Ace Spectrum

Ace Spectrum was an R&B/disco music group from the mid-’70s. The members consisted of Rudy Gay Sr., Elliot Isaac, Henry “Easy” Zant” and Aubrey “Troy” Johnson. They began working together in 1966.
In 1974, the group released their debut single, “Don’t Send Nobody Else” (written by Ashford & Simpson); the song peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.
During that same year, Ace Spectrum released their debut studio album on Atlantic Records. The album peaked at #28 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
In 1975, they released their sophomore album, “Low Rent Rendezvous”. The album peaked at #138 on the Billboard 200 and #35 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “Keep Holdin’ On” was heavily promoted by their record label at disco clubs; however, the song failed to make any impact on the charts nor did the follow-up single, “Trust Me”.
In 1976, Ace Spectrum released their last studio album to date, “Just Like in the Movies”. The album failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
The single, “Live and Learn” missed the R&B charts, but managed to peak at #35 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

Afterwards, it seemed as if Ace Spectrum faded into obscurity. Rudy Gay Sr. went on to become a music director for The Stylistics; his son, Rudy Gay is a professional basketball player who last played for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. It’s unknown what the other members of the group are currently up to.

To see a video for “Don’t Send Nobody Else”, go to:

To see a video for “Keep Holding On”, go to:

 

To see a video for “Trust Me”, go to:

To see a video for “Live and Learn”, go to:

The A’s

The A’s were a pop rock/new wave band from the late ’70s and early ’80s. The band consisted of members Richard Bush (on lead vocals), Rick DiFonzo (on guitar), Rocco Notte (on keyboards), Terry Bortman (on the bass) and Michael Synder (on drums).
They formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1979. After building a loyal following in the Philadelphia area due to their energenic live shows, The A’s signed a record deal with Arista Records. During that same year, they release their self-titled debut studio album.

The two singles released from the album: “After Last Night” and “Parasite” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
In 1981, the band released their sophomore album, “A Woman’s Got The Power” which peaked at #146 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The title song peaked at #18 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and #6 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
Afterwards, The A’s were dropped by Arista Records. In 1982, they released an EP called “Four Dances” on the Straight A’s Records label before they disbanded. Around 2014, they briefly reunited for a reunion tour.

In later years, Richard Bush continued performing with other bands and formed his own band, The Peace Creeps. He also performs with David Uosikkinen’s In The Pocket.

Rick DiFonzo went on to become a session musician, working with artists such as Joan Osborne, Bob Dylan, Roger Waters and Cyndi Lauper. According to research, he appears to be working on his own music. It’s unknown what Rocco Notte, Terry Bortman and Michael Synder are currently up to these days.

To see Rick DiFonzo’s website, go to:
http://rickdifonzo.com/

To see a video for “A Woman’s Got the Power”, go to:

 

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

To see a video for “Parasite”, go to:

To see a video for “Do The Dance” (from their EP, “Four Dances”), go to:

First Choice

First Choice is an R&B/disco music girl group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

