Lina Santiago

Lina Santiago (born on September 5, 1978 in Los Angeles, California) was a female freestyle\dance singer from the mid 90's. Not much information is given on this talented singer.

In 1996, Lina released her debut album, "Feels So Good" on Universal Records, which peaked at #29 on Billboard's Heatseekers albums chart.

The title song became Lina's only hit to date, peaking at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April of 1996, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in April of 1996, #63 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in March of 1996, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #33 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart, and #7 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

Lina's follow-up single, "Just Because I Love You" peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September of 1996 and #27 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

A promo single, "Dale Que Dale" was released, but didn't chart even though a music video was made for it. After that, it seems as if Lina has faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Feels So Good," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU6QPkCMgbA

To see the music video for "Just Because I Love You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUtFjQAc4dE

To see a fan-made video for "Dale Que Dale," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7igvyMhIfEQ


[updated on 09\08\12]

Y?N-Vee

Y?N-Vee (pronounced "why envy") were an R&B group from the 90's that consisted of Natasha "Sonshine" Walker, Tescia "Vayne" Harris, Nicole "Nic Nam" Chaney and Yenan "Yesz" Ragsdale.

In 1994, the group released their debut album which peaked at #75 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Their first single, "Chocolate" peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The follow-up singles "I'm Going Down" and "4 Play" failed to chart at all. In 1995, Y?N-Vee was featured on the single, "Freedom" featuring artists such as TLC, Blackgirl, Aaliyah, and En Vogue which became a big hit on the Billboard charts.

After that, it seemed as if the group has faded into obscurity. Natasha appeared on two of 2Pac's songs "Lord Knows" and "Check Out Time."

As of May 2012, Nicole (now Nicole Chaney-Dillon) has been married to her former background dancer for 17 years. She hosts her own inspirational talk radio show.

Yenan Ragsdale sings from time to time and promotes a health product. It is unknown what Tescia Harris is up to today.

To see the music video for "Chocolate," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqwrE2pQxY0

To see the music video for "I'm Going Down," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbEutdal4ec

To see the music video for "4 Play," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90pFF8X5Sos


[updated on 05\30\13]

Assorted Phlavors

Assorted Phlavors was an R&B group consisting of members Tiffany Phinazee, Antonia Bryant (born and raised in Yonkers, New York), LaKisha Johnson and Julia Garrison. The group formed in the early '90s while they were still in high school.

Julia performed in church and high school. She met Antonia who has been singing and performing since she was 12 years old. LaKisha graduated from the Westchester Conservatory of Music.

With the addition of Tiffany and LaKisha, the group was formed. The group won a talent show under the name "Essence". After signing with record label Hall of Fame Records, their name was changed to Assorted Phlavors.
In 1997, the group released their self-titled debut album which didn't chart on the Billboard 200 at all. It's also unknown if it made Billboard's R&B Albums chart. 

The first single "Make Up Your Mind" (featuring rapper Big Daddy Kane) peaked at #58 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single "Patience" failed to make the charts at all. After that, it seemed that the group has faded into obscurity. Nothing has been heard from the group since.

To see the music video for "Make Up Your Mind," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soRgSIQvh8c

To see the music video for "Patience," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-JXAMK0_Ms

[updated on 05\08\12]

Earth Gyrlz

Earth Gyrlz was an R&B group from Brooklyn, New York that consisted of members Heather Gunter, Robin Saville, Angela Brown and Tanesha Gary.

In 1995, the group released the single "Love of Mine" which peaked at #54 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

They were supposed to release their debut album "Fully Equipped," but it was never released, although promotional copies appear to exist.

After that, it seemed that Earth Gyrlz has faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Love of Mine," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HDWdNhAG6o


[updated on 12\28\2015]

Chris Walker

Chris Walker (born in Houston, Texas) is an R&B\jazz singer & musician from the '90s. At a young age, he was a member of the gospel group, The Walker Brothers.

By the time he was 18 years old, Chris was focused on going to the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. After crashing a performance before the dean and playing with the ensemble on stage, he was given a scholarship to attend the school.

