Friday, April 17, 2009

Cece Peniston


Cece Peniston (born Cecelia Peniston on September 6, 1969 in Dayton, Ohio) is a female dance singer from the 90s. Before becoming a singer, she was crowned Miss Black Arizona in 1989.

A year later, Cece signed to A&M Records and got some exposure by singing on Phoenix rapper Overweight Pooch's 1991 single, "I Like It."
In 1992, she released her debut album, "Finally" after being discovered by DJ\remixer Manny Lehman.

The album peaked at #70 on the Billboard 200 and #13 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. It also peaked at #10 on the U.K. Albums chart.
Cece's first single, "Finally" became a dance hit, peaking at #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The song also became a hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #5 and peaked at #26 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

In the U.K., the song peaked at #29 on the U.K. Singles chart, but when the song was re-released in 1992, it peaked at #2 on the chart.
The second single, "We Got a Love Thang" peaked at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, became Cece's 2nd #1 dance hit, and peaked at #38 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. The song also peaked at #6 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The third single, "Keep on Walkin" peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100, became Cece's 3rd #1 dance hit, and peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #10 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The fourth single, "Inside That I Cried" peaked at #94 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #10 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The song also peaked at #42 on the U.K. Singles chart. The last single, "Crazy Love" peaked at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #31 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks. The song also peaked at #44 on the U.K. Singles chart.In 1994, Cece released her sophomore album, "Thought 'Ya Knew" which peaked at #96 on the Billboard 200 chart and #20 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The album also peaked at #31 on the U.K. Albums chart.
The first single, "Searchin" was released as a promo single in the United Kingdom, but didn't appear to chart at all.
The second single (and the first commercial single from the album,), "I'm in the Mood" peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, #20 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi Singles Sales chart, became Cece's 4th #1 dance hit, and peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart in January of 1994, staying on the chart for 22 weeks.

In the U.K., the song peaked at #16 on the U.K. Singles chart. The song, "I Will Be Received" received airplay in Japan.
The third single, "Keep Giving Me Your Love" peaked at #101 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #40 on both Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 and Rhythmic Top 40 charts.

The song also peaked at #36 on the U.K. Singles chart and was moderately successful in New Zealand and Canada.
The fourth single, "I'm Not Over You" peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #31 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #10 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 25 weeks.
The fifth and last single, "Hit By Love" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100, became Cece's 5th #1 dance hit, and peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

In the U.K., the song peaked at #33 on the U.K. Singles chart. In 1995, Cece was featured on the Sisters of Glory's album, "Good News in Hard Times."
In 1996, she released her third album, "I'm Movin' On" which peaked at #48 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album, "Movin' On" peaked at #83 on the Billboard Hot 100, #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #29 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.
The second single, "Before I Lay" (featuring JoJo Hailey of K-C & JoJo) peaked at #120 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

In 1998, Cece released her greatest hits compliation album, "The Best of Cece Peniston" which didn't appear to make the charts.
Her cover version of Jocelyn Brown's "Somebody Else's Guy" peaked at #13 on the U.K. Singles chart, but failed to chart in the United States.
A remixed version of Cece's first hit, "Finally" was moderately successful in the U.K., peaking at #13 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1998, there were rumors about Cece releasing a fourth album, but those plans never materialized. She continued to release dance singles that reached moderate or no impact on the Billboard charts.

In 2011, Cece signed a record deal with West Swagg Music Group\Bunaglo Records with full distribution through Universal Music Group Distribution and is planning on releasing a new album soon.

To see the music video for "Finally," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk8mm1Qmt-Y

To see the music video for "We Got a Love Thang," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__ugaiz323k

To see the music video for "Keep on Walkin," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heW3TziyFLI

To see the music video for "Inside That I Cried," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQdBGNBAtm0

To see the music video for "Crazy Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mngPNv5Qwhg

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

To see the music video for "I'm Not Over You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48qbUfclzxs

To see the music video for "Hit By Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElL67nIrj5U

To see the music video for "Keep Givin' Me Your Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz0lts5AcEM

To see the music video for "Movin' On," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsrgDfoJ0og



[updated on 05\21\13]

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Junior

Junior (born Norman Giscombe on June 6, 1957 in London, England) is a singer\songwriter who became one of the first British R&B singers to have a successful career in the United States.