During their high school years, singers Rochelle Fleming and Annette Guest were members of a vocal quartet, who performed at public events and talent shows. After they contacted radio DJ Georgie Woods, he introduced them to guitarist, songwriter and producer Norman Harris (who was also the manager of R&B group, The Delfonics).
By the time the group went into the recording studio, the group’s line-up consisted of Rochelle, Annette, Wardell Piper and Malanie McSears. In 1972, they released their debut single, “This is the House Where Love Died” on the Sceptor Records label; the single failed to make the charts.
In 1973, First Choice signed a record deal with Philly Groove Records Incorporated. During that same year, they released their debut album, “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” which peaked at #184 on the Billboard 200 and #55 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The title song became a hit, peaking at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. It also peaked at #16 on the U.K. Singles chart and #55 on the music charts in Canada. Around that time, Wardell Piper left the group and was replaced by Joyce Jones.
The follow-up single from the album, “Smarty Pants” peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart. It also peaked at #9 on the U.K. Singles chart and was moderately successful in Australia.
The last single, “Newsy Neighbors” peaked at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #35 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1974, First Choice released their sophomore album, “The Player” which peaked at #143 on the Billboard 200 and #36 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “The Player” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. It was also moderately successful on the pop charts, peaking at #70 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The follow-up single from the album, a cover version of The Pearls’ song, “Guilty” peaked at #19 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. It failed to make the Billboard Hot 100, but managed to peak at #3 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
In 1975, First Choice released the single, “Love Freeze” which peaked at #61 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1976, they signed a new record deal with Warner Bros. Records and released their third studio album, “So Let Us Entertain You” which peaked at #53 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, but missed the Billboard 200.
The first single, “Are You Ready For Me” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Disco File Top 20 (Record World) chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks along with the tracks “First Choice Theme” and “Ain’t He Bad.”

The follow-up single, “Gotta Get Away (From You Baby)” peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Disco File Top 20 (Record World) chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks. It also peaked at #64 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
The last single released from the album, “Let Him Go” peaked at #96 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.
Around 1977, Joyce Jones left First Choice and was replaced by Ursula Herring. During that time, they switched record labels again (signing with the Gold Mind record label) and released their fourth album, “Delusions.” The album peaked at #103 on the Billboard 200.
The first single from the album, “Doctor Love” peaked at #8 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks. It also peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.
The follow-up and last single, “Love Having You Around” peaked at #68 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
In 1979, First Choice released their fifth studio album, “Hold Your Horses” which peaked at #135 on the Billboard 200 and #58 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. During that same year, Ursula Herring left the group and was replaced by Debbie Martin.
The title song peaked at #5 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart, staying on the chart for 32 weeks. It was also moderately successful on the R&B charts, peaking at #73 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.
The follow-up single, “Double Cross” peaked at #4 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #60 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
The last single from the album, “Love Thang” peaked at #52 on Billboard’s Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1980, First Choice released their sixth studio and last album to date, “Breakaway” which didn’t make the album charts at all.
The title song peaked at #80 on Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. During that same year, First Choice disbanded.
In 1983, Salsoul Records released the group’s song, “Let No Man Put Asunder” (from their “Delusions” album) which peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also peaked at #47 on the music charts in the Netherlands.
In 1984, a remixed version of “Doctor Love” peaked at #61 on Billboard’s Dance Disco\Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
In 1997, the remixes to First Choice’s song, “Armed and Extremely Dangerous” which peaked at #88 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1999, the remixes to “Doctor Love” peaked at #22 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
Two years later in 2001, the remixes to “The Player” peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
In 2002, the Code Blue record label released remixes to the song, “Ain’t He Bad” which peaked at #89 on the U.K. Singles chart.

On August 6, 2014, First Choice performed at the Salsoul Records reunion concert at the East River Park Ampitheatre in New York with Rochelle, Annette, Wardell and Ursula as part of the lineup.

These days (according to research), Rochelle Fleming continues to perform as a solo artist. Annette and Ursula perform as First Choice with member Andre A. Jackson on the Ultimate Disco Cruise.

To follow Rochelle Fleming on Instagram, go to:
https://www.instagram.com/rochelle_fleming/

To see a video for “Armed and Extremely Dangerous”, go to:

To see a video for “Smarty Pants”, go to:

To see a video for “Newsy Neighbors”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Guilty”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Are You Ready For Me?”, go to:

To see a video for “First Choice Theme”, go to:

To see a video for “Ain’t He Bad”, go to:

To see a video for “Gotta Get Away (From You Baby)”, go to:

To see a video for “Let Him Go”, go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Hold Your Horses”, go to:

To see a video for “Double Cross”, go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Let No Man Put Asunder”, go to:

To see a video for “This is The House Where Love Died”, go to:

