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AL WILSON
HOME: Mississippi
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Who Could Be Lovin' You," "Poor Side Of
Town"
ALL about Al . . .
Al Wilson is a dynamic and expressive singer who attributes his music to his
struggles on the way up. As he says, he paid his dues.
Al was born in Mississippi and moved with his family to San Bernardino during
his teen years. There he took drum lessons and sought odd jobs until he
became twenty-one. Then the way was open to appear in nightclubs as a singer
and drummer, quickly gaining a reputation as a good "rock" musician
with a "class" voice. Marc Gordon, personal manager of the Fifth
Dimension, was so impressed when he heard Al singing at a friend's house that
he soon became Al's personal manager. Then Marc brought Al to Johnny Rivers
who became Al's personal record producer. What followed was Al's first hit,
"Who Could Be Lovin' You."
Al Wilson is an entertainer with a sincerity that moves his listeners to cry
or laugh along with him. Al has paid his dues and is now reaping the
well-deserved benefits.
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ALBERT KING
HOMETOWN: Osceola, Arkansas
MAILING ADDRESS: Stax Records, Inc., 98 North Avalon, Memphis, Tennessee
38104
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Blues guitarist/singer
ALL about Albert . . .
Albert King was so poor when he started he had to make the first guitar he
ever owned: "I took the wire from around a whisk broom-the wire that
holds the straw together-burned some holes in a piece of wood, and strung it
up. But as soon as I could afford it, I bought a guitar and got good enough
to play here in some Osceola clubs. I was working days driving a
bulldozer."
Everyone has some explanation for the popularity of blues shouter Albert
King. They stress things like his concern with social problems or the way his
washday blues, broken hearts and lost-hope songs reach today's youth.
But the truth of the matter is really very simple -- Albert King's music is
just like Albert King. Strong and honest. "I don't play like nobody
else," the sensational guitarist says. "I don't try to either. You
can't fool these kids!"
Leaving his bulldozer behind, Albert picked up his guitar and went to St.
Louis to pay his dues in "road joints" for five dollars a night
"and all the flying bottles I could duck!"
After twenty-three years of road joints, King finally found fame when rock
impresario Bill Graham (ex-manager of the Fillmore West in San Francisco) put
him on his Fillmore stage. Guitar in hand, Albert played and sang in his own
black primitive style and the kids went wild!
From New York to Europe, they've been going wild ever since! Success.
Acclaim. Money. But essentially he's the same old Albert King.
"No, man," he says a bit wearily, "you're not gonna forget
that I was twenty-three years in those road joints. Or that I was five years
on that bulldozer, or that I can remember Mama riding a bus and then walking
two miles from the bus stations to sing all night for two dollars. You don't
think I'm gonna forget that-do you?"
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ALICE COLTRANE
HOMETOWN: New York, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Piano
BIGGEST HITS: "Africa/Brass," "Ascension," "Kula Se
Mama"
ALL about Alice . . .
Born on August 27, 1937, Alice McLeod Coltrane came from a musical
background. Her brother, Ernie Farrow, is a bassist and her mother played
piano and sang in the church choir.
Alice studied music at the age of seven, finally taking private lessons in
theory, harmony and organ. Alice Coltrane became a professional pianist.
She went to Europe and studied under Bud Powell in 1959. When she returned,
Alice performed with such greats as Lucky Thompson, Johnny Griffin. Kenny
Burrell, and she traveled on the road for a year with Terry Gibbs.
Then Alice met and married John Coltrane and replaced McCoy Tyner as John's
pianist. Together they produced three sons, John Jr., Ravi and Oranyan, plus
an understanding which allowed the great artistry of John to continue long
after he was gone.
John died in 1967, leaving a reputation of respect and a spiritual feeling in
Alice to continue his belief in music. John taught Alice to use the piano as
an extension of her feelings. Today she is still dedicated to exploring every
aspect of her late husband's music and religion. As she herself says,
"Everything I do is an offering to God that's the truth."
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ARETHA FRANKLIN
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues/gospel/blues singer-writer-pianist
BIGGEST HITS: "Respect," "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love
You," "Baby, I Love You," "Chain Of Fools,"
"Think," "Say A Little Prayer," "Don't Play That
Song," "The House That Jack Built," "Spanish
Harlem," "Rock Steady"
ALL about Aretha . . .
By the summer of 1967, Aretha Franklin was the biggest female soul star in
the record world. Today she still is.
Of course, it seems rather odd that it took the world until 1967 to discover
someone as overwhelming as Aretha. But it did. One of five children by
Reverend C. L. Franklin, Aretha began singing with her brothers and sisters
at a very early age. The training she gained in the choir of the New Bethel
Baptist Church as a youngster still affects her music style today.
At the age of fourteen, Aretha joined her father on one of his evangelistic
tours and created such a sensation as a soloist in the choir that wherever
they went, Aretha was hailed as "the new queen of gospel music!"
However, she was still many years away from the day they would call her
"Lady Soul."
It was at the age of eighteen that Aretha first began giving serious thought
to singing the blues. After so many years of gospel music, it was a difficult
step for her to take. Encouraged by a friend bass player. Aretha decided to
take a chance and audition for John Hammond at Columbia Records.
Hammond didn't hesitate. Aretha was signed to a recording contract within
hours. Slowly her career as a blues singer blossomed. But it wasn't until
Aretha moved to Atlantic Records and met Jerry Wexler (executive
vice-president) that the hits began to finally happen. Under Jerry's personal
supervision, Aretha went to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and cut "I Never
Loved A Man The Way I Love You." Released in February, the single became
an immediate smash, selling over 1,000,000 copies and turning into one of the
biggest records of the year.
The rest everyone knows. Like any one of her hits, Aretha's success story
comes on slow, but by the end you know you've heard something you can never
forget. There are hits and there are hits -- but no one makes hits like
Aretha Franklin. It's just one of those unchallenged truths . . . just like
Lady Soul herself.
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B. B. KING
HOMETOWN: Indianola, Mississippi
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal and guitar
BIGGEST HITS: "The Thrill Is Gone," "Completely Well"
ALL about B. B. . . .
"Can't nobody play and sing the blues like B. B. King!"
Alone at the age of nine, Riley B. King had to work endless hours in
Indianola, Mississippi. Somehow he squeezed in an elementary education during
the winter months while working the fields in the summer.
B. B. received his guitar, "Lucille," at the age of fourteen. His
boss got it for him for eight dollars which was to be paid back from B. B.'s
small wages.
While working in a tavern, B. B. found a ten-minute spot on WDIA, the first
Negro-manned radio station in Memphis. Then he became a disc jockey named
"The Boy from Beale Street." Thereafter, Riley B. King became known
as B. B.
B. B. formed a group which became very much in demand due to radio exposure.
A change in managers moved him from "the chitlin' circuit" to the
larger scope of "pop" oriented clubs, colleges and festivals.
Since then, B. B. has been recognized as a legend in the rebirth of the blues
by both national television and people all over the United States and Europe.
B. B. King's ambition has always been to be the "best blues singer and
guitarist" in the world. After many, many years, his dream has been
realized and he holds the title he so well deserves. He also holds a Grammy
Award to prove it.
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BARBARA MCNAIR
HOMETOWN: Bay City, San Francisco, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Pop singer
BIGGEST HITS: Songs from No Strings, Guys and Dolls, Wild Is the Wind and her
own Barbara McNair Show
ALL about Barbara . . .
Born in Chicago and educated in Racine, Wisconsin, multi-talented Barbara
McNair was headed for stardom long before she knew it. But her mother did!
A housekeeper at a children's institute, Barbara's mother encouraged her to
enter musical talent contests in Racine. When Barbara began winning
everything she entered, her mother decided she should concentrate on music in
high school. After graduation, Barbara continued her musical studies at the
University of California in Los Angeles-but not for long.
After a year, she decided that what she really needed was experience, not
theory. So she moved to New York.
When she wasn't making the rounds at nightclubs.
Barbara used her high school training to get a daytime secretarial job. In
the evenings she sang for free, wherever she could, until Max Gordon heard
her and offered her a job at his famous Village Vanguard. Things didn't go
the way she expected, and soon Barbara was back singing at parties. On the
verge of giving up the idea of a music career. Barbara met an agent who
pointed her to Arthur Godfrey. She was an immediate success on The Arthur
Godfrey Show and her career was, at last, launched.
Today the incredibly busy actress-singer (some of her film appearances
include The Organization, If He Hollers, Let Him Go!, They Call Me Mr. Tibbs,
Venus in Furs, Stiletto and Change of Habit) lives with her husband, nightclub
owner Jack Rafferty, in San Francisco-that is, when she's not touring the
country's top nightclub acts, making movies, guesting on television or
recording albums!
After taking over Diahann Carroll's lead role in Richard Rodger's No Strings
Broadway musical in 1962. Barbara returned home to find herself a star in
demand! Television offers poured in. Her hard work with Nat "King"
Cole (she once was a member of his company) had indeed paid off. Appearing
with "King" in Wild Is the Wind brought her the national acclaim
she needed-and the lead in No Strings.
After that things only got better.
Establishing herself on television with her own show, The Barbara McNair
Show, it was just a matter of time until her movie debut. Soon after, she
appeared in the film Change of Habit and her co-star was Elvis Presley. Her
first co-starring role with her favorite actor, Sidney Poitier, was They Call
Me Mr. Tibbs. Most recently she again teamed with Poitier in The
Organization. Standing 5'3", Barbara weighs all of 115 pounds, but her
"face, of classic beauty" makes her an undisputed giant in the
"world of beautiful women."'
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BILL COSBY
HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
BIGGEST HITS: "Bill Cosby Is A Very Funny Fellow . . . Right!"
"To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With," "200 MPH,"
"It's True, It's True"
ALL about Bill . . .
Bill Cosby has the ability to take some of the saddest events in one's life
and make them sound completely hilarious. His first appreciative audience was
his own "Mom" who used to break up in laughter at the breakfast
table over some of his now-famous monologues.
Bill was born on July 12, I937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and entered
the Navy after he had repeated the tenth grade in school. However, he
completed his high school education via correspondence courses while still in
the service. When he was discharged, Bill enrolled at Temple University to
become a physical education teacher. Luckily for the world, he decided his
true field was show business.
Bill's first performance was as a nightclub comedian in Greenwich Village.
Since then, he has branched out into motion pictures (Hickey and Boggs),
radio, television (/Spy, The Bill Cosby Show and numerous specials) and
personal appearances all over the world.
Bill is a three-time Emmy Award winner for best actor in a dramatic series
and for The First Bill Cosby Special. He has recorded several albums and
singles and has won five Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album.
Yet, as busy as he is, Bill still finds time to work for numerous charities
and black causes. Living in Massachusetts with his wife Camille, two
daughters Erida Ranee and Erinn Chalene and son Ennis William, Bill manages
to keep his career in Hollywood going with his own company, Jemmin Inc., and
his own musical recording group-"Badfoot Brown and the Bunions Bradford
Funeral and Marching Band."
Listening and laughing with the "Ninth Street Bridge," "Fat
Albert," and "Old Weird Harold," all the memories that hide
behind the wide grin of ol' Cos seem as familiar to you as your own past
because Bill Cosby really is "A Very Funny Fellow . . . Right!"
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BILL WITHERS
HOMETOWN: Slab Fork, West Virginia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer, writer, guitarist
BIGGEST HITS: "Ain't No Sunshine," "Hope She's Happier With
Him," "Just As I Am," "Grandma's Hands"
ALL about Bill . . .
In concert, Bill Withers is warm, sincere and always ready with a humorous
anecdote between songs. When the spotlight focuses on him, the whole room
seems to change from crowded bodies to warmth and closeness. Spending the
majority of his life as a mechanic and builder of toilet seats for airplanes.
Bill decided he wanted music as his career. He moved to Hollywood to check
out opportunities while working in an aircraft factory there. After he'd
saved enough money, Bill bought a cheap guitar, chose musicians from the
backs of album covers and cut his first demo recording. He wrote most of his
own music because he didn't seem to be able to find the kinds of songs he
wanted. "Reality" was his keyword.
Disappointment followed when he found that most companies didn't want
ballads. Not wanting to change his style, Bill went back to work at the
factory. However, his demo kept circulating and finally found its target in
the form of Booker T. Jones. A recording session was set for January, 1970.
Bill continued working because he was not sure of how his music would be
accepted. He was laid off and just about to accept a job as janitor from his
landlord when a call came about a live concert in Chicago with Jerry Butler,
the Dells and the Impressions. That was his first live performance and he has
been performing ever since. Bill Withers is not dependent on being an
entertainer. He offers you his life through music, and if you accept it, he
will say thank you.
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BILLY PRESTON
HOMETOWN: Houston, Texas
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues pianist, composer and vocalist
BIGGEST HIT: "That's The Way God Planned It"
ALL about Billy . . .
Billy Preston, among several hundred other important things, has the
distinction of being the first black man to record with the Beatles. He also
has two solo albums under the producership of George Harrison. When he
rocked, rolled and shouted out "That's The Way God Planned It,"
rock history was being made. The back-up band just happened to be Ringo Starr,
George Harrison, Leon Russell and Eric Clapton. And the occasion was Billy's
appearance, along with such other guest stars as Bob Dylan, at the Madison
Square Garden's benefit concert for East Pakistani refugees.
A respected keyboard artist, composer and vocalist, Billy's back-up work can
be heard on the albums of Carole King, Barbra Streisand, the Beatles (he also
appeared in their film Let It Be), Merry Clayton, Ray Charles and Aretha
Franklin.
Born September 9, 1946, in Texas, Billy was raised in Los Angeles. At three
he started the piano, due primarily to his mother's encouragement. (His
mother, by the way, once played "Sapphire" on The Amos 'n' Andy
Show). By the time he was ten, Billy was appearing locally with the Mahalia
Jackson Show until a film producer spotted him for the child's role of
"Handy" in St. Louis Blues which starred Nat King Cole.
In 1962 Billy was touring England with Little Richard and Sam Cooke. "Up
until then," Billy says, "I'd been doing only gospel music. Richard
thought it was to be a gospel tour, but everyone wanted that 'good ol' rock
'n' roll' and we gave it to 'em!" From England they went to Germany, and
in Hamburg, the 1962 scene for aspiring groups, Billy met the Beatles. They
were nobody then.
"They would dedicate 'A Taste Of Honey' and 'Love Me Do' to me, because
they were my favorite numbers.
George once asked me to join them on stage, but I had to say no."
As the years went by, Billy continued touring with superstars -- he even had
a solo spot on the Ray Charles Show, and Charles used to introduce him like
this: "I'd like to introduce to you Billy Preston. He's the young man
that if I leave this business I want to take over what I started!"
Today Billy records for A&M. And as for any future plans, he gives his
answer in poetry: ". . . I will never give up the thought/ determination
can win./ I must pay my dues, bide my time/ it's just around the bend . .
."
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BOBBY WOMACK
HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Writer, producer, singer, guitarist
BIGGEST HITS: "It's All Over Now," "I'm A Midnight
Mover," "Fly Me To The Moon," "The Preacher,"
"Trust Me"
ALL about Bobby . . .
"I just want to unite people through music. When you are out on the
floor dancing, that floor isn't black or white or red-it has no color!"
Since early childhood, Bobby Womack has believed this. The third of five
brothers, he found the only source of pleasure available to his drearily poor
family was music. Every day he eagerly awaited his father's return from the
Cleveland steel mills, so that he and his brothers could begin rehearsing the
family's gospel music.
Soon the Womack Brothers began attracting local attention. Bobby's father
invested in costumes for his sons and in no time flat they were on the road,
traveling the gospel circuit.
It was during this first tour that Bobby met the late Sam Cooke. When Cooke
and his partner James Alexander started their own record label, the Womack
Brothers were signed to record as "the Valentinos." Their first
song was a hit ("Looking For Love"). By this time Bobby was out on
the West Coast. His skill as a guitarist got him many studio jobs, working on
albums for Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett.
While touring with Sam Cooke, Bobby also began exploring his natural gift for
songwriting. His first song -- "It's All Over Now" -- was a hit not
only for Bobby but for the Rolling Stones as well.
After Sam Cooke's death, Bobby decided to leave the Valentinos to sing and
write independently. An acknowledged originator of the "Memphis Sound,"
Bobby's music trip continues much along the lines it started: communicating
and bringing people together.
"I wish people could just realize that we all have to live together. In
music I've found that everybody has feelings-regardless of color, and that
everybody has 'soul'!"
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BOOKER T. AND THE MG's
HOMETOWNS: Booker T. Jones: Memphis, Tennessee; Steve Cropper: Willow Spring,
Missouri; Al Jackson, Jr.: Memphis, Tennessee; Don Dunn: Memphis, Tennessee
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Four-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Green Onions," "'Jelly Bread,"
"Booker Loo,"' "Jingle Bells," "Tic Tac Toe,"
"Can't Be Still," "Hang 'Em High," "Boot Leg,"
"Sweet Potato," "Soul Limbo"
ALL about Booker T. and the MG's . . .
Aside from everything else, Booker T. and the MG's just happen to be without
question the most famous studio musicians in the world! That's a big
statement, but what else can you say about four musicians who became the
backbone of what has come to be called either "the Memphis Sound"
or "the Stax Sound"? Just ask Wilson Pickett or Eddie Floyd.
They'll tell you how Booker T. Jones (organ), Steve Cropper (guitar), Al
Jackson (drums) and Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass) were the main reason
for the tremendous success of their hit records "Midnight Hour" and
"Knock On Wood." And then, of course, there were all the sessions
recorded by the immortal Otis Redding. Yes, that was Booker T. and the MG's
in the background!
After playing on every Stax recording session for three years, Booker T. and
the MG's soon developed an instinct for each other's playing, a "feel
for each other's music." Since their feel for soul music is literally
impossible to duplicate, an ever increasing number of soul artists continue
to make the pilgrimage to Memphis just to have the privilege of Booker T. and
the MG's on the LP's.
Booker T. Jones (November 12. 1944) formed his first band at the age of
fourteen but remembers picking out harmonies on an old upright piano when he
was only three. His formal training began on the clarinet at ten, but he
subsequently switched to the trombone, then the bass . . . today he plays
some twenty-three instruments! A graduate of Indiana University, Booker has
written several hit songs including his film score for Jules Dassin's
Uptight.
Steve Cropper (October 21, 1941) has long been noted as one of the finest
guitarists in popular music as well as being a successful songwriter -- Steve
produced and coauthored Otis Redding's classic "Dock Of The Bay."
Steve's also responsible for such hits as "Knock On Wood" and
"Midnight Hour."
Al Jackson's (November 27, 1935) drum playing can be heard on almost any Stax
record. His feel for rhythm and ideas for arrangement are considered
phenomenal by soul musicians everywhere. Like the other MG's, Al produces
several Stax artists.
Don "Duck" Dunn (November 24, 1941) was the last to join the MG's.
Considered one of the world's top rhythm and blues bassists, his unique bass
lines are studied by young jazz and blues musicians the way today's young
filmmakers study the films of Fellini.
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BROOK BENTON
HOMETOWN: New York, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues/pop singer
BIGGEST HITS: "Rainy Night In Georgia," "It's Just A Matter Of
Time," "Endlessly," "Thank You, Pretty Baby,"
"With All Of My Heart," "Hurtin' Inside," "So Many
Ways, Kiddo"
ALL about Brook . . .
