Livin' Joy

Livin' Joy was a house dance music group from Italy that originally consisted of brothers Paolo & Gianni Visnadi (who were members of an Italian dance music project called Alex Party) and singer Janice Robinson.

In 1994, the group released their debut single "Dreamer." The song topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in November of that same year.

It also peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart. It wasn't until a year later that the song topped the U.K. Singles chart.

In the United States, the song was a sleeper hit on pop radio, but finally managed to peak at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100, #38 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. In mid-1996, "Dreamer" re-entered the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #95.

During that same year, Livin' Joy released their only album "Don't Stop Movin'" which peaked at #41 on the U.K. Albums chart.

By that time, Janice left the group and was replaced by singer Tameka Starr (born Doris Diggs). The album grouped together the hits including "Dreamer" with new vocals by Tameka (but the original version with Janice Robinson was a hidden bonus track).

The title song peaked at #5 on the U.K. Singles chart, #67 on the Billboard Hot 100, #23 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The song was also moderately successful in Australia, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden.

The third single from the album "Follow the Rules" peaked at #9 on the U.K. Singles chart. The song was also moderately successful in Australia, Finland and Sweden.

The fourth single "Where Can I Find Love" peaked at #12 on the U.K. Singles chart. The last single from the album "Deep in You" peaked at #17 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1999, Livin' Joy's plans for a widescale commercial release of a single called "Just for the Sex of It" were scrapped due to lack of interest, but it managed to receive a limited club run, was popular in the nightclubs and released as a single in Australia where it peaked at #76 on the charts.

After that, it seemed as if Livin' Joy faded into obscurity. In 2008, recordings from their follow-up album were leaked online which were "Love Yourself," "Lookin' Fine," "I Only Wanna Dance," "U R My Livin' Joy," "You Don't Love Me" and "Bump This."

It is unknown what the Visnadi brothers and Tameka Starr are up to today, but Janice Robinson continues to be active in the music business as a solo artist.

To see the music video for "Dreamer," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VuyQuRAsHI

To see the music video for "Don't Stop Movin'," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvUjmbxEsqs

To see the music video for "Follow the Rules," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6-HwoqVHCw

To see the music video for "Where Can I Find Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBjk4cb8tpU

To see a fan-made video for "Deep in You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qrdICbkbZ8

To see the music video for "Just For the Sex Of It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVEj1WQ5ftw

Sesh

Sesh (short for Strength Enforcing Serious Harm from the Bronx, New York) was a hip-hop/rap trio that consisted of Sigga, Lamp and Sgt. Ore.

In 1996, they released the single "Definition: Sesh" on their own record label Sesh Records. It's unknown how or if the single made the charts.

Despite that, the single gained the trio some recognition and they performed at venues such as the B-Boy Summit in San Diego, California, Hoodstock in Miami, Florida and the annual Rock Steady Anniversary in New York City. They even traveled to Europe to get fans overseas.

In 1998, Sesh released their only album "4535" on J-Bird Records. It's unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.

After that, it seems as if Sesh has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from the trio since.

To see a fan-made video for "Definition: Sesh," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cx7Zqhbi8k

Frankie

Frankie (born George Franklin Jackson in 1978 in Washington, D.C.) was an R&B singer from the '90s.

Frankie met music producer Chucki Thompson when he was 14 years old through a mutual acquaintance which happened to be Notch Howell of music group Born Jamericans. He was signed to Chucki's Epic Records imprint label Chucklife.

In 1997, Frankie released his only album "My Heart Belongs To You" which peaked at #93 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single from the album to chart was "If I Had You" which peaked at #108 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #46 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. The song also featured rapper Jadakiss.

The follow-up singles "I Have Love" and "One Last Time" failed to chart at all and after that, it seems as if Frankie has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see the music video for "If I Had You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr3DBPigh30

To see a fan-made video for "I Have Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAlNiMr_gag

To see a fan-made video for "One Last Time," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogkCiMVPpBs


[Updated on 04\19\2016]

Angela Garcia

Angela Garcia was a freestyle/dance singer from the '90s. Not much information is given about her, but she released two singles before fading into obscurity.