Lea Roberts

Lea Roberts (born Leatha Roberta Hicks on April 15, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio) is an R&B music singer from the ’70s.
In 1969, she released her debut single, “Prove It” on the Minit record label which peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Best Selling Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

In 1973, Lea released her debut studio album, “Excuse Me, I Want to Talk to You” on the United Artists Records label. The only charting single from the album, “(If You Don’t Want My Love) Give It Back” peaked at #94 on Billboard’s Best Selling Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.
In 1974, Lea released a cover version of Neil Sedaka’s 1974 song, “Laughter in the Rain” which peaked at #69 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. It also peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week.
A year later, she released her sophomore album, “Lady Lea”. Her last charting single, a cover version of Free’s 1970 song, “All Right Now” peaked at #92 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #54 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
Afterwards, nothing much was heard from Lea until 1982 when she released her third and last studio album to date, “My Silent Place” on the Skies Unlimited Records label. Since then, it seems as if she has faded into obscurity; it’s unknown what she’s currently up to.

To see a video for “Prove It”, go to:

To see a video for “(If You Don’t Want My Love) Give It Back”, go to:

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

To see a video for “All Right Now”, go to:

To see a video for “My Silent Place”, go to:

Susie Allanson

Susie Allanson (born on March 17, 1952 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a country music singer from the late ’70s and ’80s.

Susie began her professional career, appearing in the road version of the musical “Hair.” She later toured with “Jesus Christ Superstar” a year later for 18 months, appearing in the film version and on the U.S. cast soundtrack.

In 1975, she moved to Southern California where she recorded five songs for a bicentennial album called “Happy Birthday, USA” which was produced by Ray Ruff, who would later become her husband and manager. With Ray’s help, she was signed to a record deal with ABC Records.
In 1976, she released her self-titled studio album which didn’t appear to make any impact on the charts.
The two singles released from the album, “Love Is a Satisfied Woman” and “Me & Charlie Brown” also didn’t appear to make the charts.
In July of 1977, Susie released the single, “Baby, Don’t Keep Me Hangin’ On” which peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
In November of that same year, she released her sophomore album, “A Little Love” on the MC Records label which didn’t appear to attract any attention. Afterwards, she moved on to Warner Bros. Records.
Also during that same year, Susie released the single, “Baby, Last Night Made My Day” which peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
In 1978, she released a cover version of Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ 1958 song, “Maybe Baby” which peaked at #7 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
On July 18, 1978, Susie released her third studio album, “We Belong Together” which peaked at #42 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
The title song peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks, making it her only highest chart appearance to date.
The follow-up single, “Back to The Love” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. Afterwards, she signed a new record deal with Elektra Records.
In 1979, Susie released the single, “Words” which peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
On March 28, 1979, she released her fourth album, “Heart to Heart” which peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
The follow-up single from the album, “Two Steps Forward and Three Steps Back” peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
During that same year, her cover version of Badfinger’s 1970 song, “Without You” (which was previously featured on her album, “A Little Love”) peaked at #79 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

Susie’s next single, “I Must Be Crazy” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. According to research, she was supposed to release a new album for Elektra Records in 1979 called “Without You”, but for unknown reasons, it was never released.
In 1980, she released her fifth and last studio album to date, “Susie” on the United Artists Records label which failed to make the charts.
The lead single, “While I Was Makin’ Love to You” peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The second single, “Dance the Two Step” peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. The last single from the album, “Michael” didn’t chart.
In 1981, Susie released a cover version of Bobby Vinton’s 1961 song, “Run To Him” titled “Run to Her” which peaked at #53 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
Around that time, she released three singles: “Love Is Knockin’ at My Door (Here Comes Forever Again)” (which peaked at #44), “Hearts (Our Hearts)” (which peaked at #60) and “Wasn’t That Love” (which peaked at #62) that were moderately successful on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.