Although most people think of "Rainy Night In Georgia" when they
think of Brook Benton, it was almost a dozen years ago that he first exploded
across the pop scene with "It's Just A Matter Of Time." It only
proves what many already know: Brook is a brilliant performer who took what
some considered to be his peak of perfection (in 1959) and pushed it even
higher in the 70's. That's what happens to an artist who wants to stay on
top!
Brook came into the music business by singing demo records for music
publishers. His voice was considered "the best in a crowded field of
unidentified voices." And they say his singing was responsible for more
new songs being recorded than any other demo singer in history. The first
move toward recognition came when Brook met publisher-writer Dave Dreyer
("Back In Your Own Backyard"). After that Brook's demo record
career was dead. In its place came the million-seller "It's Just A
Matter Of Time," and the making of a new singing star. Today when they
talk about Brook Benton, they put it this way: "He's not a star. He's a
galaxy! When he sings "it is raining all over the world!"
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CANNONBALL ADDERLEY
HOMETOWN: Tampa, Florida
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Tenor saxophone
BIGGEST HITS: "This Here," "Dat Dere," "Work
Song," "Sack O' Woe"
ALL about Cannonball . . .
Born Julian Adderley, Cannonball picked up his nickname because he ate like a
"cannibal."
After attending Tallahassee High School where he played both brass and reed
instruments, Cannonball became band leader at Dillard High School in Fort
Lauderdale in 1948 and formed his first jazz group. Then in the early fifties,
he went into the Army and became the leader of the 36th Army Dance Band while
studying at the U.S. Naval School of Music in Washington, D.C.
In 1956 Cannonball went to N.Y.C. to hear his friend, trombonist Jimmy
Cleveland, perform at the Cafe Bohemia. He had brought his horn along and was
asked to sit in. Jokingly the group started into a double-time number to
throw him off. But Cannonball not only kept up, he added a fantastic solo of
his own. A few weeks later, he was signed by EmArcy Records.
Since then, Cannonball has formed numerous groups (mostly quintets), played
with such greats as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and done well on his own.
Cannonball was largely responsible for "establishing reeds/
trumpet/rhythm quintets as the most viable of post bop ensemble forms"
and helped define "soul jazz" which was so popular in the late
fifties and early sixties.
Being open to new sounds and caring for every musician he has come in contact
with are Cannonball's two greatest assets. In the fifteen years of his
career, he has been learning and changing, experimenting and developing. Yet
always there is, at the base of his music, a deep attachment to the blues and
to the music forms that have grown from it. When Cannonball plays, no one
remains untouched.
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CARLA THOMAS
HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee
ADDRESS: Stax Records, Inc., 98 North Avalon, Memphis, Tennessee 38104
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues singer
BIGGEST HITS: "B-A-B-Y," "Comfort Me," " Pick Up The
Pieces," " Tramp," "Where Do I Go?" "I Like
What You're Doing To Me"
ALL about Carla . . .
From the time she did acrobatics for her grammar school friends until the
magic actually happened and earned for her the title "Queen of the
Memphis Sound," Carla Thomas has always wanted to entertain.
"You should never try to draw lines of limitation around yourself,"
Carla says today. "I've seen a lot of performers keep putting their education
aside until they finally abandon the idea, but it's something I always wanted
and even though my schedule became a
little crowded at times -- I made it? Now I can devote all my time to my
career as a singer and actress."
At twenty-seven, Carla has a personality that is fitting for a queen as well
as a lady. One of the most popular entertainers in Europe, Carla made her
debut there with the late Otis Redding. Since then her fans seem to multiply
by the thousands every time she returns. Her style is timeless and her
artistry boundless as she appears in clubs from coast to coast all over
America.
A long way from the day she and her father (a disc jockey for WDIA in
Memphis) walked hand-in-hand to a small record company a few blocks from
their home, Carla takes her success as smoothly as she created it:
"Everything that's happened to me so far has been very exciting, and the
best part is that I feel this is only the beginning!"
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CAROLYN FRANKLIN
HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer/writer
BIGGEST HITS: "Ain't No Way," "Baby, Baby, Baby,"
"Save Me"
ALL about Carolyn . . .
Yes, of course she's Aretha's sister -- but that's not all there is to
Carolyn Franklin! As a matter of fact, Aretha might tell you that Carolyn is
a lot of what there is to Aretha Franklin!
Beginning her musical career as a back-up voice (along with sister Erma
Franklin) on Aretha's records and concert tours, Carolyn deserves much of the
credit for Aretha's hits. Not only the leader of Aretha's vocal trio, Carolyn
also wrote some of her famous sister's biggest hits including: "Baby,
Baby, Baby" and "Ain't No Way." She was also the composer of
sister Erma's hit "Don't Wait Too Long."
After graduating from Case Tech in Detroit and taking time out for writing
courses at the University of Southern California. Carolyn decided there was
no point in fighting the inclination to follow her famous family into the
world of music. Though she'd been singing in church functions since she was a
baby, actually taking the big step into a solo career was a hard thing to do.
To the youngest member of the family (she's twenty-five today), it all seemed
so overwhelming.
Fortunately, talent tells the final tale, and both as a singer and
songwriter, Carolyn Franklin is a star first and Aretha's sister second.
Today she makes her home in Detroit, "playing at the piano and
clarinet" and writing things down whenever the songwriting bug hits her.
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CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Writer/singers, four-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HIT: "Give Me Just A Little More Time"
ALL about the Chairmen of the Board . . .
The Chairmen of the Board call themselves "four individual artists,
brought together to form a group." They are: General Johnson, Harrison
Kennedy, Danny Woods and Eddie Custis.
It all started when Eddie Holland, president of Invictus Records and one
third of the famous songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland (who wrote most
of the Supremes' early hits), first heard General Johnson sing eight years
ago! Johnson was the lead singer for a group called the Showmen, and when
Holland heard Johnson sing the group's biggest hit, "Rock 'n' Roll Is
Here To Stay," he knew he wanted to use the lead singer somehow,
someday.
It took eight years to put the right people together with Johnson, but
Holland finally managed to do it. Harrison Kennedy was the last member of the
board to be drafted -- he left the Toronto cast of Hair before the play even
opened!
Often referred to as "an individual group," the Chairmen of the
Board say their secret is simple: four experienced, individual artists, all
very different, but with one big thing in common: talent!
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THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS
HOMETOWNS: Four from Mississippi, one from Yorkshire, England
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Five-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HIT: "The Time Has Come Today"
ALL about the Chambers Brothers . . .
The Chambers Brothers are five incredible musicians: George Chambers, Willie
Chambers, Lester Chambers, Joseph Chambers and Brian Keenan.
Today, the Brothers have been together as a group for six years. Before that
they sang as a gospel group, bringing gospel to nightclubs and coffee houses.
Their belief, that people in clubs and coffee houses need God more than
people in churches, turned out to be a winning idea in every way. They found
a sound, a sound that brought people together and made them happy. And to
date, they've never lost that sound.
"We're trying to deliver some kind of message that helps people get
together with peace and love instead of so much violence," says Brother
George, the group's self-taught electric bass player. Considered one of the
best around today, George insists he started out on a gut-bucket bass.
"We are trying to express ourselves through our music," Willie
Chambers adds. The group's guitarist, Willie is the smallest but most
persuasive member. "We are expressing the way we feel about life. We try
to create a great feeling among the people."
Brother Lester Chambers is said to have the way of a minister -- ("He
does not say very much, but he gets into your religious soul"). Singing
lead on most of the Chambers Brothers' tunes, Les plays harmonica, cow bell
and tambourine as well.
Then there's that "magnetic, kinglike" Joseph Chambers. Under his
handsome warrior expression, there's an alert, musical mind: "With our
music, we are trying to bring as many people together as we can. It's like
our crusade for togetherness."
Finally there's Brian Keenan, the youngest of the Brothers, born in England.
The drummer for the group, Brian came to America at the age of nine, returned
to England to finish school, and then returned to live in the Bronx. An
electronic genius, Brian built a recording studio in his Connecticut home
with just pliers, a screw driver and a soldering iron. But when he beats his
drum, Brian really shines.
"We play what is in our hearts: love, peace and happiness," he
says. And that's something worth getting together over.
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CHARLES WRIGHT AND THE WATTS 103RD STREET RHYTHM BAND
HOMETOWN: Watts, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Eight-man rhythm and blues band (guitar, piano, trumpet,
drums, trombone, tenor sax, xylophone)
BIGGEST HITS: "Do Your Thing," "You're So Beautiful"
ALL about Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band . . .
"I supposed we could go totally commercial, turn out more rock music or
do other people's styles," says Charles Wright, leader of the Watts
103rd Street Rhythm Band and one-time singer/producer of such
oldies-but-goodies as "You Cheated, You Lied, (You Said That You Loved
Me)."
"But that would be like stealing," he continues. "Almost all
the good commercial music out now has its roots in blues and rhythm 'n' blues
-- black music! So why should we do variations of our own music when we've
got the original right here?"
Once called Charles Wright and the Wright Sounds, the Watts Band took friend
Bill Cosby's suggestion and became the 103rd Street Rhythm Band, simply
because that's where they all lived!
Today they've been together over three years, and that -- by their own
admission -- is no easy feat! As it stands, they've only lost one member --
and he was never replaced.
Obviously, this is no ordinary group.
"Funny thing is," Charles says, "any other R&B group would
have given up before we did. See, in R&B, if you don't get steady hits,
everything goes down the tubes. We managed to stay together until we got it
started."
Besides being the leader, Charles also contributes most of the material to
his group's repertoire, produces all their sessions, and keeps everyone's
morale up where it has to be in order to stay with success.
In addition to Charles (who plays piano and guitar), the Watt's Band brags of
Gabriel Flemings (trumpet), Al McKay (guitar and drums), Ray Jackson
(trombone), John Rayford (tenor sax), Melvin Dunlap (electric steel guitar,
xylophone), Bill Cannon (tenor sax), and James Gadson (drums).
All very different human beings, the group has one important meeting ground:
their goal to make rhythm and blues music as important to the rest of the
world as it is to them.
"What I want to do," says trombone player Ray Jackson (also the
arranger on many of the Watt's Band's songs), "is raise R&B to its
highest musical and cultural level, put it on a level with classical
music."
John Rayford agrees: "Music today is going back to a feeling it used to
have. We mix blues and jazz, trying to get our own sound. It's hard to put
what we're doing into words -- it's just something we hear!"
"We all think alike musically," Melvin Dunlaps adds. "There
are a lot of us, a lot of different personalities -- but musically, we're the
same. That explains the way we play."
"Without unity, we'd have chaos!" Bill Cannon insists. "We
have to evolve slowly into a free-form group, and still make it good enough
for us to enjoy as musicians. Right now we're still playing with form.
Eventually we want to free ourselves of form as a unit."
"When we recorded 'Do Your Thing,' Charles says proudly, "we did it
live in a club. We'd never played the song before. We just jammed it and I
came up with words on the spot. Then when we heard the tape, nobody had any
faith in it -- except my drummer. James Gadson, and myself. But I decided to
release it anyway. My best friend called me up and told me I should be
ashamed of myself for releasing an unfinished product. But that record made
it!"
And so did Charles and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band! Appearing all over
the country with stars like Diana Ross, the Supremes, Nina Simone, Marvin
Gaye, Bill Cosby and Dionne Warwicke -- the Watts Band is no
"here-today-gone-tomorrow" act.
"Right now a lot of our message is in the music," Charles says.
"But I have a few songs we haven't recorded yet that I want to change.
I've got a lot to say, and I want to make sure everyone understands when I
say it! No matter how good a product may be, if it's phony, people know it.
Our music is honest. The feeling's there. It says what it means."
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CHARLEY PRIDE
HOMETOWN: Sledge, Mississippi
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Country and Western vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Just Between You And Me," Charley Pride's 10th
Album, Charley Pride . . . In Person, The Best of Charley Pride
ALL about Charley . . .
Charley Pride decided on singing as a career after trying the field of big
league baseball and is now known as the top male country vocalist and has
received a number of gold albums.
Charley began his life working in the cottonfields of Mississippi beside his
parents and his ten brothers and sisters. By the time he was five, he knew he
wasn't going to be a farmer so he chose baseball as his career.
At the age of seventeen, Charley played in the Negro American League with
Detroit and the Memphis Red Sox. After a two-year hitch in the Army (during
which he met and married his wife Rozene) he returned to sports and moved to
Montana. Between seasons Charley began singing. He worked at a mining complex
by day and as a nightclub entertainer at night. One night Red Sovine caught
Charley's act and arranged a recording session in Nashville for him the next
year.
From this session, Chet Atkins was so impressed that Charley was signed to a
contract with RCA. What has followed is now history: awards, Grammy
nominations and wide acclaim as the first black country-and-western male
vocalist around. Besides his enormous talent and feeling for his work,
Charley Pride is said to have "pioneered in removing the color line from
country music."
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CLARENCE CARTER
HOMETOWN: Montgomery, Alabama
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Slip Away," "Too Weak To Fight,"
"Patches"
ALL about Clarence . . .
Clarence Carter has hit the public with the soul sounds of "Slip
Away," "Too Weak To Fight" and "Patches" and has won
a gold record for each one for selling over a million copies.
Clarence became completely blind just one year after he was born. He attended
the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega, Alabama, and earned an AB
degree in music from Alabama State College.
Carter began as a gospel singer and became one of the better arrangers and
composers. He also became accomplished on a number of string and wind
instruments. However, he needed a break.
Clarence began recording as a member of Clarence and Calvin (Thomas) and went
through five and a half low years. In 1960, Calvin was hurt in an auto
accident but he was definitely not one to give up. Clarence sought the talent
of Rick Hall, Muscle Shoals disc producer, and together they soared with the
smash single "Tell Daddy." The gospel influence comes through in
many of Clarence's songs and his special style has kept him on all the
charts, R&B as well as the Hot I 00.
Clarence Carter has a truly exciting sound that can only be described as
dynamic.
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CURTIS MAYFIELD
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues vocalist, songwriter, record producer
BIGGEST HITS: "Gypsy Woman," "Amen," "I'm So
Proud," "Choice of Colors"
ALL about Curtis . . .
Just after Curtis turned fourteen years old, his family moved from Chicago's
West Side to the North Side.
Finding it difficult to travel back and forth to his old group, the
Alphatones, Curtis joined Jerry Butler and three guys from Chattanooga,
Tennessee, in a group called the Roosters.
Soon the group realized they needed a more sophisticated title and thus
became the Impressions. Jerry Butler received lead billing but soon left the
group and went into retirement. After Curtis saved enough money, he came back
to the Impressions with the hit "Gypsy Woman" and they were reborn.
The many hits Curtis wrote for the Impressions after that established him as
one of the most important black songwriters in the country.
After twelve years with the Impressions, Curtis Mayfield decided to leave and
concentrate on writing, production and his own record company (Curtom).
Though he didn't want to make his solo move sound like an ego trip, he did
want to do more with music than he was with the Impressions. Thus his album:
Curtis, one of the most successful black music albums of the year.
No matter what Curtis does in the future, he wants it to be meaningful, and
no doubt, it will be.
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DAVID T. WALKER
HOMETOWN: Watts, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Guitar
BIGGEST HITS: Going Up, Plum Happy
ALL about David . . .
David T. Walker got his first taste of applause in Monterey when he appeared
with Merry Clayton and went on to studio sessions with Merry, Carole King,
Billy Preston and others. During this time he shared two hit records with his
friend Paul Humphrey.
Working for fifteen long years. David has gone through many changes. Now he
has finally gone solo.
Born in the Watts area of Los Angeles. David developed his deep feeling for
the blues while listening to the cotton pickers and field workers during
their jam sessions.
The church David attended had an electric gospel guitar and other instruments
and the pastor gave David one to practice on every Sunday. He's been playing
ever since.
After high school. David toured with a couple of groups and then decided to
settle temporarily in New York City. Those five years were filled with
playing in clubs and frequently going on the road with performers like Jackie
Wilson and Ben E. King.
Finally, David returned to Los Angeles and tried a music course at City
College. However, the road turned to Motown and he became band director,
toured and recorded with Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and other superstars.
After David left Motown, he was in demand as a sessions guitarist for
everyone from the Jackson Five to Dean Martin.
Eventually. David found himself playing gigs with Merry Clayton and the
Sisters Love. The relationship has lasted into the present. He's played on
both Merry's albums.
Eventually. Lou Adler, president of Ode Records, was so impressed with
David's guitar playing that he signed him as a solo artist.
David's new position is well earned and his feelings are summed up with,
"I dig being out front, but I still like being in the background-and
pushing out somebody where they want to be. I'm always a quiet cat when not
playing-like I'm walking along the walls somewhere.
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THE DELFONICS
HOMETOWN: William and Wilbert Hart: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Major Harris:
Richmond, Virginia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- three members
BIGGEST HITS: "Didn't I," "La-La Means I Love You,"
"Trying To Make A Fool Out Of Me," "When You Get Right Down To
It"
ALL about the Delfonics . . .
Two brothers, William and Wilbert Hart, started singing with Randy Cain in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in their early teens. As the Delfonics they went
sky-high. In early 1971, Randy was replaced by Major Harris who won immediate
audience acceptance after just two days' rehearsal with the group.
William has always written the group's hits. Wilbert has developed into quite
a composer and Major is beginning to add a few of his own.
The Delfonics have toured all over the United States and Europe and have made
several television appearances. Their success? As Wilbert says, "First
we listen to the lyrics of a song, then we get together and decide what the
best movements are. That's how we created our own style." The
originality of the Delfonics is what will help them remain at the top of the
charts.
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DIAHANN CARROLL
HOMETOWN: Bronx, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HIT: Porgy and Bess
ALL about Diahann . . .
Striking Diahann Carroll is famous for Broadway musicals, motion pictures,
television and a beautiful singing voice.
Diahann, born in the Bronx, won a Metropolitan Opera scholarship at the age
of ten, which led to the High School of Music and Art. Not sure of what she
wanted to do with music, she enrolled in sociology at New York University.
But music was in her blood. She auditioned for a jazz revue put together by
showman Lou Walters which never happened. But the impression she left with
Lou led to an appearance on the show Chance of a Lifetime. She won for three
weeks straight. This, in turn, led to a week's engagement at New York's Latin
Quarter, an engagement that was held over for four weeks.
Keeping her philosophy that "Love is everything," Diahann overtook
stage, screen and television (she played "Julia" for three years).
And still, in song, she can take an audience and make it hers.
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DIANA ROSS
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "I'll Be
There"
ALL about Diana . . .
Diana Ross has proven herself a hundred times over in music, drama and
comedy! No doubt she will be considered one of THE stars of our times.
Yet, the glamorous Diana has known poverty. One of six children, she shared a
bed with her two sisters. But her parents knew the importance of
self-reliance and passed it on to their offspring. Diana is a perfect example
of their success.
Diana always wanted to be a singer and devoted her life to becoming a good
one. In high school, she teamed up with two of her friends, Mary Wilson and
Florence Ballard, to form a vocal group. In 1960, the three girls auditioned
for Berry Gordy, Jr., of Motown Records. He knew they had talent but
encouraged them to finish school and then come back. They waited anxiously
through their whole senior year, and Berry was as good as his word.