In 1992, she released her first single "Tell Me Why" on Explosive Records. It's unknown how or if the single made the charts at all.

A year later, she released her second single "Sounds of Heartbreak" on Viper Records. Like her first single, it's unknown how or if it made the charts at all.

After that, it seemed as if Angela faded into obscurity, but it appears as if she is still performing these days.

To see a fan-made video for "Sounds of Heartbreak," go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRTo45IZYQw

To see a fan-made video for "Tell Me Why," go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkMnsxoI8Q0

[Updated on 08/28/2018]

Tara Thomas

Tara Thomas (born in Houston, Texas) was a female R&B singer from the mid-'90s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to the Blunt Recordings record label.

In 1997, Tara released her only single "When You're in Love" featuring rapper C.L. Smooth. The song managed to peak at #84 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Tara has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since the '90s.

To see a fan-made video for "When You're in Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSw8PZdEcNc

By All Means

.

By All Means was an R&B group from the late '80s/early '90s that consisted of lead vocalist James Varner (who also played the trumpet & trombone), vocalist Lynn Roderick (born Mikelyn Roderick) and guitarist Billy Sheppard.

Lynn worked as an actress in television shows such as "Moonlighting" and "Cagney & Lacey." Billy was part of a music group called Skool Boyz. In 1985, James and Lynn met while they toured with Bill Withers. Producer Stan Sheppard was in the audience and suggested that they form a band with his brother Billy.

In 1988, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #40 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. In the United Kingdom, the album peaked at #80 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single "I Surrender To Your Love" peaked at #65 on the U.K. Singles chart and #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The second single from the album "Somebody Save Me" peaked at #91 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't appear to make the charts in the United States.

The third single "I'm The One Who Loves You" managed to peak at #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album "You Decided To Go" peaked at #94 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

In 1989, By All Means released their sophomore album "Beyond A Dream" which peaked at #160 on the Billboard 200 and #36 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "Let's Get It On" (a tribute to Marvin Gaye) peaked at #88 on the U.K. Singles chart, #29 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album "Do You Remember" peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

In 1992, By All Means released their last album "It's Real" which peaked at #55 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart was "The Feeling I Get" which peaked at #48 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

After the release of their third and last album, By All Means disbanded. Lynn has worked as a background singer, jingle session singer, performed in the play "Crowns" and released a solo album "Copasetic Is" in 2007.

Lynn Roderick and James Varner are the parents of R&B singer Elle Varner. They have both made appearances on Elle's 2012 debut album "Perfectly Imperfect" as background singers, songwriters and producers on a few tracks. It is unknown what Billy Sheppard is up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for "I Surrender To Your Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmlfzRb-9I

To see a fan-made video for "Somebody Save Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqQIXRqOh2I

To see a fan-made video for "I'm The One Who Loves You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwQsQ8qlUAk

To see the music video for "Let's Get It On," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhk7HdpH-kA

To see a fan-made video for "You Decided To Go," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaX1yPsqE3E

To see a fan-made video for "Do You Remember," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG0NpeDXtsQ

To see a fan-made video for "The Feeling I Get," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xC3PntUyZw

Big Lady K

Big Lady K (born Rosa Lee Chambers in Riverside, California) was a female hip-hop rapper from the late '80s/early '90s.

She got her start in the music business through hip-hop promoter Cliff Richey Jr. who helped her get her name heard around town through booking shows, promotions and other various events.

At the time, Big Lady K was attending La Sierra High School in Riverdale along with future hip-hop artist Robert "ODM" Gutierrez.

While attending high school, she introduced Robert to Cliff who teamed him up with two other local hip-hop artists who later formed music group Lighter Shade of Brown.

Big Lady K's exposure landed her a record deal with Priority Records in 1988. During that same year, she released her debut single "Don't Get Me Started."

In 1989, Big Lady K released her second single "Ffun" which managed to peak at #85 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.

A year later, she released her only album "Bigger Than Life." It's unknown how or if it charted, but it received moderate reviews.

Big Lady K's third single "Smiling Faces" didn't make any impact on the charts and after that, it seems as if she has faded into obscurity. Her whereabouts are unknown.

