Monday, February 16, 2009

Starpoint


Starpoint was an R&B\dance group from Maryland consisting of lead singer/keyboardist/bass guitarist Kayode Adeymo, brothers George (who played keyboards), Orlando (who played bass guitar, keyboards and saxophone) & Gregory Phillips (who played drums and percussion), and lead singer Renee Diggs.

The group's original name was "Licyndiana" in 1969, but by the end of the 70s, they changed it to Starpoint.
In 1980, Starpoint released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #62 on Billboard's Black Albums chart.
The only single that charted from the album, "I Just Wanna Dance With You" peaked at #26 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #19 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
In 1981, the group released their second album, "Keep On It" which peaked at #138 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart and #31 on Billboard's Black Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The follow-up single, "I Want You Closer" peaked at #67 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart in , staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1982, Starpoint released their third album "Wanting You" which didn't appear to make the charts at all.

The title song peaked at #66 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Angel" peaked at #50 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart in February of 1982, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Do What You Wanna Do" peaked at #56 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
In 1982, Starpoint released their fourth album, "All Night Long" which peaked at #52 on Billboard's Black Albums chart.
The first single, "Get Your Body Up" peaked at #76 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

The title song peaked at #69 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
In 1983, Starpoint released their fifth album, "It's So Delicious" which peaked at #32 on Billboard's Black Albums chart.
The first single, "Don't Be So Serious" peaked at #46 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #14 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The title song managed to peak at #79 on Billboard's Black Singles chart in October of 1983, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
In 1984, the group released their sixth album, "It's All Yours" which didn't chart at all. The first single, the title song, peaked at #17 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Breakout" peaked at #73 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The last single, "Am I Still the One" peaked at #59 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
In 1985, Starpoint released their seventh and most successful album to date, "Restless" which peaked at #60 on the Billboard 200 and #14 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
Their hit single, "Object of My Desire" peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #8 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.
The second single from the album, "What You Been Missing" peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.
The third single, "Restless" peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot 100, #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #11 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The last single from the album, "Till The End of Time" peaked at #64 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

During 1985 (while Starpoint was on tour), Renee Diggs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which made touring quite a challenge for her, but she managed to stay with the band and live up to her potential.
In 1987, Starpoint released their eighth album, "Sensational" which peaked at #95 on the Billboard 200 and #29 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single, "He Wants My Body" peaked at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100, #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #8 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.
The second single, "D.Y.O.B." peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The last single from the album, "The More We Love" peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1988, Starpoint released their ninth album, "Hot To The Touch" which peaked at #75 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album, "Say You Will" peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The follow-up single, "Tough Act to Follow" peaked at #81 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
By their 1990 and final album, "Have You Got What It Takes" which flopped, failing to make to the charts at all.
The first single from the album, "I Want You-You Want Me" peaked at #32 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
The second single from the album, "Midnight Love" peaked at #45 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The last single from the album, the title song peaked at #93 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

Starpoint's popularity began to wane and the group broke up. Shortly after Starpoint broke up, Renee Diggs released a solo album, "Oasis" which was only released in Europe.

She also started "The Renee Diggs Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis." The other members of the group went on to do session work for other R&B artists.

After that, it seemed that the group faded into obscurity.

On March 25, 2004, Ernesto Phillips died of a stroke and "The Ernesto Phillips Scholarship For Talented Youth" was established in his memory to help young children realize their ambitions to become musicians.

On March 18, 2005, Renee Diggs died of a heart condition at the age of 50, just a week shy of the one-year anniversary death of Ernesto Phillips (who was her longtime companion). Her solo album "Oasis" was released in the US posthumously.

These days, Orlando Phillips performs music from the Carribean such as reggae, soca, and calypso. Greg Phillips has toured and recorded with a few major recording artists.

George Phillips has gone on to be a music producer. Kayode Adeyemo is still continuing with his songwriter and is a large part of the music industry.

To see Starpoint's official website, go to:
http://www.starpointmusic.com

To see the music video for "Object of My Desire," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPAaWPcKoYI

To see the music video for "Restless," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nrcykq9fBk

To see the music video for "He Wants My Body," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJPldthytTo

To see the music video for "Say You Will," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkB6Jbzodpw

To see the music video for "I Want You-You Want Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryA4Gb9eeDY




[updated on 05\13\12]

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Sweet Obsession

Sweet Obsession were an R&B group from Detroit, Michigan consisting of sisters Keena, Klmmala, and Michelle Green.
They originally went under the name Foxx and in 1986, they released their sole album, "Set Me Free" on Malaco Records which didn't appear to chart at all.

