Kajagoogoo

 

Kajagoogoo were a new wave/pop band from Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England that consisted of members of Limahl (born Christopher Hamill on December 19, 1958 in Pemberton, Wigan, Lancashire, England), Steve Askew, Nick Beggs (born Nicholas Beggs on December 15, 1961 in Winslow, Buckinghamshire, England), Stuart Neale (born Stuart Croxford Neale on August 5, 1960) and Jez Strode (born Jeremy Strode on January 17, 1958 in London). 

In the late ’70s, the band were originally known as a four-piece avant-garde group called Art Noveau with Nick on lead guitar, Stuart on keyboards and Jez on the drums. The group released a track called “The Fear Machine” which sold a few hundred copies and got some airplay on John Peel’s song. Despite the song’s success, Art Nouveau were unable to get a record deal during this period.

In 1981, Art Noveau advertised for a new lead singer and ultimately chose Limahl. The band later changed their name to Kajagoogoo (a name that is coined phonetically from ga ga goo goo, which is the first sounds that many infants make).

In July of 1982, Kajagoogoo signed a record deal with EMI Records after Limahl met keyboardist Nick Rhodes (from Duran Duran) while working as a waiter at London’s Embassy Club. Rhodes proceeded to co-produce their debut single, “Too Shy” (along with Duran Duran’s EMI producer, Colin Thurston). 

In 1983, “Too Shy” became a hit, topping the charts in the United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Belgium and West Germany. In the United States, the song became their only hit in the country, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on Billboard’s Dance/Disco Top 80 chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks). 

During that same year, Kajagoogoo released their debut album, “White Feathers” which peaked at #5 on the UK Albums chart and #38 on the Billboard 200. 

The follow-up single, “Ooh to be Ah” peaked at #7 on the UK Singles chart. It also reached the Top 10 in Germany and Israel, and was moderately successful in Germany, Australia & New Zealand. 

The last single released from the album, “Hang on Now” which peaked at #13 on the UK Singles chart and was moderately successful in the United States, peaking at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in Finland, Germany, Japan and Ireland.

After being the supporting act for Birmingham band, Fashion in late 1982, Kajagoogoo embarked on their own headlining tour in support of the album in the spring of 1983. Their performance on May 31, 1983 at the London Hammersmith Odeon was filmed & released on home video.

Tensions started occurring within the band which culminated in Limahl being fired by the other members in mid-1983 and Nick Beggs took over as the lead singer. Limahl accused the other band members of being envious of him, saying, “I’ve been betrayed!” and “I was sacked for making them a success.” 

The other members of Kajagoogoo countered Limahl’s assertions, insisting that he had become egomanical and was difficult to work with. Nick Beggs commented that Limahl’s departure was a business decision and that Limahl wanted the band to go in a different direction to the rest of the them. Nick also stated that the band harbored no hard feelings towards Limahl and blamed the press for sensationalizing the matter. 

In September of 1983, Kajagoogoo released the single, “Big Apple” (their first single without Limahl) which peaked at #8 on the UK Singles chart. 

In 1984, they released the single, “The Lion’s Mouth” which peaked at #25 on the UK Singles chart. After that, public interest in the band started to fade. 

During that same year, the band released their sophomore album, “Islands” which peaked at #35 on the UK Albums chart. 

The last single released from the album, “Turn Your Back on Me” peaked at #47 on the UK Singles chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks). 

In the United States, the band changed their name to Kaja and a different edition of the “Islands” album was released under the title “Extra Play” which peaked at #185 on the Billboard 200. During that time, Jez Strode left the band. 

In an attempt to lose their previous image and regain credibility with their fans, the three remaining members of the band relaunched as Kaja in 1985, releasing the single, “Shouldn’t Do That.” The song was unsuccessful in the United Kingdom, peaking at #63 on the UK Singles chart, but fared better in the United States, peaking at #37 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Disco Club chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks). 

During 1985, Kaja released their third album, “Crazy People’s Right to Speak” which failed to chart at all. By December of that same year, they disbanded.

In 2003, the original five members of Kajagoogoo briefly reunited on the VH1 network reality show, “Band Reunited.” 

