Frederick

Frederick (born Frederick Millard Davis on April 7, 1957) is an R&B singer from the ‘80s. He is the fifth of eight siblings in his family. He began singing & playing musical instruments when he was 10 years old. His singing inspirations growing up were Al Jarreau, Donny Hathaway, Bobby Caldwell and George Benson.

During his high school years, Frederick joined a popular local band called the Soul Reactions. The band broke up when he enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy, he boxed in the local Golden Gloves in 1975 and even trained with the Navy Olympic Boxing Team. 

After he was discharged from the Navy, Frederick revived his singing career and became a regular at gong & talent shows at the Sir Rah House and the Native Son Lounge, winning first place many times. A witness to his singing recommended Frederick to Le Ray Ruffin, a record producer & owner of Time Traxx Productions.

Frederick cut a demo of a song called “Gentle” when local deejays Jeffery Charles & Lynn Charles visited Time Traxx Productions, heard the tape and were able to convince Ruffin to let them take the song with them for a later listen.

DJ Jeffrey Charles played the “Gentle” demo on a quiet storm radio program called “For Lovers Only” on the WZAK radio station and the evening the song was played, the phone lines went crazy and by the next day, people were trying to buy the song from record stores.

“Gentle (Calling Your Name)” (which featured singer Janice Dowlen) managed to make the Billboard charts, peaking at #108 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #48 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 15 weeks).

The success of the song earned Frederick awards: one for “Most Promising New Artist” from the Ohio Valley Urban Music Association in 1985 and “Best New Artist” from the Midwest Music Award Association. In 1999 (fourteen years after the song’s release), “Gentle” was highlighted in “Vibe” magazine’s “Top Five One-Hit Wonders” sub-category where it ranked at #2.

Le Rey convinced Frederick to sign a one-year record deal with Time Traxx and got Akron, Ohio record label Heat Records to release and distribute the “Gentle” single.

However, there were issues with the song’s arrangement.

Janice Dowlen never signed a contract with Time Traxx and instead Heat Records owner, James McCants convinced her to sign a long-term exclusive contract with his label. Frederick never signed anything with Heat Records and he would only commit to a one-year deal with Time Traxx Productions.

While touring to promote the single, Frederick went to many cities where record store owners complained about not being able to get copies. Because Frederick never signed a contract with Heat Records, James McCants wouldn't allow Janice Dowlen to tour with him.

In 1985, Heat Records released Frederick's debut album. It’s unknown how or if the album charted at all.

Two more singles were released from the album: “Games” (which did in well in some areas of the United States and received some airplay in England) and “Somebody Won’t Sleep Tonight.”

After Frederick's contract with Time Traxx Productions expired, he did not renew it and chose to venture out on his own, but to little success. He released three 12-inch recordings "You're the Best (That Ever Happened)," "That Kind of Lady," and "Shoulder to Cry On."

He also recorded a gospel song with Janice Dowlen in 1991 entitled "Find Your Way Home" shortly before she passed away of a heart attack.

In the '90s, he sang and played with a local music group called Eugene Ross & Company and also had his own band, 1SU (or 1 Step Up).

Since then, Frederick has opened and performed with various music artists such as Gladys Knight, George Clinton & the Funkadelics, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass and Ashford & Simpson. He has also written songs for many local and national artists as well including singer\actress Gloria Loring.

In May of 2015, Frederick recorded a new single called “I Can’t Help But Love You”, but it wasn’t until 2017 when the song was officially released. Once it hit the airwaves, the song became a fan favorite on radio station, hitting #7 on radio station WNWV-FM 107.3.

It also received some airplay in the United Kingdom where it debuted on more than 20 radio stations and even peaked at #6 on the Top UK Soul Chart. It was even listened to over 2,600 times with BBC Local Radio’s John Leech.

In 2016, Frederick released the single "Forgive Me" which is available for digital download on the CD Baby website.

As of 2017, Frederick continues to perform and his new EP entitled “The Birth” is scheduled to be released sometime this year. The EP features a remix version of one of his songs “Games.”

