Kathy Mathis

Kathy Mathis (from Battle Creek, Michigan) is a former R&B singer from the late ’80s.

Raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Kathy began playing the piano when she was only 3 years old and by the age of 9, she was performing for events in Battle Creek and recorded her first gospel single. At the age of 14, she recorded her first secular single which received local airplay. 

When Kathy was 16 years old, a promoter from Polygram Records heard her sing. By the time she was 18 years old, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue a professional music career and later signed a record deal with Tabu Records.

In 1987, she released her debut studio album, “Katt Walk” which didn’t appear to make the charts.

The lead single, “Late Night Hour” peaked at #40 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, “Baby I’m Hooked” didn’t make any impact on the charts. 

In 1988, Kathy released her sophomore album, “A Woman’s Touch” which also failed to make any impact on the charts.

The first single, “Men Have To Be Taught” peaked at #80 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks. The follow-up and last single, “Got To Give It Up” flopped on the charts. 

In later years, Kathy moved to Temple Hills, Maryland where she became involved in church, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music & Psychology, received a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Organization and married Raymond Horry in September of 2001 (where they have three children).

As a gospel artist, she has recorded five albums (“Faith,” “A Safe Place,” “It’s Harvest Time,” “From Grace to Glory” and “Sanctuary”), and a Christmas album called “The Gift” in 2010.

These days, Kathy resides in St. Charles, Missouri. In 2006, she and Raymond founded the Ark Safety Christian Church where she is the Director of Music. She also created a non-profit organization called G.I.F.T.E.D. (short for God’s Intelligent Fortified Talented Educated Dreamers). In 2021, she released the single, “God Is Doing a New Thing.”

To see Kathy’s official website, go to:

https://kathydhorry.com/

To see a video for “Late Night Hour”, go to:

To see a video for “Baby I’m Hooked”, go to:

To see a video for “Men Have To Be Taught”, go to:

To see a video for “Got To Give It Up”, go to:

To see a video for “The Gift”, go to:

To see a video for “God Is Doing a New Thing”, go to:

[updated on 12/23/2021]

Mista

Mista were an R&B group from Atlanta, Georgia whose members consisted of Bobby Wilson (born Robert Wilson on February 27, 1980 in Jackson, Mississippi), Darryl Allen, Brandon Brown and Bryan Reeder.

The group was managed by “09 Lives” producer Eric Johnson and former Elektra Entertainment Group A&R director, Ian Burke.

In 1996, they released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #183 on the Billboard 200, #37 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #7 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.

The group’s first single “Blackberry Molasses” became their biggest hit to date, peaking at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

Their second single “Lady” peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #61 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. 

In 1997, Mista was featured on the “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” soundtrack with the song “About You.” 

During that same year, they was working on their sophomore album, but due to management problems, the group disbanded. According to Bobby, the reason for the group’s breakup was due to them not being compatible as a group and their age combinations.

These days, Bobby Wilson (now “Bobby V”) has a successful solo career, releasing five albums and scoring a pop hit in 2005 with the single “Slow Down.” It is unknown what the other members are up to today.

To see the music video for “Blackberry Molasses,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM6tHcZHDus

To see the music video for “Lady,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ8jH98x0lE

To see a fan-made video for “About You,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6OcBxpleNs

[updated on 04/14/15]

Rude Boys

The Rude Boys are an R&B group from Cleveland, Ohio. The original line-up consisted of Larry Marcus (the cousin of BB King), Melvin Sephus and brothers Edward Lee Banks & Joe Little. They were discovered by the late Gerald LeVert who got them a record deal with Atlantic Records.

In 1990, the group released their debut album “Rude Awakening” which peaked at #68 on the Billboard 200 and #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single “Come On Let’s Do This” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The second single “Written All Over Your Face” became a hit, peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for a week in March of 1991, staying on the chart for 31 weeks.

The song won the Billlboard Music Award for “No. 1 R&B Single of the Year.”

The third single “Heaven” peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album “Are You Lonely For Me” became Rude Boys’ second #1 R&B hit, topping Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for a week in November of 1991, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.

In 1992, the group released their sophomore album “Rude House” which peaked at #33 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album “My Kinda Girl” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in July of 1992, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single “Go Ahead and Cry” which peaked at #43 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart in November of 1992, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

Joe Little released a solo album in 1994 and teamed up with Gerald LeVert as a writing team on various occasions, producing & writing music for artists such as the O’Jays, the Temptations, Men at Large, Keith Sweat and LSG.

In 1997, Rude Boys released their third album “Rude As Ever” which didn’t appear to make the Billboard 200 or R&B Albums chart.

The only single from the album to chart was “Nothing No One” which peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

After that, it seemed as if the Rude Boys faded into obscurity. In November of 2006 (after Gerald LeVert’s death from an accidental drug overdose), the Rude Boys reunited after performing at Gerald’s funeral.