All four tracks were supposed to be featured on Susie’s next studio album, “Sleepless Nights”, but for unknown reasons, the album ended up being shelved.
In 1986, Susie released the single, “Where’s the Fire” on the TNP Records label which peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. A year later, she released her last single to date, “She Don’t Love You” which peaked at #70 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

These days (according to research), Susie resides in Southern California with her husband and two children where she is devoted to her church.

To see a video for “Love is a Satisfied Woman”, go to:

To see a video for “Me & Charlie Brown”, go to:

 

To see a video for “Baby, Don’t Keep Me Hangin’ On”, go to:

To see a video for “Baby, Last Night Made My Day”, go to:

To see a video for “Maybe Baby”, go to:

 

To see a video for “We Belong Together”, go to:

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

To see a video for “Words”, go to:

To see a video for “Two Steps Forward and Three Steps Back”, go to:

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

To see a video for “I Must Be Crazy”, go to:

To see a video for “While I Was Makin’ Love to You”, go to:

To see a video for “Dance the Two Step”, go to:

To see a video for “Run to Her”, go to:

To see a video for “Love Is Knockin’ at My Door (Here Comes Forever Again)”, go to:

To see a video for “Hearts (Our Hearts)”, go to:

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

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

 

Street People

The Street People were an R&B group from the mid-’70s that consisted of brothers Roy & Milton Daniels, Thomas “Toot” Williams, Joe Gardner and Rick Johnson.
In 1974, they released their debut single, “I Wanna Get Over” on the Spring Records label which failed to make the charts. After that, the group signed a new record deal with Vigor Records.
In 1975, Street People released their follow-up single, “Never Get Enough of Your Love” which peaked at #98 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.
A year later in 1976, they released their only self-titled studio album which didn’t make the album charts at all.
The group’s third single, “You’re My One Weakness Girl” peaked at #13 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
The fourth single, “I Wanna Spend My Whole Life With You” peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #57 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
The last single released from the album, “Liberated Lady” peaked at #93 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on chart for 4 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Street People faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what the members of the group are currently up to these days.

To see a video for “Never Get Enough of Your Love”, go to:

To see a video for “You’re My One Weakness Girl”, go to:

To see a video for “I Wanna Spend My Whole Life with You”, go to:

To see a video for “Liberated Lady”, go to:

To see a video for “I Wanna Get Over”, go to:

Brass Construction

Brass Construction was an R&B\funk\disco music group from Brooklyn, New York. The group consisted of Randy Muller, Michael Grudge, Jesse Ward Jr., Jeff Lane, Wayne Parris, Morris Price, Joseph Arthur Wong, Wayne Williamston, Larry Payton and Sandy Billups.

The group originally formed in 1967 as a rock\R&B music quartet under the name The Dynamic Soul under the leadership of Randy Muller. By 1972, they became a nine-piece music group with new members bringing influences of jazz and Latin music.

Randy felt that the expansion of the group necessiated a name change, so they renamed themselves Brass Construction because Randy believed that the group placed a strong emphasis on their brass section although they “keep a tight rhythm going.”
In 1972, Brass Construction released their debut single, “Two Timin’ Lady” on the Docc record label, owned by producer Jeff Lane.

Although the single didn’t make the charts, Jeff Lane was impressed with Randy’s musical arranging skills and asked him to provide string arrangements for funk music group, B.T. Express where two of their songs “Do It (‘Til You’re Satisfied)” and “Express” (which were arranged by Randy) became successful on the music charts. Randy’s innovative music arrangements helped the songs pioneer disco music.

The success of B.T. Express inspired United Artists Records to sign Brass Construction to their label while Randy was studying music theory at Hunter College, eventually earning a degree in music arrangement.

