Sybil

Sybil (born Sybil Lynch on June 2, 1965 in Paterson, New Jersey) is a female dance/R&B singer from the 80s and 90s.

In 1987, Sybil released her debut album, "Let Yourself Go" which peaked at #92 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single, "Falling in Love" peaked at #29 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart. In the U.K., the song peaked at #68 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

The title song peaked at #41 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #46 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #32 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The third single, "My Love is Guaranteed" peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #54 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #42 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "Can't Wait (On Tomorrow)" peaked at #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #49 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, and #90 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

In 1989, Sybil released her self-titled second album, which peaked at #75 on the Billboard 200 and #12 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. In the U.K., the album (under the name "Walk on By") peaked at #21 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single from the album, a cover version of Dionne Warwick's "Don't Make Me Over" which peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 25 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #19 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single, "All Through the Night" peaked at #84 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week.

The third single, a cover version of Dionne Warwick's "Walk on By" peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100, #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #6 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The fourth single, "Crazy 4 You" featuring Salt-N-Pepa, peaked at #45 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #19 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #71 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "I Wanna Be Where You Are" peaked at #86 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

In 1990, Sybil released her third album, "Sybilization" which peaked at #70 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Make it Easy on Me" peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #99 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single, "Go On" peaked at #78 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1993, Sybil released her fourth album, "Doin' It Now!" (or the U.K. title, "Good N' Ready") which peaked at #13 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single, "The Love I Lost" featuring music act, West Side, peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. In the U.K., the song peaked at #3 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The second single, "You're The Love Of My Life" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100, #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, and #37 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The third single, "When I'm Good and Ready" peaked at #5 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The fourth single, "Beyond Your Wildest Dreams" peaked at #41 on the U.K. Singles chart and #90 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

The last single, "Stronger Together" peaked at #41 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 2 weeks.

Sybil released a remixed version of  "My Love is Guaranteed" which peaked at #48 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week.

In 1996, Sybil released the single, "So Tired of Being Alone" which peaked at #53 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week.

In 1997, Sybil released her latest studio album to date, "Still a Thrill." It's unknown how or if the album charted at all.

The title song managed to peak at #55 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week. The follow-up single, "Why" didn't chart at all.

In 2002, Sybil was featured on Blaze's single, "When I Fall in Love" which managed to peak at #22 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/House Singles chart. In 2005, Sybil appeared on the UK series, "Hit Me Baby One More Time."

Sybil released two singles in 2006: "Don't Give Up" and "It's Too Late," but it's unknown how they charted.

In 2008, Sybil released the single, "Shining Star" which was a moderate hit on the dance charts, but it's unknown how it charted.

In 2009, Sybil released the single, "Stronger (Don't Look Back)." Today, it appears she is still active in the music business.

To see the music video for "Don't Make Me Over," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvb6ovTNQPk

To see the music video for "Walk on By," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdKdOrHshCo

To see the music video for "Crazy 4 U," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzwXP45dHBI

To see the music video for "Make it Easy On Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYqVoHhuQJs

To see the music video for "The Love I Lost," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcxw__55hXw

To see the music video for "You're the Love Of My Life," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibX7zIy7m0c

To see the music video for "Beyond Your Wildest Dreams," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVH9s5pToho

To see the music video for "Stronger Together," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8xAvfG9iwM


[updated on 03/23/13]

Tawatha

Tawatha (born Tawatha Agee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a female singer/songwriter known for singing with R&B group, Mtume and writing a verse on their hit song, "Juicy Fruit."

In 1987, Tawatha released her only solo album, "Welcome to My Dream" on Epic Records which peaked at #34 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The album was produced by James Mtume, Ed Moore (who was also a member of Mtume), and James Batton.

The first single from the album, "Thigh Ride" peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The second single, "Did I Dream You" peaked at #50 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single released from the album, "Are You Serious" peaked at #46 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

Tawatha has recorded with artists such as Bruce Fisher, Cabo Frio, the Heath Brothers, David Sanborn, BB&Q, Levert, Kashif, Keni Burke, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, Roxy Music, Rena Scott, Celine Dion, R. Kelly, Sting, the O'Jays, David Bowie, and Jewel.

