Chris Bender

Chris Bender (born Christopher Lamont Bender on August 2, 1972 in Boston, Massachusetts) was another young, talented R&B singer whose up & coming career came to a terrible end. He grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts and later lived in Waltham, Massachusetts.

When he was 16 years old, Chris recorded his first album, "Baby Doll" on Epic Records, but the album was never released.  

According to his manager, Terryl L. Calloway, the album didn't sell and the video was never released. The only single released from the album was "Baby Girl." Despite that, Chris went on to secure a $500,000 contract with EastWest Records and signed a seven-album contract, but unfortunately only one album was released.

In 1991, he released his second album "Draped" which peaked at #92 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

His first single "I Knew" peaked at #43 on Billboard's R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks, becoming his only highest chart appearance.

The follow-up single "That's Not the Way" peaked at #68 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

Sadly on November 3, 1991 at 2:17 a.m., Chris was shot & killed in Brockton, Masschusetts while sitting in a car outside of the housing project where his mother resided. He was only 19 years old.

His assailant, Eroy Kindell was convicted of second-degree murder and has since been recently released from prison while his accomplice  Stephen "Sticks" Fernandes was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Chris Bender was a young, talented singer whose career was cut short by a terrible tragedy. He will never be forgotten.

To see a fan-made video for "Baby Girl," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEay47ioEF4

To see the music video for "I Knew," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOhze3v7nPk

To see a fan-made video for "That's Not the Way," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRCiIxEgwJ0




[updated on 05\30\13]

Ephraim Lewis

Ephraim Lewis (born in 1968 in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England) was a neo-soul\R&B singer who was pursuing his dreams of stardom, but a terrible tragedy cut this talented young singer's career short.

In his early years, Ephraim was part of a small group called The Lewis Five which featured his brothers.  In 1984, his mother died of a brain hemorrhage and by the time he was 16 years old, he was out of the house, living on his own.

In 1990, he met two music producers, Kevin Bacon and Jonathon Quarmby who noticed his talents and helped him out with his music career. In 1992, he signed to Elektra Records.
In April of that same year, Ephraim released his debut album "Skin" which peaked at #32 on Billboard's Heatseekers albums chart.

The first single "It Can't Be Forever" peaked at #66 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The follow-up single "Drowning in Your Eyes" which became his only biggest hit to date, peaking at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100, #12 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart and #80 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

On March 18, 1994, Ephraim was sent to Los Angeles, California to work with composer Glen Ballard and was heading for home, but unfortunately, he never got there. He died from what was originally ruled as a suicide, but a coroner ruled his death as a jump from a fourth floor balcony. He was only 26 years old.

The events that happened on the day of Ephraim's death are not quite certain. Reports say that he was on a metamphetamines binge which caused him to act psychotic or that somebody slipped him a hallucinogenic drug into his beverage at a club.

Whatever happened on that day, it caused Ephraim to act out in a strange way as he climbed on the balcony naked from his room to the top floor and either fell or jumped from it. After he fell, he smashed his head into the pavement, rendering him brain dead. Another report is that Ephraim fell over the balcony after police tasers were aimed at him.

The cause of Ephraim's death still remains controversial today. A month after his death, Ephraim's body was transported and buried in his hometown of England.

This young talented singer had his career cut short and who knows how far Ephraim's career would've gone to, but his short-lived fame will never be forgotten.

To see the music video for "Drowning in Your Eyes," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEQp6KkmegU

To see the music video for "It Can't Be Forever," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W2MTdjUgTg




[updated on 05/30\13]

Guys Next Door

Guys Next Door were a pop group from the early 90s that not only had a record deal, but their own television show on NBC as part of the Saturday morning lineup.

The group consisted of Patrick Dancy (born on July 18, 1970 in Long Island, New York), Damon Sharpe (born on July 10, 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio), Eddie Garcia (born on August 11, 1969 in Los Angeles, California), Bobby Leslie (born Robert Leslie on July 9, 1972 in New York) and Chris Wolfe (born Christopher Wolfe on May 8, 1971 in Scio, Oregon).
In 1990, Guys Next Door's television show premiered on NBC which became moderately successful. In the same year, the group released their self-titled debut album.The group scored a minor pop hit with the song "I've Been Waiting For You" peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A promo single  "I Was Made For You" was released, but didn't chart. Guys Next Door became quite popular, having their own dolls, board game, lunchbox and even their own fanclub.

By 1991, the group's TV show came to an end and it seemed that the members of the group had went their separate ways.

Bobby & Chris dropped out of the public eye, Patrick continued to be active in acting and Eddie also acts & is a choreographer.

Damon Sharpe is a Grammy-award winning music producer/songwriter who has worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, Kylie Minogue, Big Time Rush, Anastacia, Monica and New Boyz.

To see the music video for "I've Been Waiting For You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSArFJxfCeU

To see the music video for "I Was Made For You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni8lBcthHZk


[updated on 05/29/13]

Damian Dame

Damian Dame were a male/female R&B duo from the '90s that consisted of Deah Dame (born Debra Jean Hurd on September 20, 1958 in Houston Texas) and Damian (born Bruce Edward Broadus on September 13, 1966 in Marshall, Michigan). They had moderate success, but their careers were sadly cut short.