In 1988, Sweet Obsession released their self-titled debut album on Epic Records which peaked at #45 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album, "Gonna Get Over You" peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks, becoming their highest chart appearance to date.
The second single, "Being in Love Ain't Easy" peaked at #10 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks, becoming their longest chart appearance to date.
The last single, "Cash" peaked at #91 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.
In 1990, Sweet Obsession was featured on the "Lambada: Set The Night On Fire" soundtrack with the track "Set the Night on Fire."
In 1991, the trio released their sophomore album, "Sweet Obsession Too" which didn't appear to make the charts at all.

The lead single, "Elevator" peaked at #74 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album, "I'm a Good Woman Looking For a Good Man" peaked at #32 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

After that, nothing much was heard from Sweet Obsession and it appears as if they have faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Gonna Get Over You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWAXPRSXY2Y

To see the music video for "Elevator," go to:
http://www.contactmusic.com/video/sweet-obsession-elevator

To see a fan-made video for "Being in Love Ain't Easy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e11voSls7v0


[updated on 05\19\13]

Alyson Williams

Alyson Williams (born on May 11, 1962 in Harlem, New York) was an R&B singer from the late 80's\early 90's. She is the daughter of bandleader\trumpeter Bobby Booker.

She started her career by singing background vocals for artists such as Melba Moore, Curtis Hairston, Unlimited Touch, and Bobby Brown before joining music group High Fashion which also featured R&B singer, Meli'sa Morgan.

After High Fashion broke up, Alyson sang with music group The Affair before going solo.
Alyson released her first single, "Yes We Can Can" in 1987. She established herself as an "in-demand" singer, starring in duets with Def Jam labelmates Oran " Juice" Jones and Chuck Stanley. She became the first R&B female singer on the Def Jam Recordings label.
In 1989, Alyson released her debut album, "Raw" which peaked at #25 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. In the UK, the album peaked at #29 on the U.K. Albums chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks.  
The first single from the album, "Sleep Talk" peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. The song managed to peak at #17 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
The second single, "My Love is So Raw" featuring rapper Nikki D., peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #12 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The song charted at #34 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks. The third single from the album, "Just Call My Name" peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks on the chart.
The fourth single, "I Need Your Lovin" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.The song peaked at #8 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
The last single from the album, "Not on the Outside" featuring R&B singer Oran "Juice" Jones (which was also featured on his "GTO" album) peaked at #35 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
In 1990, Alyson released a remix album called "Cooked: The Remix Album." It's unknown how or if it charted.
The only single to chart from the album was "I Second That Emotion" which peaked at #44 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
In 1992, Alyson released her self-titled sophomore album which peaked at #31 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album, "Can't Have My Man" peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.
The second single from the album, a cover version of the Deele's "Just My Luck" peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.
The last single from the album, "Everybody Knew But Me" peaked at #60 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
After that, it seemed that Alyson faded into obscurity, but in 2004, she released her third album, "It's About Time" on the Three Keys Music record label. Currently, it is unknown what she's up to.

To see the music video for "My Love is So Raw," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOdnIAhU-rw

To see the music video for "Just Call My Name," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paV1-ntPthM

To see the music video for "I Need Your Lovin," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlKrxqzR-5M

To see the music video for "Can't Have My Man," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAGcPjslpEU

To see the music video for "She's Not Your Man" (from her 1992 album), go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7GyQQQoXqQ


[updated on 05\23\12]

B Angie B

B Angie B (born Angela Boyd in 1968 in Morton, Mississippi) is an R&B singer from the 90s. She first started singing in church and graduated from Morton High School in 1986.

A few years later, Angie and her best friend moved out West to pursue a music career together, but when her friend got pregnant, she moved to California alone.

Once Angie was in California, she was discovered by music producer James Early and brought to MC Hammer's attention that she was a singer.

B Angie B was featured on MC Hammer's song, "Pump it Up (Here's the News)" on his "Let's Get it Started" album and became a backup singer for his tours.

