The S.O.S. Band (Sounds of Success), a rhythm and blues and electro-funk ensemble, began as Santa Monica Band in 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia. The group was “discovered” by Milton Lamar, an Atlanta nightclub owner, who became their manager. The founding members were lead vocalist Mary … Read MoreS.O.S. Band (1977-1995)
Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs were an American Doo-Wop and Rhythm and Blues vocal group in the late 1950s and early 1960s best known for their number one hit song, “Stay”. Founding member Maurice Williams, was born April 26, 1938 in Lancaster, South Carolina and … Read MoreMaurice Williams and the Zodiacs (1959- )
Mickey and Sylvia were a popular R&B duo in the 1950s known for their hit song “Love is Strange.” In 1957, the single topped the R&B chart at No.11 and sold over one million copies. It was awarded a gold disc by the Recording Industry … Read MoreMickey and Sylvia (1955-1965)
In 1967, legendary composers/lyricists Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland left Motown Records to establish the Invictus/Hot Wax record labels in Detroit, Michigan. Over the years they had composed 130 charting songs for Motown Records, but they felt Berry Gordy did not compensate them … Read MoreThe Chairmen of the Board (1968-1976)
The Weather Girls, formed in 1976 in San Francisco, California as Two Tons O’ Fun, a female duo with Izora Rhodes-Armstead who was born on July 6, 1942, in Houston, Texas, and Martha Elaine Wash, born in San Francisco, California on December 28, 1953. They … Read MoreThe Weather Girls (1976- )
Experience Unlimited, also known as E.U., is a funk band from Washington D.C. best known for their 1988 hit single, “Da Butt.” The original group members included Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliot, Edward “June” Henderson, William “Ju-Ju” House, Maurice “Mighty Moe” Hagans, A.K. Webster, Jeno “Keys” … Read MoreExperience Unlimited (E.U.) (1975- )
Quiet Fire, a reggae, Latin jazz, and R&B ensemble which emerged as one of the premier groups in the U.S. Virgin Islands, was founded by teenagers attending Croix Central High and St. Joseph’s Catholic high schools on St. Croix Island. They began as the Soul … Read MoreQuiet Fire (1967-2021)
The Dazz Band, which scored more than 20 hits on Billboard’s rhythm and blues and pop charts, was founded in 1976 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was led by clarinet player, saxophonist and vocalist Bobby Harris and included Kenny Pettus (lead vocalist, percussion), Isaac “Ike” Wiley … Read MoreThe Dazz Band (1976- )
The R&B/ Post-Disco band Timex Social Club, also known as The Timex Crew, was founded by lyricist Marcus Arnett Thompson in 1985. Its membership included Gregory “Greg B” Thomas, Michael Marshall, Craig Samuel, and Darrien Cleage, all students attending Berkeley High School in Berkeley, California. … Read MoreTimex Social Club (1985-1987)
Club Nouveau (New Club) is a rhythm and blues group founded by record producer/performer Jay King, born on January 26, 1962, and raised in Vallejo, California. The son of Helen King and Jay King Jr., he played trumpet at Vallejo High School before graduating in … Read MoreClub Nouveau (1984- )
