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:

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:

Change

Change is an Italian-American post disco\dance music group from the ’80s.

The group was initially formed in early 1979 as a studio-band with a revolving cast of musicians led by businessman/executive producer Jacques Fred Petrus with the majority of the songwriting & production carried out by Mauro Malvasi and Davide Romani.

Their dual Italian and American identity was a result of a production system in which the music (expect for the vocals) were written & recorded by Italian collaborators in studios such as Fonoprint Studios in Bologna, Italy.

The backing tracks were then taken to the United States where vocals were added by American performers before being mixed into finalised versions in major studios such as the Power Station in New York City.
In March of 1980, Change released their debut single, “A Lover’s Holiday” which became their biggest hit song to date, topping Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart for 9 weeks (along with the tracks, “The Glow of Love” & “Searching”), staying on the chart for 39 weeks.

The song peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In April of that same year, Change released their debut album, “The Glow of Love” which peaked at #29 on the Billboard 200 and #10 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. It was certified Gold by the RIAA.
The follow-up single, “Searching” (which featured lead vocals by Luther Vandross) was moderately successful on the pop and R&B charts, peaking at #23 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks) and #11 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The last single, “The Glow of Love” (which also featured Luther Vandross on lead vocals) peaked at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart and #49 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The success of both songs exposed Luther Vandross to mainstream success and a successful solo music career after that.
In March of 1981, Change released their follow-up album, “Miracles” which peaked at #46 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.

Due to contractual differences, Luther Vandross refused to sing lead vocals on any of the tracks on the album and was only featured on backing vocals on selected songs.
The lead single, “Paradise” topped Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart for 5 weeks (along with the tracks “Hold Tight” and “Heaven of My Life”), staying on the chart for 23 weeks. It also peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.
The follow-up single, “Hold Tight” peaked at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #40 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

After the release of their sophomore album, Luther Vandross continued to provide back-up vocals for Change until 1981 when he left the group to pursue his solo career and was replaced by James “Crab” Robinson.
In April of 1982, Change released their third album, “Sharing Your Love” which peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #14 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. On the album, the group moved away from disco & club music and focused on funk & R&B music.
The lead single, “The Very Best of You” peaked at #84 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #16 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. It also managed to peak at #30 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Hard Times (It’s Gonna Be Alright)” peaked at #71 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
In March of 1983, Change released their fourth album, “This Is Your Time” which peaked at #161 on the Billboard 200 and #34 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.

During the recording and touring of the album, the group’s line-up of performers, writers and producers (along with their commercial success) started to decline. After the album was released, Rick Brennan replaced James Robinson, who left the group to pursue a solo career while producers Davide Romani & Mauro Malvasi left to do other projects.
The title song peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. It also peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, “Don’t Wait Another Night” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Dance\Disco Top 80 chart (staying on the chart for 11 weeks) and #89 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for only 3 weeks).

At the time James Robinson, Davide Romani and Mauro Malvasi left Change, bassist\songwriter Timmy Allen and vocalist Deborah Cooper were promoted to lead vocalists. After the lack of success from their fourth album, Jacques Fred Petrus hired producers\songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to write & produce their fifth studio album.
In April of 1984, Change released their fifth album, “Change of Heart” which peaked at #102 on the Billboard 200, #15 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart and #34 on the UK Albums chart.
The title track was moderately successful, peaking at #17 on the UK Singles chart and #7 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The follow-up single, “It Burns Me Up” peaked at #61 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. The last single to chart from the album, “You Are My Melody” peaked at #48 on the UK Singles chart.
In April of 1985, Change released their sixth studio album, “Turn on Your Radio” which peaked at #64 on the Billboard 200, #39 on the UK Albums chart and #64 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “Say You Love Me Again” peaked at #94 on the UK Singles chart, making it their lowest chart appearance on the chart to date.

The follow-up single, “Let’s Go Together” peaked at #37 on the UK Singles chart, #97 on the Billboard Hot 100, #56 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 10 weeks) and #35 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Disco Club Play chart (staying on the chart for 6 weeks).