Larry Marcus decided to pursue a gospel music career along with Edward Banks & Melvin Sephus discontinued performing with the group.

These days, Joe Little and new members Gee Labeaud and Keni Myles are performing as Rude Boys. They are planning on releasing a new single & EP.

Joe is also the C.E.O., co-founder, and spokesman of Urbean Joe Gourmet Coffee, a self-acclaimed first African-American independently-owned coffee brand & franchise.

Larry Marcus is now an indie artist. It’s is unknown what Melvin Sephus and Edward Banks are up to today.

To see the music video for “Written All Over Your Face,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLp0H6ckknc

To see the music video for “Heaven,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atz6wAX4bUQ

To see a fan-made video for “Are You Lonely For Me,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxA2yF9rZXs

To see the music video for “My Kinda Girl,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL5WFpuFNIs

To see the music video for “Go Ahead and Cry,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qvSceGwn5w

[updated on 05\22\13]

Jomanda

Jomanda was a dance music trio from New Jersey that consisted of Joanne Thomas, Cheri Williams and Renee Washington.

Cheri (who began singing when she was 14 years old) met Joanne during the 7th grade, though they lost contact with each other when they went to high school. They later reunited when they were joined by Renee Washington, who began singing in Baptist church choirs and attended the Newark School of Performing Arts.
In 1986, Jomanda released their debut single, “On Top (Of The Groove)” on the Ace Beats Records label and followed it up with “I’ll Give It To You (Come Get It)” a year later on the Quark Records label.
In 1988, their third single, “Make My Body Rock (Feel It)” peaked at #44 on the UK Singles chart and #6 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks) and #34 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart; however, their next single, “Drifting” didn’t chart at all.
The trio’s fifth single, “Don’t You Want My Love” peaked at #79 on the UK Singles chart, #10 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks). The song also peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles chart.
In 1990, Jomanda released their debut studio album, “Someone To Love Me” on the Big Beat Records label which didn’t appear to make any album charts.
Their sixth single, “Share” was moderately successful, peaking at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1991, they scored their first number-one hit with their seventh single, “Got a Love for You” which topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in July of that same year, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The song also peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, #43 on the UK Singles chart and #66 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The last charting single from their debut album, “The True Meaning Of Love” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks) and #20 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
In 1992, they were featured on DJ Felix’s song, “Don’t You Want Me” which topped Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week (staying on the chart for 14 weeks), making it Jomanda’s second number-one song on the dance charts. It also peaked at #6 on the UK Singles chart, and topped the music charts in Switzerland & Finland.
In 1993, Jomanda released their sophomore album, “Nubia Soul” which didn’t appear to make any impact on the album charts at all.
The lead single, a cover version of DeBarge’s 1983 song, “I Like It” peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, #29 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks), #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #45 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
The follow-up single, “Back To You” peaked at #96 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week. The third single, “Never” peaked at #40 on the UK Singles chart, but didn’t chart in the United States.
The last single from the album, “I Cried the Tears” peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks). It also peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. In 1994, Jomanda disbanded.

In 1995, Joanne Thomas changed her stage name to Yavahn and worked with house music act, Ruffneck where they scored a number-one dance hit with “Everybody Be Somebody.” In 2000, she was diagnosed with colon cancer and died three years later in October of 2003. It’s unknown what Cheri Williams and Renee Washington are currently up to these days.

To see a video for “Make My Body Rock (Feel It),” go to:

To see a video for “Don’t You Want My Love,” go to:

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

To see a video for “The True Meaning of Love,” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Never,” go to:

To see a video for “I Cried the Tears,” go to:

To see a video for “On Top (Of The Groove), go to:

To see a video for “I’ll Give It To You (Come Get It),” go to:

To see a video for “Drifting,” go to:

To see a video for “Share,” go to:

To see a video for “Don’t You Want Me” (with Felix), go to:

Fascination

Fascination (born Elsie Rodriguez in the Bronx, New York) is a freestyle\dance music singer from the late ’80s and ’90s. She was discovered by music producer Todd Terry in New York City.
In 1987, she released her debut single, “Why You Wanna Go” on Vinylmania Records. The song peaked at #35 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
Her follow-up singles: “Don’t You Think It’s Time” and “Go Away” (released in 1988) didn’t make any impact on the charts.
In 1990, Fascination released the single, “Remember…” on the Lumar Music label which peaked at #27 on Billboard’s Hot Danec Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The song gave her a major endorsement deal with Coca-Cola.
Her follow-up singles, “I Want You Back” (released in 1991 on the Lumar Music label), “Still Miss You” (released in 1994 on Cutting Records) and “Wasn’t Love” (released in 1995 on Cutting Records) didn’t appear to make the charts at all.
In 2014, Fascination released her greatest hits compliation album, “The Fascination Collection”. She was reportedly working a new album, but nothing much has been heard about it or if it’ll ever be released. These days (according to research), she appears to still be performing.