To see Frederick's official website, go to:
https://www.frederickdavis.com/

To see Frederick's Reverbnation page, go to:
https://www.reverbnation.com/rpk/354417

To see Frederick's YouTube page, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/user/fredericksvideotube

To see a fan-made video for "Gentle (Calling Your Name)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GOzirhE5eo

To see a fan-made video for "Games," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i8_BRYlpvI

To see a fan-made video for "Somebody Won't Sleep Tonight," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-CmpBU5MUo

To see a fan-made video for "(You're the Best) That Ever Happened," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hszHr8saHOo

To see a video of Frederick's song "Forgive Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGL_0NF5rzU

To see the music video for "I Can't Help But Love You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-TdB9Bu9HI


[Updated on October 2, 2017]

Dreamboy

Dreamboy was an R&B band from Oak Park, Michigan that consisted of singer Jeff Stanton, guitarist Jeff Bass, keyboardist Jimi Hunt, bassist Pat Stewart, and drummer George "Dewey" Twymon. They formed at Oak Park High School in 1979.

In 1983, Dreamboy released their self-titled debut album on Qwest Records. The album peaked at #168 on the Billboard 200 and #32 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The first single from the album, "Don't Go" peaked at #17 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

Two more singles: "I Want to Know Your Name" and "Let's Go Out" were released, but didn't make the charts at all.

In 1984, the band released their follow-up album, "Contact" which peaked at #45 on Billboard's R&B Album chart.

The first single from the album, "I Promise (I Do Love You)" peaked at #106 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #45 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The title song was released as a follow-up single, but didn't chart at all. After that, it seems as if Dreamboy has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see a fan-made video for "I Promise (I Do Love You)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JueoDMvlWa4

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Go," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HVCt_OOq5s

To see a fan-made video for "Contact," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgQNNk3H_-A

To see a fan-made video for "Let's Go Out," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wCRrF7y1Gg

[updated on 02/23/13]

Pajama Party

Pajama Party was a freestyle\dance music group from the late '80s put together by Peggy Sendars and Jim Klein.

The original line-up consisted of members Daphne Rubin-Vega, Jennifer McQuilkin and Suzi Ranta. Jennifer and Suzi were replaced with new members Lynn Critelli and Amanda Homi while working on their second single.

In 1989, the group released their first album, "Up All Night" on Atlantic Records. The album didn't appear to chart on the Billboard 200. During the release of their debut album, Amanda was replaced with Marialisa Constanzo (who was a dancer on Club MTV.)

The group released their first single, "Yo No Se" which peaked at #75 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of 1989,  #34 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in March of 1989, and #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. The group was the first female music act to release a Freestyle song in Spanish.

The group's second single, "Over and Over" became their most successful dance hit, peaking at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1989, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #26 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in December of 1989.

In 1990, the group's third single, "Hide and Seek" peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1990, #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in April of 1990, and #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

A promotional single, "Living Inside Your Love" was released, but didn't chart. With Pajama Party becoming a hit on the dance charts, they were touring with other musical acts such as Sweet Sensation, Brenda K. Starr, George Lamond, Linear and New Kids on the Block.

In 1991, the group released their second album, "Can't Live Without it." It's unknown how or if the album made the charts at all, but it wasn't as successful as their first album.

In 1992, the group disbanded and faded into obscurity. Despite their breakup, the members of Pajama Party have still continued to work in the entertainment business.

Daphne became a successful solo dance musician and actress. She is currently with a rock band called DRV.

Jennifer and Suzi continued to work with music. Amanda and Marialisa also became actresses.

In 2000, a new version of Pajama Party consisting of original member Marialisa and two new members, Janine and Johanna (also known as Freestyle musician Lil' Johanna) performed at a celebration in honor of Fever Records' Sal Abbeteillo. The group performed the classics and also worked on new material.

These days, Lynn Critelli is the lead vocalist for a band called The Mystic. Amanda Homi is an independent musician who currently performs under the name "Drumgirl."

Jennifer McQuilkin works as a singer\songwriter. Marialisa Costanzo is married with two children. Daphne continues to act on stage and record & release music.

To see Amanda Homi (Drumgirl)'s website, go to:
http://www.drumgirl.com/index.html

To see Daphne Rubin-Vega's website, go to:
http://www.daphnerubin-vega.com/

To see the music video for "Yo No Se," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcngh8Srmrw

To see the music video for "Hide and Seek," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgUgyq9P4mA


[Updated on 04\03\12]

Company B

Company B are a dance\pop trio that was formed in 1986 by producer Ish "Angel" Ledesma. They were known for their platinum wigs which became a part of their image.

The original line-up consisted of Lori Ledesma, Charlotte McKinnon and Susan Johnson, but Charlotte was replaced by Lezlee Livrano.

During that same year, the trio released their debut single, "Fascinated" on an independent record label called The Summer.

The song created so much buzz in Miami clubs which soon made its way to local radio stations which led to the single being picked up by Atlantic Records.

Due to a much wider distribution thanks to major record label backing, "Fascinated" topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for 4 weeks in March of 1987.