It's currently unknown what Tawatha is up to these days and it seems as if she has faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Did I Dream You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEE27uOH6ZM

To see a fan-made video for "Thigh High," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcw7WcKo0Us

To see a fan-made video for "Are You Serious," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0PnUwx5io


[updated on 03/23/13]

Shannon (My 100th Entry!)

Before I start, I would like to announce that this is the 100th entry on the "Rare & Obscure Music" blog. I hope you like it!!

Shannon (born Shannon Brenda Greene on May 2, 1958 in Washington, D.C.) is a female dance\freestyle singer from the 80's.

During the spring of 1983, she attended York College and also toured with the New York Jazz Ensemble. An associate of music production team, Mark Liggett and Chris Barbosa noticed her singing with a live band in her cousin's studio and thought that she was just the ticket for what Liggett & Barbosa were looking for.

Shannon auditioned for Liggett & Barbosa and they liked her voice so much, they showed her the song, "Fire & Ice" (which would later become her signature hit, "Let the Music Play.")

In July of 1983, Shannon's first single, "Let the Music Play" was released and she was invited back to lay down more songs for Barbosa & Liggett.

The song became an instant hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February of 1984, #2 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 25 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for 6 weeks.

It is known as one of the first Latin Freestyle songs. The song also charted in the U.K., peaking at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In February of 1984, Shannon released her debut album, "Let the Music Play" on Mirage Records. The album peaked at #32 on the Billboard 200 and #11 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. It sold over 8 million copies worldwide and is considered the first historical freestyle music album.
Shannon's second single, "Give Me Tonight" became another dance hit, peaking at #1 again on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart for 2 weeks.

The song also peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1984 and #6 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. Billboard Magazine noted it as the "best song of the year."

The third single from Shannon's debut album, "My Heart's Divided" peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #48 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The final single from the album, "Sweet Somebody" charted at #25 on the U.K. Singles chart and #46 on the German Singles chart, but failed to chart on the U.S. charts.

In May of 1985, Shannon released her sophomore album, "Do You Wanna Get Away" which peaked at #92 on the Billboard 200 and #39 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #49 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1985, #13 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in June of 1985, and topped the dance charts for 2 weeks.

The second single from Shannon's second album, "Stronger Together" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The third single from the album, a cover version of Foreigner's song, "Urgent" peaked at #68 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

Another single, "Stop the Noise" failed to chart on the Billboard charts at all. Shannon's sophomore effort didn't reach the success of her debut album.

In 1986, Shannon released her third album, "Love Goes All the Way" which failed to make the Billboard album charts at all.

The only single that managed to chart was "Prove Me Right" which peaked at #82 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

Due to politics with Atlantic Records, she asked to be released from her record contract in 1987, but not without releasing one more single, "Criminal" for the "Fatal Beauty" movie soundtrack. After that, it seemed that Shannon had faded into obscurity for a while.

During the 90s, VH1 paid homage to Shannon by spotlighting her on their "One Hit Wonders" series and "Entertainment Tonight" taped a one-hour special about her life.

In 1998, she co-wrote and was featured on Les Rythmes Digitales' song, "Take a Little Time." Shannon was also featured on tracks with artists such as Afrika Bambaataa, Todd Terry, and Sash!

In 2000, Shannon released her fourth album, "The Best is Yet to Come." A remix of "Give Me Tonight" was featured on the album and charted at #1 on Billboard's dance charts again.

A remix of "Let the Music Play" was also on the album and peaked at #32 on Billboard's dance charts.

In November of 2004, Shannon's greatest hits album was released. In April of 2006, she was part of the Freestyle Extranvaganza concert with such Freestyle music acts like Cynthia, Judy Torres, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, George Lamond, and Stevie B.

In 2007, she released her fifth album, "A Beauty Returns" on Diggin4Brown Records. These days, Shannon continues to perform shows around the world and is a voting member of the Grammys.