At first, Diana and her friends were assigned as background singers, but
Gordy knew talent when he saw it. He signed them as a group and gave them the
now-famous name, the Supremes.
Instantly sensational, the Supremes together broke records of best-sellers
and became internationally famous. Soon Diana was recognized as the leader
and received top billing in the group.
Today, after much soul-searching, Diana is on her own, developing with every
performance.
She's appeared on television both as a guest star and as the star of her own
TV specials. Her natural abilities in comedy and drama were recently
recognized and rewarded when Motown-Weston-Furie Productions chose her to
play the lead in The Lady Sings the Blues, the motion picture story of the
legendary Billie Holiday.
Diana Ross -- glamorous, talented star of records, screen, radio and
television . . . what next? When you look into Diana's future, all you see
is: no limits!
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DIONNE WARWICKE
HOMETOWN: East Orange, New Jersey
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Don't Make Me Over," "Anyone Who Had A
Heart," "Walk On By," "A House Is Not A Home"
ALL about Dionne . . .
Dionne Warwicke comes from a family of gospel singers who started her off at
the age of six. She went to school in East Orange, New Jersey, and continued
studying at the Hart College of Music of the University of Hartford in
Connecticut.
Winding up in New York where she sang background music for a while, Dionne
eventually caught the attention of two top songwriters and record producers.
Burt Bacharach and Hal David. What followed was the international hit
"Don't Make Me Over." What followed that -- is still happening!
Dionne Warwicke has traveled successfully through Europe, made numerous
television appearances and even a movie, Slaves. In the 1966 annual Cash Box
Recording Artists of the Year Poll she was voted No. 1 R&B singer and No.
2 pop singer. She's earned one gold record and three gold albums; the
National Association of Record Merchandisers named her top-selling female
vocalist in 1964, 1970 and 1971. She's won so many awards, in fact, that all
over the world, Miss Warwicke is considered a very special singer indeed.
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DONNY HATHAWAY
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer, composer, arranger, pianist, organist, percussionist
and ukulelist
BIGGEST HITS: "The Ghetto," "Tryin' Times," "A Song
For You"
ALL about Donny . . .
Donny sings like he feels -- soulful, from the heart! Born in Chicago in
1945, he grew up in the St. Louis ghetto. His grandmother, an accomplished
gospel singer named Martha Cromwell, brought him up in religious surroundings
so that, at the age of three, Donny was known as "Donny Pitts, the
Nation's Youngest Gospel Singer." He accompanied himself on the ukulele!
By 1964, Donny was attending Howard University on a fine arts scholarship and
trying desperately to decide whether to be a preacher or a teacher. While
still undecided, the high cost of Washington, D.C., living forced him to join
the Ric Powell Trio. This quickly became Donny's "introduction to
playing in the world."
Since then the name of Donny Hathaway has become a household word for such
fine artists as Curtis Mayfield, the Impressions, Jerry Butler, Roberta
Flack, the Staple Singers and many, many others who have come to him for help
with their albums. (He's produced, arranged, composed and performed on most
of their best LP's.)
On his own, of course, Donny has emerged as one of soul music's most soulful
singers. All you have to do is listen, 'cause that's what his music is all
about.
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THE DRAMATICS
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Five-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get"
ALL about the Dramatics . . .
The Dramatics are Willie Lee Ford (July 10, 1950, plays the sax), William
Franklin Howard (only married member of the group, plays trumpet), Elbert
Vemell Wilkins (twenty-four-year-old drummer, pianist, singer), Larry Demps
(twenty-two-year-old lead singer), and Ronald Banks (May 10, 1951, lead
singer).
As a group, the Dramatics feel grateful to fans who are now making them the
top attraction they are. A hard-working group, they admire the singing of the
Temptations, Delfonics, Jackson Five, Fifth Dimension and Curtis Mayfield.
But admiration is one thing -- what the Dramatics do with their own music is
something else again!
"Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" blares forth from radios in
barbershops, stations in Harlem, Chicago's South and West sides, Watts,
Charleston, Catfish Row, Cleveland's Heights, Atlanta's Underground, even
Phoenix! Riding upward on the nation's rhythm and blues stations, the song
has taken the Dramatics to the spot where they belong -- the top.
No matter what their personal differences, the Dramatics seem to agree on two
important issues: their love for singing, and their desire to become the top
male singing group in the world today!
Ambitious? Well, why not? Someone has to be!
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EDDIE FLOYD
HOMETOWN: Charleston, South Carolina
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer/composer/producer
BIGGEST HITS: "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time?,"
"California Girl"
ALL about Eddie . . .
Known to millions of music fans around the world as one of the top soul
singers, Eddie Floyd has co-written such hits as "634-5789" for
Wilson Pickett, "Comfort Me" for Carla Thomas, "Don't Mess
With Cupid" for Otis Redding and "Someone's Watching Over You"
for Solomon Burke.
Like most creative artists, Eddie gets his song ideas from things happening
around him. "That's the way I wrote 'Knock On Wood,'" he recalls.
"l heard someone say it, and thought we'd have a song if I could get a
beat going. It's from everyday things like that that my ideas come."
As a performer. Eddie has consistently made hit records, from his "Knock
On Wood" to such monsters as "Raise Your Hand," "Don't
Rock The Boat,'' "Big Bird," "I've Never Found A Girl To Love
Me Like You Do," and "Bring It On Home To Me."
Eddie came to music naturally.
He simply grew up in a musical family and never once doubted it would be his
life's work. An uncle was managing a gospel group called the Falcons and
Eddie joined the Montgomery, Alabama, quartet in 1956. The group bragged of
such members as Wilson Pickett and songwriter Mack Ricer ("Mustang
Sally").
In no time, Eddie was on his way. His off-the-cuff natural style won him
loads of new fans. And obviously, he's never lost his touch!
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EDDIE KENDRICKS
HOMETOWN: Birmingham, Alabama
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues singer
BIGGEST HIT: "Can I"
ALL about Eddie . . .
"I want to forget all about ever being one of the Temptations,"
says ex-Tempt Eddie Kendricks when asked about his split with the group.
Now thirty-one years old, Eddie's been singing since 1956 when he left
Birmingham, Alabama, with his long-time friend Paul Williams. Detroit proved
to be more promising for Eddie, and it wasn't long before he and Paul met Otis
Williams. They then absorbed two more members, David Ruffin and Melvin
Franklin-presto: the Temptations.
Considered one of the slickest, most popular groups around, the Tempts gave
Eddie some of the best years of his singing career. The group flourished on a
combination of Ruffin's rich, gritty voice and Eddie's sweet, plaintive
near-falsetto. But stress lines first began showing about four years ago when
David Ruffin was hastily fired from the group. Eddie withdrew from the group
in sympathy with Ruffin. But after a month of seclusion from the group in New
York, Eddie returned to Detroit-to record with the Temptations again. Again
there were hints of dissatisfaction on Eddie's part over the new direction of
the group. In February, 1971, the Tempts played Madison Square Garden and two
weeks later Eddie was out of the group for good.
In June, Eddie gave his first real solo performance at the Apollo Theater in
Harlem. His reception was a warm one, proving him to be a warm, capable
performer doing fine versions of "Never Can Say Good-bye,"
"Joy To The World," "Something's Burning."
Today Eddie's on his own in every way. His first solo album, All By Myself,
has already given him one top 40 hit, "Can I," and threatens many
more. All of which makes good sense.
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THE EDWIN HAWKINS SINGERS
HOMETOWN: Oakland, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Ten-man and woman gospel group
BIGGEST HITS: "Oh Happy Day," "Everyman Wants To Be Free"
ALL about the Edwin Hawkins Singers . . .
If any music ever deserved the title "soul" it's gospel music. For
centuries it has been sung and cried from the soul to the heavens, from empty
fields and uncounted four walls to the house of prayers. And in the world of
gospel music, Edwin Hawkins, a bright and talented young man, is counted one
of the best.
Playing piano since the age of five. Edwin studied interior design at Laney
Junior College in Oakland, but, because of his deep religious commitment, he
became involved with church choir music.
In 1967, at the age of twenty-four, Edwin and Betty Watson formed the
Northern California State Youth Choir. Its sole function was to perform at a
youth congress in Washington, D.C. But the response to the group was so
fantastic that they decided to make it a permanent choir and send its musical
word around the various colleges and churches of America.
Then came the phenomenon of 1969, when the members of the choir itself
contributed funds to make an album which they hoped would be distributed
within the confines of the gospel music world. The album contained the cut
"Oh Happy Day" and immediately made the group famous. Everyone was
listening to and singing "Oh Happy Day." Later that year, the group
was awarded the Grammy Award for their performance of "Oh Happy
Day." (They also won a Grammy for their recording of the song
"Everyman Wants To Be Free.") Consisting of Walter Hawkins. Daniel
Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, Elaine J. Kelley, Norma Jean King, Dorothy M.
Morrison, Barbara A. Gill, Shirley Miller, Edwin Miller and Donald E.
Henderson, the Edwin Hawkins Singers have come into the world of popular
music without losing a trace of their gospel roots. Their message is as
simple as it is beautiful: "Perhaps it is time for people to listen to
the past to feel secure in the future."
Their sound is the sound of hope.
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EDWIN STARR
HOMETOWN: Nashville, Tennessee
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues singer
BIGGEST HIT: "War"
ALL about Edwin . . .
Considered by many to be "the most logical successor to the King's (Otis
Redding) throne," Edwin Starr is the result of long periods of hard
work, study and experience. A performer's performer, Edwin burst onto the
music scene with the brilliance of an artist destined to be around for quite
a long time.
At thirty-one, the handsome rhythm and blues singer, who was born in
Nashville and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, has not yet even reached the peak of
his superstardom. Since he joined Motown Records. Edwin's hits include the
incredible blockbuster "War," "Stop The War -- Now!" and "Twenty-five
Miles."
He started his singing career while attending East Technical High School in
Cleveland, which led to his first professional engagement as a member of the
Futurestones on the Gene Carroll Talent Show at Cleveland's Circle Theater.
After two and one-half years of touring the country, Edwin went out on his
own and joined Golden World Recordings Company where he wrote and recorded
"Agent 00 Soul," "Headline News" and "SOS."
Eventually his work came to the attention of Motown Record Prexy Berry Gordy, who signed the soul singer to a
contract immediately.
Today Edwin spends whatever free time he can get hold of diligently writing
songs for his next recording session or rehearsing his band with new
material. He's always busy doing something; in fact, as his record label put
it: "The only talent Edwin seems to lack is the ability to do nothing at
any given moment!"
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ELLA FITZGERALD
HOMETOWN: Newport News, Virginia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "How High The Moon," "Oh Lady Be Good,"
"It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Danse Samba"
ALL about Ella . . .
Anywhere in the world, all you have to do is mention the name
"Ella" and everyone knows who you mean.
Born in Virginia. Ella spent most of her early life being raised in Yonkers,
New York, with her real mother and stepfather, and enjoying her hobby-singing
and dancing. Ella's idol in those days was Connee
Boswell of the Boswell Sisters and, oddly enough, Ella preferred dancing to
singing.
Ella entered singing by appearing in an amateur contest at the Harlem Opera
House and began winning contest after contest. The audiences loved her, and
professionals were impressed by the unbelievable natural musicianship she
possessed. So Ella was hired by the opera house for fifty dollars a week
after auditioning for virtuoso drummer Chick Webb. He dug her enough to ask
her to travel with him on the road.
After Webb died, Ella, herself, continued in his band until the beginning of
World War II. Afterwards Ella met Norman Granz and
began touring with him and his JATP troupe. Norman took her under his wing
and became her personal manager.
Today Ella Fitzgerald is a legend. She loves appearing on television and is
always in demand by top shows. However, as far as Ella's concerned,
performing befor-e a live audience is where it's
at! Her fame and awards are not just national. Her title in Europe is
"La Bella Ella" and she's won the highest honors for an artist in
Germany and East Berlin.
Despite the glamour and success, Ella's favorite place is in her home with
her family. This tight-knit group consists of her son, Ray Brown, Jr. (from
her marriage to the renowned bass player Ray Brown), her nieces, Karen and
Eloise, and her little grandniece, Valerie. This is the beginning and end to
Ella, and they join her on the road whenever possible.
Whether Ella is singing the tunes that bring back memories or her newer
numbers, she brings a feeling of pleasure into a world that has very often
forgotten how it feels.
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THE EMOTIONS
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Three-girl rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "So I Can Love You," "Show Me How,"
"The Best Part Of A Love Affair"
ALL about the Emotions . . .
Sheila Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson and Theresa Davis are the ladies in
question when you're talking about the Emotions. Their magic is simple: they
can be happy, moody, sad, angry, sassy, stubborn, taunting, teasing and just
about any other emotion you can think of.
Today the girls (two of them sisters, the third a cousin) admit that the
biggest force behind their successful singing career has been Joe Hutchinson
(Sheila and Wanda's father).
"He wanted to get us interested in this -- and we did!" Wanda says.
"It's Daddy's lifetime ambition that we become the best," sister
Sheila adds. "When we were kids, we had music classes every day for an
hour and a half. We had to study music!"
And it really paid off! Their serious knowledge of music shows not only in
their singing but in the fact that all three are songwriters. Theresa wrote
"Welcome Home," Sheila wrote "Go Away, Don't Touch Me,"
and Wanda has already begun preparing lead sheets for their next album.
Originally the Emotions were comprised of three sisters. However, in May of
1970 Jeanette Hutchinson married, and cousin Theresa was brought in to take
her place.
Traveling extensively, the Emotions have appeared everywhere from the Sugar
Shack in Boston to Harlem's Apollo Theater.
As Wanda puts it: "Daddy doesn't want us to be established as a certain
kind of group that only sings certain kinds of songs. Our style is mostly
doing harmony. It's more of a 'class' thing. We use more variety in our
singing than most groups."
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THE 5TH DIMENSION
HOMETOWN: McCoo: Elizabeth, New Jersey; LaRue: Glenside. Pennsylvania; Townson:
St. Louis, Missouri; McLemore: St. Louis, Missouri; David: St. Louis,
Missouri
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- five members
BIGGEST HITS: "Up, Up And Away," "Age Of Aquarius/Let The Sun
Shine In," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "One Less Bell To
Answer"
ALL about the 5th Dimension . . .
The 5th Dimension have been in demand for magazines, television, nightclubs
and concert tours, reaching the hearts of young and old alike for half a
dozen years now. At the tenth and eleventh annual Grammy Awards they claimed
Record of the Year.
Their personal manager Marc Gordon first heard them when they were touring
with Ray Charles. Marc introduced the Dimension to Soul City founder Johnny
Rivers who worked hand-in-hand with them to get their music on wax and to the
public. The first thing Johnny did was introduce the Dimension to songwriter
Jimmy Webb ("Up, Up And Away!")
Marilyn McCoo could have been a model but being
able to reach four octaves in such a rich voice determined her musical
career. Florence LaRue's cheerful sense of humor
keeps vitality going in the group. Ron Townson is
the responsible member who handles much of the Dimension's business matters. LaMonte McLemore is the "cool" and quiet one.
And Billy David, Jr., (now Marilyn's husband) is a powerful singer whose
antics keep the group spirit high.
With their professional style and poise, the 5th Dimension are
bound to keep going "up, up and away."
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FLIP (CLEROW) WILSON
HOMETOWN: Newark, New Jersey
SPECIALTY: Comedian
BIGGEST HITS: "Cowboys," "Flippin',"
"You Devil You," "The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress"
ALL about Flip . . .
Flip Wilson decided on show business as his career in a small San Francisco
nightclub fifteen years ago. While doing an act as a drunk, the laughter he
received convinced him that comedy was his calling. He set a goal of fifteen
years to become a professional. In ten years, however, he appeared on the
Tonight Show, and as Flip himself says, it only took "ten years and five
minutes."
Flip Clerow Wilson was born in Newark, New Jersey,
and spent his childhood moving from one foster home to another. A dropout
from high school, he entered the Air Force, where he picked up the nickname
"Flip" for his quick wit.
When he left the service, Flip became a janitor at the club in San Francisco.
From California, he traveled around the country, entertaining whenever he
could, depending on the generosity of people for his living. He was so good,
generosity seems irrelevant.
Today Flip has four children from a very unhappy marriage in 1957. Insisting
on privacy, he doesn't socialize much but prefers entertaining close friends
at home.
For his award-winning TV show, The Flip Wilson Show, Flip writes most of his
own material and with painstaking care. His favorite monologue took him three
years to get right. (A typical Flip thing! He's a perfectionist all the way!)
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THE FOUR TOPS
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Four-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Baby, I Need Your Lovting,"
"I Can't Help Myself"
ALL about the Four Tops . . .
"The Tops," Levi Stubbs, Renaldo Benson, Abdul Fakir and Lawrence
Payton, have been singing together for fifteen years! And if you don't think
that's something, just stop and try to name some other groups who've pulled
that off! Draw a blank?
A group like the Four Tops is one that reminds the world of entertainment
that sustained success is the result of hard work, lots of patience and a
good bit of talent! The solid success of the Four Tops reflects their
versatility as well as their professionalism.
All born and raised in Detroit, the Tops began singing with local groups as
high school students. Then one night in 1954, a fateful circumstance brought
all the future Tops members to the same party. As the evening wore on, the
Tops began harmonizing spontaneously. The guests were delighted, but no one
was as overwhelmed as the four young men themselves. With their new blending
of sounds, Stubbs, Benson, Fakir and Payton immediately set out to become
professionals.
After signing with an agency that booked them into small clubs in Flint,
Michigan, and Cleveland, Ohio, the group decided to call themselves the Four
Aims. Later, when they signed with Chess Records, they changed their name to
the Four Tops.
After three consecutive recording contracts failed to give the Tops the hit
record they desperately needed, the group decided to concentrate on their
nightclub performances. Smart move!
"Some groups like the Treniers or Steve Gibson
and the Red Caps have no hit records," Lawrence Payton explained,
"but they make it in clubs. We didn't know it would be so hard to make
it. It took us six or seven years to get started and by that time we had
blown our chances to get into anything else. So we had to stick with
it!"
In "sticking with it," the Tops managed to perfect an "in
concert" act that has been claimed by many (including the Beatles) to be
the absolute best in show biz! Working with the Larry Steele Review and the
legendary Billy Eckstine, the Tops made a point of
keeping up their stage wardrobe, their demeanor off stage and their dazzling
professionalism on stage.
In 1964 the Tops signed with Motown and their first release, "Baby, I
Need Your Loving," thrust them into national stardom. In 1965 Billboard
magazine selected the group's recording of "I Can't Help Myself" as
the "best-selling record of the year."
Yet even today, nightclub stints remain their forte. Reflecting the years of
apprenticeship they've put in, each show has a special blend of pop-gospel
with frequent costume changes that give them a visual variety to match their
musical one. One of the most polished acts on the international soul scene,
the Four Tops put on a sophisticated performance that showcases their
remarkable talent and changeability -- the hallmarks of true professionals.
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FREDA PAYNE
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer
BIGGEST HITS: "Band Of Gold," "Bring The Boys Home"
ALL about Freda . . .