The last two singles released from the album: “Oh What A Feeling” (which peaked at #56) and “Mutual Attraction” (which peaked at #60) were moderately successful on the UK Singles chart.

By 1987, Change had disbanded following the death of Jacques Fred Petrus in June of that same year at the age of 39.

Davide Romani, Mike Francis (also known as Francesco Puccioni) and Patrick Boothe attempted to revive the group in 1990 and planned to release music under the name X-Change in 1992, but due to lack of money, the recordings were left unreleased.
It wasn’t until 2010 that the recordings by X-Change were released under the album title, “Change Your Mind after Davide Romani closed a deal with Italian record label Fonte Records in 2009.
In 2018, Change returned with original members Davide Romani & Maurio Malvasi along with new vocalist Tanya Michelle Smith. During that same year, they released the album, “Love 4 Love.”

As of 2021, it’s unknown if the new line-up of Change is planning on releasing any new music in the near future.

To see a video for “A Lover’s Holiday,” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Paradise,” go to:

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

To see a video for “The Very Best in You,” go to:

To see a video for “Hard Times (It’s Gonna Be Alright)”, go to:

To see a video for “This Is Your Time,” go to:

To see a video for “Don’t Wait Another Night,” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Let’s Go Together,” go to:

To see a video for “You Are My Melody,” go to:

To see a video for “Say You Love Me Again,” 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:

Dynasty

 

Dynasty was an R&B/funk band from Los Angeles, California created by producer & founder of SOLAR Records, Dick Griffey and record producer Leon Sylvers III (who was a member of R&B group, The Sylvers).

In 1978, Leon Sylvers III became the in-house producer for SOLAR Records and brought the group together which originally consisted of vocalists Nidra Beard & Linda Carriere, and vocalist/keyboardist Kevin Spencer. 

After graduating from college in New Orleans, Louisiana, Linda Carriere became friends with Nidra Beard in Los Angeles, California during the winter of 1972; they were both frequent visitors to Maverick’s Flat, a popular soul/pop nightclub. 

The owner of Maverick’s Flat, John Daniels was in the process of putting together a new music group called DeBlanc where Linda and Nidra were members. For two years, they toured with DeBlanc in major cities such as Europe, The United States, Japan and Canada.

In 1975, DeBlanc disbanded and some of the original members (including Linda and Nidra) formed a new music group called Starfire. Starfire mainly performed in the United States, but with a few key dates in Iran and Finland; however, after the tour, the group disbanded.

Around this time, Nidra developed a strong relationship with Leon Sylvers III; at the time, she performed with The Sylvers as a fill-in on live dates for the female family members of the group who were minors. This new association proved to be beneficial for Nidra and Linda as Leon Sylvers III introduced them each to Dick Griffey. 

Kevin Spencer first met Leon Sylvers III when he appeared at the Sylvers’ home in Palos Verdes in California unannounced to audition to be the bass player for the group. Not long after that, the group began working on their debut album.

In 1979, Dynasty released their debut album, “Your Piece of the Rock” which didn’t appear to make the album charts at all. The title song was released as the lead single, but didn’t chart.

The second single, “Satisfied” peaked at #38 on Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart (along with the track “It’s Still a Thrill”), staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single released from the album, “When You Feel Like Giving Love (Dial My Number)” missed the charts.

The next single, “I Don’t Want to Be a Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself)” fared better, peaking at #38 on Billboard’s Disco Hot 100 chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks; it also peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 14 weeks) and #20 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1980, the band released their sophomore album, “Adventures in the Land of Music” which peaked at #43 on the Billboard 200 and #11 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Do Me Right” peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, “I’ve Just Begun to Love You” peaked at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 16 weeks) and #51 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The third single, “Something to Remember” peaked at #64 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. 

The three tracks from the album: “Something to Remember,” “Groove Control” and “Do Me Right” all peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart, staying on the chart for 33 weeks. 