Growing up, Junior listened to his older siblings' records and when he was a teenager, he sang in a local band until he decided to start a full-time music career after he finished college. In 1982, Junior released his debut album, "Ji" which peaked at #15 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #71 on the Billboard 200 chart. In the U.K., the album peaked at #28 on the U.K. Albums chart.
His first single, "Mama Used To Say" became Junior's biggest U.S. hit to date, peaking at #30 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #2 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 21 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #7 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The follow-up single, "Too Late" peaked #102 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #67 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #8 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #20 on the U.K. Singles chart.
The third single, "I Can't Help It\Let Me Know" peaked at #53 on the U.K. Singles chart. Junior became the first black British singer on "Soul Train" and he won Billboard's "Best Newcomer Award."
In 1983, Junior released his sophomore album, "Inside Lookin' Out" which peaked at #177 on the Billboard 200 and #54 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Communication Breakdown" peaked at #40 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. In the U.K., the song peaked at #57 on the UK Singles chart. The follow-up from the album, "Baby I Want You Back" peaked at #72 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
The third single, "Runnin" peaked at #92 on the U.K. Singles chart, but it didn't chart in the United States.
Junior was featured on the "All the Right Moves" movie soundtrack with the track "Unison" which managed to peak at #44 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
In 1985, Junior released his third album, "Acquired Taste" which peaked at #34 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Somebody" peaked at #64 on the U.K. Singles chart. In the U.S., the song peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #47 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The second single, "Do You Really (Want My Love)?" peaked at #47 on the U.K. Singles chart in February of 1985. The song was featured on the "Beverly Hills Cop" movie soundtrack.
The third single, "Oh Louise" peaked at #74 on the U.K. Singles chart. In the U.S., the song peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.
The fourth single, "Come on Over" peaked at #87 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.
The last single from the album, "Not Tonight" peaked at #76 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
During that same year, Junior sang a duet with Kim Wilde called "Another Step (Closer To You)" which peaked at #6 on the U.K. Singles chart
In 1988, Junior released his fourth album, "Sophisticated Street" which peaked at #56 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The only single to chart was "Yes (If You Want Me)" peaked at #24 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. After that, Junior left Polygram Records.
In 1990, Junior released his fifth album, "Stand Strong" on MCA Records which didn't make the charts.
The only single to chart was "Better Part of Me" which peaked at #51 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
In 1992, Junior released his sixth album, "Renewal" on MCA Records which also failed to make the charts.
The only single to chart, "All Over the World" peaked at #74 on the U.K. Singles chart, which stayed on the chart for only a week.
In 1995, Junior started his own record label, StepOff Music and released his seventh album, "Honesty." The album was released in Japan and the U.K. After that, Junior became a songwriter for artists such as Sheena Easton, Maxi Priest, Warren G, Cam'ron, and Ami Stewart. In 2006, Junior released his eighth album, "Oceans" which is available on CD Baby. Today, Junior still continues to perform in the U.K. He works as a D.J. with the Internet radio station, Solarradio.com.

To see Junior's official website, go to:
http://www.juniorgiscombe.co.uk/

To see Junior's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/juniorgiscombe

To see the music video for "Mama Used to Say," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwTTGnDcwoA

To see the music video for "Too Late," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_rjeMrrQhU

To see a fan-made video for "Communication Breakdown," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S89yyf9S0i4

To see a fan-made video for "Baby I Want You Back," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX6-9vwvNBY

To see the music video for "Oh Louise," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y521aJN1jE8

To see the music video for "Yes (If You Want Me)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH6YG7RSae8

To see the music video for "Better Part of Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlAv-4nBS-0


[updated on 05\11\12]

Friday, April 10, 2009

Rare and Obscure Music One Year Anniversary

Hi, music fans!!

In case you may not have noticed, Tuesday April 7th was the one-year anniversary of when I first started the Rare and Obscure Music blog last year.

I am so amazed at how many people visit the blog and give me positive feedback on the entries. I also want to thank Isle of Deserted Pop Stars and Milk Carton Pop Stars for linking me on their blog pages. It was because of those two music blogs that inspired me to make my own.