After a successful string of talent shows, church benefits, and European
tours with Quincy Jones, Freda Payne went to New York where she became Leslie
Uggams' understudy in the smash hit Broadway
musical Hallelujah, Baby! Although the show gave her frequent opportunity to
display her dramatic as well as vocal talents, Freda felt something was
wrong. Despite her consistent success on stage and in local clubs, the
beautiful soul sister hadn't found herself or her audience . . . yet!
Then, all at once, Freda found a song she wanted to record. It was called
"Band Of Gold," and the rest, of course, is superstardom history!
The lady of "luxurious elegance and beauty" found a purpose and
direction in singing that meant something to her!
"I finally learned, after a lot of experience and a lot of travel, to be
natural within myself. I've gotten down to the roots of my own being and
that, naturally, is reflected in my performance."
Even last year's commotion with U.S. Army bases over her hit song "Bring
The Boys Home!" (they banned it) hasn't caused
Freda to compromise her "true to myself" attitude in music. Today
she knows herself and her own truth too well for that!
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THE FRIENDS OF DISTINCTION
HOMETOWNS: Floyd Butler: San Diego, California; Harry Elston:
Dallas, Texas; Charlene Gibson: Dallas, Texas
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- three members
BIGGEST HITS: "Goin' In Circles,"
"Love Or Let Me Be Lonely," "Down I Go"
ALL about Friends . . .
The Friends of Distinction are exactly that -- friends of very great
distinction!
In the beginning the Friends were helped immeasurably by the backing and
support of Jim Brown and by their debut at the Daisy, a Beverly Hills
discotheque. In 1970, they shared the Top Vocal Combination Group R&B
award from Record World with Sly and the Family Stone.
There is a strong musical bond between Harry Elston,
Charlene Gibson and Floyd Butler. Floyd is the originator and formulator of
the Friends of Distinction and came in with the experience of performing with
two other groups. Charlene is smooth-voiced and a beauty of charm and grace.
The organizer of the group, Harry, wrote the lyrics of the successful
"Grazing In The Grass."
The Friends of Distinction are more than just friends. They are a communion
of soul and spirit.
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GLADYS KNIGHT AND THE PIPS
HOMETOWN: Atlanta, Georgia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Pop/rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Friendship Train," " I Heard It Through The
Grapevine," "Every Beat Of My Heart," "Nitty Gritty," "You Need Love Like I Do, Don't
You?" "If I Were Your Woman"
ALL about Gladys Knight and the Pips . . .
One of Gladys' earliest recollections of music occurred before she reached
her third birthday. Sitting at the piano which was in the hallway of her
family's Atlanta home, Gladys would "just doodle on the keys."
Though she admits having vague memories of her mother and aunt telling her
how "cute" she was playing the piano with her feet dangling above
the pedals, Gladys says things didn't really begin to happen until after her
precocious church debut. The debut, at four years of age, took place when
Gladys stood up in front of the congregation at Mount Mariah Baptist Church
in Atlanta one spring morning and sang a short vocal recital.
That same year, Gladys' uncle had a birthday party and recorded his little
niece's singing. (To this day, whenever Gladys returns to Atlanta to visit,
her uncle pulls out the old recording and everyone has a good chuckle!) By
her fifth birthday, Gladys was touring with the Morris Brown Choir throughout
Florida and the South.
One day her mother wrote to Ted Mack inquiring about Gladys' chances of
singing on his television amateur talent show. The response was positive, so Gladys
(now age seven) sang and won. Not only did she win the first time around, she
also returned to win the Grand Prize of $2,000 and a trophy taller than she
was.
Just as Gladys' first recording resulted from a family birthday party, so did
the emergence of the Pips come about at another such gathering. Celebrating
brother Merald's birthday, everyone was asked to
"get up and do something entertaining." Gladys, Merald
and their two cousins, William and Eleanor Guest, decided to sing as a group.
Their cousin James Woods (nicknamed Pip) was also there. When the group sang,
James was so impressed that he insisted they form a group for real. They did
and named it after him. With Pip as a manager, Gladys (at the ripe old age of
twelve) began touring with such big-name stars as Jackie Wilson and Sam Cook.
Many nightclub engagements and several road trips later, Gladys and the Pips
recorded "Every Beat Of My Heart." The record sold a million.
Even though there have been changes in the group, the unity among them is
genuine, partly because they are relatives, but mainly because they're good
friends.
"We want to continue to grow as a group together," Gladys says.
"Our individual egos don't have to take off alone in order to be
satisfied. It may sound corny, but we're a very big and happy family. The
public associates me as being the leader of the group, but I'm really sorry
that the fellows haven't been given the individual exposure they deserve.
There's more talent there than people have seen!"
And the Pips (brother Merald Knight, cousin Edward
Patten and cousin William Guest) echo Gladys' sentiments completely.
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HARRY BELAFONTE
HOMETOWN: New York, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: Mark Twain, Porgy and Bess -- Lena Horne -- Harry Belafonte, Midnight
Special, Belafonte -- Don't Stop the Carnival
ALL about Harry . . .
In many ways, the quality of today's music had its beginnings with Harry
Belafonte.
Born in New York City, Harry moved with his family to Jamaica, British West
Indies, while still a young boy. After living there for five years, he
returned to New York and attended but never completed George Washington High
School.
After a two-year hitch in the Navy and a stint as a maintenance man, he
received two tickets to an American Negro Theater production. This served as
his introduction to legitimate theater. Harry soon became a member, with very
close friend Sidney Poitier, and then joined the Drama Workshop. One
production number called for him to sing and that led to a job at the Royal
Roost, a New York nightclub. The original contract was for two weeks but he
ran for twenty! After this his career as a pop singer was launched.
But Harry wasn't really happy, so he quit to find his calling in show
business or get out. For a while, he and two friends ran a restaurant in
Greenwich Village where he earned $70 a week. During this time there were
frequent community sings where Harry found satisfaction in folk singing; he
decided to return to show business doing dramatic interpretations of ethnic
tunes.
From there he signed a contract with RCA Records and was in two motion
pictures (Bright Road and Carmen Jones). His third film, I stand in the Sun,
caused much controversy but was a box-office sell-out everywhere.
In 1955. Harry became a full-fledged star on Broadway in Three for Tonight.
More recently, he formed his own record-producing firm, Artists Recording
Center, Inc., a division of Belafonte Enterprises, Inc.
Harry entered the medium of television at special intervals. Revlon's Tonight
with Belafonte won him an "Emmy" for the top musical performance.
Now he is becoming increasingly active as a producer as well as a performer
on TV.
Harry is the first member of the entertainment industry named a cu ltural advisor to the Peace Corps by the late President
Kennedy. He is also a leading architect of the civil rights movement. He's
been honored many times by the American Jewish Congress, the NAACP, the City
of Hope, etc. He has introduced both South Africa's songstress, Miriam Makeba, and Nana Mouskouri,
Greece's foremost singer, to American audiences. His association with Wiltwyck School for Boys in Upper New York State is known
all over the United States.
Harry Belafonte seems to know no limits and his songs reach every level of
people, of every field and every area of expression, all over the world.
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HONEY CONE
HOMETOWNS: Carolyn Willis and Edna Wright: Los Angeles, California; Shellie
Clark: Brooklyn, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- three members
BIGGEST HIT: "When Will It End"
ALL about Honey Cone . . .
Honey Cone is a trio of beautiful girls who could each make it as a solo act.
Carolyn Willis has been singing since the age of sixteen. She was once a
member of the Bobby Sox and the Blue Jeans. Carolyn has also done background
for such greats as Lou Rawls, Johnny Mathis and 0. C. Smith, and received a
great deal of television exposure.
Edna Wright toured the nation in 1960 with a gospel group. Then she recorded
her first hit single, "A Touch Of Venus," which led to a nightclub
tour. Edna has worked with Johnny Rivers, the Righteous Brothers and Ray
Charles, who asked her to join his Raelettes.
Shellie Clark performed on Broadway as a dancer in House of Flowers with
Pearl Bailey. She has toured with Ike and Tina Turner, Little Richard, Dusty
Springfield and was once a regular on The Jim Nabors Show.
The three girls have all been hired individually on The Andy Williams Show
and as a back-up group for Burt Bacharach recently. Edward Holland watched
and then contacted all of them to form the Honey Cone. The rest is becoming
history.
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IKE AND TINA TURNER
HOMETOWN: Ike: Clarksdale, Mississippi; Tina: Brownsville, Tennessee
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues soul act
BIGGEST HITS: "River Deep, Mountain High," "Want To Take You
Higher," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Proud Mary,"
"Come Together"
ALL about Ike and Tina . . .
Like so many fine American blues and soul acts, Ike and Tina Turner were
really discovered by the English first. "River Deep, Mountain High"
made little impression in the United States, but when it was released in
England in 1966, it shot straight to #1!
As a result, Ike and Tina were asked by the Rolling Stones to accompany them
on their American tour. This round-about road to superstardom may have given
Mr. and Mrs. Turner moments of confusion and doubt, but it also gave them the
time to develop "the funkiest, sexiest, most beautiful soul act
ever!"
When he was six, Ike Turner began to make music. After picking out a few
notes on the piano he played "impromptu recitals" for friends and
relatives. Then, after high school, he put together the original "Kings
of Rhythm" -- the band he and Tina still work with today. Writing songs
(for less money than he should have), kicking around from club to club, one
evening "I ended up in St. Louis. I was playing at this nightclub and
through very unique circumstances, I met Annie Mae Bullock -- the future Tina
Turner!"
While Ike was picking out tunes on his guitar and piano, Annie Mae Bullock
was growing up in a large family in Knoxville, Tennessee, where gospel choir
singing and talent shows lent some early musical opportunities. Then in 1956,
Annie Mae and one of her sisters moved to St. Louis.
"I was going to nightclubs with my sister," Tina says today,
"and Ike was working at one that we used to go to all the time. Well, I
used to ask him to let me sing. He'd say 'OK' but never call me to the stage.
One night, he was playing organ and the drummer put a microphone in front of
my sister for her to sing. She said no, so I took the microphone and started
singing. Ike was shocked!
When he finished the tune, he called me on stage and I did several numbers
with him that night. Later he asked me to join the group."
In 1959, Ike wrote a tune called "Fool In Love" for a singer who never
showed up for the recording session. But Tina was familiar with it and filled
in. "Fool In Love" sold over a million copies!
Then came "River Deep, Mountain High" and their Come Together album
with the hit Beatle tune and their version of "Honky Tonk
Woman."
Recently the couple's appearance in the film Soul to Soul caused the same
kind of critical raves they inspired earlier with their split-second
appearance in the Rolling Stones' film Gimme
Shelter.
When they can, Ike and Tina spend every second of their "spare"
time at their California home with their four sons, Ike, Jr. (12), Craig
(11), Michael (11) and Ronnie (10).
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THE IMPRESSIONS
HOMETOWNS: Cash and Gooden: Chaltanooga, Tennessee;
Hutson: Chicago, Illinois
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- three members
BIGGEST HITS: "People Get Ready," "Gypsy Woman,"
"Fool For You," "Mighty Mighty,"
"My Deceiving Heart," "Baby, Turn On To Me"
ALL about the Impressions . . .
The Impressions started with two nextdoor neighbors
in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Fred Cash and Sam Gooden. They came together with
Richard and Arthur Brooks and a girl named Catherine to perform as the
Roosters. Sam and the Brooks Brothers decided to move to Chicago for a better
opportunity, but Fred felt he should stay.
In Chicago, the boys teamed up with Eddie Thomas, Jerry Butler and Curtis
Mayfield. Eddie became their manager and changed their name to the
Impressions. After seven successful months together. Jerry and the Brooks boys left, and Sam and Curtis hunted up Fred.
Curtis became the lead singer, and the Impressions signed under Curtom Records (owned by Eddie and Curtis). Curtis left
under friendly conditions, leaving himself to his writing and the Impressions
to their singing. Sam and Fred handpicked an eight-piece band and Leroy Hutson, who went from four days' rehearsal to performing
with astounding ease.
The members of the group may again change as the years go by, but the
legendary Impression sound will always remain.
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ISAAC HAYES
HOMETOWN: Covington, Tennessee
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Composer/singer, jazz-blues organist
BIGGEST HITS: Shaft (Soundtrack), Hot Buttered Soul
ALL about Isaac . . .
"You ask somebody in Manhattan if they ever heard of me," Isaac
Hayes smiles, "and they'll probably say no. But if you go up around the
Apollo Theater in Harlem and ask somebody -- they can tell you how many teeth
I've got!"
That's only partly true these days. Even midtown Manhattaners
know the name Isaac Hayes. After all, to make the soundtrack of the film
Shaft hit the number one album spot, more than just Apollo audiences had to
be buying! No, today Isaac "Black Moses" Hayes, one-time
writer-producer for the late Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and several other
big soul artists, has rapidly become one of the hottest recording stars on
the music scene.
Hayes, whose shaved and shiny head is as much a part of his far-out
personality as his hot-pink, glaring reds, purples, greens, blues and other
brilliantly colored outfits, says that things didn't really come together for
him in a big-time way until filmmaker Gordon Parks asked him to score Shaft.
Little did Parks know that the music Isaac would create for his film would
later surpass even the film's popularity. For his efforts, Isaac has received
Billboard's Number One Jazz Artist, Number One Soul Artist and Record World's
Jazz Artist award of the year.
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THE ISLEY BROTHERS
HOMETOWN: New York City
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Three-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Shout!" "It's Your Thing!" "Love The
One You're With"
ALL about the Isley Brothers . . .
After years of hit records, extended tours and lots of fame, Kelly, Ronnie
and Rudolph Isley have reached a new height in their musical lives.
"We've been planning all this for a year and a half now," Rudolph
explains. We pretty much knew what we wanted to accomplish by the time we set
up our own record company and started recording."
What the Isleys want is to do their own thing. And the very first release on
their T-Neck label has proven that they are more than capable of doing it.
"Anybody can start a record label," Kelly says. "But the point
is who is the producer, the writer, the arranger? What will the direction be?
Where is the material going to come from? If we did everything we have a full
shot at, it makes sense. But if we just start a label and hired people to do
things for us -- then it doesn't prove anything!"
Their ideas and direction come from experience. After years of recording for
other labels with a vast variety of record producers, the Isleys believe they
have discovered their own particular method for success.
"It took us a year and a half to find a formula for a sound,"
Ronnie says. "Not a formula for one catchy hit, but a way of doing
things that works for other artists and sounds as well."
In addition to writing and producing themselves, the Isleys are into working
with other artists as well. Their first project is a group called the
Brothers Three. "We intend to experiment with a combination of heavy,
white rock guitar instrumentation and soul horn riffs. By the time we finish
working in this area, I think we'll have mixed a little Motown, a little
Apple and a little Stax together," Rudolph says.
"Gospel music was our beginning," Kelly adds. "Our faith in
God strengthened us to accomplish what we have, especially when our brother
Vernon was killed in a car accident."
Two other Isley brothers, Ernest and Marvin, work with the three singing
brothers; both are in the band, Ernest arranging and playing a variety of
instruments; Marvin playing bass and contributing arrangement ideas.
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JACKSON FIVE
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MICHAEL JACKSON
HOMETOWN: Gary, Indiana
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Jackson Five lead singer
BIGGEST HITS: "ABC," "I Want You Back," "I'll Be
There," "Got To Be There"
All about Michael ...
Despite his recent success at soloing, thirteen-year-old Michael Jackson
remains one of the biggest parts of the Jackson Five's magic.
Born on August 29, 1958, "little" Michael has more than proven that
good things do indeed come in little packages!
With Michael's jiving and singing, the Jackson Five have run the Beatles
right out of their number one spot on the pop charts and broken concert
attendance records throughout the country.
The last (so far!) to join the J-5, Michael sings a song like "ABC"
as if he had all the years it would take to convince you he means business.
At home, his room reflects perfectly the things he loves. The walls are
covered with pictures of his favorite singers, like Diana Ross (who
discovered the J-5 and brought them to Motown), the Supremes, Rare Earth,
Lulu and the Temptations. There are also some samples of Michael's cartoon
work (quite good!) hung all over too. Like any young boy. Mike adores and
collects pets -- like white mice and snakes! And when they're not in their
cages, you'll probably find them hanging around his neck. Michael likes that.
Since moving from Gary, Indiana, to California with his family, Michael
admits he's grown taller and his voice has changed a bit. "I've started
playing around with the drums," he says shyly, "but I'm not real
good yet. I wouldn't want to play on stage for a while; people might laugh at
me. They did that once when I fell on stage. I didn't know what to do, so I
just kept going!"
A trouper at thirteen?!
For idols, Michael admits James Brown has been a big one: "When I went
to see a show of his, he taught me a few things he does on stage, you know,
drop the mike and catch it. It only took me about thirty minutes to learn it.
It looks hard, but it's easy."
Michael also singles out Johnny Mathis as a performer he admires greatly:
"I don't sing like him. That's not usually my style, but I like the way
he does it."
Despite all the fame and fortune coming his way now, Michael has managed to
continue seeing his friends, doing his school homework, drawing his cartoons
and "just messin' around the house."
There's an air of "normality" about him that sits well with his
incredible superstardom.
"Problems?" he asks today. "I don't have any problems. I guess
the worst one would be if I was conceited, but I don't have those kind of problems
now . . . maybe when I get older!"
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MARLON JACKSON
HOMETOWN: Gary, Indiana
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Dancing and singing with Jackson Five
BIGGEST HITS: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love
You Save," "I'll Be There"
All about Marlon . . .
Fourteen-year-old Marlon David Jackson is the second youngest member of the
Jackson Five (unless little brother Randy Jackson joins the group, as he says
he will soon).
Struttin', steppin', stompin' -- Marlon adds an extra something special to the
Jackson family's sensational act. He's the dancer of the group. While his
brothers sock their sound across each concert hall, Marlon fills the stage
with his 4'7" jivin' body, often making the
audience break out in spontaneous applause. His flare
for dancing has helped to develop the phenomenal choreography everyone now
associates with the J-5 as a group.
"I like my clothes roomy and comfortable, not tight, so I can dance
around a lot," he says. And as one newspaper recently put it: "On
stage his dancing is fluid and graceful. Marlon moves with the poise of a
smooth and very experienced dancer!"
Like his younger brother Michael, Marlon adores cartoons and playing with
white mice. As brother Tito put it: "You have to drag Marlon away from
his cartoons all the time to come and practice." He's also something of
a cook ("I fix a really good bowl of Corn Flakes!") and spends a
lot of time thinking up jokes and pranks. Lately he's taken up wearing hip
glasses "just to mess up people's minds a little. They aren't real, but
they look good and it's fun to fool people with!"
Considered by many to be "the sweetest member of the J-5," Marlon
often winds up being the least fussed-over member. He's not the oldest, the
youngest, the tallest or the cutest. But he's the one your mind comes back
to, again and again. There's just something about him -- and it gets to you
sooner or later!
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JERMAINE JACKSON
HOMETOWN: Gary, Indiana
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm guitar, harmony for Jackson Five
BIGGEST HITS: "ABC," "I Want You Back," "The Love
You Save"
All about Jermaine . . .
If one member of the Jackson Five can be singled out to most represent the
magic of the group, Jermaine would be the man to choose. Most of the girls
dreaming about the J-5 are dreaming about Jermaine!
"They ask for your autograph. your phone number
and address," the startlingly good-looking sixteen-year-old says,
"and then they follow you around school and all. It's rough. You kinda' just keep walking all the time."