While attending the New School, he was given an opportunity to work with Ornette Coleman and two years later, he toured with Regina Belle as her musical director. As Chris worked with Regina, she helped him shape his voice in order to develop him as an R&B singer.
In 1991, he released his debut album "First Time" on Pendulum Records, which peaked at #33 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and #32 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Giving You All My Love" peaked at #4 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.

The follow-up single "Take Time" peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100, #17 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, and #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks and became Chris' biggest hit to date.

The last single from the album "No Place Like Love" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

In 1993, Chris released his sophomore album "Sincerely Yours" which peaked at #69 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #35 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart.

The first single "Love Tonight" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single "How Do You Heal a Broken Heart" peaked at #87 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.

After that, Chris had seemed to have faded into obscurity, but in 2005, he came back to the music scene with his third album "I Know It's Love" on Canvas Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

In 2011, Chris released his fourth album, "Zone" on Pendalum Records. The first single, "I Got that Love" peaked at #76 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The follow-up single, "Everyday Woman" peaked at #69 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2012.

To see a fan-made video for "Giving You All My Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkN9tDmfAkY

To see the music video for "Take Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wBIUEsTsG8

To see the music video for "No Place Like Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv03d22Y098

To see a fan-made video for "Love Tonight," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKHRt1RR-ik

To see a fan-made video for "How Do You Heal a Broken Heart," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkQ-XUbvQlA

To see a fan-made video for "I Got that Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXoIZ65EGtc

To see a fan-made video for "Everyday Woman," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8BHJ_0zvR8


[updated on 05\08\12]

Gerry Woo

Gerry Woo (born in Detroit, Michigan) was an R&B singer from the '80s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Polydor Records.

In 1988, Gerry released his only album "Listen To My Heart Beat." It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The first single "Hey There Lonely Boy" peaked at #27 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The follow-up single "How Long" peaked at #23 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks, becoming his only highest chart appearance to date.

The music video received airplay on BET and MTV. Gerry also appeared on "Soul Train" and "Showtime at the Apollo."

After that, it seemed as if Gerry Woo faded into obscurity, but in 2003, he went under the name "Harlemm Lee" for the reality television show "Fame." 

Even though he lied about his age to get on the show, Gerry ended up winning it. During that same year, he released the album "Introducing Harlemm Lee." It is unknown what he is up to today.

To see the music video for "How Long," go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjyVAw1lodU

To see a fan-made video for "Hey There Lonely Girl," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFq05q-20eQ


[updated on 05/30/13]

Joyce Sims

Joyce Sims (born on August 6, 1959 in Rochester, New York) is a singer, songwriter, and pianist that started her career in the 80s.

During her college years, Joyce studied music where she learned to play various musical instruments. She worked at a hamburger bar and wrote songs in her spare time.

One of Joyce's songs was overheard by an agent who introduced her to Ron Resnick at Sleeping Bag Records and signed to the label in 1986.

In 1987, Joyce released her debut album "Come Into My Life" which peaked at #22 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #5 on the U.K. Albums chart.  The album was produced by Kurtis Mantronik (of hip-hop/funk group, Mantronik).

The first single "(You Are My) All And All" peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #69 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The song also peaked at #16 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "Lifetime Love" peaked at #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #23 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks and #34 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The title song peaked at #48 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #14 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #10 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks and #7 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The fourth single "Walk Away" peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #45 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #56 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks and #24 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album "Love Makes a Woman" featuring Jimmy Castor, peaked at #29 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 years and #85 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1989, Joyce released her sophomore album "All About Love" which peaked at #65 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #64 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single "Looking For a Love" peaked at #51 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks and #39 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single from the album "Take Caution With My Heart" peaked at #92 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The title song peaked at #34 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #69 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1994, a remixed version of "Come Into My Life" was released and managed to peak at #72 on the U.K. Singles chart. During that same year, she released the single "Who's Crying Now" on Warlock Records.

Joyce continued to tour internationally and made club appearances. In 2004, the remixes for "Come Into My Life" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts.

In 2006, Joyce returned to the music scene with the single "What The World Needs Now Is Love" which peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

During that same year, Joyce released her third album, "A New Beginning" on the Vessel Entertainment record label after teaming up with record producers Junior Vasquez and Glen Frisica.

In May of 2012, she released the EP "Running Back To You/Back in Love" in the U.K. which was well-received at club & radio.