After the reunion on VH1, they received many offers and incentives to keep playing together, but due to disagreements between the band members, the reunion was short-lived as Limahl & Jez Strode left the band which ultimately led to them disbanding the following year. The band felt that the VH1 feature was unfairly edited to portray simplified reasons to why Limahl was fired and Jez Strode had left the band in the ’80s. 

In 2007, Nick Beggs, Steve Askew and Stuart Neale decided to continue as Kajagoogoo, releasing the single, “Rocket Boy” in June of that same year which received airplay on Steve Wright’s BBC Radio 2 show. 

A new album, “Gone to the Moon” was scheduled to be released, but the album was postponed; it was later released digitally on iTunes in 2011. In February of 2008, the three members of Kajagoogoo announced plans to reunite with Limahl and Jez Strode due in part to the organiser of the Retrofest event & the band’s new manager. 

Throughout the rest of the 2000s and 2010s, the band continued to perform & tour together. In June of 2011, their four-track EP, “Death Defying Headlines” was released digitally as a single edit & an extended dance remix. In March of 2017, Nick Beggs announced that the band was no longer active.

After leaving the band, Limahl went on to have a solo career, scoring his biggest hit with “The NeverEnding Story” which peaked at #4 on the UK Singles chart and #17 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the charts in Japan, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Spain.

These days, Limahl continues to perform mostly in ’80s retro-based shows, often performing as part of multi-act tours. In June of 2020, he released the single, “Still in Love” (which was his first single released since 2012).

According to research, Nick Beggs is still active with his own music career and does artwork as well. He has been a member of Steven Wilson’s touring band since 2011. He resides in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England where he is the father of two and the stepfather of three.

After Kajagoogoo disbanded, Steve Askew formed a band called the Smalltown Elephants. According to research, he resides in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England where he has his own recording studio, writing, recording & producing music.

After leaving the band, Jez Strode subsequently set up a company called Atlantic Hire which he operated from his home in Hampstead, hiring synthesizers & other studio electronics to the music industry. During that time, he constructed his own recording studio in a converted garage in North London. It’s unknown what he’s currently up to these days.

These days (according to research), Stuart Neale is a Christian/gospel musician and has also established a ministry called Arubah House in Belfast. In 2020, he released the album, “New Birth, Messiah’s Return.”

To see Limahl’s official website, go to:
http://limahl.com/

To see Nick Beggs’ official website, go to:
http://nickbeggs.co.uk/

To see Stuart Neale’s official website, go to:
https://www.stuartcroxfordneale.com/

To see a video for “Too Shy,” go to:

To see a video for “Ooh to be Ah,” go to: 

To see a video for “Hang on Now,” go to: 

To see a video for “Big Apple,” go to: 

To see a video for “The Lion’s Mouth,” go to: 

To see a video for “Turn Your Back on Me,” go to: 

To see a video for “Shouldn’t Do That,” go to: 

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

Christopher Williams

 

Christopher Williams (born Christopher Lawrence Williams on August 22, 1967 in the Bronx, New York) is an R&B singer-songwriter from the late ’80s and ’90s. He is the nephew of legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald.

In July of 1989, Christopher released his debut album, “Adventures in Paradise” on Geffen Records which peaked at #23 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. 

The lead single from the album, “Talk to Myself” peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks. It also managed to peak at #18 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks). 

The follow-up singles: “Promises, Promises” (which peaked at #7) and “One Girl” (which peaked at #31) were moderately successful on Billboard’s R&B chart. 

 
In 1991, Christopher made his acting debut in the film “New Jack City.” He was also featured on the film’s soundtrack with the track, “I’m Dreamin” which peaked at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for a week in May of 1991, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. It also peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Maxi Single Sales chart.

During that same year, he was featured on F.S. Effect’s song, “I Wanna Be Ure Lover” which was moderately successful on Billboard’s R&B chart.

In December of 1992, he released his sophomore album, “Changes” which peaked at #63 on the Billboard 200 and #12 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. 

The second single from the album, “All I See” peaked at #19 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart (staying on the chart for 21 weeks) and #4 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. 

The third single, “Every Little Thing U Do” peaked at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks. 

