Archive for December, 2009


Hello, everyone!!! Another great year has gone by and this year, I’ve managed to post 193 entries for you all to see.

I appreciate all the positive comments and reception I’ve gotten. Next year, I’ll be posting more great music for you to see.

Have a wonderful New Year!!

Sincerely,
The Music-Know-It-All

Small Change

Small Change were an R&B group from North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that consisted of cousins Kairi Guinn-Styles, Neaman Howard, LaKuana Brockington and Tamika Jarmon. Their manager and mentor was Kairi’s father, Wayne Styles.
In 1991, they released their self-titled debut album on Mercury Records which peaked at #69 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “Why” peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks, making it their highest chart appearance to date.
The follow-up single, “Teardrops” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The final single released from the album, “This Must Be Love” peaked at #69 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. After that, it seems as if Small Change faded into obscurity. 
These days (according to research),  Kairi works as a paratransit bus driver for MV Transportation. Lakuana lives in Philadelphia where she is the owner and director of the Toddler Town Early Learning Center. 
Neamen lives in Albany, Georgia and has two children. Tamika (now Tamika Jarmon-Lyles) lives in Philadelphia, but it’s unknown what she’s up to these days.
To see a video for “Why,” go to:
To see a video for “Teardrops,” go to:
To see a video for “This Must Be Love,” go to:
[updated on 12/14/2021]

Brownstone

Brownstone is a Grammy-nominated female R&B group from Los Angeles, California. The original members of the group were Monica “Mimi” Doby, Charmayne “Maxee” Maxwell and Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert.

The group met each other after going to separate auditions around the city. They were signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Music record label and were featured on labelmates Quo’s single “Quo Funk” as vocalists.
In 1995, Brownstone released their debut album “From the Bottom Up” which peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single “Passin’ the Love” peaked at #42 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #58 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
Brownstone’s second single and biggest hit to date “If You Love Me” peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #2 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 34 weeks.

The song topped the charts in New Zealand and was moderately successful in France, Australia and the Netherlands.
The third single “Grapevyne” peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
The last single from the album, a cover version of the Eagles’ song “I Can’t Tell You Why” peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #22 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

Brownstone won a Billboard Music Award and received a Grammy nomination and a “Soul Train Lady of Soul” nomination. They were also featured on the hit single “Freedom.”

After touring all around the globe, Mimi Doby left the group due to internal problems with the other two members of the group. She was later replaced with singer Kina Cosper.
In 1997, Brownstone released their sophomore album “Still Climbing” which peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. .
The first single from the album “5 Miles to Empty” which peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, #39 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #38 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #24 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.
The last single from the album “Kiss and Tell” peaked at #102 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #41 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

Kina Cosper left the group to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Kymberli Wright (who is now the lead singer of female jazz group Straight Ahead). She released a self-titled solo album and is working on her sophomore album.

Charmayne Maxwell had a sporadic career as a recording artist in Europe. Monica Doby left the music business and is now a teacher.

In 2007, Brownstone attempted to make a comeback which included new member Racquel Roberts & they performed in New York City, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

In 2013, Nichole Gilbert announced that the group was reuniting for a new album & tour. Sadly on February 28, 2015, Charmayne Maxwell passed away from unknown causes.

To see the music video for “If You Love Me,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91NExZP5dZI

To see the music video for “Grapevyne,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E5bg02oauA

To see the music video for “5 Miles to Empty,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkcQtFKUF48

To see the music video for “I Can’t Tell You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioWHKWyyb7A

To see the music video for “Kiss and Tell,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdA0rixGszU

[updated on 03\02\15]

Quo

Quo was a kiddie hip-hop/rap duo that consisted of Wade “Kaos” Robson (born on September 17, 1982 in Brisbane, Australia) and DeWayne “Sysco Smoov” Turrentine (born in 1979 from Los Angeles, California). They were signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Music record label.

Wade was already well-known for performing a dance routine to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” on the Australian television talent show, “New Faces 4,” sharing the stage with Michael Jackson himself during his “Bad” tour stop in Australia, and starring in three of Michael Jackson’s videos: “Black and White,” “Jam,” and “Heal the World.”

In 1994, the duo came together and released their debut single, “Huh What?” which featured rapper Redman (who also co-wrote the song). The single failed to make the Billboard charts at all.

The second single, “Blowin’ Up (Don’t Stop the Music)” which peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart and #90 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks. Aaron Hall provided background vocals on the song.

In October of that same year, Quo released their self-titled debut album, but it failed to make any impact on the Billboard album charts.