I also want to thank all the people who visit my blog, leaving me nice, positive comments about it. I cannot believe it's been one year since I started this music blog and I am so pleased at how successful it is.

I hope you guys enjoy this and keep checking back for more new amazing entries!!!

Sincerely,
The Music Know-It-All

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Alfie Silas

Alfie Silas (born Alphanette Silas on June 10, 1956 in Los Angeles, California) is a talented R&B singer who did session work along with having a moderately successful solo career.

Growing up, her family had a good interest in music and she also sang in church. Her father played the piano while Alfie, her mother, and sisters sang. As she attended Los Angeles City College, Alfie sang background vocals for artists such as Toto, Gino Vanelli and Martha Reeves.
In 1982, Alfie released her first self-titled debut album on RCA Records. It's unknown how or if the album charted.
Her first single, "A Puppet to You" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
The follow-up single, "There I Go" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
In 1983, Alfie released her second album, "Be Yourself" which also didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard charts.
The first single, "Be Yourself" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks. 
The follow-up single, "You Put the "L" in Love" failed to chart. During that same year, Alfie was featured on Bobby King's song, "Close to Me" which peaked at #71 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
In 1985, Alfie was featured on "The Last Dragon" movie soundtrack with the track "Star" which peaked at #68 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks. Another one of her songs "Give Me Your Love" was featured in "The Last Dragon" movie, but it didn't appear on the soundtrack.
During that same year, Alfie released her third album, "That Look" on Motown Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
The follow-up single, "Just Gets Better With Time" peaked at #71 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

After her solo career, Alfie became a session singer, recording with artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Barbra Streisand. She also appeared on soundtracks such as "Pretty Woman," "The Lion King," and "Hercules" and sung TV theme songs such as the Fairly Oddparents and Any Day Now.
In 2003, Alfie released a holiday album, "It's Christmas" on the Paris 5000 Music & Film record label under the name Alfie Silas Durio.
In 2008, Alfie released her first gospel album, "Angels." These days, Alfie still appears to be active in the music business.

To see Alfie's MySpace page, go to:
www.myspace.com/alfiesings

To follow Alfie on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/#!/alfiesilas

To see a fan-made video for "Star," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCjwV9SXb4g

To see a fan-made video for "A Puppet to You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciPxpDzCNe0

To see a fan-made video for "There I Go," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l-kIrByCmU

To see a fan-made video for "Be Yourself," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q3f_a1_udY

To see a fan-made video for "You Put the "L" in Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPZA9DvX3ec

To see a fan-made video for "Give Me Your Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rj1n5jlyqI

To see a fan-made video for "Just Gets Better With Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBFuTgGv1cU



[updated on 05\21\13]

Janice McClain

Janice McClain (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a female R&B singer\songwriter that has traveled around the world for the past 20 years.
In 1979, 15-year-old Janice signed to Warner Bros. Records and released her first single, "Smack Dab in the Middle" which peaked at #91 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 2 weeks.
In the early 80's, she released two more singles: "Giving My Love" (1983) and "Burnin' Up" (1984) on Mon-Tab Records.

Later on, Janice went to Atlantic City, New Jersey to audition for a spot at the Trump Plaza which blew everyone away. Janice and her band Tapestry were immediately hired.

During one of their shows, Patti LaBelle was so impressed with Janice performing, she became her mentor. Patti took her to MCA Records where she was single-handedly given a record deal.
In 1986, Janice released her self-titled debut album. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted at all.
The first single "Passion and Pain" peaked at #75 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks, becoming her highest chart appearance to date.
The follow-up single from the album "Let's Spend the Night" failed to make the charts at all.

Since then, Janice has opened for the Commodores and James Brown along with providing backing vocals for singers such as Deniece Williams, Hall & Oates, George Clinton and Linda Ronstadt.

These days, she is a member of a wedding band called the Philly Party Band.

To see the website for the Philly Party Band, go to:
http://phillyparty.com/

To see a fan-made video for "Smack Dab in the Middle," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBYqYA04GxE

To see the music video for "Passion and Pain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdoArgWnYlA

To see a fan-made video for "Let's Spend the Night," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qfq_CwAABU


[updated on 05\11\12]