The work on Brass Construction’s debut album took three months to complete due to their perfectionism which led to various minor alterations. After recording the album, the release date was delayed while Randy provided further string arrangements for B.T. Express among other activities.
In 1975, Brass Construction released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #10 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. It also peaked at #9 on the UK Albums chart. The album was certified Platinum in the United States and Silver in the United Kingdom.
The lead single from the album, “Changin'” peaked at #24 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 10 weeks). It was also successful on the dance charts, peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Disco File Top 20 (Record World) chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
The group gained success with their follow-up single, “Movin'” which topped Billboard’s Disco File Top 20 (Record World) chart for 4 weeks (staying on the chart for 12 weeks) and topped Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart for a week, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 on the UK Singles chart.

After the release of their debut album, Brass Construction went on a lengthy tour which delayed the recording of their sophomore album. According to Randy Muller, while the material for the album was “ready ahead of time”, the group’s busy schedule meant that they had to wait until September of 1976 to record it.
In October of 1976, the group released their sophomore album, “Brass Construction II” which peaked at #26 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. It was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of 500,000.
The lead single from the album, “Ha Cha Cha (Funktion)” peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart (staying on the chart for 9 weeks) and #8 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 13 weeks). It also peaked at #37 on the U.K. Singles chart.

However, the follow-up single, “The Message (Inspirational)” peaked at #42 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.
The last single released from the album, “What’s On Your Mind (Expressions)” peaked at #69 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

Hoping to achieve crossover success, Brass Construction’s record label promoted the album with heavy merchandising as they continued to tour. To help celebrate their success, a party was held for them at the St. Moritz nightclub in New York City in January of 1977 where boxer & singer Joe Frazier performed at the event.

In an interview with Blues & Soul magazine, Randy Muller said that he felt the sales for the album proved the public had accepted the record regardless of it being more varied than their debut album.

However, by May of 1977, Randy had changed his stance, telling an interviewer for Blues & Soul that while the group was pleased with their sophomore album, it “didn’t sell so well” because it “didn’t have the drive, the power of side one on the first album. It wasn’t that insistent beat pounding throughout and that’s what the people seem to want.”

He also expressed his reservations that the album was too varied for audiences and vowed to appease audiences with their third studio album.
In 1977, Brass Construction released the single, “Celebrate” which peaked at #77 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks. The song fared better on the dance charts (along with the track “We”) which peaked at #37 on Billboard’s National Disco Top 40 chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
During that same year, they released their third album, “Brass Construction III” which peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. It was also certified Gold by the RIAA.
The follow-up single from the album, “L-O-V-E-U” peaked at #18 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks; however, it failed to make any impact on the pop charts, but managed to peak at #4 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.
In 1978, the group released their fourth album, “Brass Construction IV” which peaked at #174 on the Billboard 200 and #24 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.
The two singles released from the album, “Help Yourself” (which peaked at #58) and “Get Up” (which peaked at #56) were moderately successful on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart.
In 1979, Brass Construction released their fifth album, “Brass Construction 5” which peaked at #89 on the Billboard 200 and #18 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. The lead single, “Right Place” peaked at #41 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 9 weeks) and #74 on Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart (staying on the chart for 6 weeks).
The follow-up single, “Music Makes You Feel Like Dancing” didn’t make the charts in the United States, but managed to peak at #39 on the UK Singles chart.
In 1980, they released their sixth album, “Brass Construction 6” which peaked at #114 on the Billboard 200 and #21 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.
The only song to chart from the album, “How Do You Do (What You Do to Me)” peaked at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
In 1982, Brass Construction released their seventh album, “Attitudes” which peaked at #176 on the Billboard 200 and #29 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “Can You See the Light” peaked at #23 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 17 weeks) and #64 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart (staying on the chart for only 7 weeks).