The third single, “Quo Funk” (which heavily sampled The Jacksons’ “This Place Hotel”) also failed to make any impact on the charts. The song featured R&B group, Brownstone.

After that, Quo broke up and seemingly faded into obscurity. Wade went on to become a successful choreographer, producer and actor while DeWayne became a fashion model, married actress Reagan Gomez-Preston & has two children.

To see the music video for “Huh What?,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NArSMS77moc

To see the music video for “Blowin’ Up (Don’t Stop the Music),” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keUfngaK0ls

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

[updated on 03/25/13]

Gwen Guthrie (born on July 14, 1950 in Newark, New Jersey) was an R&B\dance-pop singer from the ’80s.

Raised in Newark, New Jersey, Gwen studied classical music in school and was taught how to play the piano by her father when she was 8 years old. By the early ’70s, she had joined vocal groups such as the Ebonettes and the Matchmakers while working as an elementary school teacher.

In 1974, when a back-up singer who was scheduled to sing on Aretha Franklin’s 1974 song, “I’m in Love” became sick, Gwen took the singer’s place. Soon afterwards, she began moonlighting as a commercial jingle singer (sometimes with her good friend, singer Valerie Simpson).

Gwen developed a songwriting partnership with her boyfriend, musician Haras Frye. She wrote and provided vocals for various albums by artists such as Ben E. King, Sister Sledge, Roberta
Flack, Jackie DeShannon, Kenny Loggins, Angela Bofill, East Coast and Patti Austin.
In 1981, she was featured on late Jamaican reggae singer Peter Tosh’s song, “Nothing But Love” which peaked at #43 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1982, Gwen released her self-titled debut album on Island Records which peaked at #28 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “It Should Have Been You” peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The song also peaked at #27 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
The follow-up singles from the album: “Peek-A-Boo” and “For You (With a Melody Too)” didn’t appear to make any impact on the charts at all.
In 1983, she released her sophomore album, “Portrait” which didn’t make the album charts in the United States, but managed to peak at #42 on the album charts in New Zealand.
The first single from the album, “Peanut Butter” peaked at #83 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks. The follow-up single, “Hopscotch” didn’t chart at all.
In 1984, Gwen was featured on Dutch music group, the Limit’s single, “Say Yeah” which peaked at #17 on the UK Singles chart and #7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
During that same year, Gwen released the single, “Love in Moderation” which peaked at #10 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (staying on the chart for a week) and #17 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.In 1985, she released her third studio album, “Just For You” which peaked at #55 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The title song peaked at #53 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
Also in that same year, Gwen released an EP called “Padlock” which peaked at #47 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (staying on the chart for 2 weeks) and #13 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. It also peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #25 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
The follow-up single, a remixed version of “Peanut Butter” peaked at #75 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. The last single from the EP, “Seventh Heaven” peaked at #85 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1986, she released her fourth studio album, “Good to Go Lover” on Polydor Records. The album peaked at #158 on the Billboard 200, #20 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #42 on the U.K. Albums chart.
The lead single from the album, “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent” became a hit, topping Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart for 2 weeks (staying on the chart for 13 weeks) and topping Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for a week, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The song also peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on the U.K. Singles chart and #3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The follow-up single, “Outside in the Rain” peaked at #37 on the U.K. Singles chart (along with the title song) and #51 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
The last single from the album, a cover version of the Carpenters’ 1970 song, “(They Long to Be) Close To You” peaked at #25 on the U.K. Singles chart and #69 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
In 1987, Gwen released the compliation album, “Ticket to Ride” on the 4th & Broadway record label. The two singles released from the album, the title song and a cover version of Sly and the Family Stone’s 1971 song, “Family Affair” failed to chart.
During that same year, she was featured on reggae singer Boris Gardiner’s song, “Friends & Lovers” which peaked at #97 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1988, she released her third studio album, “Lifeline” on Warner Bros. Records which failed to make the charts at all.
The lead single from the album, “Can’t Love You Tonight” peaked at #79 on the U.K. Singles chart, #44 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 3 weeks), #38 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #83 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. The follow-up single, “Rockin’ Chair” didn’t make the charts at all.
In 1990, Gwen released her last studio album, “Hot Times” on Reprise Records. The first single, “Miss My Love” peaked at #27 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
The follow-up single from the album, “Sweet Bitter Love” peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. The last single, “Say It Isn’t So” failed to chart at all.
In 1992, Gwen released the singles “Eyes (You Never Really Cared)” and “This Christmas Eve” on the Hot Times Records Inc. label; neither of them made any impact on the charts.
In 1993, a remixed version of “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent” managed to peak at #42 on the U.K. Singles chart.