The title song was released as a single, but didn’t chart; however, it has most notably been sampled by Camp Lo for their 1997 song, “Luchini AKA This Is It.” It was also sampled by artists such as Brooke Valentine, Angie Stone, Jadakiss, Terri Walker and Wiz Khalifa.

In 1981, Dynasty released their third album, “The Second Adventure” which peaked at #119 on the Billboard 200 and #42 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. During that time, Leon Sylvers III had joined the band.

The lead single, “Here I Am” peaked at #26 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks; it also peaked at #51 on Billboard’s Disco Top 80 chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, “Love in the Fast Lane” peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

In 1982, the band released their fourth album, “Right Back at Cha!” which peaked at #54 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart.

The lead single, “Check It Out” peaked at #39 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks; the follow-up single, “Strokin’ ” peaked at #52 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In the United Kingdom, SOLAR Records released two more singles from the album: “The Only One” (which didn’t chart) and “Does That Ring a Bell” (which peaked at #53 on the U.K. Singles chart).

In 1986, Dynasty released their fifth album, “Daydreamin’ ” which didn’t make the charts at all. By that time, Linda Carriere was no longer part of the band and Nidra Beard was using her Sylvers surname. The only single released from the album, “Personality” flopped.

In 1988, they released their sixth album, “Out of Control.” The album had the same cover as their previous album, “Daydreamin’ ” and included several of the same tracks.

The two singles released from the album: “Don’t Waste My Time” (which peaked at #41) and “Tell Me (Do U Want My Love)” (which peaked at #56) were moderately successful on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart. 

After the release of their sixth album, Dynasty disbanded; however, they appeared as backing vocalists for gospel artist Juanita G. Hines’ 1994 album, “Jesus, My Wonderful Friend.” 

Nidra Beard (who had co-written much of Dynasty’s songs) continued to work as a songwriter; during and after her time with Dynasty, she wrote songs for artists such as The Whispers, Shalamar, 7th Wonder, Carrie Lucas, 911 and LaRue. 

Kevin Spencer returned to doing studio work and has worked with artists such as the Whispers, Shalamar, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Tin Harris and Carrie Lucas.

Leon Sylvers III went on to have a successful career as a music producer and songwriter; he has written & produced music for various artists such as Blackstreet, the Brothers Johnson, Howard Hewitt, Freda Payne, Janet Jackson, Shalamar, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Joyce Kennedy, Troy Johnson, Krystol, Stacy Lattisaw, Lakeside, Jody Watley, Smokey Robinson and New Kids on the Block.

Linda Carriere co-wrote a few songs on three of Shalamar’s albums; these days, it’s unknown what she’s currently up to.

To see a video for “I Don’t Want to Be a Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself),” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “I’ve Just Begun to Love You,” go to:

To see a video for “Adventures in the Land of Music,” go to:

To see a video for “Groove Control,” go to:

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

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

To see a video for “Love in the Fast Lane,” go to:

To see a video for “Check It Out,” go to:

To see a video for “Strokin’,” go to:

To see a video for “Does That Ring a Bell,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Don’t Waste My Time,” go to:

To see a video for “Tell Me (Do U Want My Love?)”, go to:

Ollie Baba

 

Ollie Baba was an R&B quartet from the late ’70s that consisted of Rene Moore (born on Ivan Rene Moore on May 19, 1959 in Los Angeles, California), Deborah Thomas, Michael McGloiry and Ollie Brown (born Ollie Eugene Brown on April 20, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan). 

In 1978, they released their only album on Polydor Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever made the charts at all.

The singles released from the album, “Something Special” and “Stomp Your Feet” also didn’t appear to make the charts. 

After that, it seems as if Ollie Baba disbanded, but all members of the quartet continued to stay active in the music business. Rene Moore became part of the R&B duo, Rene & Angela where they scored various hits throughout the ’80s.