It also topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and crossed over to pop radio, peaking at #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 1987.

It received significant radio and club airplay in all major cities throughout the United States. The song is regarded a freestyle\dance music classic.

During that same year, Company B. released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #143 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Their second single, "Full Circle" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in September of 1987 and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The third single from the album, "Perfect Lover" peaked at #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in February of 1988 and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart for the third time.

The last single released from the album, "Signed in Your Book of Love" peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in July of 1988.

Susan was replaced by new member Sheena and later, Lezlee & Sheena were replaced by newcomers Donna Huntley and Julie Marie.

In 1989, Company B. released their second album, "Gotta Dance" which didn't appear to make the Billboard 200.

The trio changed their image by getting rid of their white wigs and the Latin-flavored rhythms that were on their previous album were gone as well.

The first single, "You Stole My Heart" failed to chart. The follow-up single "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (a cover version of the Andrews Sisters song) also failed to chart as well.

In 1990, Company B. released the single, "Goddess of Love" which failed to make the Billboard charts at all.

In 1996, they released two albums: "Jam on Me" and "3" which didn't appear to chart. "Jam on Me" recycled a few songs from their debut album including the song "Jam on Me" which included additional lyrics.

In 1998, they released a fifth album, "Irresistible" which also flopped.

According to the group's MySpace page, Company B started performing again in 2006 with the line-up consisting of members Charlotte, Susan, and new member Rachel Leslie. They performed at the Freestyle Explosion concert.

To see Company B's MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/158527177

To see the music video for "Fascinated," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b-6ksMdkrU

To see a video of Company B. performing "Full Circle" on Club MTV, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUuN2enIOYI

To see the music video for "Perfect Lover," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIQ090mouLk

To see a fan-made video for "Signed In Your Book of Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97eWPrwQGa0

To see the music video for "You Stole My Heart," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBkwx2rj__o

[Updated on 04\03\12]

Georgio

Singer\multi-instrumentalist Georgio (born Georgio Allentini in 1966 in San Francisco, California) was a singer\multi-instrumentalist in the late 80s/early 90s. His mother was a saleswoman at Macy's and his father was a Navy petty officer.

His mainstream music career came to a halt because he was being a bigshot and criticizing Prince & Michael Jackson (which in my opinion was not a smart move).

In 1987, Georgio released his first album, "Sexappeal" on Motown Records, peaking at #117 on the Billboard 200 and #27 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #16 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The second single from the album, "Tina Cherry" peaked at #96 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 18 weeks), and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in August of 1987.

The third single from the album, "Lovers Lane" peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, and #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Bedrock" peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

In 1988, Georgio released his self-titled second album, which peaked at #55 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart, but failed to peak on the Billboard 200.

The only single to chart was "I Don't Want 2 Be Alone" which peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

In 1991, Georgio released his last album to date, "Rollin'" on RCA Records, but it failed to make any of the Billboard album charts at all.

The first single, the title song peaked at #35 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single, "This Time" which peaked at a low #70 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

After that, he faded away from the music scene, possibly because his "inflated ego" and verbal attacks on Prince & Michael Jackson turned disc jockeys off.

In 2003, Georgio made the transition from musician to filmmaker with the release of "Tapped Out" (that he wrote, co-produced, co-directed, and composed the music for the soundtrack) which starred Coolio, Alex Avant, and Jimmy Bridges.

Georgio also worked at MIG Records. He is married to actress Kelly Jo Minter and has a son with her named Georgio Jr.

These days, it's unknown what Georgio is up and has seemed to have faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Sexappeal," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8I58EtRMNk

To see the music video for "Tina Cherry," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-tU_afSNok

To see the music video for "Lovers Lane," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miplh_BETBc

To see a fan-made video for "Bedrock," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Cep1_XVaM

To see a fan-made video for "I Don't Want 2 Be Alone," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSD-XUXi4I

To see a fan-made video for "Rollin'," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJkMx1MCQQw

[updated on 02/23/13]

Jaya ("The Fillipina Queen of Soul")

Jaya (born Maria Luisa Ramsey on March 21, 1969 in Manila, Philippines) is a Filipino soul singer, actress, record producer and presenter.  Her stage name was given to her by her American music producer after she signed a record deal in the United States.

While she is quite well-known in the Philippines, in the United States during the late '80s\early '90s, she was well-known as a freestyle\dance music singer & becoming the first Filipino recording artist to chart in the United States.

