Vesta Williams

Vesta Williams (born Mary Vesta Williams on December 1, 1957 in Coshocton, Ohio) was an R&B singer from the '80s and '90s.

In her early years, she performed as a comedian and singer. Ron Townsend (a former member of R&B group, Fifth Dimension) put Vesta in his band, Wild Honey. Vesta became a studio singer for artists such as Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills and Gordon Lightfoot.
In 1986, she released her self-titled debut album on A&M Records. The album peaked at #43 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
Her first single "Once Bitten Twice Shy" peaked at #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #45 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #9 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The song also peaked at #14 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Vesta's second single "Something About You" peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #42 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #46 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The third single from the album "Don't Blow A Good Thang" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles chart, and #17 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. The song also peaked at #89 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album "You Make Me Wanna (Love Again)" peaked at #90 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

Vesta was featured on the "Soul Man" movie soundtrack with the song "Suddenly It's Magic" which managed to peak at #88 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1988, Vesta released her sophomore album "Vesta 4 U" peaked at #131 on the Billboard 200 chart and #26 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "Sweet Sweet Love" peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.

 

The second single, "4 U" peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single and Vesta's biggest hit to date, "Congratulations" peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 26 weeks.

The last single from the album, "How You Feel" peaked at #70 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. By the 90s, Vesta only went by her first name.

In 1991, Vesta released her third album, "Special" which peaked at #15 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Do Ya" peaked at #43 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1993, Vesta released her fourth album, "Everything-N-More" which peaked at #65 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The album was unsuccessful and the only single to chart was, "Always" which peaked at #44 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. Soon after, Vesta left A&M Records.

In 1998, Vesta released her fifth album, "Relationships" on Polygram Records. The album charted at #55 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #26 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.

A music video was made for the song, "Somebody For Me," but it's unknown how it charted. After that, she continued doing session work for artists such as George Duke, Howard Hewitt and Phil Perry.
In 2007, she released her sixth album, "Distant Lover" on Shanachie Records which consisted of cover songs by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye and Sade.

Sadly on September 22, 2011, Vesta was found deceased in a hotel room in El Segundo, California from hypertensive heart disease at the age of 53.

To see Vesta's official website, go to:
http://www.vestawilliams.com/

To see the music video for "Once Bitten Twice Shy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhhMLHJZVHc

To see the music video for "Something About You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0pWiJViZs

To see the music video for "Don't Blow a Good Thing," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUrVJ_BeC9s

To see a fan-made video for "You Make Me Want to (Love Again)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRGzh0bXv4

To see a fan-made video for "Suddenly It's Magic," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33HKrh4LX7Q

To see the music video for "Sweet Sweet Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoNXbU4jgMY

To see a fan-made video for "4 U," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BXWcDkEnw0

To see the music video for "Congratulations," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjheBSB-7_A

To see the music video for "How You Feel," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_DUWeZ6ZzQ

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

To see the music video for "Do Ya," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gk__5Ud0EY

To see a fan-made video for "Always," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWo3uhTZ_RI

To see the music video for "Somebody For Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHrR33lfGf8



[updated on 05\30\13]

Intro

Intro (which stands for Innovative New Talent Reaching Out) is an R&B group from Brooklyn, New York. The original lineup consisted of Kenny Greene, Jeff Sanders and Clinton "Buddy" Wake.
In 1993, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #65 on the Billboard 200 and #6 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "Love Thang!!!" peaked at #111 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #28 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The second single "Let Me Be The One" peaked at #112 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and  #23 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The third single and Intro's biggest hit to date "Come Inside" peaked at #33 on the Billboard Hot 100, #15 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #9 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 30 weeks.

The last single, a cover version of Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky" peaked at #105 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #11 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

During that same year, Intro was featured on Eddie F's and the Untouchables' album "Let's Get On" on the track "Never Again" which peaked at #60 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1995, Intro released their sophomore album "New Life" which peaked at #86 on the Billboard 200 and #16 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "Funny How Time Flies" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Feels Like the First Time" peaked at #117 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

After that, it seemed as if the group faded into obscurity. Kenny Greene wrote tracks for artists such as Will Smith, Mary J. Blige and 98 Degrees. On October 1, 2001, Kenny passed away from AIDS complications at the age of 32.

These days, Intro continues to perform and the current line-up consists of Clinton Wilke, Jeff Sanders and Kermit Quinn.


To see the music video for "Come Inside," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyD9FUf2bL4

To see the music video for "Love Thang," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0_M9DlQfM

To see the music video for "Let Me Be the One," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U8qTZD-9Cc

To see the music video for "Ribbon in the Sky," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bANgta79k50

To see the music video for "Never Again," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxRFJthfjqs

To see the music video for "Funny How Time Flies," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQiYRjhuqos

To see the music video for "Feels Like the First Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyjJboeonUg


[updated on 04\17\2016]

Looking For New Blog Entries!!

Hello, music fans!!

I'm going to be taking a little break to look for new blog entries for July, but rest assure, I'll be back soon. Until then, enjoy my previous blog entries and keep the good positive comments coming!!

Sincerely,
The Music-Know-It All

9.9

9.9 was a female R&B group from the '80s that consisted of Margo Thunder, Wanda Perry and Leslie Jones from Boston, Massachusetts. The women were all friends & students at Madison Park High School in Roxbury, Massachusetts and were in the same music class.

The trio performed on street corners and at Boston Common. They later answered an ad in the Boston Phoenix newspaper and began performing in clubs under the name "Margo Thunder and Intrigue."

In the 70s, Margo was signed to Capitol Records and recorded the single "Expressway To Your Heart." The trio even sang back-up vocals for Joe Frazier.

In 1985, 9.9 released their self-titled debut album on RCA Records. The album peaked at #79 on the Billboard 200 and #15 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The group's first single "All of Me For All of You" peaked at #51 on the Billboard Hot 100, #47 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #53 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single "I Like The Way You Dance" peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

9.9 performed on "Soul Train," "American Bandstand" and "Solid Gold." They also provided backing vocals on Patti LaBelle's single "Shy." Due to material, production and personal matters, the trio disbanded in 1987.

These days, Leslie Jones continues to sing in church. She is the mother of two children and has four grandchildren.

Wanda Perry is a minister, married with two children. She has recorded several gospel albums which are available on iTunes.

In the '90s, Margo Thunder formed another girl group called Lady Soul, but is now a solo artist and resides in Los Angeles.

To see the music video for "All Of You For All of Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjEYZuN0rLM

To see the music video for "I Like the Way You Dance," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiYkTf0H6HE


[updated on 05\30\13]

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]