Ollie Brown has produced, written & performed music throughout the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. He also scored a hit as part of music duo Ollie & Jerry in 1984 with the song, “Breakin’… There’s No Stopping Us” (which was featured in the film, “Breakin'”).  Currently, he works in the real estate industry.

Deborah Thomas has provided vocals for various artists such as Jermaine Jackson, George Duke, Rick James, La Toya Jackson, Ray Parker Jr. & Raydio, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Peabo Bryson, Teddy Pendergrass and Diana Ross.

Michael McGloiry has appeared on albums by artists such as Billy Preston, Candi Staton, D.J. Rogers, Cheryl Lynn, Ramsey Lewis, Leon Haywood, Aretha Franklin, Rene & Angela, Carl Carlton, Janet Jackson and Billy Preston & Syreeta.

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

To see a video for “Stomp Your Feet,” go to:

Linda Clifford

Linda Clifford (born on June 14, 1948 in New York City, New York) is an R&B/dance singer who scored hits on the dance and R&B charts during the ’70s and ’80s.

Linda began singing when she was 4 years old and sang on local TV programs in New York when she was 7 years old. Three years later, she appeared with Harry Belafonte & Sydney Poitier in a TV special for the NAACP.

She later went on to win Miss New York State; after winning her title, she pursued an acting career, having minor roles in films such as “The Boston Strangler”, “Coogan’s Bluff” and “Sweet Charity.”

However, Linda was unsatisfied with the roles she got, so she decided to concentrate on music instead. She performed with the Jericho Jazz Singers for a year in nightclubs in the Miami, Florida area before forming her own jazz trio called Linda & The Trade Winds.
In 1973, she was signed to Paramount Records and released the single, “(It’s Gonna Be) A Long Long Winter” which peaked at #75 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. By the mid-’70s, she moved to Curtis Mayfield’s record label, Curtom Records.
In 1977, Linda released her debut album, “Linda” which didn’t make any album charts at all.
The lead single from the album, “From Now On” peaked at #94 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. It also peaked at #28 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart (along with the track “You Can Do It”), staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1978, she released her sophomore album, “If My Friends Could See Me Now” peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single, “Runaway Love” peaked at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. It also topped Billboard’s National Disco Top 40 chart (along with the tracks “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “Gypsy Lady”), staying on the chart for 24 weeks.
The follow-up single, “If My Friends Could See Me Now” (from the musical “Sweet Charity”) peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #68 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

At first, Linda responded negatively to recording a disco version of the song, thinking that it would be “sacrilegious”, but changed her mind after hearing the backing track of the song.
In 1979, Linda released her third album, “Let Me Be Your Woman” which peaked at #26 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
Her cover version of Simon & Garfunkel’s song, “Bridge over Troubled Water” peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #49 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. It also peaked at #11 on Billboard’s National Disco Top 40 chart (along with the tracks “Don’t Give It Up” and “Let Me Be Your Woman”), staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, “Don’t Give It Up” peaked at #15 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
In 1979, Linda released her fourth album, “Here’s My Love” which peaked at #117 on the Billboard 200 and #47 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “I Just Wanna Wanna” peaked at #36 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. It also peaked at #73 on Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart (along with the other tracks from the album), staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
In 1980, Linda and Curtis Mayfield released a duet album, “The Right Combination” which peaked at #180 on the Billboard 200 and #53 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single released from the album, “Between You Baby and Me” peaked at #14 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single, “Love’s Sweet Sensation” peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. All the tracks from the album peaked at #87 on Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.
During that same year, Linda released her sixth studio album, “I’m Yours” which peaked at #160 on the Billboard 200 and #47 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The first single, “Red Light” (which was featured in the 1980 film, “Fame”) peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #40 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

