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:

52nd Street ‎Are You Receiving Me? (Remix Post)

[from their 1987 album, “Something’s Going On”]

Extended Remix Version

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:

Dayton

 

Dayton was an R&B/funk music band from Dayton, Ohio whose line-up originally consisted of David Shawn Sandridge (lead vocalist & guitarist), Chris Jones (lead vocalist, keyboardist & trumpet player), Dean Hummons (keyboardist), Derrick Armstrong (vocalist), Jenny Douglas (vocalist) and John Hardin (drummer). Prior to the band’s formation, some of the members were part of the music groups Sun and Over Night Low.

In 1980, Dayton released their self-titled debut album on United Artists Records, but didn’t appear to make the album charts. The two singles released from the album: “Dank” and “Eyes on You” also appear didn’t chart at all. They also toured with Quincy Jones, Ashford & Simpson and Stephanie Mills.

In 1981, the band released their sophomore album, “Cutie Pie” on Liberty Records. The album didn’t chart, but the title song peaked at #62 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. A follow-up single, “Body Shaker” failed to chart at all.

 

By 1982, Dayton moved over to Capitol Records where they released their third album, “Hot Fun” during that same year. 

Although the album didn’t appear to make the charts, their cover version of Sly and the Family Stone’s 1969 song, “Hot Fun in the Summertime” peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. It also crossed over to the pop charts where it peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The follow-up singles from the album, “Krackity Krack” (featuring Bootsy Collins) and “We Can’t Miss” failed to make the charts at all.

During 1982, multi-instrumentalist Rahni P. Harris Jr. joined the band, but didn’t become a member until a year later. Additional members Jennifer Matthews, Rachel Beavers, Craig E. Robinson, Justin Gresham, Michael Dunlop and Evan Rogers also joined Dayton as well.

In 1983, Dayton released their fourth album, “Feel the Music” which didn’t appear to make the albums chart. By that time, Craig E. Robinson, Jennifer Matthews, Justin Gresham, Michael Dunlop & Evan Rogers had left the band; Karen Harris Chappell joined as the lead vocalist and Rahni Harris was now a full-time member.

The lead single from the album, “The Sound of Music” peaked at #75 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. The song was also successful in nightclubs throughout the United Kingdom, peaking at #75 on the UK Singles chart.

The follow-up single, “It Must Be Love” peaked at #54 on Billboard’s Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. Two more singles released from the album, “Out Tonight” and “So What” didn’t chart at all.

In 1985, Dayton released their fifth and last album, “This Time” which didn’t appear to make the albums chart. During that time, Karen Harris Chappell left the band and was replaced by Elaine Terry. The title song managed to peak at #81 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

After that, Dayton disbanded and the members went their separate ways. According to research, Rahni Harris worked with artists such as Melba Moore and Willie Collins. Dean Hummons was part of a music group called Soul Influence; these days, he and Jenny Douglas are part of a funk music project called Dayton Flic.

Evan Rogers went on to became a successful songwriter and producer for various artists such as Christina Aguilera, Stephanie Mills, Shannon, Donny Osmond, Cheryl Lynn, Karyn White,  Rythm Syndicate, Debbie Gibson, Jordan Hill, Wild Orchid, Eternal, Jessica Simpson, Lara Fabian, *NSYNC and Mandy Moore.

Jenny Douglas went on to provide backing vocals for artists such as Jasmine Guy, Donny Osmond, Entouch, Toto, Keith Sweat, Mick Jagger, Rob Thomas, Pink Lalah Hathaway and most recently, A Girl Called Eddy. Craig E. Robinson is the owner of C Robb Productions and has worked with artists such as Ronnie Laws, Bell Biv DeVoe and George Clinton.

As for the other members of Dayton, it’s unknown what they’ve been up in the years since they disbanded and it appears if they’ve faded into obscurity.