It also peaked at #18 on the U.K. Upfront Top 40. Currently, Joyce is promoting her latest single "Saving All My Love" and recording a new album scheduled for release this year.

To see Joyce's official website, go to:
http://www.joycesimsonline.com/

To see a fan-made video for "All And All," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxKqXRPYmI0

To see the music video for "Lifetime Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub9NPU4oDE8

To see the music video for "Come Into My Life," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_H23dEmO4Y

To see the music video for "Walk Away," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq22HD0RB4Q

To see the music video for "Looking For A Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rib5le5WU0A

To see a fan-made video for "Take Caution With My Heart," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfE3WI2FFa0

To see a fan-made video for "Running Back To You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbBcSLOOPw8

To see a fan-made video for "Saving All My Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4O4qQRb-YY


[updated on 05/30/13]

Kathy Mathis

Kathy Mathis (born in Battle Creek, Michigan) is a former R&B singer from the late 80s. She was raised singing and playing piano at family & church gatherings and school events.

At the age of 9, Kathy recorded her first gospel single. When Kathy was 14 years old, she recorded her first secular single which received local airplay. When she was 16 years old, a promoter from Polygram Records heard her sing.

When she was 18 years old, Kathy moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dream of performing secular music.

In 1987, she released her debut album "Katt Walk" on Tabu Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever made the charts.

The lead single "Late Night Hour" peaked at #40 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single "Baby I'm Hooked" was released, but didn't appear to make the Billboard charts at all.

 

In 1988, Kathy released her sophomore album "A Woman's Touch" which didn't appear to make the album charts at all.

The first single "Men Have to Be Taught" peaked at #80 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

The follow-up single "Got to Give It Up" was released, but failed to make the Billboard music charts at all.

After the death of her father, Kathy returned to gospel music. She moved from Atlanta to Temple Hills, Maryland where she became the Praise & Worship Leader at the AME Zion Full Gospel Church (now known as the From the Heart Church Ministries) under the leadership of Pastor John Cherry.

Kathy was later promoted to the position of Director of Music and she has remained at From the Heart Church Ministries for several years. She also earned her Bachelor's degree in Music and Psychology from the University of Maryland. In 1999, she met Pastor Ray Horry, got married in September of 2001 and has three children.

These days, Kathy (now Kathy Horry) lives in St. Charles, Missouri where her husband started the Ark of Safety Christian Church. She is currently the Minister of Music. She has also recorded five gospel albums: "Faith," "A Safe Place," "It's Harvest Time," "From Grace to Glory" and "Sanctuary."

In September of 2010, Kathy released a Christmas album called "The Gift." She has also published her own autobiography called "From Grace to Glory."

To see Kathy Horry's official website, go to:
http://kathyhorry.com/

To see a fan-made video for "Late Night Hour," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCbVoTRR6zw

To see a fan-made video for "Baby I'm Hooked," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEgtqTht41g

To see a fan-made video for "Men Have to Be Taught," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s8Nx182f_M

[updated on 05\22\13]

Mista

Mista were an R&B group from Atlanta, Georgia whose members consisted of Bobby Wilson (born Robert Wilson on February 27, 1980 in Jackson, Mississippi), Darryl Allen, Brandon Brown and Bryan Reeder.

The group was managed by "09 Lives" producer Eric Johnson and former Elektra Entertainment Group A&R director, Ian Burke.

In 1996, they released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #183 on the Billboard 200, #37 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #7 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.

The group's first single "Blackberry Molasses" became their biggest hit to date, peaking at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

Their second single "Lady" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #61 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. 

In 1997, Mista was featured on the "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" soundtrack with the song "About You." 

During that same year, they was working on their sophomore album, but due to management problems, the group disbanded. According to Bobby, the reason for the group's breakup was due to them not being compatible as a group and their age combinations.

These days, Bobby Wilson (now "Bobby V") has a successful solo career, releasing five albums and scoring a pop hit in 2005 with the single "Slow Down." It is unknown what the other members are up to today.

To see the music video for "Blackberry Molasses," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM6tHcZHDus

To see the music video for "Lady," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ8jH98x0lE

To see a fan-made video for "About You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6OcBxpleNs

[updated on 04/14/15]