It also topped Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart for a week (along with Irene Cara’s song “Fame” and the track “Hot Lunch Jam”), staying on the chart for 27 weeks.
The second single, “Shoot Your Best Shot” peaked at #43 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. It also topped Billboard’s Disco Top 100 chart for 4 weeks (along with the track “It Don’t Hurt No More”), staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The last single from the album, “I Had a Talk With My Man” peaked at #53 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
By 1982, Linda had moved onto Capitol Records and released her seventh album, “I’ll Keep on Loving You” which didn’t make the charts at all.
The tracks “Don’t Come Crying to Me” and “Let It Ride” peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Disco Top 80 chart for 3 weeks, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

At the peak of Linda’s fame, she decided to concentrate on her personal life; in order to spend more time at home raising her family, she began singing commercial jingles for McDonalds, Cherry Coke, Maybelline, Pontiac, Tropicana, Oldsmobile and Michelob Lite. She also sang the theme songs to “The Phil Donahue Show” and the police drama series, “Chicago.”

In 1984, Linda released her eighth album, “Sneakin’ Out” on the Red Label Records label, which peaked at #49 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The two tracks from the album, “A Night With the Boys” (which peaked at #76) and “Sneakin’ Out” (which peaked at #62) were moderately successful on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart.
In 1985, Linda released her ninth studio album, “My Heart’s On Fire.” The album failed to make the charts and the only track from the album to chart was “The Heat In Me” which peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Disco Club Play, staying on chart for 7 weeks.
It wasn’t until 1999 that Linda returned to the music charts with the single, “Wanna Give It Up” (with producer Ralphi Rosario) which peaked at #16 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 2001, she released the singles “Changin'” (which peaked at #17) and “Philly Groove” (with Romain & Danny Krivit, which peaked at #29) were moderately successful on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

During that same year, she released the single, “Ride The Storm” (with Akabu) which peaked at #69 on the UK Singles chart.

In 2002, Linda released the singles “Going Back to My Roots 2002” (which peaked at #85) and “Sunshine” (which peaked at #99) which were moderately successful on the UK Singles chart.

In the 2010s, she released the singles, “With You” (in 2010) and “Baby I’m Yours” (in 2011); it’s unknown how or if the singles made any music charts at all.
In 2015, Linda collaborated with singers Evelyn “Champagne” King and Martha Wash on the single, “Show Me Love” which peaked at #6 on Billboard’s dance charts.

These days, Linda continues to be active in the music business, performing solo or with The First Ladies of Disco show. When she’s not on the road, she works as an instructor at Roosevelt University’s Music Conservatory and as a stage presence coach.

To see Linda Clifford’s official website, go to:

Home

To see a video for “(It’s Gonna Be) A Long Long Winter,” go to:

To see a video for “From Now On,” go to:

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

To see a video for “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” go to:

To see a video for “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” go to:

To see a video for “Don’t Give It Up,” go to:

To see a video for “Between You Baby and Me” (with Curtis Mayfield), go to:

To see a video for “Love’s Sweet Sensation” (with Curtis Mayfield), go to:

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

To see a video for “Red Light,” go to:

To see a video for “Shoot Your Best Shot,” go to:

To see a video for “It Don’t Hurt No More,” go to:

To see a video for “I Had a Talk With My Man,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Don’t Come Crying to Me,” go to:

To see a video for “A Night With the Boys,” go to:

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

To see a video for “The Heat in Me,” go to:

The Raes

The Raes were a Welsh-Canadian husband & wife singing duo from the late ’70s that consisted of Robbie Rae (born Robert Henry Bevan on May 17, 1954 in Wales) and Cherrill Rae (born in England, but raised in Ontario).

Robbie began his recording career as a pre-teen although his version of “The Lord’s Prayer” (which was sung in Welsh) was banned by the BBC, who considered the song blasphemous. He also toured Europe and had his own TV show in Wales.

While living in Ontario, Cherrill developed an interest in R&B music (especially Motown). She later moved back to the United Kingdom to continue her musical studies and pursue a singing career.