To see Fascination’s Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/elsiefascination/

To see a video for “Why You Wanna Go”, go to:

To see a video for “Don’t You Think It’s Time”, go to:

To see a video for “Go Away”, go to:

To see a video for “Remember…”, go to:

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

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

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

Denine

Denine (born Denine Latanzo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a freestyle\dance music singer from the ’90s.

In 1990, she met music producer and songwriter Adam Marano; a year later, she provided vocals on freestyle music group TPE’s song, “Then Came You”.
In 1991, Denine released her debut single, “Baby I Love You” on the Tripodi Records label which didn’t make the charts at all.
In 1993, she released her follow-up single, “I Remember You” which peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
Her next two singles, “Tearshed ’93” and “I’ll Never Get Over U” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
In 1994, Denine released her debut studio album, “To Be Continued…” on the Metropolitan Recording Corporation label.
Her cover version of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam’s 1985 song, “All Cried Out” (featuring singer Collage) peaked at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #33 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart.
In 1996, Denine released the singles, “If I Didn’t Love You” and “I Just Can’t Stop” on the Tazmania Records label; neither of them made the charts.
In 1998, she released the singles, “I Believe” and “Love Me Or Leave Me”. She later took a break from the music business to focus on raising her two sons.
These days (according to research), Denine is still active with her music career. In 2022, she released the single, “Last Chance” which peaked at #1 on the iTunes dance chart.

To see Denine’s Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/Deninemusic

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

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

To see a video for “Tearshed ’93”, go to:

To see a video for “I’ll Never Get Over U”, go to:

To see a video for “All Cried Out”, go to:

To see a video for “If I Didn’t Love You”, go to:

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

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

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

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

H-Town

H-Town is an R&B group from Houston, Texas that consisted of twin brothers Keven “Dino” and Solomon “Shazam” Conner and their good friend, Darryl “GI” Jackson. The group’s name comes from the nickname of their hometown.

Dino and Solomon started their careers singing in talent shows before a local producer sent a demo tape to 2 Live Crew rapper\record label executive Luther “Luke” Campbell and the group was signed to Campbell’s record label, Luke Records.
In 1993, H-Town released their debut album, “Fever For Da Flavor.” The album peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 chart, #1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, and #9 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart.

The group’s well-known hit single, “Knockin’ Da Boots” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #34 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, and topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for 4 weeks in June of 1993, staying on the chart for 27 weeks.

The second single, “Lick U Up” peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100, #34 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #21 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The third single, “Keepin’ My Composure” peaked at #46 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The last single from the album, “Baby I Wanna” peaked at #87 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

H-Town won a Soul Train Music Award for “Best New Artist” and during 1993, the group was part of the Coca-Cola tour along with R&B groups Silk, SWV, and Shai. They were featured on the “Above the Rim” movie soundtrack with the track “Part Time Lover” which managed to peak at #9 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
In 1994, H-Town released their sophomore album, “Beggin’ After Dark” which peaked at #98 on the Billboard 200 chart and #21 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, “Back Seat (Wit No Sheets)” peaked at #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Emotions” peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks.

The group recorded a cover version of the Persuaders’ song, “A Thin Line Between Love & Hate” for the 1996 movie of the same name. The song peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.
In 1997, H-Town released their third album, “Ladies Edition” which peaked at #53 on the Billboard 200 chart and #12 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The only single to chart from the album was “They Like It Slow” which peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks. During that same year, the group had cut ties with Luther Campbell.

In July of 2000, Solomon Conner released a solo album entitled, “Bringing The Heat.” In January of 2003, Dino and his girlfriend, Teshya Weisent were tragically killed in a car accident in Houston. The group was finishing up their newest album during the time of Dino’s death.

In October 2004, H-Town released their fourth album, “Imitations of Life.” Some of the songs from Solomon’s solo album were featured on the album.

Today, Shazam & G.I. continue to perform & tour as H-Town. In 2011, they released the single, “I Appreciate You.”

To see H-Town’s official website, go to:
http://www.htown4ever.com

To follow H-Town on Twitter, go to:
http://www.twitter/htown4life

To see H-Town’s official MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/htownlegends

To see H-Town’s YouTube page, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/htown4life

To see H-Town’s official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/htown4ever

To see the music video for “Knockin’ Da Boots,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7XPRmMIrhY

To see the music video for “Lick U Up,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_bDlpLXlBc

To see the music video for “Keepin’ My Composure,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf5AVDiO81A

To see the music video for “Baby I Wanna,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOZVBjQkrUs

To see a fan-made video for “Part Time Lover,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mLYN-F2Oek

To see the music video for “Back Seat (Wit No Sheets),” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM4uXiYEmyA

To see the music video for “Emotions,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXYSvyuRes8

To see the music video for “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjRXTy-stnI

To see the music video for “They Like it Slow,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riJA8m-aEaA

[updated on 05\22\13]