Deah started singing at a young age and when she was 18 years old, she toured with her older sister and brother-in-law's band. In 1983, she released her self-titled solo album on Geffen Records. She also provided vocals on artists' albums such as Babyface, Karyn White, The Deele and Shalamar.

Damian taught himself how to play the piano when he was 9 years old and by the time he was 16, he was already playing in clubs in Kalamazoo. He was a member of a group called Shy Boy and had his own production company, K-Zoo.

Originally, Deah was going to be a solo music act, but after Damian heard her voice on a demo tape from another musician, he wanted to sing with her. A year after the pair met in Los Angeles, they signed a record deal with LaFace Records, moved to Georgia and formed Damian Dame.
In 1991, Damian Dame released their only self-titled album which peaked at #21 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The duo's first single "Exclusivity" peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #45 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #34 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and topped Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart for 2 weeks in July of 1991, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

Their second single "Right Down To It" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.
The last single from the album "Gotta Learn My Rhythm" peaked at #34 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #20 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

On June 27, 1994 (just as the duo was planning a follow-up album), Deah passed away in a car accident at the age of 35. Donations in her memory were given to the United Negro College Fund. She is survived by her parents, brothers & sisters.
In 1995, Damian released his only solo album "Damian 199sex" which was dedicated to Deah Dame. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted at all.

On June 27, 1996, he passed away from colon cancer at the age of 29 (ironically two years after Deah's death). Damian is survived by his wife Carol Morrow, a daughter named Sky (who was featured on MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen)" and a son named Dominic Dixon.

Damian Dame had a good, moderately successful music career and were set to be one of L.A. Reid and Babyface's top music acts. They will never be forgotten.

To see the music video for "Exclusivity," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cGO_AoQEBA

To see the music video for "Right Down To It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35pGfLR14hs

To see the music video for "Gotta Learn My Rhythm," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB7JwskpifM


[updated on 05\29\13]

Ta Mara & The Seen

Ta Mara & The Seen were an R&B/dance group from Minneapolis, Minnesota that consisted of lead singer Margaret "Ta Mara" Cox (born in Kenitra, Morocco), bassist Keith Woodson, guitarist Oliver Leiber (the son of songwriter Jerry Leiber), keyboardist Gina Fellicetta and drummer Jamie Chez.

Margaret moved from Morocco to Minneapolis, Minnesota when she was seven years old where she learned to play several instruments such as the piano, guitar and drums. In the 9th grade, she formed her first band, Split Rock. In 1976, she was a member of the house band at the Mermaid Supper Club, Sweet Thing.

In 1979, Margaret joined a band from St. Paul, Minnesota called Raggs and a year later, she joined the Doug Maynard Band who toured with singer Bonnie Raitt. After returning from tour, the group formed the T.C. Jammers. she provided vocals on Lipps Inc.'s last album and later joined bands such as Inside Straight & Metropolis.

During the early '80s, Ta Mara & The Seen caught the attention of former Time guitarist Jesse Johnson (who changed Margaret's name to "Ta Mara") and got the band a record deal with A&M Records.

In 1985, the band released their debut album which peaked at #72 on the Billboard 200 and #50 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The album was produced by Jesse himself.

The first single "Everybody Dance" became the band's only pop hit, peaking at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

 

The second single from the album "Affecttion" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The last single from the album "Thinking About You" peaked at #85 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.

In 1988, Ta Mara & The Seen released their sophomore album "Blueberry Gossip." which was a commercial flop, failing to chart at all on the Billboard 200 or R&B albums chart.

The only single to chart was the title song which managed to peak at #54 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks. After that, the band was dropped from their record label and disbanded in 1989.

Margaret and Jesse Johnson wrote the song "I Need You" which ended up on Paula Abdul's debut album, "Forever Your Girl," but according to Margaret, she never got a penny from it.

In 1990, Margaret began working with Prince under the name "Margie Cox" when he formed a new band called MC Flash. She recorded 25 songs written by Prince for a planned album, but it was never released.

The song "Standing at The Altar" was released as a single and appeared on Prince's 1994 compliation album "1-800-NEW-FUNK."

Margaret later founded the band, Dr. Mambo's Combo. They play at Bunker's in downtown Minneapolis every Sunday and Monday night. In 2003, she released her solo album, "Margie's Little Demo" which is available on CD Baby.

These days, Margaret continues to be active in the music business. She still performs with Dr. Mambo's Combo and is currently in the band, the R-Factor.

Keith Woodson (now Keith Woodson Cox) is the executive producer, songwriter, engineer and musician for BigFace Films Studios West.

Oliver Leiber is still active in the music business as a songwriter & producer. It is unknown what  Gina Fellicetta and Jamie Chez are up to today.