Robbie and Cherrill met in England when Cherrill was performing on Robbie’s TV show and were engaged soon afterward. Since their solo careers in the United Kingdom kept the two of them apart, they moved to Canada where they began to perform & record music: first as Cherrill and Robbie Rae, and then as a duo called The Raes.
In July of 1977, the Raes scored their first hit song in Canada with a disco-styled cover version of Doris Day’s song, “Que Sera Sera” which peaked at #9 on the RPM Top Singles chart.
A year later in 1978, the duo released their self-titled debut album on A&M Records; it’s unknown how or if the album made the charts. They were later nominated for two Juno Awards and even hosted their own network variety show called “The Raes” which aired on the CBC network from 1978 to 1980.
In 1979, the Raes released their sophomore album, “Dancing Up a Storm” which peaked at #161 on the Billboard 200; it’s unknown how the album charted in Canada. They toured the United States to promote the album, making appearances on American TV shows such as “American Bandstand” and “Soul Train.”
The lead single from the album, “A Little Lovin’ (Keeps the Doctor Away)” peaked at #13 on the RPM Top Singles chart; in the United States, the song peaked at #5 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart (staying on the chart for 14 weeks).

After the song was added by radio stations in New York and Boston, the song peaked at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The follow-up single, “I Only Wanna Get Up and Dance” peaked at #12 on the RPM Top Singles chart and #19 on the adult contemporary chart in Canada; it also peaked at #47 on Billboard’s National Disco Action chart (staying on the chart for 9 weeks).
In 1980, the duo released their last album, “Two Hearts” which didn’t appear to generate a lot of success. By 1982, the music act and the marriage came to an end.

Robbie recorded for the Quality Records label and was a member of a music group called GNP (which stood for Glimour-Negus Project). In the 1990s, he performed in the club circuit in Toronto and for American troops in Saudi Arabia. In later years, he moved to Phuket, Thailand where he ran a nightclub.

On December 26, 2004, Robbie was one of the many missing victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster after Phuket was devastated by flodding, but was found safe a short time later. On February 9, 2006, he died following a short illness at the age of 51, leaving behind a son, Christopher (who currently resides in Toronto) from his second marriage to Pamela Simmons.

As for Cherrill, she remarried to another musician named Nick Cucunato and has performed in several acts such as Backstreet, Rae & Rocket, The Cherrill Rae Trio lounge act (as well as a fly-on act with Carnival Cruise Lines). These days, she resides in Florida and continues to perform her nightclub act occasionally.

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

To see a video for “A Little Loving (Keeps the Doctor Away)”, go to:

To see a video for “I Only Wanna Get Up and Dance,” go to:

To see a video for “All Kinds of People” (from their self-titled album), go to:

To see a video for “Cara Mia” (from their self-titled album), go to:

To see a video for “Don’t Turn Around” (from their 1979 album, “Dancing Up a Storm”), go to:

Alicia Bridges

Alicia Bridges (born on July 15, 1953 in Charlotte, North Carolina) is a disco/pop music singer from the late ’70s.

Alcia grew up in Lawndale, North Carolina where she began singing at a young age. She started writing songs & playing the guitar when she was 10 years old. At the age of 12, she had her own radio program called “The Alicia Bridges Show” which would broadcast every Saturday on station WADA in Shelby, North Carolina

When she was 13 years old, she performed with a popular music group in North Carolina called The Ray Ledford band. She was also the lead singer of a rock band, Zachary Ridge & sang to the Love Generation and Flower Children of the early ’70s.

Alicia later met Southern Music publishing mogul, Bill Lowery from Atlanta, Georgia and relocated from North Carolina. She began writing for Lowery (along with her personal songwriting partner, Susan Hutcheson) and recorded for the Mega Records record label in Nashville, Tennessee, releasing two singles in 1973.

Despite the singles failing to make much impact, it attracted the attention of Lowery, who signed on as her manager. Lowery subsidized Alicia over a roughly two-year period of canvassing record labels.