When he's not "just walking," Jermaine has plenty to do. "On stage
I'm kind of the clown of the group," he admits, "but it's just part
of the act, you know, though I really like doing it. Everybody does their
part well. No one's really best. Like Michael, he's not shy a bit, you know?
He'll do things on stage that he makes up on the spot, things he never did
before in practice. It makes a better show. I can't really do that though.
Jackie, for example, is more serious. And Marlon tries the hardest. Tito is
always making up things like melodies or guitar licks. He has a lot of
talent. We're all different."
Born on December 11, 1954, "sexy" Jermaine stands 5'8" and
weighs about 125 pounds. Contrary to recent rumors of health problems,
Jermaine enjoys good health. He had some serious kidney problems when he was
nine because "I ate a whole box of salt and I had to be rushed to the
hospital. They scared me at first 'cause they had to transfer blood."
And by the way, for all those curious about the slight scar over Jermaine's
right eye, that's from the time he had to have stitches because he and
another boy collided while warming up for a baseball game. "The coach
hit a fly and we both went for it. Man, he sure had a hard forehead!"
Well, at least no one can accuse Jermaine of being overprotective about himself! In fact, asked to describe himself, Jermaine says
simply:
"I don't want to ever be snotty. That's for when you get the big-head
trip. The way you get it is when you don't do what you know you should do . .
. you think you know it all and that you're the biggest star. That's not
where I'm at."
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TITO JACKSON
HOMETOWN: Gary, Indiana
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Lead and rhythm guitar singing (harmony) for Jackson Five
BIGGEST HITS: "ABC," "I Want You Back," "The Love
You Save"
All about Tito . . .
Toriano Jackson, born on October 15, 1953, serious
lead guitar player, 5'8", 135 pounds, intelligent, responsible -- Tito
keeps the Jackson Five together!
"At one time, I almost quit," he says today. "I'd rather have
played baseball and fooled around, but I came back to it. I'm glad I did
now!"
Making sure everybody and everything is where they should be, and that they
know and follow his guitar cues, Tito takes his role of keeping the Jackson
Five together quite seriously. He was also the first to pick up an instrument
and begin playing.
"One day, I remember my dad walking in the door after work carrying
something behind his back. It was a guitar. A red one! Man, I really got
excited. I'd been fooling with his and I'd showed him I was serious about
playing. Somewhere in Gary, Indiana, I still got my first guitar too! There
was one before that too . . . it was a toy guitar. I tried to play for a long
time. That helped to show my dad that I was serious too. Then he brought home
this box guitar. I took a year to learn to play it and then he gave me his
electric guitar.
"I started to play the 'blues' first," the second oldest member of
the Jackson Five continued. "I'd like to get as good as B. B. King
someday. He's the greatest!"
With Tito plucking away at his red box guitar, it didn't take long before
Jermaine and Jackie began "jamming" together, pretending they were
the Temptations, singing and dancing. Pretty soon Marlon got a few dance
steps in there too, then Michael started wailing
away in the foreground, and presto -- the Jackson Five!
In addition to his well-publicized musical feats with the Jackson Five, Tito
has recently gained some recognition for his fine photographic skills. He
seems to have a way with a camera as well as a guitar. And as if all this
weren't enough, Tito's the first to admit that clothes
designing is his second favorite love. Most influenced by the
"Mod look," he likes designing suits best and often goes window
shopping just to "check out the new styles." Summing himself up,
Tito says: "This is just a hobby of mine. I don't feel different. I
don't want to be that way. I'm just like anybody else."
What a wonderful thought.
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JACKIE JACKSON
HOMETOWN: Gary, Indiana
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singing and dancing (oldest member of Jackson Five)
BIGGEST HITS: "ABC," "I Want You Back," "I'll Be
There"
All about Jackie . . .
The "old man" of the Jackson Five group, Sigmund Esco Jackson says: "They call me Jackie for short
because my real name is Spanish and was given to me by my aunt." Serious
one moment, fun-loving the next, Jackie is the man of the group. While his
brothers keep the ladies screaming and shouting with their adorable cuteness,
Jackie can only come across the way he really is -- a handsome young man!
Born a Taurus (May 4, 1951), Jackie's main ambition is to go on to college
where he hopes to major in business so he can handle the money he and his
brothers have been so fortunate in making over the last few years. He likes
business and English courses best but calls his grades "average."
Jackie's refreshing honesty and maturity brighten the Jackson household, for
even though there's an air of boyish exuberance about him, there's also a
sense of purpose that can be seen and felt in his voice and the sturdy
character of his strong face.
"Fans, onlookers, admirers or whatever you call them, they only see the
surface, the exterior of our family," Jackie says. "But we are a
lot more than fancy new clothes and fun and hip dance steps and soul-stirring
music. This isn't something that just happened. All nine of us Jackson kids
are well aware of what we came from and what we're about as a family and as
serious, business-oriented entertainers. Sure. it's
only natural that the other guys, especially Michael and Marlon, get a little
restless and bored with the tedious grinding routine of show business
demands. But all they need is to be reminded that this is their job and
they're the ones who are going to gain from the hard work and they slip right
back into the groove."
Jackie prefers the "Mod look" in clothes. He's also known for his
sexy bare-chested look! His favorite color is lime-green, and he prefers
see-through shirts, vests, and bell bottom or flare-leg pants. He wears his
hair long and natural, stands 5'10 1/2" and weighs 162 pounds.
Though he's thrilled over his music career, Jackie admits he occasionally
feels there are some aspects of his youth he's missing out on:
"I like activities a lot," he says. "I like sports, especially
basketball. I had a chance to play on the school basketball team and couldn't
because of recording sessions and rehearsals.
"I guess you have to choose which is most important to you, and I guess it's singing!"
In addition to his strong family identity, Jackie is quick to note that he is
also his own man. Though never imposed on others, his personal attitudes,
like those of the rest of the group, are seldom articulated without careful
thought.
"No matter how much money you make or have," Jackie says, quick to condemn the desire for material things,
"you can only drive one car at a time and live in one house at a time. A
very popular situation is for someone who has never had much to go hog wild
when he comes into some money and buy everything ever put up for sale. This
just doesn't have to be. Common sense runs through all economic levels. Material
greed is a sickness which is subconsciously fed to Americans in the name of
'the pursuit of happiness.'"
Obviously, Sigmund Esco Jackson is a man of serious
thinking and straight talking! He's equally outspoken on the subject of
conformity:
"I find it both amusing and contradictory when so many people my age
insist that they're tired of all the conformity regarding dress and ideology
and life-style they see in their elders. They can't see that they're very
often conforming just as much among themselves and that in fifteen years
they'll be a slightly different version of those same parents they look on so
condescendingly today.
"It's a rare person, old or young," he continues, "who can
actually feel comfortable in his own convictions. Just stop and count the
examples around you if you doubt that!"
That's quite a bunch of thoughts for a twenty-year-old superstar to think!
But for the Jackson Five's "old man," that's the way things are.
"It's a simple matter of admitting what and who you are. Then digging
it! I think I'm going to dig being forty as much as I do being twenty. I
don't care how many people like or do or believe something -- if it isn't
true for me, then I won't go along with it. I know
who I am and I'm glad to be me!"
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JAMES BROWN
HOMETOWN: Georgia-Carolina border
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "If I Ruled The World," "Papa's Got A Brand-New
Bag," "It's A Man's Man's World," "Say It Loud -- I'm
Black And I'm Proud," "Hot Pants"
ALL about James . . .
Born poor-black on the Georgia-Carolina border, James Brown was an only child
who knew little about family life. He had left school by the seventh grade,
and thereafter did odd jobs, even shining shoes outside a Macon radio station
he now owns! James was also once a prizefighter under ex-champ Beau Jack. Now
he owns R&B stations, a record production company, considerable real
estate, several airplanes, a music publishing company, and is said to be
worth over $3 million.
James has gained much acclaim for helping to contain riots, but he has never
gone commercial. His audiences must accept him on his own terms -- and they
do without any hesitation.
James' performances have a quality of religion combined with down-home sex.
He says it all with "Say It Loud -- I'm Black And I'm Proud." This
is soul and this is James Brown.
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JEAN KNIGHT
HOMETOWN: New Orleans
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues singer-writer
BIGGEST HITS: "Mr. Big Stuff," "Soldier Boy"
ALL about Jean . . .
"Sexy, brainy and thoroughly feminine. When Jean Knight puts her hands
on her hips, points her finger and sings: 'Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think
you are? . . .' she reminds you of a sassy little girl getting back at her
mischievous boyfriend!"
That about sums up the incredible magic of twenty-nine-year-old Jean Knight.
Always a professional singer, Jean sang with bands in New Orleans and
recorded songs for years before Mr. Wardell Quezergue (now her producer,
manager and close friend) approached her with more ambitious ideas about her
career.
"I had been writing songs," Jean says "and he (Mr. Quezergue)
thought that I could get my songs over better than anyone else." When
Jean and Quezergue went to Stax Records ("I didn't want to go to
Atlantic Records because they already had Aretha Franklin," Jean says),
the company presented her with a list of possible songs to record. Her
instincts were good-she knew "Mr. Big Stuff" was the one the minute
she saw it. "There were four other songs I was looking at, but I liked
the title 'Mr. Big Stuff' and just had a feeling it would be a hit."
The "feeling" was right. "Mr. Big Stuff," a national hit
in six weeks and number one on every major radio chart, made her a star.
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JIMMY WITHERSPOON
HOMETOWN: Gurdon, Arkansas
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HIT: "Handbags and Gladrags"
ALL about Jimmy . . .
In a way, Jimmy Witherspoon owes his career to his father's job as brakeman
on a railroad. His mother had a railroad pass and, at the age of fifteen,
Jimmy forged her name on it and took off for Los Angeles with his brother. He
hooked a job as dishwasher/cook and stayed there until he was caught by the
truant officer.
At nineteen, Jimmy joined the Merchant Marine.
While in port in Calcutta, he went to the Grand Hotel where Teddy Weatherford
and his band were playing. He asked to sing and did, and he attributes his
beginning in music to this.
In 1952, Jimmy had his first hit, "Ain't Nobody's Business," and it
felt good. Blues were not very popular at that time and it was a period of
depression for Jimmy. The "Spoon" left the scene for a while and
was then discovered working for a club in Newport, Kentucky, for about $75 a
week.
Then came the happiest moment of his life. Jimmy was flown out to the
Monterey Jazz Festival where his mother heard him sing for the first time.
Blues is in now and Jimmy looks on his talent as an art. When he sings the
look on his face is unmistakable dignity.
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JOE SIMON
HOMETOWN: Simesport, Louisiana
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues singer/songwriter
BIGGEST HITS: "The Chokin' Kind," "Teen-ager's Prayer,"
"No Sad Songs," "Nine Pound Steel," "You Keep Me
Hanging On"
ALL about Joe . . .
"I grew up listening to rhythm and blues, jazz and gospel," says
the twenty-five-year-old Grammy Award-winning ("The Chokin' Kind")
singer Joe Simon. Raised outside New Orleans until he was sixteen and his
family moved to Oakland, California, Joe had so much music in him by the time
he cut his first record, it could only be a hit.
And it was. His first release, "Teen-ager's Prayer," broke the pop
and R&B charts wide open. He quickly followed it with a string of hits
including "No Sad Songs" and "Nine Pound Steel." After
that, there was no doubt left in anyone's mind-Joe Simon was a superstar to
be reckoned with! His numerous musical talents included songwriting
("Whole Lotta Love," "You Can Depend On Me," "Your
Turn To Cry") and record producing. "I don't want to rush my
career," the handsome bachelor says today. "I'll take my time
because the artist who rushes overlooks a lot of things. Too many young
people rush into this business, make a quick buck, hire bands, valets, road
managers, etc. But if their second or third record doesn't make it -- a lot
of people are suddenly unemployed. Even the 'star.' "
A polished and fearless performer, Joe is one "star" who will
always be employed!
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JOE TEX
HOMETOWN: Montgomery, Alabama
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Hold What You Got," "Skinny Legs And All"
ALL about Joe . . .
Joe Tex has advanced from a ghetto dweller who knew nothing about music
except that he wanted to sing, to a recording artist, with his own band and
his own arranger, and the writer of all of his own material.
Much of the credit for Joe's style goes to his friend Buddy Killen. Buddy and
Joe were searching for a hit sound in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, when Joe pulled
out of his pocket four lines he had scribbled on a piece of paper. From those
words, Buddy created Joe Tex, and "Hold What You Got" became a
million-seller.
Besides always being on the best-seller lists with his music, Joe has quite a
list of other career credits. Among them are an appearance at the MIDEM
festival two years ago, two European tours, guest shots on all the television
variety shows, daily personal engagements and a month performing at the
International Club in Las Vegas. Joe Tex is known as one of the most exciting
entertainers on stage. He gives each performance everything he has, and each
one is "All Souled Out."
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JOHNNIE TAYLOR
HOMETOWN: Crawfordsville, Arkansas
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues singer
BIGGEST HIT: "Who's Makin' Love"
ALL about Johnnie . . .
"Who's Makin' Love" made Johnnie Taylor an overnight star. And just
like any other overnight star. Johnnie has paid his dues for years.
"Having a big record is a great responsibility." the handsome soul
star says. "An artist has to be able to entertain in person as well as
on records. The years of struggling I went through before 'Who's Makin' Love'
were my dues! I learned to be an entertainer long before I had a hit record.
Now I can afford the extras, like having my own band that will help me put on
an even better show."
Dynamic and exciting on stage, Johnnie first began singing with church groups
in his hometown. Crawfordsville, Arkansas, when he was six years old. His
first professional appearance was with the Five Echos, and at twenty he
joined the Highway QCs, a gospel group. By 1960 he was a member of the Soul
Stirrers (replacing their lead singer Sam Cooke), and shortly after that,
Johnnie was on his own!
Performing everywhere, from Carnegie Hall to Madison Square Garden and the
Apollo Theater, Johnnie says: "I live for only two things -- a
successful future in entertainment and the soul satisfaction that comes from
that!"
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JOHNNY MATHIS
HOMETOWN: San Francisco, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Wonderful, Wonderful," "It's Not For Me To
Say," "Chances Are," "The Shadow Of Your Smile"
ALL about Johnny . . .
Although Johnny Mathis could fill nightclubs year round, he only does three
of these shows a year, devoting the rest of his performances to concerts. He
feels that in a concert situation he can give his all to the audience and
they, in turn, can give him their undivided attention.
Johnny started becoming interested in music in San Francisco where he was one
of seven children of Clem and Mildred Mathis. Clem, recognizing Johnny's
talent, took him to a local voice teacher at the age of thirteen. Despite all
the encouragement from his parents and teacher, Johnny still wasn't sure
about show business. His main interest at the time was financial security for
himself and his family. Thus, Johnny started developing himself as a future
physical education teacher. When he completed his freshman year at San
Francisco State College, sports experts hailed him as a future Olympic star.
However, Johnny's future started taking a turn when a fellow athlete
introduced him to a local club owner who hired him as a fill-in for the
summer. At the end of his engagement he headed back to college. But
"chance" intervened again. Johnny attended an informal jazz session
with his friends and was persuaded to get up and sing. A talent scout for a
New York record company was in the audience and was so impressed by what he
heard that he contacted his office telling them he had found a winner. Within
a year, Johnny Mathis was famous. Today he's gone from teen-idol to
international star with astonishing ease and good business sense. No doubt, Johnny
will also be among the classic performers in the vocal "Hall of
Fame."
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KIM WESTON
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Pop/rhythm and blues singer
BIGGEST HITS: "Love Me All The Way," "Take Me In Your
Arms," "Helpless"
ALL about Kim . . .
Kim Weston is no overnight sensation. She knows better. Facing the ups and
downs of her large career with confidence, Kim is a girl who has more than
paid her share of dues in show business.
"I never wanted to be a star," the attractive songstress says.
"It wasn't my goal when I was a child. But because it did happen that
way, I knew it was right. It was supposed to happen."
Born in Detroit, Kim sang in her church choir and later with a leading gospel
group, the Wright Specials.
"Being exposed to other elements of the entertainment world, like acting
and dancing, I began to want a career in show business. Up to then I enjoyed
singing, but it just wasn't enough. When I saw there were so many other
avenues of entertainment that I could travel, I developed the direction and
incentive to become a performer-not just a singer, but an entertainer. A
total performer!"
After illness removed Kim from the road company of Hallelujah Baby!, she
returned to Los Angeles to lay the groundwork for her future. One of her
ideas, a gospel choir made up of young people in her church, the Tabernacle
of Holiness in Los Angeles, is now a reality. Encouraged, the popular singer
recorded Kim, Kim, Kim. About the LP, she says: "Truth is where it's at
and that's what I'm trying to say through my songs."
In addition to her many other interests, Kim accepted Reverend Jesse
Jackson's request for her to organize the choir for his Los Angeles chapter
of Operation Breadbasket.
Earlier this year, the 3,000-member student body of Compton High School paid
tribute to her for two songs she recorded nearly two years ago on her This Is
America album, "Lift Every Voice And Sing" (the black national
anthem) and "This Is America." But unlike so many other performers,
Kim's involvement with young people isn't something that began when she
became a star. She's a giver and always has been. And what she gives is
herself.
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LABELLE
HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Three-member singing group
BIGGEST HITS: "Morning Much Better," "Shades of
Difference"
ALL about Labelle . . .
Originally Patti Labelle and the Bluebelles, Labelle has been around for quite
a few years. Patti and Cindy Birdsong were in a group called the Ordetts in
1961. Around the same time, Nona Hendrix and Sarah Dash were schoolmates in
Trenton and decided to form a group called the Dell Capris. Both groups heard
of a local promoter and manager, Mr. Montagu, who took them on. Being good
friends by then, they decided to merge and became Patti Labelle and the
Bluebelles. They were sent out to promote a new recording called "I Sold
My Heart To The Junkman." It was a hit and so were they.
Many records followed, such as "Impossible" and "Something's
Got A Hold On Me." They brought audiences to their feet with their
voices and dancing.
For ten years, they continued with rave reviews but very little progress.
Being so young hindered them in their knowledge of the business. When Cindy
Birdsong left the group in 1967 to join the Supremes, Vicki Wickham and Kit
Lambert, who had been following the group, decided this was their chance to
grab them for Track Records.
The girls went to England to study music and increase their knowledge in how
the recordings came together. The costumes and glitter were dropped and the
true soul sound burst through. Because they all felt that they were equal in
importance, Labelle was born.
In 1971, the group made its first performance in over a year. Warner Brothers
were so impressed that they rushed to Track Records with a contract. The hits
that followed, including their newest album, Labelle, have given the girls a
new, optimistic outlook on the future, which is, no doubt, shared by everyone
they come in contact with.
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LES MCCANN
HOMETOWN: Lexington, Kentucky
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Jazz/blues singer-pianist
BIGGEST HITS: "Compared To What," "Papa Good Times"
ALL about Les . . .
Dressing himself and his group in colorful suede vests and his own personally
designed Spanish plantation hats. Les McCann comes on as a total original.
When he sits down at the piano, you know he is!
In addition to being one of the foremost jazz attractions in the world. Les
is credited with such things as discovering singer Roberta Flack,
collaborating with lyricist Johnny Mercer on the song "Papa Good Times,"
and doing all the splendid still photography for Bill Cosby's 1968 television
special. A man of many talents indeed!