The last single released from the album, “Come Go with Me” peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1995, Christopher released his third album, “Not a Perfect Man” on Giant Records which peaked at #104 on the Billboard 200 and #13 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. 

The lead single, “Dance 4 Me” peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. 

The follow-up single, “If You Say” peaked at #91 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

From 1995 to 2001, Christopher took a break from recording music, although he did release a single, “Round And Round” in 1997 which didn’t make the charts.

In 2001, he released his fourth album, “Real Men Do” on the Renegade record label; it’s unknown how or if the album was successful on the charts. Along with his music career, he has also appeared in various off-Broadway theater productions, musicals and direct-to-video films. 

These days (according to research), Christopher produces music and works on films as well. He has three children from different relationships: sons Christopher Jr. (from a relationship with a stylist) & Austin (with actress Stacey Dash) and daughter Cierra (from a relationship with Heather Barnes). 

He dated actress Halle Berry from 1991 until mid-1992. When Halle told reporters that she lost most of the hearing in her right ear due to an abusive boyfriend striking her hard, people assumed that Christopher was the abusive boyfriend, but he later defended himself, denying that he ever hurt Halle and suggested that she was referring to actor Wesley Snipes. 

In October of 2017, Christopher was arrested and charged with misdemeanor theft when he was accused of stealing a $99 pair of sunglasses from a Kohl’s department store in McDonough, Georgia. In 2020, he appeared on the TV One network series, “Unsung.”

To see a video for “Talk to Myself,” go to:

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

To see a video for “One Girl,” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Every Little Thing U Do,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Dance 4 Me,” go to:

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

Starland Vocal Band

 

Starland Vocal Band were a pop music band from the ’70s that consisted of Bill Danoff (born William Thomas Danoff on May 7, 1947 in Springfield, Massachusetts), Taffy Nivert (born Mary Katherine Nivert on October 25, 1944 in Washington, D.C.), Jon Carroll & Margot Chapman (born on September 7, 1957 in Honolulu, Hawaii).

In Washington, D.C. during the late 1960s, Bill and Taffy formed an acoustic music duo called Fat City. Together, they wrote the song “I Guess He’d Rather Be in Colorado” (which was recorded by John Denver & Mary Travers). Along with John Denver, Bill & Taffy co-wrote his song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” 

Fat City released their self-titled debut album in 1969. After the release of their second album, “Welcome to Fat City”, Bill and Taffy began working under their own names, regularly opening up for John Denver on tour. In 1972, they got married.

On their 1974 album, “Aces”, the couple enlisted then 18-year-old Jon Carroll; they were so impressed by Jon’s performance, they decided to form a new group and along with Margot Chapman, they became the Starland Vocal Band. Jon and Margot got married shortly after meeting each other.

The band soon signed a record deal with John Denver’s Windsong record label and released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Their lead single, “Afternoon Delight” became a big hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in July of 1976. The song’s title came from the happy hour menu at Clyde’s restaurant in Georgetown, Washington D.C. where Bill was eating with Margot while Taffy was undergoing surgery for cervical cancer.

The song also peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart and #94 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles  chart (staying on the chart for 2 weeks). It also topped the music charts in Canada and earned the band a Grammy Award for “Best Arrangement for Voices.” It was also nominated for two other Grammys: “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals” and “Song of the Year.

The success of “Afternoon Delight” even earned Starland Vocal Band their own variety series on CBS called “The Starland Vocal Band Show” in 1977 which featured a then-unknown David Letterman (who also a writer on the show); however, the show was cancelled after six weeks on the air.

The follow-up singles from the album, “California Day” (which peaked at #66) and “Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll!” (which peaked at #71) were moderately successful on the Billboard Hot 100, but didn’t have the same success that “Afternoon Delight” did.

In 1977, Starland Vocal Band released their sophomore album, “Rear View Mirror” which peaked at #104 on the Billboard 200. Two tracks from the album: “The Light of My Life” and “Mr. Wrong” were moderately successful on the adult contemporary chart in Canada, but didn’t generate a lot of success in the United States.

In 1978, the band released their third album, “Late Nite Radio” which flopped on the album charts along with the title song (which was released as a single).