In 1977, she signed a record deal with Polydor Records. During that same year, Alicia and Susan Hutcheson wrote a song called “Disco ‘Round” which at the suggestion of producer Steve Buckingham was recorded as “I Love the Nightlife” because he felt the song was an R&B song rather than a disco music song; however, “Disco ‘Round” was retained as the song’s subtitle.
In 1978, Alicia released “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round)” as her debut single which became a hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her highest charting single to date.

The song also peaked at #31 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 17 weeks) and #2 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 40 chart (staying on the chart for 20 weeks). It also peaked at #5 on the Cash Box & Record World charts, and was certified Gold for selling over 1 million copies. It even received airplay on country music stations.

Internationally, “I Love the Nightlife” gained success in countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, Canada (where it was certified Gold), Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan.

In June of 1978, Alicia released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #33 on the Billboard 200. The follow-up single from the album, “Body Heat” was a minor hit, peaking at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A year later in 1979, she released her follow-up album, “Play It as It Lays” which failed to make any album charts at all. In 1983, a woman was arrested in Nashville, Tennesse for impersonating Alicia during a country music convention.

In 1984, Alicia released her third album, “Hocus Pocus.” Although the album didn’t chart, the single, “Under the Cover of Darkness” peaked at #59 on Billboard’s Dance/Disco Top 80 chart (staying on the chart for 4 weeks). In later years, she began working as a DJ in dance clubs in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1994, “I Love the Nightlife” had a revival when it was featured on the soundtrack to the film, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”

The song was subsequently re-released and was successful on the music charts in New Zealand, Australia & Iceland. Due to its association with the film (and because Alicia is openly a lesbian), “I Love the Nightlife” is closely linked with gay culture.

The revival of “I Love the Nightlife” spurred Alicia to perform at retro disco shows for a number of years before retiring to Charlotte, North Carolina.

In 2006, she released a remixed & remastered compliation album called “This Girl Don’t Care.” She later followed up with the albums, “Say It Sister” (in 2007) & “Faux Diva” in 2008 (which included a remix of “I Love the Nightlife”).

These days, Alicia is active in the music community as a producer & DJ. In 2009, she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

To see a video for “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round),” go to:

To see a video for “Body Heat,” go to:

To see a video for “Under The Cover of Darkness,” go to:

To see a video for “Rex The Robot” (from her album, “Play As It Lays”), go to:

To see a video of the 1994 version of “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round),” go to:

Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry was a funk rock band music from the 1970s that was formed by lead singer/guitarist Rob Parissi (born Robert Parissi on December 29, 1950 in Mingo Junction, Ohio) in 1970. The band’s name was taken from a box of cough drops.

The band’s original lineup consisted of Ben Difabbio, Louie Osso, Larry Brown and Larry Mader; however, the lineup would changed over time. Osso, Brown & Mader would later leave the band, and they were replaced with Rob’s cousin, Coogie Stoddart and Joe Buchmelter (who would soon be replaced by Bucky Lusk).

During the early ’70s, Wild Cherry (who performed rock music at the time) released several records under their own label, such as the tracks “You Can Be High (But Lay Low)” & “Something Special” in 1971. The band eventually gained a record deal with the Brown Bag Records label; however, they broke up and Rob Parissi temporarily left the music business.

In 1975, Rob reformed Wild Cherry with new members Bryan Bassett, Allen Wentz and Ronald Beitle. As the band began to develop a following in the Pittsburgh area, disco music started becoming popular and listeners repeatedly kept asking them to play more dance music.

While brainstorming some new song ideas, Ronald Beitle recalled a fan shouting, “Are you white boys gonna play some funky music?” which inspired Rob to write a song based on the phrase called “Play That Funky Music”. He began writing the song on a drink pad with a pen borrowed from a bartender.

After Wild Cherry recorded “Play That Funky Music”, studio engineer Ken Hamann brought the band to the attention of the Sweet City Records label (which was distributed by Epic/CBS Records) who signed them to the label. Rob originally planned to record the song as the B-side to a cover version of The Commodores’ song, “I Feel Sanctified,” but the label suggested it as the A-side instead.
In 1976, “Play That Funky Music” was released as a single and became a hit for Wild Cherry, topping the Billboard Hot 100 & Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart. It also peaked at #12 on Billboard’s National Disco Action Top 30 chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks).