Born September 23. 1935, in Lexington, Kentucky, Les was one of six children
James McCann supported by working as a maintenance engineer at the Lexington
Water Company. Piano lessons started at the age of six for Les (at 35 cents a
lesson!). But his biggest musical influence was really the Shiloh Baptist
Church. Practically raised in church, gospel music became his strongest
energy force.
Assigned to the Drum and Bugle Corps of the Navy, Les switched to jazz after
hearing Erroll Garner's recording of "Lullaby Of Birdland" at the
local PX one day. Being stationed near San Francisco, he often went to see
Sarah Vaughn, Oscar Peterson. Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz. This exposure
further inspired him to get an act together. He entered the All Navy Talent
Show and won an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Shortly after, Les had
his first big gig as the leader of a piano trio on weekends at the Purple
Onion on Sunset Strip. One night Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley stopped
in to hear Les. Adderley asked him to join his new group, but Les declined,
preferring to head his own.
Even then both Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley knew Les had made the
right decision. Today everyone knows. Les' sensational tours of Europe have
been hailed as some of the finest examples of American jazz ever.
Today Les' jazz group is made up of Les, Jimmy Rowser (bass). Donald Dean
(drums) and Buck Clarke (African drums).
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LESLIE UGGAMS
HOMETOWN: Washington Heights, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Pop and musical comedy singer
BIGGEST HIT: Hallelujah Baby! (Broadway musical)
ALL about Leslie . . .
In her mid-twenties, Leslie Uggams has achieved stardom in the Broadway
theater (Hallelujah Baby!), on a weekly television series (The Leslie Uggams
Show), on her own TV special (Hallelujah Leslie!) and is the toast of the
nightclub circuit. And yet, unlike so many of her peers, Leslie's success
story is not of the "Cinderella" nature at all. Pain, poverty and
desperation may be the usual struggling performer's source of energy-but the
truth of the matter is that Leslie never had it rough!! The granddaughter of
two ministers, she was raised by her parents who had a fairly good income all
of their lives. Her mother was once a chorine at Harlem's famous Cotton Club,
and her father sang with the famed Hall Johnson Choir.
Leslie made her show biz debut at six, with Ethel Waters on the Beulah
television series. She followed this up with appearances on the Milton Berle,
Gary Moore and Arthur Godfrey shows, until, at fifteen, she won $25,000 on
Name That Tune!
Mitch Miller, then in charge of the A&R department of Columbia Records,
was so impressed by little Leslie's rendition of "He's Got The Whole
World In His Hands" that he immediately signed her to a contract. In
October of 1959, her first solo album was released, and in less than a year
she was given a solo spot in one of the stage extravaganzas at Radio City
Music Hall. In January of 1961. Leslie became a star of Mitch Miller's new TV
series Sing Along with Mitch.
When Mitch's show achieved nationwide acclaim, Leslie did too. The national
tour of supper clubs, which followed, highlighted her rapidly blooming
career. Having already confided to an interviewer that her ambition was to
star in a musical comedy, she jumped at the chance to play the lead in a Berkeley
revival of The Boy Friend The reviews were all raves for Leslie!
Now that she had demonstrated her potential as a star, it was only a matter
of months before Broadway had a show to match her abilities: Hallelujah Baby!
became Leslie's vehicle straight to superstardom! Her performance as
"Georgina," the young girl whose progress up the social ladder
mirrors the evolution of the civil rights movement in the United States, was
unanimously praised. The show was a smash and Leslie was most of the reason why!
As a result, she won the much desired Tony Award (Broadway's
"Oscar") as "Best Musical Comedy Actress of the Year."
Besides Hallelujah Baby! Leslie took on the rather difficult production of
Her First Roman in 1968, a musical based on Caesar and Cleopatra.
Happily married to producer Grahame Pratt, Leslie resides in Hollywood with
her husband and two dogs (a Great Dane and a Yorkshire terrier).
As Mitch Miller once put it: "Singers like Leslie come along once in a
lifetime-I'm glad it happened in mine!"
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LITTLE ANTHONY AND THE IMPERIALS
HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Four-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Tears On My Pillow," "Going Out Of My
Head," "Hurt So Bad," "Take Me Back," "I Miss
You So"
ALL about Anthony and the Imperials . . .
Successful since 1958 when Anthony Gourdine, Ernest Wright, Clarence Collins
and Samuel Strain had their first million seller, "Tears On My
Pillow," there is probably no other young adult act around to match the
rhythm 'n' pop beat of Little Anthony and the Imperials.
All Brooklyn, New York, born, the quartet wasn't always as together as they
are today. Following "Tears On My Pillow," they parted ways for two
years in order to find the proper grooves -- Anthony doing a single gig and
the others continuing as the Imperials. But it was only when they realized
how much they belonged together that they actually found those
"grooves."
Still, Anthony and friends continued to work on their image. In 1966 they
decided to drop "Little" from their billing in order to project a
more adult image. Ironically, it didn't work. As Anthony told one talk show
host, "People just didn't put us together with 'Anthony and the
Imperials.' They needed the word 'Little' to know who we were." So, once
again, the group put the "Little" back into their name and
rediscovered an eager audience of hot rock 'n' roll fans.
Samuel Strain, the eldest in the group, was born December 9, 1939, and sings
tenor. Ernest Wright, born August 24, 1941, is the group's second tenor;
Clarence Collins, born March 17, 1941, sings baritone, and Anthony Gourdine,
born January 8, 1941, is of course the lead singer.
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LITTLE RICHARD
HOMETOWN: Macon, Georgia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist and piano
BIGGEST HITS: "Tutti Frutti," "Good Golly, Miss Molly,"
"Long Tall Sally"
ALL about Little Richard . . .
Little Richard was born in Macon, Georgia, one of thirteen children, seven
brothers and five sisters. His father put him out at age thirteen because of
his loud music and loud dress. Then Richard (Penniman) started singing at a
local club called the Tick Tock Club. The owners, Ann and Johnny Johnson,
took him under their wing as an adopted son.
Little Richard has become a legend in his own time. With a unique gospel-like
magnetism, he causes a contagious frenzy among his listeners that he labels
his "thang." He designs his own costumes (which run into the very
expensive category) and during performances tosses them to his fans without a
backward glance.
Because of a dream he had, Little Richard left the scene for a while to study
the Bible at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. There he decided that
God chose him to carry the message to the people through his music.
Little Richard is interpreted in many ways by many different people but he is
always accepted for such classics as "Tutti Frutti" and "Long
Tall Sally." In his own words, "Hallelujah! Little Richard, Child
of God . . . Shut up!"
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LOLA FALANA
HOMETOWN: Camden, New Jersey
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer
BIGGEST HIT: Golden Boy (Broadway musical)
ALL about Lola . . .
Whatever Lola wants, Lola's likely to get it! Not by luck or hope, but by
hard work.
Foxy Lola Falana, who was featured in Sammy Davis' hit musical Golden Boy,
left her home twenty-three years ago with a determination to become a
Broadway star. She always wanted to be a female Sammy Davis and under his
advice and encouragement she has a very good chance.
Lola has had quite a bit of television exposure in the United States plus all
her shows in Italy. After being a smash there she went on to do three motion
pictures. When she returned she played a wide circuit of nightclubs.
Lola's family moved to Philadelphia and when she left school she taught
dancing for a while. After being a member of a dance trio, a singer with
Mickey Collins' orchestra and then a singer-dancer with Dinah Washington,
Lola hit Broadway. She performed in George White's Scandals and America Be
Seated at the World's Fair.
Then came Golden Boy, and Lola Falana was on her way. With "guts" and
extreme talent she will know no limits, for as she says, "l can't
function without a challenge." And with each challenge, Lola crosses
over to the next.
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LOU RAWLS
HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing," "You've Made Me So
Very Happy," "Bring It On Home"
ALL about Lou . . .
Lou Rawls is intense and sensitive and has been hailed as one of the finest
vocal artists in the country. Lou sang in the local church choir at the age
of seven and later joined the well-known gospel group, the Pilgrim Travelers.
He spent some time in the Army and, after finishing his hitch, started
singing in local service clubs and nightclubs.
In 1958, tragedy struck in the form of an accident involving Lou and Sam
Cooke. After being in a coma for five days, Lou recovered but without any
memory of what had happened.
Now Lou has received wide acclaim; he has toured nationally and
internationally, and has appeared on television and recorded numerous hits.
Once or twice a month, it is his policy to go into a deprived area wherever
he is playing and perform for free.
Besides his innumerable musical talents, Lou has a great many business
ventures including some of his own companies.
In 1968, Los Angeles mayor Sam Yorty declared September 5 "Lou Rawls
Day," honoring Lou for his contributions to the world of music and for
his aid to
L.A. youth. Lou's own experience and sincere expression have combined to form
a style that is reflected in both his public and private life.
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THE MAIN INGREDIENT
HOMETOWN: Harlem, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group-three members
BIGGEST HITS: The Main Ingredient L.T.D., Tasteful Soul, Black Seeds
ALL about the Main Ingredient . . .
The three members of the Main Ingredient grew up together in Harlem and have
been singing together for over seven years. Their unique style of
pop-oriented R&B has been described as a mixture of the Impressions and
the Lettermen.
Enrique Antonio (Tony) Silvester was born in Colon, Panama, the grandson of
that country's first president.
He was raised in New York City and has become the member of the group who
makes the deals and arranges their gigs. Luther Simmons, Jr., received his
music background from the church where his parents were chorale singers. The
greatest influence on him was the Motown sound. Cuba Gooding has been singing
since he was seven and has studied music for five years. He is the hard
worker of the group who doesn't believe in luck.
The Main Ingredient were brought to RCA by Buzz Willis, director of R&B
Music. He was amazed by their sound and artistry when he first heard them
last year. Their recipe? Take three talented individuals, place them in the
same general environment, let them grow and develop together and they will
blend into the sensational Main Ingredient.
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MARC COPAGE
HOMETOWN: Hollywood, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "Riding High," "Will It Be Me"
ALL about Marc . . .
Marc Copage (of "Cory" fame on Julia) was born June 21. 1962, at
the Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital.
His brother, Eric, is a professional actor and a musician. Since both his
parents have backgrounds in acting and music, the way for Marc .vas pretty
well paved.
By the age of two. Marc loved imitating his favorite television performers.
When he turned five, he was interviewed for the TV show Julia . Finally, the
next year, Marc received his first record contract from Metromedia Records.
Two of Marc's most prized possessions are a letter from President Nixon and
the key to the city of Houston, Texas. His parents separated when he was two
and his father, John, became his personal manager, drama coach, musical
supervisor, script writer and publicity coordinator.
Today Marc is playing with a group called the Merging Traffic, in which his
brother plays electric bass. Marc is being approached by motion picture
producers, television personnel and for foreign tours, so it looks like he
has a long career to look forward to.
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MARTHA REEVES AND THE VANDELLAS
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- three members
BIGGEST HITS: "Heat Wave," "Dancing In The Streets,"
"My Baby Loves Me," "Bless You"
ALL about the Vandellas . . .
Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (Martha's sister, Lois, and Sandra Tilley)
first got together singing gospel when they were schoolmates in Detroit.
The group performs with grace and elegance. Appearance is very important to
them. Yet Martha understands that glitter and costumes with fancy steps
"does not a performer make." It also takes a rapport with the
audience and entertaining along with singing.
As Martha herself says, "You have to present a complete package --
personality, poise, style, genuine desire to please an audience, plus talent
-- to make it with today's audiences."
Martha and her friends seem to have found the right formula and continually
voice their appreciation of all the help they've received from other
performers. When Martha Reeves and the Vandellas perform, you know that
"professionalism" has a very special meaning to them.
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MARVIN GAYE
HOMETOWN: Washington, D.C.
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: "What's Goin' On," "I Heard It Through The
Grapevine," "Stubborn Kind Of Fella," "Hitchhike"
ALL about Marvin . . .
Marvin Gaye has been quoted as saying, "My motivation came from God, Himself."
This same manner is reflected in his current smash-hit album and single,
What's Goin' On. It is also the same manner that made "I Heard It
Through The Grapevine" Motown's biggest selling hit record in that
company's history back in 1967.
Like so many black performers, Marvin began his singing career in gospel
choirs. His father was a minister and, as a child, Marvin played the organ.
After he got out of the Air Force at seventeen, Marvin performed with a group
called the Moonglows as his first professional experience.
Berry Gordy just happened to hear Marvin's act at a Detroit nightclub and was
so impressed that he offered Marvin a solo contract with Motown.
Since Marvin's first hit, "Stubborn Kind Of Fellow," he has
continued to rise upward. Besides writing for himself, Marvin has also
written and produced hits for other Motown artists. Also, he was only
recently signed for his first feature film, acting in Mitch.
Despite the unbelievable talent behind Marvin Gaye, his is not an ego trip.
He sincerely believes in God and the Godlike qualities he would like to see
in everyone and especially strives for in himself.
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MELBA MOORE
HOMETOWN: Harlem, New York, and Newark, New Jersey
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HITS: Purlie, Hair (Broadway shows)
ALL about Melba . . .
Melba Moore was born Melba Moorman into a black show business family in the
Harlem area. (Her parents still work the cocktail circuit as a piano and
vocal duo.) Melba moved to Newark, New Jersey, with her family after the
third grade.
After graduating from Montclair State Teacher's College, Melba taught in
ghetto schools for a period of time. Her course was music and her rapport
with her students was remarkable! (She even had the seventh graders singing
"Moon River" in seven parts!)
Being dissatisfied with the system and the lack of care for the students,
Melba left and began performing herself for the first time. After doing some
commercials she eventually stepped into the lead role in Hair.
Melba also won Broadway's Antoinette Perry Award for the "Best
Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role" in the musical Purlie.
Today Melba performs in Vegas and gets a good deal of television
exposure-exposing her truly fantastic talent!
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MELVIN VAN PEEBLES
HOMETOWN: Cleveland, Ohio
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer, writer, filmmaker
BIGGEST HIT: "Sweet Sweetback"
ALL about Melvin . . .
Melvin Van Peebles sings songs and makes movies that often get people very
upset!
"Sweet Sweetback is my story," the talented Ohio Wesleyan
University graduate says plainly. "It's the story of the black man on
the street. If people react to it in any other way-that's their
problem!"
A typical Van Peebles' remark. Always the center of controversy, Melvin's
first film (made in French), The Story of a Three-Day Pass, pretty much set
the trend of his career. Watermelon Man, his first American movie (which
starred Godfry Cambridge), told the story of a white bigot who one day woke
up to find that he had turned black. Wham!! More controversy for Van Peebles.
His two albums for A&M Records, Brer Soul and Ain't Supposed To Die A
Natural Death, are hardly "easy listening" either.
"The whole idea behind the two albums was to make people listen to my
speaking rather than singing. They're albums that black people can understand,
but if white people take the time to learn the niceties of black culture,
they too will be able to appreciate them."
An original all the way, Melvin Van Peebles' enormous success over recent
years has more than proved, the need for his forceful, though often angry,
talent.
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MERRY CLAYTON
HOMETOWN: Gert Town, New Orleans
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Gospel-soul-blues singer
BIGGEST HITS: "Lift Every Voice," "Gimme Shelter"
ALL about Merry . . .
If the name Merry Clayton is new to you it's not because you haven't heard
her sing! You have. Again and again. You just didn't know it was Merry!
For example:
Remember Bobby Darin's duet gold record "You're The Reason I'm
Living"? Merry was the other half of that duet. Remember Ray Charles'
traveling chorus group the Raelettes? Merry was one of them. Remember that
special gospel-rock voice that backed up the Supremes, Elvis, Pearl Bailey,
Phil Ochs, Joe Cocker and Carole King on their best records? It was Merry!
Remember the girl who sang "Lift Every Voice" during the titles of
the controversial film Brewster McCloud? It was Merry. And, most important,
remember the back-up voice unleashed on the cut "Gimme Shelter" of
the Rolling Stones' famed Let It Bleed album? That too was Merry Clayton. And
that last one finally made her the star she never really thought about being.
It took Merry five minutes to get through "Gimme Shelter" for the
Rolling Stones in the summer of '69. By the end of the cut she had a new
friend -- record producer Lou Adler (Mamas and Papas). Lou signed Merry to a
contract with his record company, Ode, and for the first time Merry stepped
into the studios to sing for herself. The result was an album called Gimme
Shelter. Then came her second LP, entitled simply: Merry Clayton. Who, you
might ask, backed up Merry -- world-famous back-up singer -- when she moved
into the solo spot? Well, people like Carole King and Billy Preston, that's
who! After all, it's the least they could do for the lady who sang her way
right out of their background!
As her own record company put it: "She's from Gert Town, New Orleans.
The daughter of a Baptist reverend. Almost everyone calls her 'Baby Sister.'
And she calls everyone 'Two' because 'Curtis is One!' She sings with wisdom,
intensity and drive far beyond her twenty-three years. It's communication of
the highest order . . . and Lord, is she ever funky!!"
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MILLIE JACKSON
HOMETOWN: Thomson, Georgia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist
BIGGEST HIT: "A Child Of God"
ALL about Millie . . .
At fifteen years of age, Millie Jackson left home in Georgia to find her
future up north. Being a little wary of New York, she settled in Newark, New
Jersey, and began singing and modeling.
In 1961. Millie moved to Brooklyn. By that time her voice had developed
beautifully. Being seventeen, however, she was unable to get a job in any of
the cabarets. So Millie worked at regular employment and became adept at
piano and song writing.
Finally, in 1964, Millie built a reputation on the
"Chitlin' Circuit" as one of the best female soul singers around.
Her experience included singing background for Sam Cooke's brother, L.C..
Little Richard and many others.
Her big break came when she met producer/writer Don French and they wrote
"A Child Of God" together.
It was a hit and Millie prepared to go on a major tour. Before she embarked,
however, she picked up her liberal arts diploma-keeping her promise to
herself and her family to finish her schooling.
Millie, who has had no formal training and didn't really start singing until
she arrived in Newark, explains her success like this: "When it hit me,
it hit hard and I couldn't stop if I wanted to."
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NANCY WILSON
HOMETOWN: Chillicothe, Ohio
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singing
BIGGEST HIT: "Guess Who I Saw Today"
ALL about Nancy . . .
Nancy Wilson knew she was going to be a professional singer at the age of
four. She sang in the choir, formed quartets with her friends, entered
contests (and won), appeared on a local TV station in Columbus, Ohio, and at
the age of fifteen, had local clubs bidding for her to perform.
Nancy entered Ohio Central College and stuck it out for six months. Then she
joined Rusty Bryant's band and traveled. It was grueling but she continued
and gained experience. In 1958, she broke away and went to New York where
road-touring friends helped her find singing jobs. One of her greatest
thrills was meeting Cannonball Adderley, who referred her to his manager John
Levy. John was extremely impressed and took her on. Another break came in
August, 1959, when Nancy was booked to replace Irene Reid at an important New
York club. Yet even during this time she stayed at her dull, clerical job.
Meanwhile, her manager brought her demo record to producer Dave Cavanaugh.
She was signed for a long-term Capitol contract. Her first recording.