The second single, the title song peaked at #59 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
In 1983, the group released their eighth album, “Conversations” which peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, but missed the Billboard 200 chart.
The lead single from the album, “Walkin’ the Line” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart (staying on the chart for 15 weeks) and #28 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 14 weeks). It was also moderately successful in the United Kingdom, peaking at #47 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single, “We Can Work It Out” peaked at #70 on the U.K. Singles chart, but failed to make the charts at all in the United States.
In 1984, they released their ninth album, “Renegades” which peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart and #94 on the U.K. Albums chart.
The first single from the album, “Never Had a Girl” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
The second single, “Partyline” peaked at #56 on the U.K. Singles chart and #53 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. The last single released from the album, “International” peaked at #70 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1985, Brass Construction released their tenth and last studio album to date, “Conquest” which failed to make the charts at all.
The only single to chart from the album, “Give and Take” peaked at #62 on the U.K. Singles chart, #28 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 5 weeks) and #76 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 6 weeks). Throughout the 80s, Randy Muller continued to write, produce and arrange music for other artists, including R&B group Skyy.
In 1988, a new version of Brass Construction’s song, “Movin'” (titled “Movin’ 1988”) peaked at #24 on the U.K. Singles chart and #50 on Billboard’s Hot Dance\Club Play chart, staying on the chart for only a week.
During that same year, a re-released version of “Ha Cha Cha” peaked at #94 on the U.K. Singles chart. After that, Brass Construction went their separate ways. On November 28, 2005, they reunited for a concert in Paris, France at the Bataclan Arena.
These days (according to research), Randy Muller continues to remain active with his music career. In 2019, he released his third solo album, “Welcome to My Life” on the Wavehill Records label.

Joseph Arthur-Wong, Jesse Ward Jr. and Larry Payton are now deceased. It’s unknown what the other members of the group are currently up to these days.

To see a video for “Movin’,” go to:

To see a video for “Changin’,” go to:

To see a video for “Ha Cha Cha (Funktion),” go to:

To see a video for “The Message (Inspirational),” go to:

To see a video for “What’s on Your Mind (Expression),” go to:

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

To see a video for “L-O-V-E-U,” go to:

To see a video for “Get Up,” go to:

To see a video for “Right Place,” go to:

To see a video for “Music Makes You Feel Like Dancing,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Can You See the Light”, go to:

To see a video for “Attitude,” go to:

To see a video for “Walkin’ the Line,” go to:

To see a video for “Never Had a Girl,” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Give and Take,” go to:

Samantha Sang

Samantha Sang (born Cheryl Lau Sang on August 5, 1951 in Melbourne, Australia) is a Australian pop singer from the 1970s. Her father, Reg Sang performed professionally under the name Reg Gray and ran a singing school.

During her childhood, Samantha made her radio debut when she was 8 years old. Two years later, she made her first appearance on Graham Kennedy’s “In Melbourne Tonight” where she continued to perform regularly. In 1966, she released her debut single, “The Real Thing” under the name Cheryl Gray.
It wasn’t until the release of her third single, “You Made Me What I Am” that she first gained success on the music charts with the song peaking at #8 on the Go-Set Top 40. She later received an award for “Best Female Vocalist” at the age of 15.

Samantha became a singer on Australian television, but felt that her career was limited if she stayed in Australia. In 1969, she traveled to the United Kingdom where she was discovered by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, who encouraged his manager, Robert Stigwood to sign her to his management company. Under Stigwood’s management, she changed her stage name to Samantha Sang.

She released the songs, “The Love of a Woman”, “Nothing in the World Like Love”, “It’s Been Raining Every Day Since Monday” and “It Could Have Been”, but neither of them made the music charts at all.

Visa restrictions forced Samantha out of the United Kingdom and she returned to Australia. By 1975, she changed management and signed a record deal with Polydor Records.
In 1975, she released her debut album, “Samantha Sang and Rocked the World” which didn’t appear to make any impact on the charts at all.

In 1977, Samantha recorded the song, “When Love Is Gone” which was the theme song for a French drama film called “Bilitis.” While in France, she visited Barry Gibb while the Bee Gees were recording tracks for the soundtrack to “Saturday Night Fever.”
During that same year, she released the single, “Emotion” (written by Barry and Robin Gibb) which became a hit, topping the music charts in Canada and New Zealand.