In 1989, she was part of MC Hammer's female rap group, Oaktown's 3.5.7. She added her vocals and appeared in the music video for Oaktown 3.5.7's single, "Juicy Gotcha Crazy."

B Angie B continued to tour and produce background vocals for MC Hammer for his "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em" album in 1990.

A year later in 1991, she was signed to MC Hammer's record label, Bust It.
During the same year, B Angie B released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #133 on the Billboard 200 and #12 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
Her first single, "I Don't Want to Lose Your Love" (a cover song originally sung by the Emotions) peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, #37 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.
The second single from the album, "So Much Love" peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.
The last single from the album, a cover version of Chaka Khan's "Sweet Thang" peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
Her debut album sold a mediocre 137,000 copies which did not satisfy Capitol Records, & she was dropped from the record label a year later.

B Angie B made an appearance in rap group Kid 'N Play's movie "Class Act" and sung the title track "I Am A Class Act (Work That Body)."
In 1995, B Angie B released the single, "It's My Life" (under the name "Angie B") which peaked at #74 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 2000, Angie moved to Missisippi with her daughter. She quietly left the music scene and focused on raising her family.
In 2012, she released the single, "I Wanna Be" which is available on iTunes and CD Baby.

These days, Angie and her two children live in Atlanta, Georgia & Angie also works in interior design & real estate.

To see B Angie B's official website, go to:
 http://www.bangieb.com/
To see the music video for "I Don't Want to Lose Your Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdh8gH3t-A

To see the music video for "So Much Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCMlVunpz-Q

To see the music video for "Sweet Thang," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm4Ft8knjdI

To see a fan-made video for "It's My Life," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L4_mSJQsYk


[updated on 05\19\13]

The Mac Band

The Mac Band was an R&B group from the late 80s\early 90s consisting of a group of four brothers: Ray, Derrick, Charles, and Kelvin McCampbell and musicians Ray Flippin (bass), Rodney Frazier (keyboards), Mark Harper (guitar), and Sly Fuller (drums).

The McCampbell brothers hail from Flint, Michigan.
In 1988, they released their debut album "The Mac Band Featuring the McCampbell Brothers" which peaked at #109 on the Billboard 200 chart and #22 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.The group's first single and biggest hit to date, "Roses are Red" topped Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in July of 1988, topping the chart for a week and staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

In the U.K., the song peaked at #8 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
The second single, "Stuck" peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.
The third single from the album, "Stalemate" peaked at #40 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
The fourth single, "Jealous" peaked at #90 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.
The last single from the album, "That's the Way I Look at Love" peaked at #70 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1990, the Mac Band released their sophomore album, "Love U 2 the Limit" which failed to make the charts at all.
The first single, "Someone to Love" peaked at #27 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
The follow-up single, the title song, managed to peak at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

A promo single, "I Could Never Say Goodbye" was released, but didn't chart.
In 1991, the Mac Band released their last album, "The Real Deal" which peaked at #78 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The only single to chart was "Everythang" which peaked at #73 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 6 weeks.

After that, the Mac Band went their separate ways.

These days, Charles McCampbell runs a music studio in Duncanville, Texas.

Derrick McCampbell is the worship leader for "The Bridge" service at the Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas.

He also follows his basketball passion by leading his signature "D-Mac" Hoops Basketball camps across the Dallas, Texas metro area. The camps are focused on team building, basketball skills, and Christian values.

Mark Harper continues to be active in the music business and released his solo jazz album, "The Mark Harper Project" which is available on CD Baby and iTunes.

He was a member of the Wayman Tisdale Band and the lead guitarist for Tower of Power. Mark has performed with artists such as Kirk Whalum, Toby Keith, Charlie Pride, Ronnie Laws, Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, and the late Phyllis Hyman.

He is also the leader of the Mark Harper Acoustic Band.  It is unknown what the other members of the band are up to.

To see Mark Harper's official website, go to:
http://www.markharpermusic.com/

To see the music video for "Roses Are Red," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WbJXY6epVo

To see the music video for "Stuck," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV8l9f9pjUk

To see a fan-made video for "That's The Way I Look at Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu0iSma6WLM

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

To see a fan-made video for "Love U 2 the Limit," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7936uJlvZAY

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



[updated on 05\23\12]