"Guess Who I Saw Today," was a hit and so was she. Since then,
Nancy has traveled around the world, appeared on television and in nightclubs
and has also shown great promise as a comedienne and dramatic actress. A very
involved citizen, Nancy is quick to point out that being black today is a
matter of pride-and that's one thing Nancy has plenty of!
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THE NEWCOMERS
HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Three-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HIT: "Pin The Tail On The Donkey"
ALL about the Newcomers . . .
The Newcomers are Terry Barlett (18). Bertrand Brown (18) and William Sumlin
(19) -- but they're only new in the sense that they've helped to bring an
upsurge of talent into the music arenas of today!
As their record producer Allen Jones put it: "I've worked with such
talents as Isaac Hayes, Bar Kays and the late Otis
Redding, and I see in the Newcomers that same genius quality that I found in
these other artists!" Jones, who discovered them on three
occasions (Bertrand on a school talent show. Terry when he auditioned to be a
singer for a school band, and William at the Memphis Showcase), has had much
to do with the group's strength and success.
Unlike most high school students today. Terry.
Bertrand and William have found that they not only have to deal with the
problems of "teen-age-mania" but the problems of being
"professional singers" as well.
"There are some things I can't do at school when my mind is on how a
session will go at the studio!" Bertrand explains. "So I just tell
myself that one thing is just going to be better than the other that
day."
All from the Memphis area, the Newcomers take pride in joining the long list
of Memphis soul stars that have become musical giants by simply putting their
"just plain folk" roots on records.
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NINA SIMONE
HOMETOWN: Tyron, North Carolina
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist and piano
BIGGEST HITS: "Mississippi Goddam!," "Four Women,"
"'Nuff Said!"
ALL about Nina . . .
Nina Simone is polished on the piano, with a voice containing an earthy
naturalness that shouts the message of rebellion against the black man's pain
and for his passion.
Born Eunice Waymon into a poor religious family.
Nina was the sixth of eight children. She received her baptism into music as
a child gospel pianist and organist and also sang with two sisters in a trio
called the Waymon Sister. After graduating from high school as valedictorian
of her class, Nina went on to attend Julliard in New York and Curtis
Institute of Music in Philadelphia, studying piano.
Her name was changed after she was catapulted into the national spotlight
with "I Loves You, Porgy." The name "Nina" was chosen
because it meant "little one" in Spanish which she was called as a
child; "Simone" was compatible.
Nina had been famous on the sophisticated supper club circuit for years, but
when she screamed out in rage with "Mississippi Goddam!" just after
four little girls were killed in the bombing of a church in Birmingham,
Alabama), blacks were informed of her inner status as a true "soul
sister." Nina's "Four Women" was also significant in its
realization by black women that black truly is beautiful.
Nina doesn't ask for acceptance. She forces her audience to FEEL the rage she
has for injustices forced on her people. Her philosophical attitude is summed
up briefly in a line from a poem she once read: "Brothers, brothers
everywhere . . . and not a one for sale!"
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THE ORIGINALS
HOMETOWNS: Freddie, Henry and C.P.: Detroit, Michigan; Walter: Augusta,
Georgia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group-four members
BIGGEST HITS: "Baby I'm For Real," The Bells, Portrait of the
Originals
ALL about the Originals . . .
The four Originals perform through many different forms of music with a
unique polish and professionalism. They are fantastic as a group and yet each
usually has a chance to solo in most of their songs.
The immense talent of the Originals did not just happen on the spur of the
moment. The members have been singing together since 1965 and have worked a
long apprenticeship singing background to the more well-known performers of
Motown Records.
The big break came for the Originals when they cut "Baby I'm For
Real," written by Motown's Marvin Gaye. This led to a gold record and an
album of the same name. The LP contained two tunes composed by the group and
four more written by Freddie Gorman.
Freddie, the bass singer, is quite a composer in his own right, having
produced the smash "Please. Mr. Postman" sung by the Marvelettes.
While studying voice and music theory Freddie played the saxophone in his
high school band. He was a solo act in Detroit nightclubs before joining the
group.
The tall thirty-year-old baritone, Walter Gaines, began singing in his
hometown church choir. Walter spent a good deal of his time being a postman,
feeling secure in the civil service. However, his dreams and ambitions went
far beyond that and Walter found his career in show business.
Henry Dixon, the tenor, was also about to live his life in another career. He
had been in the Army for eight years and was planning to make it his life's
work. But Henry's instincts led him to the field of entertainment and
eventually to the Originals.
The youngest and shortest member of the group, C.P. Spencer, stands tall when
he lets out with his smooth first tenor. He went into music with his parents'
encouragement and fills in perfectly the blend of voices in the quartet.
The Originals believe wholly in the theory that each member must first
perfect his own style in order for the whole to be together. The rhythm and
harmony of their sound proves this belief well founded, and the result is
simply supersoul!
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THE PERSUASIONS
HOMETOWNS: Jayotis Washington: Detroit, Michigan: Joseph Russell: Henderson,
North Carolina; James Calvin Hayes: Hopewell, Virginia; Herbert L. Rhoad:
Bamberg, South Carolina; Jerry Lawson: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Five-man a cappella group
BIGGEST HIT: The Persuasions
ALL about the Persuasions . . .
The Persuasions are made up of five super-talents (Jayotis Washington, Joseph
Russell, James Calvin Hayes, Herbert Rhoad and Jerry Lawson) who do a rather
amazing thing: they sing a cappella -- that is to say, they sing without any
instrumental accompaniment. Pretty scary, right?
Without the aid of loud guitars, drums, horns and whatever else most of the
rhythm and blues world is filled with, the Persuasions have accomplished the
impossible. Performing everywhere from subway stations at 125th Street to
Lincoln Center's Philharmonic Hall -- the Persuasions have much to be proud
of.
As Jayotis puts it: "When I met the Persuasions I thought -- what a fine
bunch of brothers! Man, are they ever together. We've been through and are
still going through our trials and tribulations, but it's worth it!"
Bravely doing something no other group has ever tried, the Persuasions are
bound to wind up on top. Anything original takes time to happen -- but it
always does happen!
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PHARAOH SANDERS
HOMETOWN: Little Rock, Arkansas
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Tenor saxophone
BIGGEST HITS: Tauhid, Karma, Jewels of Thought
ALL about Pharaoh . . .
Pharaoh Sanders, the youngest of three children, showed a great talent for
drawing at a very early age. By the time he reached fifth grade he was doing
much of the artwork for his school.
Music for Pharaoh started with the recorder in junior high. Throughout school
he tried the tuba, baritone horn, drums, clarinet and flute. Then in 1959, he
studied the tenor saxophone-which eventually became his favorite instrument.
His high level of musicianship soon led to the position of assistant band
director at his high school. Afterward. Pharaoh attended Oakland Junior
College, majoring in art while working rock 'n' roll jobs. He played by ear
but was also taking private lessons.
In San Francisco, he met John Coltrane, and a very deep friendship developed.
Pharaoh never officially became a member of Coltrane's group, but he played
with them at the Half Note in New York. He and John always had a wordless
communication through music.
Today Pharaoh's group with Lonnie Liston Smith (piano), Cecil McBee (bass)
and Clifford Jarvis (percussion) is forming a new and exciting sound, one
you've never quite heard before-but will!
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QUINCY JONES
HOMETOWN: Born in Chicago, Illinois; raised in Seattle, Washington
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Arranger, composer, conductor, trumpet player
BIGGEST HITS: Walking In Space, Smackwater Jack
ALL about Quincy . . .
Quincy Jones has conquered the fields of composing, arranging, film scores
and chart singles, and still he is scouting for new horizons.
After he was born in Chicago, Quincy and his family moved to Seattle. There
he formed a lasting friendship with the great Ray Charles when they were both
fifteen.
They performed in everything from weddings to nightclubs, absorbing all the
experience they could hold.
Quincy went to the Berkley School of Music in Boston on a scholarship at the
age of seventeen. While continuing his studies, he would play in strip joints
at night for money. Quincy was discovered by Oscar Pettiford who asked him to
come to New York and arrange two songs for an album.
From New York, Quincy toured around the world. He lived in Paris for a while
and won numerous awards for "best arranger and composer."
When he returned to New York, Quincy became a vice-president for Mercury
Records. But, as good as he was in business, Quincy went back to music, his
true love.
Quincy wrote several film scores and then started cutting albums. The first,
Walking in Space, won him a Grammy as best jazz instrumental album of the
year. He has also returned to concert performing as a soloist and with other
musicians. For instance, he is working on a major tour with Ray Charles,
still his close friend. He is a multi-talented man who will probably flow on
to many new challenges with the same unbelievable ease.
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RAY CHARLES
HOMETOWN: Albany, Georgia
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist and piano with orchestra
BIGGEST HITS: "I Got A Woman," "Georgia," " Hit The
Road, Jack"
ALL about Ray . . .
Ray Charles, who has been described as SOUL itself, has become a legend in
his own time. It seems as though this monument has been around forever, but
the man is only in his forties.
Ray Charles Robinson was born poor but not blind. His life began to darken at
the age of four when he lost his brother, George, who accidentally drowned.
Then when he was six, his family moved to Florida. Poverty and race combined
to make medical assistance impossible, and what doctors now assume was a kind
of glaucoma took away Ray's sight. He attended St. Augustine's School for the
Deaf and Blind in Orlando after his parents died. At the age of fifteen, Ray
left and joined a dance band , thus starting his climb to the top of the
music field. Now Ray Charles has his own company, Tangerine, his own
orchestra, and a family (wife -- Della; sons -- Ray, Jr., David and Robert)
whom he guards from the public eye. He taught himself to play and write for
every brass and wind instrument in an orchestra and he composes and arranges.
Ray's fierce independence stems from his mother's statement, "You're
blind, not stupid. You lost your sight, not your mind." This, combined
with his intense humanity, reaches out and touches all people. Because of the
man, there is the legend.
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RICHARD PRYOR
HOMETOWN: Peoria, Illinois
ADDRESS: Warner Bros. Records Inc., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, California
91505
SPECIALTY: Comedian
ALL about Richard . . .
At times he seems moody and at times high on life, sometimes controversial,
but always Richard Pryor is a funny man.
The climb to success has not been easy. Richard started his career sitting
behind the set of a Peoria nightclub at the age of seven. His first stage
appearance was in a community center production of Rumplestiltskin at twelve.
In his senior high school class he was unanimously awarded the title of
"the Class Bad Guy" for his puns and practical jokes.
The hard times seemed to be many for Richard. During school he had to work at
many jobs, from packaging beer to delivering coal to racking billiard balls
at his grandfather's parlor. Afterwards he spent fourteen months in the Army.
Honorably discharged, he wandered about the country living on odd jobs,
scrubbing floors and washing dishes. He worked as a master of ceremonies in a
couple of clubs in Canada and then split for New York.
Richard arrived in the big city with $1.50 to his name. After a shower, a
suit-pressing and the purchase of cigarettes, that was lowered to 33 cents.
Walking all the way from Upper Manhattan to Greenwich Village, he auditioned
for a job as comedian at a place called the Cafe Wha!?. He played there for a
year. One night a friend of Richard's informed him that an agent was going to
be at another club. So Richard finished his regular job and rushed over to
the Bitter End for a guest performance.
The agent was so enthused that he forgot the artist he had come to hear and
signed Richard on the spot. Richard's 1965 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show
launched his television career, and the rest is history. Today he is even
looking into record production for his future.
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RICHIE HAVENS
HOMETOWN: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Folk/blues singer
BIGGEST HITS: "Here Comes The Sun," "High Flyin' Bird"
ALL about Richie . . .
"When I sing," thirty-one-year-old Richie Havens says, "my
mind is busy looking at the pictures the writer created. My body has
something to do, which is to play the guitar. And my spirit is feeling the
song's sensations all over again. It's like this: I sing from what I see. It
goes out and then it comes back to me."
The oldest of nine children, Richie grew up in one of New York's roughest
ghettos. His father was a pianist who earned his living as an electroplater.
His mother, to help support her large family, worked in a bookbinding
factory. For young Richie, "play" was singing on street corners
with other neighborhood kids. By the time he was fourteen, he'd organized a
group called the McCrea Gospel Singers, but "only for fun. At that time
I really thought I'd be a surgeon!" Richie recalls.
At seventeen he left home for good. "See, my mother was groovy. She made
me move around, let me find out about things. So when I left, it was just
that I had to find out what it was like to be somewhere else."
Somewhere else turned into a weird assortment of jobs, including: Western
Union messenger, counterman for a chain of restaurants, yarn winder and doll
factory worker.
"I loved it!" Richie says today. "I found out how to do a lot
of things. I met all sorts of people. I think with each thing a man learns
how to do, he gets closer to knowing something about himself."
To find out even more, Richie moved to Greenwich Village where he supported
himself by doing portraits of tourists in the daytime and, at night, chatting
with friends in Village coffee houses.
1962 found Richie in the middle of the height of the folk music revival.
"It was at the Gaslight and the Cafe Wha," he recalls, "I
began hearing Len Chandler and Dino Valenti and Paul Stookey. They inspired
me to try singing."
In the following years, Richie sang his way from coffee house to coffee
house, touring with Nina Simone, Herbie Mann and Mongo Santamaria. In the
fall of 1966, Verve-Folkways released his now-legendary Mixed Bag album, and
from there on out (including his much-hailed performance in the film
Woodstock), Richie entered a special world of truly significant performers.
And there aren't many of them either!
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ROBERTA FLACK
HOMETOWN: Asheville, North Carolina
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer, pianist
BIGGEST HIT: "Reverend Lee"
ALL about Roberta . . .
By the time she was four, Roberta Flack was picking out tunes on the piano by
ear and fast becoming an accomplished organist. At fifteen, she was skipping
several grades in school and receiving things like a scholarship to Howard
University. Three years later she had her BA in music education.
Obviously Roberta Flack's success story is not an average one. After two
top-selling albums (First Take and Chapter Two), numerous sell-out concerts
and an exciting appearance in the film Soul to Soul, the Afro-topped singer
still isn't impressed. She'd rather talk about the days of her first teaching
job in Framhill, N.C., or the not-so-successful days of teaching in
Washington where the school system and Roberta did not see eye to eye! Things
finally got so bad she took a job accompanying opera singers at the Tivoli
Restaurant in the Georgetown section of Washington. (She even directed a
production of Aida!)
But Roberta's teaching days didn't come to a permanent close until nightclub
owner Henry Jaffe entered her life. Listening to her sing, he wasted no time
putting her on his stage. One night Les McCann dropped in, heard her sing and
insisted Roberta come with him to Atlantic Records. Fortunately for
everyone-she did!
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RONNIE DYSON
HOMETOWN: Washington, D.C.
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues/pop singer
BIGGEST HIT: "If You Let Me Make Love To You Then Why Can't I Touch
You?"
ALL about Ronnie . . .
A quiet surprise package whose shyness makes him seem even younger than his
nineteen years, Ronnie was born in Washington, D.C., and was raised in
Brooklyn.
Singing began in church at the ripe old age of three. In fact, despite his
current success and musical involvements, Ronnie's still a member of his
church's choir: "I'm a churchgoing boy and I always have been and always
will be."
At five, Ronnie was singing "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" in a
Brooklyn talent contest. Despite his ambition to become a doctor (he still
thinks about it), Ronnie took every available opportunity in high school to
develop his singing. When the big break, a part in the Off-Broadway musical
Hair, finally came along, Ronnie was ready! The show's opening song,
"Aquarius," was written especially for his voice, and his powerful
singing of the song for over a year more than helped to make Hair the kind of
hit it had to be to finally make Broadway.
After Hair came a part in the film Putney Swope, numerous appearances on The
Merv Griffin Show and finally his first hit single, "If You Let Me Make
Love To You Then Why Can't I Touch You?"
Today, with all avenues open to him, Ronnie admits wondering if his old
church choir isn't really the best place for him. Or, perhaps it's medicine
after all? Well, whatever. At nineteen, Ronnie has a perfect right to take
his time in making choices. No matter what he does, we know he'll be tops at
it. He's already proven that!
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SAMMY DAVIS, JR.
HOMETOWN: Harlem, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Singer/dancer
BIGGEST HITS: Golden Boy (Broadway musical); "What Kind Of Fool Am
I?," "I Gotta Be Me," "Black Magic," "Gonna
Build A Mountain"
ALL about Sammy . . .
When the voice rises from the spotlight of a plush nightclub floor, or a
jukebox, or a motion picture screen, or a television set-that's it! Instant
recognition. Considered one of the most complete entertainers around today,
Sammy Davis, Jr., commands the kind of admiration few performers ever know.
Sammy started young too. As a kid he hoofed, sang and mimicked his way into
show business with his father and uncle. Inspired by the late Bill Robinson,
Sammy spent his two-year Army stint producing camp shows and sharpening his
own act. After the service he rejoined his father and uncle for cross-country
club appearances. Then in 1946, at Slapsy Maxie's in Los Angeles, Sammy did
the kind of thing every singer dreams of doing. He turned his first nightclub
act into one of show business' most memorable moments and was a nationwide
hit the next day!
After that he remained solo. His personal appearances brought him fame and
near tragedy. Once, while driving from a Las Vegas club date to Hollywood, he
was injured in a car accident and lost his left eye.
It was a tragedy-but in show business, tragedies are made to be turned into
triumphs. Naturally, a man like Sammy Davis, Jr., did just that!
As soon as he was up to it, Sammy kicked off his first club date at Ciro's in
Hollywood. The night was one that few will forget. With every major
personality in show business there to cheer, Sammy gave one of his
pull-out-all-the-stops performances and the audience left in tears.
Since then, his talents have touched almost every angle of the entertainment
business. From Broadway musicals (Golden Boy, Mr. Wonderful) to his
autobiographical best-selling novel (Yes I Can!), Sammy continues to prove
himself a jack-of-all-trades. Yet, probably the least known of his endeavors
(and what he is most proud of) is his constant effort to aid the
underprivileged and ease the turbulent racial tensions around him. People who
know him well swear Sammy has yet to turn down a benefit for a good cause-and
that's really saying something, since he does about sixty a year!
Today, after two decades of success, Sammy still needs friends and family to
restrain him from overworking himself. His second wife, Altavise, does her
best to keep her super-active husband from collapse, but the task is
practically hopeless. Even when he himself is not out there on stage, Sammy
spends his "spare time" running his world-famous Cocoanut Grove in
Los Angeles, or checking up on his record label (with partner Berry Gordy,
Jr.), Ecology Records. All in all . . . a very busy man!
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SHIRLEY BASSEY
HOMETOWN: Nigeria
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Nightclub singer
BIGGEST HITS: "Goldfinger," "Diamonds Are Forever"
ALL about Shirley . . .
Where would Shirley Bassey be without "James Bond," you may wonder?
Actually, the world-renowned soul star would undoubtedly be right on top with
or without the brassy Mr. 007. But the fact of the matter is. Shirley waited
many years before composer John Barry singled her out to sing the title song
of the first hit "Bond" film, Goldfinger.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Welsh mother, Shirley appeared frequently
throughout Europe for years before her dynamic rendition of
"Goldfinger" sent her straight to the top. Still an international
favorite, today she makes her home in Switzerland, coming out every now and
then to do things like record a new LP (Something Else) or a new James Bond
title song ("Diamonds Are Forever"). Most recently, Shirley took
still another step in her constantly evolving career. She made her FIRST appearance
in the United States, at the Empire Room of New York's Waldorf Astoria.