It also peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Kent Music Report in Australia. In 2001, the song was covered by Destiny’s Child for their third album, “Survivor” which became a hit on the pop music charts.
In 1978, Samantha released her sophomore album, “Emotion” which peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200 and #35 on the album charts in Australia.
Her follow-up single, “You Keep Me Dancing” peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #34 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.
In 1979, she released her third album, “From Dance to Love” on United Artists Records which didn’t appear to make the album charts at all.

A cover version of Wilson Pickett’s song, “In the Midnight Hour” peaked at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100, but failed to make the charts elsewhere.

After that, nothing much was heard from Samantha Sang and she seemed to have faded into obscurity. In 1999, she made a short return to performing live with her father, Reg as a guest vocalist.
In 2008, Samantha released her fourth album, “And the World Listened” on the SS Music label, making it her first album in 29 years. It’s unknown how or if the album charted.

These days (according to research), she still resides in Melbourne, Australia, but it’s unknown what she’s currently up to these days.

To see a video for “Emotion”, go to:

To see a video for “You Keep Me Dancing,” go to:

To see a video for “In the Midnight Hour”, go to:

 

To see a video for “You Made Me What I Am” [released under the name Cheryl Gray], go to:

Chanson

Chanson was a male disco/R&B duo from the late ’70s that consisted of bassist James Jamerson Jr. (born James L. Jamerson II on August 24, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan) and guitarist David Williams (born on November 21, 1950 in Newport News, Virginia). The duo took their name from the French word for “song.”

James was the son of legendary Motown sideman James Jamerson. During the early ’70s, he became an in-demand session bassist. David began his professional music career with The Dells, but put his music career to join the Army.

After a stint with Tyrone Davis, David took a job playing with The Temptations’ road band where he and James brainstormed the idea of forming Chaison. They later began working on tracks together and gained a record deal with Ariola Records America.

In 1978, they released their self-titled debut album; it’s unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.
The lead single from the album, “Don’t Hold Back” became a hit, peaking at #11 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. It also peaked at #8 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 20 weeks) and crossed over to the pop music charts, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Chaison’s follow-up single, “I Can Tell” missed the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at #21 on Billboard’s National Disco Action chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks) and #72 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.
In 1979, the duo released their last album, “Together We Stand” which failed to make the album charts. The only single to make the charts, “Rock Don’t Stop” peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

Some time after that, Chaison disbanded. In later years, James and David continued to keep themselves busy in the music business.

James appeared on albums by artists such as Janet Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Teena Marie and Philip Bailey. On March 23, 2016, he died at the age of 58 after suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for years.

David continued to work as a session guitarist for artists such as Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, George Benson, Stevie Nicks, Shalamar, Boz Scaggs, Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Peter Cetera and Chaka Khan. He also had two daughters: singer\actress Davida Williams and singer Dana Williams. On March 9, 2009, he died from cardiac arrest in Hampton, Virginia at the age of 58.

To see a video for “Don’t Hold Back”, go to:

 

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

 

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

Rare & Obscure Love Songs: Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day, music fans!

In honor of today, I have been posting some rare & obscure love songs from some of the artists that I have covered on the blog. 

Here is my set of rare & obscure love songs for Valentine’s Day:

Champaign How ‘Bout Us (from their 1981 album of the same name)

Debby Boone You Light Up My Life (from her 1977 album of the same name)

Force M.D.’s Tender Love (from their 1985 album, “Chillin’ “)

Hi-Five I Can’t Wait Another Minute (from their self-titled 1990 album)

Natalie Goin’ Crazy (from her self-titled 2005 album)

If you’re looking for some music to listen to on this special day, check out my playlist of rare & obscure love songs on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4k43Lzq5Z57hdEhM1WHxFW?si=-dal1Bh3Q2CXh9PlejlSGA&utm_source=copy-link