To see a fan-made video for "Everybody Dance," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09kFTN23jMU

To see the music video for "Affecttion," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqpNMX09LTw

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

To see a fan-made video for "Thinking About You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdlK2WB-29M


[updated on 05\29\13]

Angela

Angela (born Angela Cappelli) was a dance singer from the mid 80s. Not much information is given on her, but she was signed to Sutra Records.

In 1985, she released her only single, "All Hung Up" which peaked at #24 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart in 1985, staying on the charts for 6 weeks.

Angela provided backing vocals for artists such as Lenny White, Vaneese Thomas, Esther Phillips, Myleka, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Alvin Fields, Dee Edwards, the Michael Zager Band and Ronnie Dyson.

After that, Angela seemingly faded into obscurity, but according to a YouTube comment from 4 years ago, she sings jingles and background vocals on records, television and film.

To see a fan-made video for "All Hung Up," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeLjmzi8P0o


[updated on 05/29/13]

Jill

Jill (born Jill Minor) was a dance singer from the late 80's. Not much information is given on this singer, but she was signed to Paris International Records.

In 1986, Jill released her first single, "Match Made Up in Heaven" which peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Jill released two more singles: "Friendly Advice" and "Wait For Me" to no success and after that, she had seemingly faded into obscurity, but according to a comment I received from Jill herself:

"I didn't fade into obscurity, as much as I was totally scammed by the guys at Paris Interntnl! My name is Jill Minor and I recorded Match Made Up In Heaven, Ray Martinez and his producer, Jose Gonzales got into a dispute, probably about paying me, and I never saw a single dime from this record! they hired a girl named Terri to lip sync to MY voice and she is probably the one who recorded the other song, which is obviously Not my voice!

I'm glad so many people loved the song, I even rewrote some of the lyrics in the studio! I still live in south fla and so does the girl who pretended to be ME!

Hope this sheds a little light!"

To see a fan-made video for "Match Made Up in Heaven," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVHDIcstaVY

To see a fan-made video for "Friendly Advice," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILC85IVSZyU

To see a fan-made video for "Wait For Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXD7GnPV1QI


[updated on 05\29\13]

Shantelle

Shantelle (born in Miami, Florida) was a female R&B\dance singer from the 80s. Not much information is given about her.

In 1985, she released her first single, "Love Attack" on Pandisc Records, which peaked at #73 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks. The song featured backing vocals from the Rock Rangers.

In 1987, Shantelle released her second single, "The Glide" on Kooltrax Records which didn't appear to make the Billboard charts.

In 1988, Shantelle released her last single to date, "Crazy Over You" on Nuu Sunn Records, which flopped and after that, she had faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Love Attack," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg-7bluPKfw

To see a fan-made video for "The Glide," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7f_aZAHavQ


[updated on 05\28/13]

Laissez Faire

Laissez Faire was a freestyle music group from the early 90's that consisted of members Gina, Marlo, and Jennifer. The group was signed to Metropolitan Records.
In 1992, the group released their debut album, "Hands Off" which didn't appear to chart on the Billboard 200 album chart at all.

Laissez Faire scored their only pop hit with their first single, "In Paradise" which peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February of 1992 and #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The group released the singles, "After the Lovin'," "To Be in Your Arms," "Round & Round," and "Swept Away," but they failed to make the charts. After that, it seems as if Laissez Faire has faded into obscurity.

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

To see a fan-made video for "After the Lovin'," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSrWoI2L0DE

To see a fan-made video for "To Be in Your Arms," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUfMKnOXXIM

To see a fan-made video for "Round & Round," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhN5mV2AD_w

To see a fan-made video for "Swept Away," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOQT2qr18Jk



[updated on 09\08\12]

Cynthia Roundtree

Cynthia Roundtree was a freestyle musician from the mid-'80's. Not much information is noted on this talented singer.
In 1986, Cynthia released her first single "Got To Be Next You" which was released on Key Records. It is unknown how or if it ever charted at all.
A year later in 1987, Cynthia released her second single, "Ultimate Love" which was released on Cyntone Records.

She released another single "Stop Searching for Love" featuring Starquest. After that, nothing has been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made video for "Got To Be Next To You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Fk0SRNFqA

To see a fan-made video for "Ultimate Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBdrKY1gHrU

Olga

Olga was an freestyle/dance singer from the late 80s. Not much information is given about her, but she was a member of freestyle music group "& More."

In 1985, Olga released her debut single, "Universal Dancer." It's unknown how or if the single ever made the Billboard charts at all.

In 1986, she released her second single, "Play Another Song For Me" which managed to peak at #47 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Olga released three more singles: "I Won't Give It Away," "Power Play" and "It Happens Every Time" which didn't appear to make any impact on the charts. After that, it seems as if Olga has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see a video of Olga performing "Play Another Song For Me" live, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqDAUPRWjuQ

To see a fan-made video for "Universal Dancer," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAnpz8N7XZ0

To see a fan-made video for "Power Play," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fH8hl1CviY

To see a fan-made video for "It Happens Every Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vxy43fcylg


[updated on 05/28/13]