Boyz II Men is one of the most successful R&B male groups of all time. Originally called Unique Attraction, the group was formed in 1988 by Nathan Morris and Mare Nelson at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Morris and Nelson met with Wanya Morris, … Read MoreBoyz II Men (1988- )
The Chi-Lites is an R&B and Soul vocal group from Chicago, Illinois who rose up to fame in the early 1970s. The group was formed at Hyde Park High School in Chicago in 1959 by its original members, Eugene Record, Robert Lester, and Clarence Johnson. The group originally went … Read MoreThe Chi-Lites (1959- )
Through the 1970s, the O’Jays were considered one of the most successful and familiar R&B groups. Hits like “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” and “Back Stabbers” became the anthems of an era. With the help of producer duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, … Read MoreThe O’Jays (ca. 1960- )
The Dells are an R&B vocal group that was formed in 1952 in Harvey, Illinois. The group included Marvin Junior, Verne Allison, Johnny Funches, Chuck Barksdale, and Mickey and Lucius McGill. When the group formed, the members were all in high school and were called the El-Rays. They produced … Read MoreThe Dells/ The Mighty Dells (1952-1998)
The Shirelles, an all-girl singing pop and rhythm and blues group that was active from 1956 to 1982, was the first African American female group to top any charts. They were formed in 1956 at New Jersey’s Passaic High School. Shirley Owens, Beverly Lee, Doris Kenner, and Addi “Mickey” Harris … Read MoreThe Shirelles (1956-1982)
Sam & Dave were the most successful black rhythm and blues duo of the 1960s although they performed into the early 1980s. Sam Moore, was born in Miami, Florida and Dave Prater, was born in Ocilla, Georgia. Both men sang in church while growing up. They performed separately in … Read MoreSam & Dave (1961-1981)
Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1955, the Spinners began as the Domingoes. The five African American founders were Henry Fambrough, Robert ‘Bobbie’ Smith, Robert “Steel” Smith, Billy Henderson, and Pervis Jackson. All of them attended Ferndale High School in Detroit. Although the group performed for six years, only in … Read MoreThe Spinners (1955- )
The Four Tops were a vocal quartet from Detroit, Michigan, composed of Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton, who were instrumental in defining Motown’s distinct sound during the 1960s. The quartet was one of the longest-lived lineups of the era; they went over 40 … Read MoreThe Four Tops (1953-2005)
The Marvelettes were an all-girl group whose original members were Gladys Horton, Katherine Anderson, Georgeanna Tillman, Juanita Cowart, and Georgia Dobbins. They came together in a high school glee club in their home town of Inkster, Michigan in 1959. In 1960, they auditioned at year-old Motown records where founder Berry Gordy praised … Read MoreThe Marvelettes (1960-1972)
One of the first boy bands, the Jackson 5 consisted of brothers from Gary, Indiana: Jackie (born Sigmund), Tito (born Toriano), Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson. Though their youth and energetic sound made them seem like “bubblegum pop,” the boys played instruments, had vocal talent and practiced … Read MoreThe Jackson 5 (1965- )