This "first," plus appearances on both the Johnny Carson and Dick
Cavett Shows, helped to make enthusiastic Bassey fans aware of a rather
startling fact: Shirley had managed to win over a large American audience
long before she had so much as set one foot on an American stage-and that's
not all that easy a trick to pull off. That takes a very special entertainer!
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SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE
HOMETOWN: Sly: "Everywhere my family went"; Freddie Stone: Dallas,
Texas; Cynthia Robinson: Sacramento, California; Larry Graham: Beaumont,
Texas; Greg Errico: San Francisco, California; Rosie Stone: Vallejo,
California; Jerry Martini: Boulder, Colorado.
ADDRESS: Epic Records, 51 West 52nd St., New York, New York 10019
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Seven-man rhythm and blues pop group
BIGGEST HITS: "Stand!," "Dance To The Music" "Thank
You," "Everybody Is A Star"
ALL about Sly and the Family Stone . . .
Organized by Sly Stone (born March 15, 1944), Sly and the Family Stone
consist of singer-guitarist Freddie "Pyhotee" Stone (June 5, 1946),
trumpet-player Cynthia "Ecco" Robinson (January 12. 1946), bass
player Larry Graham, Jr. (August 14, 1946), drummer Greg "Hand
Feet" Errico (September 1, 1946), electric piano player Rosie Stone
(March 21, 1945) and saxophonist Jerry Martini (October 1, 1943).
"We got together in the basement of Sly's house," says younger
brother Freddie Stone. "It seemed like a little miracle the way we all
got together: it was as if fate had a hand in the situation."
Soon enough common musical objectives and that "little miracle"
made Sly and Family "the first fusion of psychedelia and rhythm and
blues." And if their recordings were successful, they were nothing
compared to the overwhelming public response Sly and Family got when they
performed live! By sheer energy, the group instantly had that
once-in-a-lifetime ability to make an entire audience rise out of their
seats, clap their hands, stomp their feet and "sing along."
Although only in his late twenties, Sly has achieved notable success in the
pop music world as a writer ("Mojo Man" and "The Swim"),
as a producer (the Beau Brummels, Bobby Freeman) and as a disc jockey on the
top rhythm and blues station in San Francisco.
After attending college for three years, where he studied musical theory and
composition, Sly began composing songs for his group's albums. Energetic and
articulate, Sly defines his group's magic as a "dance and concert
combination," adding quickly "that what looks like choreography
when you see us perform is really the spontaneous feelings of people who just
naturally belong together."
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SMOKEY ROBINSON AND THE MIRACLES
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- four members
BIGGEST HITS: "Shop Around," "You've Really Got A Hold On
Me," "Tracks Of My Tears"
ALL about Smokey and Friends . . .
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles (Pete Moore: bass, Ronnie White: baritone,
and Bobby Rogers: tenor) have been friends since high school. They started
recording together in 1956.
The big break almost didn't happen at Motown. Berry Gordy's assistant had
auditioned Smokey and the Miracles and had turned them down. But on their way
out, they met Berry and he gave them another chance. Convinced, he signed
them as the first act to come out of Motown Records.
In their career, the Miracles have become very astute businessmen without
losing their sense of humor. They've stayed on the top-seller lists for
eleven straight years, picked up a collection of gold records and written
over 500 songs.
The secret of their success together has been learning to take things as they
come and understanding that each member is different. This has eliminated
many arguments and feelings of jealousy among them.
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles love the music business and respect each
other. This plus their fantastic talent should keep them on top for many more
years to come.
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STAPLE SINGERS
HOMETOWN: Drew, Mississippi
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- four members
BIGGEST HIT: "Respect Yourself"
ALL about the Staples . . .
The Staple Singers (Roebuck "Pop" Staples and his daughters Mavis,
Cleo and Yvonne) sing a variation of gospel which reaches across all
barriers, social, racial and language.
In 1935, the Staple family moved from Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois, where
they began performing at local homes and churches. From there, they've taken
their gospel message around the world. The Staple Singers have received
honors for their outstanding contributions to humanity in the field of music
and have performed before the President of the United States.
The Singers' message is PEACE, and some of their lyrics are written by
"Pop" Staples himself! They feel that even though they appear
before audiences who don't know the language, their feeling comes through
loud and clear.
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STEVIE WONDER
HOMETOWN: Saginaw, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocalist, harmonica, piano
BIGGEST HITS: "Fingertips," "I Call It Pretty Music,"
"For Once In My Life," "My Cherie Amour"
ALL about Stevie . . .
Blind since birth, Stevie Wonder was all of thirteen when
"Fingertips" (taken from a live performance at the Apollo Theater
in Harlem) became the number one hit on both the rhythm and blues and pop
charts.
Born Steveland Morris, in Saginaw, Michigan, the third child in a family of
six, Stevie moved to Detroit soon after his birth. There he struck up a
friendship with the younger brother of Ronnie White (a member of the
Miracles). It was Ronnie's brother who arranged an audition for Stevie with
Motown Record Prexy, Berry Gordy.
Gordy signed Stevie right away. To help get the youngster in shape, he had
Stevie tour the country with "Motor Town Revue." Stevie held his
own With some of R&B's biggest superstars and Gordy was more than
impressed!
Now in his twenties, Stevie has dropped the "Little" from his
famous name ("Little Stevie Wonder"). His attitudes and immense
musical talents more than warrant such a move. As Stevie's put it:
"If a young person has someone who really cares about him, and a decent
place to go and meet others his age, he's well on the way to growing up with
confidence in himself and his society."
Married to songstress Syreeta Wright, today Stevie enjoys one of the most
"satisfying lives" one could have. Blindness had nothing to do with
the wonder of Stevie. Lots of talent, love and hard work made the magic
happen. Just turn on your radio, and you'll undoubtedly hear some of it.
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SUNDAY'S CHILD
HOMETOWN: Portland, Oregon
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal group -- three members
BIGGEST HIT: Sunday's Child
ALL about Sunday's Child . . .
Sunday's Child grabs its audiences with warmth and movement. The
professionalism of the trio seems unbelievable when you consider their ages.
Sunday's Child consists of Ilene Anderson, seventeen, a towering 6'2"
beauty; Ilene's sister, Mary Lou, fourteen, the choreographer of the group,
and Renee Woods, fourteen, their cousin who is a fantastic natural performer.
It was only four years ago that the three girls were entertaining themselves
and their friends in Portland, Oregon, as the Three Little Souls. Ilene and
Mary Lou's older brother Ted took one of their recordings to Larry Raphael, who
had been looking for top new acts. He listened and signed them, renaming them
Sunday's Child. Soon after they were booked on NBC's Soul Special. Since
then, they have appeared on television, in Las Vegas, at Carnegie Hall, and
it seems that there is no stopping their enthusiasm, energy and amazing
ability.
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THE SUPREMES
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan, and Belzoni, Mississippi
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Rhythm and blues pop three-girl group
BIGGEST HITS: "Up the Ladder to the Roof," "Touch,"
"Nathan Jones"
ALL about the Supremes . . .
Everyone thought that when Diana Ross left the Supremes to go solo it would
definitely put an end to the Supremes. Perhaps that's why they say two good
things are better than one. Presenting the Supremes and Diana Ross as two
distinctly different talents proved to be one of the wisest moves ever.
But let's go back to the beginning . . .
In 1960, during their senior year in high school, three Detroit girls
approached a young record maker named Berry Gordy, Jr., for an audition.
Berry told the girls to finish high school first and then come for an
audition. But Berry gave the girls some background singing work during the
year they had left in school. When he finally decided it was time for them,
Gordy knew he had heard something that would one day change the sound of pop
music. That "something" soon developed into a true, rich and mellow
kind of sound. Once signed, the girls were dubbed the Supremes. Today, their
sensational sound has captivated young America and helped to catapult Gordy's
young record company (Motown) into the forefront of the music business.
Before Diana left the group, the Supremes swept up such gold records as
"Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Come See
About Me," "Stop, In The Name Of Love," "Back In My Arms
Again," "The Happening," "Love Child," "You
Can't Hurry Love" and "I Hear A Symphony."
In addition to their single-record sales, which are possibly as consistent as
the price of gold in Fort Knox, Diana and the Supremes made albums that did
nothing but dash straight to the top of the hot 100 LPs. (The Supremes at the
Copa, The Supremes Sing and Perform Funny Girl, The Supremes' Greatest Hits,
Vol. I and Vol. II, etc.)
Then in the summer of 1967, the trio saw significant changes. Diana decided
she wanted the recognition she long deserved, and the Supremes became known
as Diana Ross and the Supremes. Also, Cindy Birdsong, a former member of Patty
and the Bluebells replaced Florence Ballard, who was "exhausted from the
girls' demanding schedule."
In the fall of 1969 an even bigger change shook the group. Diana Ross split
to play it solo. Jean Terrell, a young girl born in Belzoni, Mississippi, and
brought up in Chicago, stepped in for Diana. Everyone was skeptical. But
Jean, Cindy, and Mary Wilson (now the only original "Supreme" left)
had confidence.
"I have quite a bit to look forward to," Jean told the press.
"It means a lot of work, but it also means doing something that I have
longed to do!" Like the other Supremes, Jean is a talented dancer as
well as a fine vocalist. All of which helps to explain why the girls always
have and always will put on such phenomenal shows when they perform live.
Their Las Vegas, London and New York appearances are always sell-outs, just
as they should be.
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TAJ MAHAL
HOMETOWNS: Taj: Boston, Massachusetts; John: Norwalk, Connecticut; Hoshal:
Omaha, Nebraska; Bill: Omaha, Nebraska; James: Nashville, Tennessee; Rocki:
Ghana, Africa; Howard: Montgomery, Alabama; Bob: New York, New York; Joseph:
New York, New York; Earl: New York, New York.
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Instrumental group -- ten members
BIGGEST HITS: The Real Thing, Happy To Be Just Like I Am
ALL about Taj . . .
Taj Mahal started alone, grew to a group of four and then expanded to a
"family" of ten musicians who are extremely happy and extremely
talented.
Taj himself is a very proud and unique talent. His father was a noted jazz
pianist and arranger. Teaching himself to play piano, harmonica, bass, vibes,
mandolin and dulcimer, Taj has changed his musical style several times but
never his roots. Now, with nine of the best musicians around. Taj Mahal is a
group that gets deep into your soul. John Simon (piano) learned from his
father and even though his training is in classical music he is influenced by
"everyone." John is also a fine composer in his own right.
Hoshal Wright (guitar) has been playing his instrument for half his life and
is mostly into jazz. However, Hoshal feels that Taj's band gives him a
tremendous opportunity for growth and experimentation.
Bill Rich (Fender bass) has been playing for a decade and, before joining the
band, worked with Buddy Miles for two years.
James Charles Otey, Jr., (drums) is known as Jimmy to his friends. Even
though he was once a band leader himself, he feels that he has more freedom
with Taj because the feeling of family makes him happy and he can transfer
that feeling to his audience.
Kwasi (Rocki) Dzidzornu (conga, African talking drum, African percussion
instruments) comes from the Ewe tribe on the West Coast of Africa where his
father was the chief drummer. Rocki moved to London
where he has played with such greats as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix,
Traffic and Steve Stills. He, as all the other members, is completely taken
with the warmth generated within the group.
Howard Johnson (F & B-flat tuba, flugelhorn, baritone sax) is a jazz
great in his own right and sums up Taj Mahal with, "When you put a band
together. I think it should be in terms of hiring people, not instruments,
and that's true of this band."
Bob Stewart (C tuba, trumpet, flugelhorn) began with the trumpet but changed
to tuba at the Philadelphia Music Academy. Since then, Bob has taught school
in Philadelphia and in Harlem. He misses his students very much but feels he
made the right decision in joining Taj. Joseph Daley (tuba and valve
trombone) has been playing tuba for over six years and once played with Lloyd
Price and with Mongo Santamaria's son, Monquito, Joseph feels that Taj gives
him a chance "to really stretch out with my music."
Earl Mcintyre (E-flat tuba, bass trombone) is the youngest member and has
graduated from the Music and Art School in New York. Taj is the first major
group he's played with.
And there you have the ten pieces of Taj Mahal that fit together perfectly!
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THE TEMPTATIONS
HOMETOWN: Detroit, Michigan
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Five-man rhythm and blues group
BIGGEST HITS: "Superstar -- Remember How You Got Where You Are,"
"Ball Of Confusion," "Cloud Nine"
ALL about the Temptations . . .
The story of the Tempts is not an easy one to tell. Mainly because the
miraculous group has gone through so many changes. Like their sister group,
the Supremes, the Temptations have managed to stay out front despite many
internal hassles.
After a decade of success, the Tempts now consist of: Otis Williams, Dennis
Edwards, Richard Street, Melvin Franklin and Damon Harris. Combining
experience and maturity with youth, enthusiasm and talent, the group has
managed to sustain its unqualified success without compromise.
The Temptations' story has its beginning way back when the group was called
the Primes. (Interestingly enough, at that time the Supremes were called the
Primettes!) Their struggle for recognition and acceptance can be mapped along
with their hit records. From five unknown and inexperienced Detroiters who
"only wanted to sing," the Tempts matured and evolved into what
they are today -- superstars!
Working with virtually every top record-producer at Motown, the Temptations
generated a nonstop succession of hit tunes from "My Girl,"
"Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," "I Know I'm Losing You" to
"Ball of Confusion" and "Superstar." In addition, putting
the Temptations on stage proved to be an equally breath-taking experience.
Unlike so many groups, the Tempts in their wild costumes, razor-sharp
choreography and split-second lighting effects add up to a powerful visual
experience well worth fighting crowds and lines of ticket holders to see.
"Like five sticks of dynamite, the Temptations explode on stage with
enormous energy, overwhelming the senses with the sight and sound that rocked
them to the top," one press clipping said.
Inspiring a generation of young fans, the Tempts modestly acknowledge their
influence over youngsters across the land today in conveying the idea that
hard work, dedication and perseverance are as much a part of being successful
as raw talent or a lot of good luck. After all, if they aren't a living
example -- no one is!
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THE VOICES OF EAST HARLEM
HOMETOWN: East Harlem, New York
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal and instrumental-twenty-three members
BIGGEST HITS: "Right On! Be Free!" "Oxford Town"
ALL about Voices . . .
The Voices of East Harlem were created from the Johnson and Jefferson houses,
tenement projects in East Harlem. Help and encouragement came from Chuck and
Anna Griffin of the East Harlem Federated Youth Association.
Led by Chuck, the organization is devoted to worthwhile neighborhood
functions. Anna thought a choral group would bring the children together and
enlisted the aid of Bernice Cole, a professional gospel singer. Bernice is
now the musical director of the Voices, and the pleasure she receives increases
the enthusiasm of the group to their limits.
The group made their debut at neighborhood functions where they caught the
attention of Electric Circus (nightclub) creator Jerry Brandt. He invited
them to perform at a benefit for the New York Coalition ("Give a
Damn") where they were such a success they were immediately invited
back. At a "Lindsay for Mayor" rally they created such an
impression that Harry Belafonte had to wait in the wings until the crowd
cooled down before he did his act.
The Voices of East Harlem are free, "young, gifted and black." They
just may be the voices of the future.
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[no pic of Wanda Robinson]
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WANDA ROBINSON
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, Maryland
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Poetry
BIGGEST HIT: Black Ivory
ALL about Wanda . . .
Wanda Robinson is a loner who refuses to view life through rose-colored
glasses.
Born November 18, 1949, in Baltimore, Wanda was raised by her grandmother.
Unlike her six sisters and brothers, Wanda enclosed herself in a world of
books, music and poetry. The result turned out to be something of a
surprise-primarily for Wanda. Instead of isolating her, music and poetry
turned into a hotline to the world outside. All the things Wanda couldn't
reveal through conversation came out in her poetry. Black Ivory, her first
album, is a beautiful and often haunting example of this.
After studying three years at Baltimore's Community College, Wanda began to
feel the force behind her own need to communicate to those around her. Her
poetry (often upsetting) reflects both her sensitivity toward others and her
anger at all those who refuse to feel. In addition to her album (there's
another in the works now}, Wanda is preparing a book of all her poems (400 in
all). After that? At twenty-one, Wanda admits her next goal is "to have a
farm. Not the kind with chickens or cows, but a house with lots of land to
relax and write stories for children."
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WAR
HOMETOWNS: Dee Allen: Wilmington, Delaware; Lee Oskar: Copenhagen, Denmark;
Lonnie Jordan: San Diego, California; Harold Brown: Long Beach, California;
Charles Miller: Olathe, Kansas; B. B. Dickerson: Torrance, California; Howard
Scott: San Pedro, California
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Vocal and instrumental group-seven members
BIGGEST HITS: Eric Burdon Declares War, The Black-Man's Burdon, "Spill
The Wine"
ALL about WAR . . .
WAR has one of the greatest and tightest sounds around. They started with
Eric Burdon who has since joined blues great, Jimmy Witherspoon.
It all began in Compton, California, when Leroy "Lonnie" Jordon
moved there from San Diego. He began a lasting friendship with Howard Scott
in elementary school and in junior high they played together in groups,
Lonnie on keyboards and Howard on guitar. During this time they were joined
by bassman B. B. Dickerson, reed and woodwind player Charles Miller, and
drummer Harold Brown.
B. B. joined a group and moved to Honolulu, so the quartet formed a group
called the Creators. Eric Burdon and his business partners heard them and
began the formation of WAR.
B. B. was phoned in Hawaii and sent a ticket to return to the group. To fill
out WAR's sound, they brought in conga player Dee Allen, who once played with
Herbie Mann, and harp virtuoso Lee Oskar of Scandinavian descent. Lee started
on a ferry boat between Copenhagen and Sweden. He spent two years in New York
and then moved to Los Angeles. Thus, the completion of WAR. The group has
formed its own company, WAR, Inc., and should continue to be overwhelmingly
successful.
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WILSON PICKETT
HOMETOWN: Prattville, Alabama
MUSIC SPECIALTY: Spiritual/rhythm and blues singer-songwriter
BIGGEST HITS: "In The Midnight Hour," "Engine, Engine, Number
9"
ALL about Wilson . . .
When Wilson Pickett left Prattville, Alabama, for Detroit he was already on
his way to fame -- he just didn't know it. For four years he performed with
groups and as a soloist in the spiritual field. Then in 1959 one of Detroit's
better known rock groups, the Falcons, heard Wilson. Willie Scorefield, the
group's leader, insisted that Wilson join them. With the Falcons, Wilson
became aware for the first time of the world of rhythm and blues. The
experience (obviously!) had a profound effect on his career!
After being with the group for a few years, Wilson discovered that he had a
talent for songwriting and began writing hits for the Falcons, including one
of their biggest: "I Found Love."
Soon Wilson's soulful vocalizing singled him out of the group. His ability to
write songs made him even more special. It didn't take long until he was
writing and recording his own hits, beginning with "If You Need
Me." In 1964 he signed with Atlantic Records, quickly becoming one of
their hottest soul stars (as his recent appearance in the film Soul to Soul
more than proves!).
And yet, despite his enormous fame today, Wilson maintains the same warm,
sincere feelings for music he had when he first began singing as a spiritual
singer, for that's really where his heart and soul will always remain. That's
part of the Wilson Pickett magic.
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