To see the music video for "Ffun," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y4ObAhjaX0

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Get Me Started," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Xt1746q3Q

To see a fan-made video for "Smiling Faces," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OsyYF69ygU

Apache

Apache (born Anthony Peaks on December 26, 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey) was a hip-hop rapper from the '90s.

He started his career in the late '80s as a frontman for hip-hop group The Flavor Unit. He was also featured on albums by artists such as 2Pac, Fat Joe  and Naughty By Nature. Apache later signed to Tommy Boy Records.

In 1992, Apache released his only album "Apache Ain't Shit" which managed to chart at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #15 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

His only hit was the single "Gangsta Bitch" which peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100, #11 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #49 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single "Do Fa Self" failed to make the charts at all. After that, Apache continued to make appearances on various artists' albums & singles along with songwriting as well.

Sadly on January 22, 2010, Apache passed away from undisclosed causes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at the age of 45.

To see the music video for "Gangsta Bitch," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8IP2UnSZfE

To see the music video for "Do Fa Self," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZtQU5TzQ4o

Blak Panta

Blak Panta (born in Jamaica) was a male reggae/hip-hop singer from the mid-'90s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Tommy Boy Records.

In 1995, he was featured on the movie soundtrack to "New Jersey Drive" with the song "Do What U Want" which peaked at #109 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #78 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Blak Panta has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see the music video for "Do What U Want," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIPKm2TBFFo

David Peaston

David Peaston (born on March 13, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri) was an R&B/gospel singer from the late '80s/early '90s. He was the son of Martha Bass (who was a member of The Clara Ward Singers gospel group) and the brother of R&B singer Fontella Bass.

David attended the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church with his mother as a child. He worked as a schoolteacher, but after being laid off in 1981, David moved to New York and began working as a background singer on recording sessions.

In the late '80s, David won several competitions of "Showtime at the Apollo," winning the audience over with his version of "God Bless the Child." He was later signed by Geffen Records.

In 1988, David released his debut album "Introducing... David Peaston" which peaked at #113 on the Billboard 200, #7 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #66 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Two Wrongs (Don't Make It Right)" peaked at #84 on the U.K. Singles chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The second single "Can I?" peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single from the album "We're All In This Together" peaked at #91 on the U.K. Singles chart, #45 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #11 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album "Take Me Now" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1990, David won the Soul Train Music Award for "Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist." He toured with Gerald Alston in Europe and Gladys Knight in the United States before moving to MCA Records in 1991.

During that same year, David released his sophomore album "Mixed Emotions" which peaked at #80 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album "String" peaked at #69 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

The follow-up single "Luxury of Love" peaked at #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1993, David recorded a gospel album with his sister and mother entitled "Promises: A Family Portrait of Faith." He was later diagnosed with diabetes and had his legs amputated, forcing him to use prostheses.

In 2006, David released his last album "Song Book: Songs of Soul & Inspiration." Sadly on February 1, 2012, he passed away from complications of diabetes. He was 54 years old.

To see a video of David performing "Two Wrongs (Don't Make it Right)" on "Soul Train," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLN-C-qzjyU

To see the music video for "Can I?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF0WBfiwm4w

To see the music video for "We're All in This Together," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqRC_Y1URcI

To see a fan-made video for "Take Me Now," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E3zvHmvIJo

To see the music video for "String," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgv0UE9SXn4

To see a fan-made video for "Luxury of Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRlDg5kUrYw

Tag

Tag was a British pop/dance trio from the '90s that consisted of keyboard programmer
Gareth Young and singer Treana Morris.

Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Scotti Bros. Records.

In 1991, the duo released their only album "Contagious." It's unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.

They scored a minor pop hit with the song "The Way I Feel" which peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Their follow-up single "Love and Money" failed to make the charts at all and it seemed as if Tag faded into obscurity.

These days, it appears as if Treana is still active in the music business. She was a former member of the band Wire Daisies.

Gareth has produced and written music for various artists such as Danni Minogue, Appleton and Sugababes.

[There are no videos available for this entry]