On February 3, 1999, Gwen died from uterine cancer. She was 48 years old at the time of her death and was interred at Fairmount Cemetery in Newark, New Jersey.

To see a video for “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But the Rent”, go to:

To see a video for “It Should Have Been You”, go to:

To see a video for “Peek-A-Boo”, go to:

To see a video for “For You (With a Melody Too)”, go to:

To see a video for “Peanut Butter”, go to:

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

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

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

To see a video for “Padlock”, go to:

To see a video for “Seventh Heaven”, go to:

To see a video for “Outside in the Rain”, go to:

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

To see a video for “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, go to:

To see a video for “Ticket to Ride”, go to:

To see a video for “Family Affair”, go to:

To see a video for “Can’t Love You Tonight”, go to:

To see a video for “Rockin’ Chair”, go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Say It Isn’t So”, go to:

To see a video for “Eyes (You Never Really Cared)”, go to:

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

Tony Terry

Tony Terry (born on March 12, 1964 in Pinehurst, North Carolina) is an R&B singer from the late 80s/early 90s.

He graduated from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. and was a backing vocalist for music groups such as Sweet Sensation and The Boogie Boys. In 1987, Tony signed a record deal with Epic/CBS Records.

During that same year, he released the single “She’s Fly” which peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

In 1988, Tony released his debut album “Forever Yours” peaked at #151 on the Billboard 200 and #27 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

His second single “Lovey Dovey” peaked at #44 on the U.K. Singles chart and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The title song peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The last single from the album “Young Love” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #88 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks and #94 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Tony was featured on the “Tap” movie soundtrack with the song “Forget the Girl” which peaked at #97 on the U.K. Singles chart and #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

In 1989, he was featured on labelmate Flame’s song “On the Strength” which was moderately successful on the R&B and dance charts.

In 1991, Tony released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #184 on the Billboard 200, #35 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #8 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.

The first single from the album “Head Over Heels” peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The second single “With You” became Tony’s highest chart appearance to date, peaking at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 33 weeks.

The third single “That Kind of Guy” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The last single from the album “Everlasting Love” peaked at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 25 weeks.

During that same year, Tony earned two Soul Train Music Award nominations for “Single of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” for “With You.” He was featured on the film soundtracks to “Gladiator.” After that, Tony left his record label and signed to Virgin Records.

In 1994, Tony released his third album “Heart of a Man” peaked at #18 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and #47 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The first single “When a Man Cries” peaked at #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks along.

The second single “Can’t Let Go” also peaked at #32 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The title song managed to peak at #86 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. The following year, Tony contributed background vocals on Yolanda Adams’ album “More Than a Melody” on the track “Gotta Have Love.”

In 2001, Tony released his fourth album “My Best” on the Golden Boy record label. It’s unknown how or if the album was successful.

In 2006, he released his fifth album “Changed!” which peaked at #51 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #21 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart.

Until 2009, Tony toured internationally with Roberta Flack. While on tour in Japan with her, Tony’s wife Laronda Dison-Terry was diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia. The couple was recently named the National Spokespersons for the National Fibromyalgia Association.

On stage, Tony has appeared in various plays & musicals such as “Sisterella,” “Mama, I Want to Sing,” “His Woman, His Wife” (which co-starred Stephanie Mills) and recently the national tour of “Tall Dark and Handsome.”

These days, Tony continues to perform. In 2013, he released the single “All I Need” which is available for digital download on iTunes, Amazon.com and emusic.com.
In 2015, he released his sixth album “I Tony 6” which is available on Rhapsody.com and iTunes.

To see Tony’s official website, go to:
http://www.mrtonyterry.com/

To see the music video for “She’s Fly,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIeXl6K6fqw

To see the music video for “With You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlqJyZg_3-o

To see the music video for “That Kind of Guy,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdDkWU32fDo

To see the music video for “Head Over Heels,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiwqeoOanHM

To see the music video for “Everlasting Love,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f24kY-QlBaE

To see a fan-made video for “Lovey Dovey,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwjsaMeU0Bk

To see the music video for “Forever Yours,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7FIuyixjDI

To see a fan-made video for “Young Love,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juCQFA8fP-w

To see a fan-made video for “Forget the Girl,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp8w1D2LUD4

To see a fan-made video for “When a Man Cries,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zRPHI8ynjo

To see a fan-made video for “Can’t Let Go,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ddLQjW-Nco

To see a fan-made video for “Heart of a Man,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMhB-NAqyoc


[updated on 04\09\2016]

MoKenStef

MoKenStef were an female R&B trio from Los Angeles, California that consisted of members Monifa Bethune, Kenya Hadley and Stephanie Sinclair. The group’s name was a combination of the first syllable of each of the girls’ names.

