her skills in school productions from junior high school to junior college.

In 1995, she sang background vocals on Masta Ace’s album “Sittin’ on Chrome” which landed her a record deal with Warner Bros. Records.

In 1996, Leschea released her debut album “Rhythms & Beats.” It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted.

Her only well-known hit song to date “Fulton St.” peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #44 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The follow-up single, “How We Stay” was released, but didn’t chart at all. After that, it seemed that Leschea faded into obscurity. Her whereabouts are currently unknown.

To see the music video for “Fulton St.,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSwRT0TSV08

To see the music video for “How We Stay,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_KfqsQQj8U

[updated on 04\07\2016]

Shirley Murdock

Shirley Murdock (born on May 22, 1957 in Toledo, Ohio) is an R&B singer from the ’80s. She began singing gospel music in her hometown and the late musician Roger Troutman later hired her as a back-up singer for his band, Zapp.

In early 1985, Shirley’s first chart appearance was the single, “Girl, Cut It Out” with Roger. The single managed to chart at #79 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. She later signed a record deal with Elektra Records.

In 1986, she released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #44 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “No More” peaked at #27 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 6 weeks), #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #24 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The second single, “As We Lay” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 28 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100 (making it her only appearance on the chart to date) and #21 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

The third single, “Go On Without You” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The fourth single from the album, “Truth or Dare” peaked at #47 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #60 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, “Be Free” peaked at #86 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

In 1988, Shirley released her sophomore album, “A Woman’s Point of View” which peaked at #137 on the Billboard 200 chart and #19 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart from the album, “Husband” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

Two more tracks from the album: “Oh What A Feeling” and “Found My Way” were released as singles, but didn’t chart.

In 1991, she released her third studio album, “Let There Be Love” which peaked at #22 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single from the album, “In Your Eyes” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Stay With Me Tonight” peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single from the album, the title song, peaked at #89 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks. In early 2000, Shirley toured in the inspiration/gospel play, “Be Careful What You Wish For” which also starred David Peaston and Cuba Gooding, Sr.

In February of 2002 (eleven years after the release of her previous album), she released her fourth and first gospel music album, “Home” which peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart. In 2005, she starred in the film, “Sweating in the Spirit.

In 2007, Shirley released her fifth album, “Soulfood” which peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart and #71 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. 

The lead single, “I Love Me Better Than That” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Gospel Songs chart. During that same year, she starred in the film, “First Cousins.” In 2009, she appeared on Teena Marie’s album, “Congo Square” on the track, “Soldier.”

In 2011, she released her sixth studio album, “Live: The Journey” which peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. One of the tracks from the album, “Dream” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart.

These days, Shirley is still active with her career; she currently resides in Dayton, Ohio with her husband. In 2021, she released a cover version of The Impressions’ 1965 song, “People Get Ready” and appeared in the comedy-drama film, “The Matchmaker.”

To follow Shirley Murdock on Instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/shirleymurdock4real/

To see a video for “No More,” go to:

To see a video for “As We Lay,” go to:

To see a video for “Go On Without You,” go to:

To see a video for “Truth or Dare,” go to:

To see a video for “Be Free,” go to:

To see a video for “Husband,” go to:

To see a video for “Oh What A Feeling,” go to:

To see a video for “Found My Way,” go to:

To see a video for “In Your Eyes,” go to:

To see a video for “Stay With Me Tonight,” go to:

To see a video for “Let There Be Love,” go to:

To see a video for “I Love Me Better Than That,” go to:

To see a video for “Dream,” go to:

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

[updated on 12\04\2021]

Vesta Williams

Vesta Williams (born Mary Vesta Williams on December 1, 1957 in Coshocton, Ohio) was an R&B singer from the ’80s and ’90s.

In her early years, she performed as a comedian and singer. Ron Townsend (a former member of R&B group, Fifth Dimension) put Vesta in his band, Wild Honey. Vesta became a studio singer for artists such as Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills and Gordon Lightfoot.
In 1986, she released her self-titled debut album on A&M Records. The album peaked at #43 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
Her first single “Once Bitten Twice Shy” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #45 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #9 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The song also peaked at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Vesta’s second single “Something About You” peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #42 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #46 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The third single from the album “Don’t Blow A Good Thang” peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #30 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles chart, and #17 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The song also peaked at #89 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album “You Make Me Wanna (Love Again)” peaked at #90 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

Vesta was featured on the “Soul Man” movie soundtrack with the song “Suddenly It’s Magic” which managed to peak at #88 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1988, Vesta released her sophomore album “Vesta 4 U” peaked at #131 on the Billboard 200 chart and #26 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “Sweet Sweet Love” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.

 

The second single, “4 U” peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single and Vesta’s biggest hit to date, “Congratulations” peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 26 weeks.

The last single from the album, “How You Feel” peaked at #70 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. By the 90s, Vesta only went by her first name.

In 1991, Vesta released her third album, “Special” which peaked at #15 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Do Ya” peaked at #43 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1993, Vesta released her fourth album, “Everything-N-More” which peaked at #65 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The album was unsuccessful and the only single to chart was, “Always” which peaked at #44 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. Soon after, Vesta left A&M Records.

In 1998, Vesta released her fifth album, “Relationships” on Polygram Records. The album charted at #55 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #26 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.

A music video was made for the song, “Somebody For Me,” but it’s unknown how it charted. After that, she continued doing session work for artists such as George Duke, Howard Hewitt and Phil Perry.
In 2007, she released her sixth album, “Distant Lover” on Shanachie Records which consisted of cover songs by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye and Sade.

Sadly on September 22, 2011, Vesta was found deceased in a hotel room in El Segundo, California from hypertensive heart disease at the age of 53.

To see Vesta’s official website, go to:
http://www.vestawilliams.com/

To see the music video for “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhhMLHJZVHc

To see the music video for “Something About You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0pWiJViZs

To see the music video for “Don’t Blow a Good Thing,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUrVJ_BeC9s

To see a fan-made video for “You Make Me Want to (Love Again),” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRGzh0bXv4

To see a fan-made video for “Suddenly It’s Magic,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33HKrh4LX7Q

To see the music video for “Sweet Sweet Love,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoNXbU4jgMY

To see a fan-made video for “4 U,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BXWcDkEnw0

To see the music video for “Congratulations,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjheBSB-7_A

To see the music video for “How You Feel,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_DUWeZ6ZzQ

To see the music video for “Special,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KPImmytHDE

To see the music video for “Do Ya,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gk__5Ud0EY

To see a fan-made video for “Always,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWo3uhTZ_RI

To see the music video for “Somebody For Me,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHrR33lfGf8

[updated on 05\30\13]