To see the music video for "Let The Music Play," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB_dYLTHsPA

To see the music video for "Give Me Tonight," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrzX8rIwZUw

To see a fan-made video for "My Heart's Divided," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-LGD1sfQSg

To see a fan-made video for "Sweet Somebody," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3qVDSeMZKQ

To see the music video for "Do You Wanna Get Away," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_MFGj-CdQ4

To see a fan-made video for "Stronger Together," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Vsibjikgw

To see a fan-made video for "Urgent," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbJ37L0m7jY

To see a fan-made video for "Prove Me Right," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYOQZqVquT4


[updated on 09\08\12]

Milira

Milira (born Milira Jones on September 27, 1969 in Hollis, New York) is a female R&B singer from the '90s. Her mother and aunt were members of the Wilsonettes (who were backup singers for the late Jackie Wilson).

Milira started singing in church at a young age and by the time she was 11 years old, she was a back-up singer for various gospel groups in studio sessions.

In the late 80s, she won a singing contest at the Apollo Theater which lead to a recording contract with the Motown Records-distributed label, Apollo Records. Jheryl Busby (who was known for working with R&B group, the Boys) dubbed her "the 19-year-old Sarah Vaughn."

In 1990, Milira released her self-titled debut album, which peaked at #29 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, a cover version of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" which peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Go Outside in the Rain" peaked at #36 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

In 1992, Milira released her sophomore album, "Back Again!!!" which peaked at #81 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #29 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.

The first single, "One Man Woman" peaked at #45 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, "Three's a Crowd" peaked at #94 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

In 2000, Milira released her third album, "Solutions" which didn't generate a lot of success on the charts. After leaving the music biz, she became a high school teacher in New York, but retired after sustaining severe injuries in a motorcycle accident.

These days, she works as a real estate investor in North & South Carolina along with writing & producing for an upcoming album which is yet to be released.

To see the music video for "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JycWJAa-DCs

To see the music video for "Go Outside in the Rain," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fItHQUvNm-I

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

To see a fan-made video for "Three's a Crowd," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhxwS24UNDA


[updated on 03/23/13]

April

April (born April Kelly) is a former freestyle\dancer from the late 80's\early 90's. As a child, she performed in a few off-Broadway productions and shows throughout the New York area.

During high school, April recorded a demo for a producer which caught the attention of the Metropolitan Recording Corporation record label.

In 1987, she released her first single, "Special Love" which didn't make the Billboard music charts at all.

In 1989, April released her second single, "Right on Time" which didn't appear to make the Billboard charts at all.

In 1990, April released her third single, "Someone to Hold" which peaked at #50 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

A year later, April released her debut album, "Magical" which didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 chart.

The fourth single, "You're the One For Me" managed to peak at #55 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart.

Two more singles: "Losing My Heart Over You" and "Bring Back the Lover" were released, but didn't make the charts. April toured the country for 3 years. In 1993, April started a band called Band of Gold.

These days, April and the band continues to perform at various events. She also continues to be active in the music business as a songwriter, music producer, does vocal recording & is skilled as a Pro Tools session engineer.

To see April's official website, go to:

http://www.aprilkellymusic.com

To see a fan-made video for "Special Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v4LAiK4Vy4

To see a fan-made video for "Right on Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUY_IWlGl-8

To see a video of April performing "Someone to Hold" on "Dance Party USA," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qENIqR6r5yw

To see a fan-made video for "You're The One For Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXELcD2gg-U

To see a fan-made video for "Losing My Heart Over You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=famFqVUqH6o

To see a fan-made video for "Bring Back the Lover," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVtHdyVzzns


[updated on 04\14\2016]

A Message From the Music Know-It-All

Hello, music fans!!

Sorry I'm late updating the blog, but I have been real busy looking up more information for my blog. I promise that I will try to update the blog as much as I can and keep viewing my previous entries. Feel free to leave some of those great, positive messages that I've been receiving on my blog.