In 1980, Starland Vocal Band released their fourth album, “4 x 4” which didn’t chart, but the track, “Loving You with My Eyes” managed to peak at #71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #26 on the adult contemporary chart in Canada.

During that same year, they released a Christmas album called “Christmas at Home” on the Breaker Records label. It’s unknown how or if the album generated any success at all. By 1981, Starland Vocal Band disbanded and both couples would later divorce each other.

According to research, Bill Danoff released three solo albums in 1989, 2002 and 2007. He also taught a songwriters course in 2007 and a music industry seminar (along with Walter Egan) in 2008 at his alma mater, Georgetown University. 

He has three children; his son, Owen Danoff is a singer-songwriter who auditioned for season 10 of “The Voice” in 2016 where he made the top 11 in the competition. He is also part of a touring show called “A Tribute to John Denver” along with several longtime friends & musicians who worked with John Denver.

These days, Taffy Nivert lived in Washington, D.C. until 2011 where she occasionally performed with Bill Danoff. She later moved to Safety Harbor, Florida and as of 2013, she was working on a memoir.

Jon Carroll continues to be active in the music business as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, musician & songwriter where his works have appeared in various films & commercials. 

His songs have been covered by artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Tom Jones and Kenny Rogers. He is also the long-time keyboardist/vocalist band member with Mary Chapin Carpenter and has toured stints with other artists such as the Dixie Chicks, Peter Wolf, Rodney Crowell and Eric Lindell.

It’s unknown what Margot Chapman is currently up to these days and it seems as if she’s faded into obscurity.

To see Jon Carroll’s website, go to:
https://www.joncarroll.org/

To see a video for “Afternoon Delight,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Hail! Hail! Rock and Roll!”, go to:

To see a video for “The Light of My Life,” go to:

To see a video for “Mr. Wrong,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Loving You with My Eyes,” go to:

Rebecca Lynn Howard

 

Rebecca Lynn Howard (born on April 24, 1979 in Salyersville, Kentucky) is a country music singer-songwriter from the late ’90s and 2000s. She grew up in Salyersville, Kentucky where she first began singing in church.

In 1997, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she began her career as a songwriter, wrtiting songs for artists such as Patty Loveless, Lila McCann, Jessica Andrews and John Michael Montgomery. 

Rebecca later signed a record deal with the Rising Tide Records Nashville label and earned the first of two Grammy Awards with her cover version of the hymn, “Soft and Tenderly” (which was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “The Apostle”).  After the label shut down in 1998, she later signed a record deal with Decca Records.

In 1999, her first charting single, “When My Dreams Come True” peaked at #65 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. Her follow-up single, “Out Here in the Water” fared better on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, peaking at #54 and staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

In May of 2000, Rebecca released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #54 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. 

The last charting single from the album, “I Don’t Paint Myself Into Corners” peaked at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. A year later in 2001, the song was covered by Trisha Yearwood for her album, “Inside Out.” 

During that same year, Rebecca sang a duet with singer Jim Brickman on the track “Simple Things” which topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

In May of 2002, Rebecca released the single, “Forgive” which peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 30 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop music charts, peaking at #71 on the Billboard Hot 100 (making it her only appearance on the chart to date).

In September of that same year, she released her sophomore album, “Forgive” which peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.

In 2003, Rebecca released the singles, “What a Shame” (which peaked at #43 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart) & “I Need a Vacation” (which peaked at #49 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart).

The songs were supposed to be featured on her third album, “Laughter & Tears,” but for unknown reasons, the album was shelved. In 2004, she shared her second Grammy Award for the song “If I Could Only Win Your Love” (a duet with singer Ronnie Dunn).

Rebecca sang vocals on various albums for artists such as Patty Loveless, Dolly Parton and Vince Gill; she has toured with artists Blake Shelton, Kenny Rogers, Gretchen Wilson, Alan Jackson and Steven Tyler. She  also toured as one of the headliners of the 2004 Grand Ole Opry American Road Show. 

By 2005, Rebecca signed a record deal with Arista Nashville, releasing the single “No One’ll Ever Love Me” which peaked at #48 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. The follow-up single, “That’s Why I Hate Pontiacs” failed to chart. 