In May of 1995, the trio released their debut single, “He’s Mine” which peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, #32 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, topped Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 27 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #70 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In June of that same year, MoKenStef released their debut album, “Azz Izz” which peaked at #117 on the Billboard 200, #24 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, and topped Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart.

The follow-up single, “Sex in the Rain” peaked at #63 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles, staying on the chart for 13 weeks, but missed the Hot 100 completely.

The last single was supposed to be a remake of Smokey Robinson’s “Baby Come Close” which the trio recorded a remix cover version of Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It.” The album and the remix versions received a promotional release on CD and vinyl and a music video was made for it, but the single was never commercially released.

MoKenStef performed the remix version of “He’s Mine” on the Nickelodeon show, “All That” and they appeared on the “Phat Beach” movie soundtrack in 1996 with the song, “Jack’n Me.”

In 1999, they released a single called “He Say She Say” which was a promotion for Cool Dre’s album, “Hits 4 the New Millennium,” but it was unsuccessful.

By 2000, they officially broke up and faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for “He’s Mine,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1uayIkqhj4

To see the music video for “Sex in the Rain,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7xzLqr2cT0

To see a fan-made video for “Baby Come Close/I Can’t Help It,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KvEoHRuKFA

To see a fan-made video for “He Say, She Say,” go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3njf6N6Q8Y

[updated on 03/25/13]

Terri Wells

Terri Wells (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an R&B\dance music singer from the ’80s.

Terri began singing in church before she was old enough to sing in clubs. During the mid-’70s, she and a few local friends formd a music group called City Limits, who were briefly signed to the Philadelphia International Records label.

After City Limits disbanded, she was hired as a session singer for Dexter Wansel and recorded with various artists such as Lou Rawls, Jean Carne, MFSB and Leon Huff. After Dexter Wansel retired from live performances, Terri was hired by Roy Ayers where she toured with his band and co-wrote the song, “Let’s Stay Together” for his album, “Feelin’ Good”.

Terri was also the lead singer on Roy Ayers’ song, “Turn Me Loose” and signed a record deal with his label, Uno Melodic; however, nothing was released from her on the label. She later signed a record deal with Philly World Records.
In 1983, she released her debut single, “You Make It Heaven” which peaked at #53 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1984, Terri released her only studio album, “Just Like Dreamin'” which didn’t make the charts at all.

The follow-up single, a cover version of The Spinners’ 1972 song, “I’ll Be Around” peaked at #17 on the U.K. Singles chart and #46 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. The song also peaked at #81 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.
The third single from the album, “I’m Givin’ All My Love” peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. It also peaked at #66 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The last two singles: “I Already Know” and the title song didn’t appear to make any impact on the charts at all. Afterwards, it seems as if Terri has faded into obscurity. It is currently unknown what she’s up to these days.

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

To see a video for “I’ll Be There”, go to:

To see a video for “I’m Givin’ All My Love”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Just Like Dreamin'”, go to:

Reneé Aldrich (born in Los Angeles, California) is an R&B singer from the late 80s. She was a former member of the music group Stroke.

In 1987, she released the single, “Just Begun to Love You” on Jam Packed Records which peaked at #75 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

After that, it seemed as if Reneé has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made music video for “Just Begun to Love You,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRNbZxS7-m4

[Updated on 06\12\13]

The Mary Jane Girls

The Mary Jane Girls were an R&B girl group from the ’80s that was formed by the late Rick James. The original line-up consisted of Joanne “JoJo” McDuffie, Cheryl Ann “Cheri” Bailey, Candice “Candi” Ghant and Kimberly “Maxi” Wuletich.
The origin of their name is commonly believed to be an homage to Rick James’ affinity for marijuana (or “Mary Jane”) and the girls took on distinctive character looks with matching personalities. JoJo was described as a sexy & streetwise and a female version of Rick James; Cheri was described as a Valley girl, Candi was described as a vamp; and Maxi was described as a dominatrix.

Rick James was frequently backed up in his studio recordings by JoJo and the Waters sisters (Julia and Maxine). For live performances, he was backed up by JoJo along with Cheri, Candi and Maxi. The girls practiced under a vocal coach and learned choreographed dance routines.

In 1983, James proposed to Motown Records that JoJo should be offered a solo career; however, miscommunication caused Motown to sign an all-female group which he determined would be the Mary Jane Girls; he filled the positions behind JoJo with Maxi, Cheri and Candi along with writing all of the original songs & producing all the recordings.

In April of 1983, the Mary Jane Girls released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200 and #6 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. JoJo and the Waters sisters sang all the parts on the album.