She is the daughter of singer & comedian Elizabeth Ramsey and Reynaldo Kagahastian. Her parents separated when she was a young girl and her father migrated to the United States where he now resides in Canada.

Jaya first started out in show business when she was 10 years old as a backup dancer for her mother. She was also the undefeated champion while singing on the GMA Network noontime variety show "Student Canteen" and later joined the Opera House.

In 1982, Jaya began performing under the name "Louise Ramsey". In 1985, she moved to the United States with her mother where they lived in different cities in California. She attended John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, California.

After completing high school, Jaya ran away from home and moved to New York with a friend where she landed a job as a backup vocalist for freestyle\dance music singer Stevie B's group of musicians.

After spending a year in New York, Jaya moved to Florida where she was given the opportunity to complete an album that had already been started by another artist. In February of 1989, she signed a record deal with LMR Records.

During that same year, Jaya released her self-titled debut album. It's unknown how or if the album made the Billboard charts at all.

Her debut single "If You Leave Me Now" first became a hit in the dance clubs and was subsequently released to Top 40 radio where it managed to peak at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February of 1990 for a total of 26 weeks (which was an unusually long chart run for a single that peaked outside of the Top 40), making it her only highest charting song in the United States to date.

It also peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and was a Top 20 hit on dance-pop radio stations in large area markets such as New York City , San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.

The success of the single gave Jaya the opportunity to work across the United States with artists such as Milli Vanilli, James Ingram, the Jets and MC Hammer.

Her follow-up single, "One Kiss Per Minute" peaked at #36 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in December of 1990, but missed the Hot 100. After living in Florida for four years, Jaya moved back to California to be closer to her mother where she continued to perform music for the next few years, primarily in the Filipino community.

In 1995, Jaya returned to the Philippines where she signed a record deal with Viva Records and completed her first local album (five of the songs were recorded in the U.S. while the rest were recorded in the Philippines). The album reached multi platinum status, selling more than 360,000+ copies in the Philippines.

In 1997, she released her third album "In the Raw" which was given multi-platinum status, selling over 200,000 copies in the Philippines. She also won as Best Interpreter at the Asia Song Festival held in Hong Kong in February 1997 for her rendition of the song "You Lift Me Up".

In 1998, Jaya released her fourth album (and first Christmas album) "Kung Kailan Pasko" which was certified Gold, selling over 20,000 copies in the Philippines.

During that same year, Jaya married musician Andrew Buffington (whom she met in 1995). They divorced after three years of marriage.  In 1999, she performed in the musical "Rama at Sita" and also released her fifth studio album "Honesty."

In 2001, Jaya released her sixth album "Unleashed" which was certified gold and sold over 20,000 copies in the Philippines. During that same year, she released her first live album "Jaya: Live at the Araneta."

In 2005 (after taking a four-year hiatus from the music scene), she released her seventh album "Fall in Love Again."

Two years later in 2007, she released her eighth album "Cool Change" under her new record label, GMA Records which featured cover versions of international songs by artists such as Chaka KHan and Donna Summer. It was later certified platinum.

In 2009, Jaya released her ninth album "Real Love Stories" which contains cover versions of love songs sung by artists such as Toni Braxton, Vanessa Williams & the late Phyllis Hyman.

She was also part of the Kaya Natin Ito single CD which was a project that helped the victims of the tropical storm Ondoy. From October 2009 to March of 2010, she was the host of a Philippine game show called "BandaOke."

In March of 2010, Jaya starred in her first television soap opera on the GMA Network series "Diva" and was also the main presenter of the GMA-7 variety show "Party Pilipinas." Her other television credits include Philippine shows such as "Biritera," "Dwarfina," "Bantatay" and "Kaya ng Powers."

In September of 2010, she won the award for "Best Female Vocal Performance" at the 23rd Awit Awards for the song "Hiding Inside Myself."

In 2011, Jaya released her tenth (and latest to date) album "All Souled Out" which contains cover versions of classic R&B and jazz songs. She was also one of the judges on the GMA Network musical variety show "Sunday All Stars."

These days, Jaya continues to be an active performer in music & television in the Philippines. She is also a married mother of two children as well.

To see Jaya's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/jayaramseyofficial

To follow Jaya on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/jayasoul

To see the music video for "Shadow Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyflOY2r-Cg

To see a fan-made video for "If You Leave Me Now," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JmKYsVpSMc

To see a fan-made video for "One Kiss Per Minute," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwm210VvKE

To see a fan-made video for "You Lift Me Up," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKLjDrrSVds

To see the music video for "Hiding Inside Myself," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfDDOfB68FY


[updated on September 22, 2017]