To see a video for “Cutie Pie,” go to:

To see a video for “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” go to:

To see a video for “The Sound of Music,” go to:

To see a video for “It Must Be Love,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Dank,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Krackity Krack,” go to:

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

To see a video for “So What,” go to:

Creative Source

 

Creative Source was an R&B/funk group from Los Angeles, California that was formed and managed by Ronald Townson, a former member of R&B group The 5th Dimension. 

The members consisted of Barbara Berryman, Barbara Lewis, Don Wyatt, Steve Flanagan and Celeste Rose. Prior to the formation of Creative Source, Barbara Lewis sang with the Elgins; in the ’50s, Don Wyatt was a member of vocal groups, the Fortunes and the Colts.

In 1973, the group released their self-titled debut album on Sussex Records which peaked at #152 on the Billboard 200 and #21 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The lead single from the album, “You Can’t Hide Love” peaked at #48 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. Earth, Wind & Fire would cover the song for their 1975 album, “Gratitude” which became a moderate hit on the pop and R&B charts.

The follow-up, “You’re Too Good To Be True” peaked at #88 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The last single, a cover version of Bill Withers’ 1972 song, “Who Is Here (And What Is He to You)” peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 (making it their only appearance on the Hot 100) and #21 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. 

In 1974, Creative Source released their sophomore album, “Migration” which peaked at #28 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. The title song peaked at #62 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1975, the group released their third album, “Pass the Feelin’ On” on Polydor Records which peaked at #49 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #92 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks. After having live dates in Los Angeles, Creative Source toured and they even opened up for Duke Ellington & B.B. King in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1976, the group released their fourth and last album, “Consider the Source” which flopped on the album charts along with the single, “I’d Find You Anywhere.”

By 1977, Creative Source lost their record contract and disbanded. Celeste Rose went on to become a lawyer; Steve Flanigan relocated to the Netherlands; Barbara Lewis & Barbara Berryman continued to sing, and sadly, Don Wyatt passed away in 1990.

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

To see a video for “Who Is He (And What Is He to You),” go to:

To see a video for “You’re Too Good to Be True,” go to:

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

To see a video for “Pass the Feelin’ On,” go to:

To see a video for “I’d Find You Anywhere,” 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:

Aqua People

Aqua People were an R&B\funk music act from the 80s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Spido Records.

In 1983, they released the single, “I Like It Wet.” It’s unknown how or if the single made the charts at all. After that, it seems as if Aqua People have faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see a fan-made video for “I Like it Wet,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c_KOvGkGMY

The Jonzun Crew

The Jonzun Crew were an R&B funk\ hip-hop group from the early 80’s consisting of singer Michael Johnson and his brothers, Maurice Starr & Soni Johnson along with Carl (whose nickname was “Captain Fingers”).
In 1982, the group released their first single, “Pack Jam (Look Out for The OVC)” which peaked at #13 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart and #36 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.
A year later in 1983, the Jonzun Crew released their debut album, “Lost in Space” which peaked at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #17 on Billboard’s R&B albums chart.
Their second single, “Space Cowboy” peaked at #12 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart, but didn’t chart on the dance charts at all.
The third single, “Space is the Place” peaked at #31 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart and #63 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.
The last single from the album, “We are The Jonzun Crew” which peaked at #37 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart.
In 1984, the Jonzun Crew released their sophomore album, “Down to Earth” which wasn’t quite as successful as their debut album.
In 1990, the Jonzun Crew’s last album to date, “Cosmic Love” was released to little success. It’s unknown how well it did.

Maurice Starr and Michael Johnson went onto help boy bands New Edition and New Kids on the Block to fame. Michael had a moderate solo career under the name “Michael Jonzun” and worked on various artists’ releases.

To see a fan-made video for “Space Cowboy,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5pl-tq1jkI

To see a fan-made video for “We Are the Jonzun Crew,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL_58CNsAic

To see a fan-made video for “Pack Jam,” go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYuJ3ULwA9s