The lead single from the album, “Candy Man” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #60 on the U.K. Singles chart and #23 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The second single, “All Night Long” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #13 on the U.K. Singles chart and #11 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. The song has been sampled by artists such as Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Redman and Mary J. Blige.

The third single from the album, “Boys” peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #74 on the U.K. Singles chart and #29 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The last single from the album “Jealousy” peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #84 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks. 
The three tracks from the album: “Candy Man,” “All Night Long” and “Boys” all peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. Before the group’s next album was recorded, Cheri left the group and was replaced by Yvette “Corvette” Marine (the daughter of disco singer Pattie Brooks), who took over the valley girl role.
In 1985, the Mary Jane Girls released their sophomore and last album, “Only Four You” which peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.

The lead single from the album, “In My House” became their only biggest hit to date, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart for two weeks, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. It also peaked at #77 on the U.K. Singles chart and #3 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Wild And Crazy Love” was a moderate hit on the pop charts, peaking at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100; however, it reached the top 10 on the R&B charts, peaking at #10 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. It also peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The third single from the album, “Break It Up” peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 4 weeks) and #79 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for only 2 weeks).

In 1986, The Mary Jane Girls were featured on the soundtrack to the film, “A Fine Mess” with a cover version of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons’ song, “Walk Like a Man” which peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #91 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
The last single from the album, “Shadow Lover” was released and the group appeared on “Soul Train” to lip-sync to it; however, it was not promoted by Motown Records at all. Candice Ghant obtained other work in 1986 when Rick James and Motown Records were in dispute, eventually leaving the group without any label support.

In 1987, the Mary Jane Girls officially disbanded. They recorded a third album titled “Conversation”; however, it remained unreleased until 2014 when it was released digitally as part of a larger retrospective of Rick James’ work.
Cheri Wells was recruited away from the Mary Jane Girls by Morris Day to be the lead singer for his all-female band, the Day Zs, where they released only one album and one single on Reprise Records in 1990; however, neither of them made the charts at all.
In 1991, Yvette Marine sued Virgin Records, claiming that she shared lead vocals on Paula Abdul’s debut album on the tracks: “Opposites Attract,” “Knocked Out” and “I Need You”; however, a jury ruled against her in 1993.

In 1995, “All Night Long” was remixed by Mike Gray and John Pearn, subtitled “The Hustlers Convention Remixes” which was released on 12-inch vinyl and CD single. The remixes gained attention in dance clubs and peaked at #51 on the U.K Singles chart. 

During that same year, Joanne McDuffie, Candice Ghant and Kimberly Wuletich performed on television on “The Jenny Jones Show” billing themselves as MJG; they continued performing together occasionally for a year or two. In 2003, the Mary Jane Girls were featured on an episode of the VH1 network series, “Where Are They Now?” 
In 2009, Joanne McDuffie’s husband, Robert Funderberg applied for control of the “Mary Jane Girls” trademark, but the application was abandoned a year later. In 2010, Kimberly Wuletich applied for the trademark, “MJB Starring Maxi and Cheri of the Original Mary Jane Girls” which she used for performing with Cheri Wells; however, in 2013, the estate of Rick James’ sued her and Cheri to stop them from performing under the name, the Mary Jane Girls.
These days, Maxi and Cheri continue to perform together under the title, “MJG-Original Mary Jane Girls-Maxi & Cheri” while Candice, Farah Melanson and Val Young perform together as the new lineup of the  Mary Jane Girls.
Maxi (now Maxi Bond) also works as a chef and was selected as a spokesmodel for an anti-aging skin care treatment line by AuraVie Skin around 2012. 
JoJo pursued a solo career, releasing a solo album in 2010; according to research, it appears as if she’s retired from the music business and lives a quiet lifestyle now.  
According to research, Candi resides in North Hollywood, California where she has performed in live plays, did voice-over work and has done public speaking for auto shows. 
Yvette (now Yvette Barlowe) is married with two children and hosted her own celebrity profile show called “In the Mix with Yvette”, but not a lot of current information about her is available.
To see the Original Mary Jane Girls’ Facebook page, go to:
To follow the Original Mary Jane Girls on Instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/mjgmaxicheri/
To see a video for “All Night Long,” go to:

To see a video for “In My House,” go to:
To see a video for “Candy Man,” go to:
To see a video for “Boys,” go to:

To see a video for “Jealousy,” go to:

To see a video for “Wild and Crazy Love,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Walk Like a Man” (from the “A Fine Mess” soundtrack), go to:

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

To see a video for the 1995 remix version of “All Night Long,” go to:

[updated on 12\14\2021]