In 2008 (six years after the release of her previous album), she released her third album, “No Rules” on the Saguaro Road label. The only single released from the album, “Sing ‘Cause I Love To” failed to make the charts.

In 2014, Rebecca joined her husband, Elisha Hoffman (along with Suzie McNeil, Marti Frederiksen, Andrew Mactaggart and Sarah Tomek) to form a country rock group called Loving Mary. The group has worked and toured with artists such as Steven Tyler and Gretchen Wilson. In 2016, they released their debut album, “Little Bit of Love.”

These days (according to research), it seems as if Rebecca is still active with her music career. She is also the owner of her own motivational speaking company called the Second Say where she performs as a speaker & a creativity consultant, offering leadership workshops and musical shows as well.

To see Rebecca Lynn Howard’s Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalynnhowardofficial

To see Rebecca Lynn Howard’s website, go to:

http://www.rebeccalynnhowardofficial.com/

To see a video for “When My Dreams Come True,” go to:

To see a video for “Out Here in the Water,” go to:

To see a video for “Forgive,” go to:

To see a video for “What a Shame,” go to:

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

To see a video for “No One’ll Ever Love Me,” go to:

To see a video for “That’s Why I Hate Pontiacs,” go to:

As a bonus, here is a video of Rebecca Lynn Howard and Jim Brickman’s duet, “Simple Things,” go to:

Russell Smith

 

Russell Smith (born Howard Russell Smith on June 17, 1949 in Nashville, Tennessee) was a country music singer from the 1980s. Prior to his solo career, he had a successful run as the lead vocalist & guitarist with country rock group, The Amazing Rhythm Aces.

In 1982, he released his self-titled debut album on Capitol Records which peaked at #62 on Billboard’s Top County Albums chart, but it doesn’t appear that any singles were released on the album.

In 1984, Russell released his sophomore album, “The Boy Next Door” where he scored his first charting single with the song, “Where Did We Go Right” which peaked at #74 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles track (staying on the chart for 6 weeks).

By 1988, he had signed a record deal with Epic Records, releasing the singles “Three Piece Suit” (peaking at #53) and “Betty Jean” (peaking at #49), which were moderately successful on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

In 1989, Russell released his third album, “This Little Town.” It’s unknown how or if the album ever made the charts at all.

The lead single from the album, “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight” peaked at #37 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart (staying on the chart for 14 weeks), becoming his only highest-charting solo single. The follow-up single, “Anger and Tears” peaked at #61 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart (staying on the chart for 8 weeks). 

In the 1990s, Russell became the lead singer for a bluegrass novelty group, Run C&W. He also found success as a songwriter, writing number-one songs for artists such as Randy Travis, Ricky Van Shelton, T. Graham Brown and Don Williams.

In 2002, he released his last album to date, “The End Is Not In Sight” on the Muscle Shoals Records label. Sadly in July of 2019, Russell died from cancer at the age of 70 in Franklin, Tennessee.

To see a video for “Where Did We Go Right,” go to:

To see a video for “Three Piece Suit,” go to:

To see a video for “Betty Jean,” go to:

To see a video for “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight,” go to:

To see a video for “Anger and Tears,” go to:

To see a video for “What I Learned From Loving You” (from his 1982 self-titled album), go to:

Pajama Party Yo No Sé (Remix Post)

 

[from their 1989 album, “Up All Night”]

12-Inch Club Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQotgyXlSeQ

Dub Mix Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hfIHzMrgYo
 

Alexander O'Neal All True Man (Remix Post)

 

[from his 1991 album, “All True Man”]

Classic Club Mix Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdi18lBCh2Q

Big House Mix Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zptdpwGnL5A

Karyn White Secret Rendezvous (Remix Post)

 

[from her 1988 self-titled album]

12-Inch White House Remix Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uek9HVcpiCY

After Hours Mix Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB16dJ0Hq-8

12-Inch Extended Dance Mix Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDJ74Tno1Uw

Jermaine Stewart Frantic Romantic (Remix Post)

[from his 1986 album, “Frantic Romantic”]

Special Mix Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK1gLhNaLQA

France Joli ‎Blue Eyed Technology (Remix Post)

[from her 1983 album, “Attitude”]

Dance Mix Version