FYI, I am almost close to my 100th post. I don't know what will be the lucky number 100th post on this blog, but I will keep you all posted on this.

Enjoy the blog!!

Sincerely,
The Music Know-It-All

Nu Shooz

Nu Shooz was a dance music group consisting of husband & wife duo, John Smith and Valerie Day from Portland, Oregon which formed in 1979. The original band consisted of four members, but by 1980, it expanded to 12 members including 4 horns and 3 backup singers known as the I-Lets.

In 1981, Nu Shooz was down to 9 members and a year later, they released the album, "Can't Turn it Off" on Nebula Circle Records, which didn't appear to make much impact on the charts. By 1983, Valerie became the lead singer of Nu Shooz.

In April of 1985, they recorded the 5-song EP, "Tha's Right" and acting on a dare from local music writer, Gary Bryan of Portland, Oregon radio station, KKRZ, he put their song, "I Can't Wait" on the radio and it received strong and immediate attention.

By the end of the year, "I Can't Wait" became a regional hit, but when the song was remixed by Dutch DJ Pieder Slaghuis, the song's success took off, Atlantic Records signed Nu Shooz to the label in January 1986 and released the single a month later.

"I Can't Wait" peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 24 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks.

The song also topped the charts in Canada for a week in July of 1986 and was also successful in the U.K., Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Austria, and France.

In May of that same year, Nu Shooz released their first album on a major record label, "Poolside" which peaked at #27 on the Billboard 200 and #18 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The follow-up single, "Point of No Return" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, #36 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks, and topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in September of 1986.

The song was also moderately successful in Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, and the U.K., where it peaked at #48 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "Don't Let Me Be the One" peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

"Poolside" was certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 units and Nu Shooz was nominated for a Grammy in 1987 for "Best New Artist."

In 1988, Nu Shooz released their second album, "Told U So" which peaked at #93 on the Billboard 200 and #49 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Should I Say Yes?" peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, "Are You Lookin' For Somebody Nu" peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

In 1992, Nu Shooz released the single, "Time Will Tell" which was supposed to be from their third album on Atlantic Records, "Eat & Run," but the album ended up being shelved.

Nu Shooz was dropped from Atlantic Records and John disbanded the group stating that it wasn't fun anymore. After that, it seemed as if Nu Shooz faded into obscurity. During the late 90s, Valerie was a part of the Woody Hite Big Band. In 2005, she recorded duets with pianist Tom Grant.

In 2006, Nu Shooz recorded a chamber-jazz version of "I Can't Wait" and released the single, "I Can't Wait-Unplugged." A year later, John and Valerie reformed the group as the Nu Shooz Orchestra.

In 2010, they released a new album, "Pandora's Box" along with a music video entitled "Spy Vs. Spy."

In 2012, Nu Shooz released their latest album, "Kung Pao Kitchen" which is available on CD Baby, Amazon.com, and iTunes.

In addition to music, John Smith dabbles in art and literature. Since the '90s, he has written music for various commercials and scored many independent films. He is also a frequent musical contributor to a dance company called BodyVox.

John is also working on a graphic novel series, "Evolution: The Mutant Chronicles" with his son Malcolm.

Valerie Day is working on a multimedia project with jazz pianist, Darrell Grant called "Brain Chemistry For Lovers." These days, Nu Shooz continues to perform.

To see Nu Shooz's official website, go to:
http://www.nushoozmusic.com/

To see John Smith's website, go to:
http://www.malcocreative.com/

To see Valerie Day's website, go to:
http://www.valeriedaysings.com/

To see the music video for "I Can't Wait," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZrGEriC_fo

To see the music video for "Point of No Return," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wqxHThRgsA

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Let Me Be The One," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muL2s_98_f8

To see the music video for "Should I Say Yes?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bCCR3jiG7E

To see a fan-made video for "Are You Looking For Somebody Nu?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFx9U8Qtceg

To see a fan-made video for "Time Will Tell," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gwZoj07RDU


[updated on 03/23/13]