Shirley Murdock

Shirley Murdock (born on May 22, 1957 in Toledo, Ohio) is an R&B singer from the 80s. She began singing gospel music in her hometown and the late musician Roger Troutman hired Shirley as a backup singer for his band, Zapp.

In early 1985, Shirley's first chart appearance was the single, "Girl, Cut It Out" with Roger. The single managed to chart at #79 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
In 1986, Shirley released her self-titled debut album on Elektra Records. The album charted at #44 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "No More" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #27 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #24 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The second single and Shirley's biggest hit to date, "As We Lay" peaked at #23 on the Billboard Hot 100, #21 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, and #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 28 weeks.

The third single, "Go On Without You" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The fourth single from the album, "Truth or Dare" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #60 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album, "Be Free" peaked at #86 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

In 1988, Shirley released her sophomore album, "A Woman's Point of View" which peaked at #137 on the Billboard 200 chart and #19 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart from the album, "Husband" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

Two more singles from the album "Oh What A Feeling" and "Found My Way" were released as singles, but didn't chart.

In 1991, Shirley released her third album, "Let There Be Love" which peaked at #22 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

 The first single from the album, "In Your Eyes" peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Stay With Me Tonight" peaked at #34 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The last single from the album, the title song, peaked at #89 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

In 2002 (after what seemed liked a long break), Shirley released her first gospel album, "Home" which peaked at #9 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart. In 2005, Shirley made her acting debut in the movie, "Sweating in the Spirit."
In 2007, Shirley released her second gospel album, "Soulfood" which peaked at #7 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart and #71 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

During that same year, Shirley starred in the movie, "First Cousins." In 2009, she appeared on Teena Marie's new album, "Congo Square" on the song, "Soldier."

In 2011, Shirley released her third gospel album, "Live: The Journey" which peaked at #24 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. The single, "Dream" peaked at #22 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart in 2012.

To see a fan-made video for "As We Lay," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htVUHrDJqeI

To see the music video for "Go On Without You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7myBRPkaQjw

To see a fan-made video for "No More," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhS_vyIrcSQ

To see a fan-made video for "Be Free," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egf_EBgdC-M

To see a fan-made video for "Truth or Dare," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5_sjP20Qok

To see the music video for "Husband," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYyVMFgsW68

To see a fan-made video for "Oh What a Feeling," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQjac8tE8LU

To see a fan-made video for "Found My Way," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdsQC3WC9pw

To see the music video for "In Your Eyes," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m1b1cn7fdI

To see a fan-made video for "Stay With Me Tonight," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuMD__e8jUc

To see a fan-made video for a remixed version of "Let There Be Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9kbrqg4j0U



[updated on 04\17\2016]

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]