The song earned Wild Cherry an American Music Award for “Top R&B Single of the Year.” It was also nominated for two Grammy Awards for “Best New Vocal Group” & “Best R&B Performance by a Group or Duo.” Billboard magazine named them the “Best Pop Group of the Year.”

In 1988, “Play That Funky Music” was covered by rock band Roxanne, which was a moderate hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1990, rapper Vanilla Ice released his own version of “Play That Funky Music.” However, Rob Parissi was not credited as one of the writers in the song. He was later rewarded $500,000 in a copyright infringement lawsuit over the song.
In June of 1976, Wild Cherry released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200, topped Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and was certified Platinum.
In April of 1977, the band released their sophomore album, “Electrified Funk” which peaked at #51 on the Billboard 200 and #33 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The lead single, “Baby Don’t You Know” peaked at #43 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #41 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 7 weeks).

The follow-up singles from the album, “Hot To Trot” (which peaked at #95 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #62 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart) & “Hold On (With Strings)” (which peaked at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100) didn’t make a lot of impact on the charts.

Coogie Stoddart returned to perform with Wild Cherry beginning with the tour to support “Electrified Funk” and recorded with the band on their third album.
In 1978, Wild Cherry released their third album, “I Love My Music” which peaked at #84 on the Billboard 200 and #54 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
The title song peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 & #49 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (staying on the chart for 8 weeks). Before the band began recording their fourth studio album, Coogie Stoddart left the band again.
In 1979, they released their fourth and final album, “Only the Wild Survive” which failed to chart at all nor did the single, “Try a Piece of My Love.” It was also the only album to feature rock singer Donnie Iris (who was a member of rock band The Jaggerz) as a performer.

In late 1979, Wild Cherry disbanded. In the years since, some of the band’s members continued to stay active in the music business.

In the early ’80s, Marc Avsec teamed up with Donnie Iris to form Donnie Iris & the Cruisers, and scored a hit song with “Ah! Leah!” Marc also teamed up with fellow Crusier member Kevin Valentine to record music under the name Cellarful of Noise in 1985. These days, he works as a copyright lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio.

Allen Wentz moved to New York City to become a session syntheist, playing on various records & jingles. He has worked with artists such as Breeze, Sylvester and Lizzy Mercier Descloux.

Bryan Bassett become a producer & engineer at King Snake Studio in Sanford, Florida. He has performed with rock bands such as Molly Hatchet & Foghat. He also served as a board governor for the Florida Chapter of NARAS.

Ron Beitle performed with several rock bands such as Nied’s Hotel Band in Lawrenceville, Pennysylvania. In 2017, he died from complications of bladder cancer at the age of 63.

Rob Parissi moved to Miami, Florida in 1979 and formed a tour band with musician Bobby Caldwell. In 1980, he moved to New York City, met members of Billy Squier’s band and did recording sessions with them. At the same time, he co-wrote songs with Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Kent, co-producing the album “Dedication” (along with Gary U.S. Bonds and Bruce Springsteen) which sold over 500,000 copies.

These days, Rob resides in Florida, writing & recording music in the adult contemporary and smooth jazz genres. In 2012, he released an all-vocal album called “The Real Deal.”

On August 11, 2013, the people of Rob’s hometown in Mingo Junction, Ohio renamed the longest street there as Rob Parissi Boulevard, and declared August 11th as Rob Parissi day. He and his wife, Illona established a scholarship endowment for his former consolidated high school (now called Indian Creek High School) & returns every year to do a charity fundraiser for the scholarship endowment.

To see a video for “Play That Funky Music,” go to:

To see a video for “Baby Don’t You Know,” go to:

To see a video for “Hot to Trot,” go to:

To see a video for “Hold On (With Strings),” go to:

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

To see a video for “Try a Piece of My Love,” go to: