The SOS Band

The SOS Band were an R&B band from Atlanta, Georgia. The group formed in 1977 and originally consisted of singer Mary Davis, singer/keyboardist Jason Bryant, guitarist Bruno Speight, bassist John Simpson, saxophonists Billy Ellis & Willie "Sonny" Killebrew and drummer James Earl Jones III.

The band's original name was "Santa Monica" and they perform at a nightclub in Atlanta called the Regal Room.

Their manager Bunny Jackson-Ransom sent a demo to Tabu Records and the band was signed to the label. They changed the name to the SOS (or Sounds of Success) Band.

In 1980, they released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #12 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard's R&B albums chart.

Their first single "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" became a hit, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart for 5 weeks in June of 1980, staying on the chart for 24 weeks, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks in July of 1980 and #51 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single, "S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dash Dash Dash Dit Dit Dit)" peaked at #54 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #20 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

The last single from the album "What's Wrong With Our Love Affair?" peaked at #87 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

In 1981, the band released their sophomore album "Too" which peaked at #117 on the Billboard 200 and #30 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Do It Now" peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single "You" peaked at #64 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1982, the band released their third album, "III" which peaked at #172 on the Billboard 200 and #27 on Billboard's R&B albums chart.

The first single "High Hopes" peaked at #49 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #25 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The second single from the album "Have It My Way" peaked at #57 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The last single from the album "Groovin' (That's What We're Doin')" peaked at #72 on the U.K. Singles chart and #47 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

In 1983, the band released their fourth album, "On The Rise" which peaked at #47 on the Billboard 200 and #7 on Billboard's R&B albums chart.

The first single from the album "Just Be Good to Me" peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #12 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "Tell Me If You Still Care" peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks and #81 on the U.K. Singles chart. The song was covered by R&B singer Monica in 1995 for her debut album "Miss Thang."

The last single from the album "For Your Love" peaked at #34 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1984, the S.O.S. Band released their fifth album, "Just the Way You Like It" which peaked at #60 on the Billboard 200, #6 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #29 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Just the Way You Like It" peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #6 on Billboard's Black Singles chart and #32 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "No One's Gonna Love You" peaked at #102 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #15 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The third single "Weekend Girl" peaked at #51 on the U.K. Singles chart and #40 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks. The last single "Break Up" failed to make the charts at all.

In 1986, the band released their sixth album, "Sands of Time" which peaked at #44 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Billboard's R&B albums chart. It was the last album to feature lead singer Mary Davis.

The first single "The Finest" peaked at #44 on the Billboard Hot 100, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks and #17 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single from the album "Borrowed Love" peaked at #50 on the U.K. Singles chart, #26 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #7 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks and #50 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The third single "Even When You Sleep" peaked at #34 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The last single "No Lies" peaked at #64 on the U.K. Singles chart, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #43 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1989, the SOS Band released their seventh album "Diamonds in the Raw" which peaked at #194 on the Billboard 200 and #43 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The album was the debut appearance of new lead singer Chandra Currelley. The album was also sadly marred by the untimely death of saxophonist Billy Ellis shortly before it was completed.

The first single from the album "I'm Still Missing Your Love" peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #7 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single "Secret Wish" peaked at #38 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1991, the band released their last studio album to date "One of Many Nights" failed to make the Billboard album charts.

The only single to chart was "Sometimes I Wonder" which peaked at #12 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

After Mary Davis' solo career didn't generate a lot of success, she reunited with the SOS Band in 1994.

In 2004, their greatest hits compliation album peaked at #62 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

These days, the SOS Band continues to tour and perform. The current line-up consists of Mary Davis, Abdul Ra'oof and Jason Bryant.

Chandra Currelley (now Chandra Currelley-Young) continues to be active in music and acting, appearing in various Tyler Perry productions.

In 2012, she released her latest album "Relationships" which is available on CD Baby. It is unknown what the previous members of the band are up to today.

To see The SOS Band's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Real-SOS-Band/126086687491

To see Chandra Currelley's official website, go to:
http://www.chandracurrelley.com/

To see a video of The SOS Band performing "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" on "Soul Train," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq_pJDVrVoQ

To see a video of The SOS Band performing "Just Be Good To Me" on "Soul Train," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHMnCr0pE4w

To see the music video for "Tell Me If You Still Care," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOQAk58x4-8

To see the music video for "Just The Way You Like It," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJEIa3bdGTs

To see a fan-made video for "No One's Gonna Love You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlB6wYBOUTQ

To see a fan-made video for "Weekend Girl," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL77jdWMBBI

To see a video of The SOS Band performing "The Finest" on "Soul Train," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J61S5PrpecM

To see the music video for "Borrowed Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEp3_7zwz1g

To see a fan-made video for "I'm Still Missing Your Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCzmSEJqvm4

To see a fan-made video for "Secret Wish," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1BmRWZlsbI

To see a video of The SOS Band performing "Sometimes I Wonder" on "Soul Train," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G--JyVU-7T4


[updated on 06/02/13]

Debra Laws

Debra Laws (born Debra Renee Laws on September 10, 1956 in Houston, Texas) is an R&B singer/actress from the '80s.

She is the seventh child in a family of eight children. Her siblings Eloise, Hubert and Ronnie Laws all work in the music industry.

Debra began her music career in 1977 as a teen on her brother Ronnie's album "Friends and Strangers." In 1979, she was a lead singer on her brother Hubert's album "Land of Passion."

In 1981, Debra released her debut album "Very Special" on Elektra Records. The album peaked at #70 on the Billboard 200 and #13 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. It was produced by Ronnie and Hubert.

The first single "Be Yourself" peaked at #31 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The second single "Very Special" peaked at #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks, becoming Debra's highest chart appearance to date.

The last single from the album "Meant For You" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

After that, Debra worked with her siblings, recording music and performing live in the US and abroad. Throughout the '80s, she provided vocals to various movie soundtracks.

In April and May of 1991, Debra toured with the Commodores in Europe and in November of that same year, she performed at a benefit for the children of Africa in Lagos, Nigeria with musicians such as Rita Marley, Shabba Ranks, Third World and Kool & The Gang.

During 1992, Debra toured in Thailand, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. In 1993, she released her second album "Moments" which was released in Japan.

Debra produced, wrote & co-wrote 9 of the 12 songs on the album. The single "Moments Like This" peaked at #18 on the Japanese music charts.

In November and December of 1994, Debra began touring again. She also acted in plays and on the popular soap opera "General Hospital."

She has also performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and the Berkeley Jazz Festival.

In 2003, Debra sued Sony Music Entertainment\Epic Records, claiming that singer Jennifer Lopez sampled "Very Special" for her #1 hit song "All I Have" without her permission, but lost the case.

A year later, she sued Elektra Records, claiming that the label was contractually obligated to get their consent before allowing the "Very Special" sample to be used in "All I Have." The case was dismissed and later settled on undisclosed terms.

These days, it is unknown what Debra is up to and it seems as if she has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Very Special," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztUD3UNFsWE

To see a fan-made video for "Be Yourself," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT7daEo5s_s

To see a fan-made video for "Meant For You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0prVrHujDSQ



[updated on 06/02/13]

Sharon Redd

Sharon Redd (born on October 19, 1945 in Norfolk, Virginia) was a dance/R&B singer from the '80s.

She was the half-sister of singer Pennye Ford, her father Gene Redd was a producer/music director at King Records, her stepfather performed with Benny Goodman's orchestra and her brother Gene Redd Jr. was a writer/producer for Kool & the Gang and BMP

Sharon started her career in 1968, releasing four singles on the United Artists record label. She also performed in the Australian version of "Hair," starred in a few Australian movies, was a guest star in the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" movie and was a member of Bette Midler's Harlettes.

In 1979, she recorded the song "Love Insurance" on Panorama Records under the name "Front Page." Even though the song was a disco hit, Sharon's vocals were uncredited on the song. After that, she received a record contract with Prelude Records.

In 1980, Sharon released her self-titled debut album which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts.

The first single "Can You Handle It" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #57 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks and #31 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single "You Got My Love" was released, but didn't appear to make the music charts at all.

In 1982, Sharon released her sophomore album "Redd Hot" which peaked at #59 on the U.K. Albums chart, but didn't make the charts in the United States. All the tracks from the album topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in October of 1982.

The singles "Beat the Street," "Never Give You Up" and "In the Name of Love" were moderately successful in the U.K. "Beat The Street" peaked at #41 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1983, Sharon released her third album "Love How You Feel" which didn't appear to make the album charts in the United States or United Kingdom.

The title song peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #39 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single from the album, "Liar on the Wire" peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

The last single from the album "You're A Winner" peaked at #83 on the U.K. Singles chart. After that, Sharon went back to being a background vocalist.

In 1989, Sharon released her greatest hits album on Unidisc Records. It's unknown how or if the album made the charts.

In the '90s, she recorded a single entitled "All The Way to Love" with Les Adams. The song became her last solo recording and remains unreleased.

On May 1, 1992, Sharon sadly passed away from pneumonia at the age of 46. Her death was reported to be AIDS-related. She was planning a comeback to the music scene before her death.

In 1993, her sister Pennye dropped the "e" from her name and released her self-titled debut album which featured a duet with Sharon.

To see the music video for "Beat the Street," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO3tduzd-zA

To see a video of Sharon performing "Never Give You Up," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTCEvesRUqo

To see a fan-made video for "In The Name of Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gsHytB-pCk

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

To see a fan-made video for "Love How You Feel," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N30vVEzYppI


[updated on 06/02/13]

Carol Lynne Townes

Carol Lynn Townes (born in Warrenton, North Carolina) is an R&B/dance singer from the 80s. She comes from a family of gospel singers and began singing gospel when she was only three years old.

In the early 70s, she moved to New York and joined a male soul music group called Fifth Avenue. The group released an album on RCA Records in 1976, but it wasn't until the 80s that Carol began to achieve commercial success. She signed to Polydor Records in 1982.

In 1984, Carol released a cover version of Alton McClain & Destiny's song "99 ½" which peaked at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #22 on Billboard's Black Singles chart and #47 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1985, she released her debut solo album "Satisfaction Guaranteed" which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts.

Carol's second single "I Freak For You" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #24 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

During that same year, she released the single "Believe in the Beat" which was featured on the "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo" soundtrack.

The song peaked at #109 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #25 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #20 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #65 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks, and #56 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1988, Carol released her sophomore album "Try Me Out." The album and the singles failed to chart at all on the Billboard charts.

In 1989, she released the single, "What I Wouldn't Do" on Easy Street Records. It's unknown how or if the single was successful.

In 1993, she released a dance cover version of the Grass Roots' song, "Midnight Confessions" on Life Line Records.

After that, it seemed as if Carol has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see the music video for "Believe the Beat," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMIldmPI9Wk

To see a fan-made video for "99 1\2," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty-DOMYTKvc

To see a fan-made video for "I Freak For You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crMLmM4EvSA

To see a fan-made video for "What I Wouldn't Do," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=440z35YNyII



[updated on 06/02/13]

Ollie and Jerry

Ollie (born Ollie E. Brown in Detroit, Michigan) and Jerry (born Jerry Knight on April 14, 1952 in Los Angeles, California) were an dance/R&B duo from the mid-80s.

In the 70s, Ollie had performed on albums by artists such as Joe Cocker, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Van Morrison, Leo Sayer, Sly and the Family Stone and the Rolling Stones where he was a part of their touring band in the mid-'70s.

Ollie was also an early member of Stevie Wonder's Wonderlove band. During the late 70s, he performed on Raydio's self-titled debut album which led to a partnership with bassist Jerry Knight who was also a session musician and released three solo albums in the early '80s.

Together, they signed to Polydor Records in 1984 and once they were signed to the label, the executive of Polydor Records Russ Regan asked Ollie and Jerry to contribute songs to the soundtrack for the film "Breakin'" which was released in May of that same year.

While watching scenes from "Breakin'" during a pre-release screening, a line uttered by one of the film's characters, "They can't stop us" caught Ollie's attention which became a part of the duo's song, "Breakin'....There's No Stoppin' Us."

In June of 1984, Ollie and Jerry released "Breakin'....There's No Stopping Us" which became a hit, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in August of 1984, #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks and #5 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The movie soundtrack to "Breakin'" was successful, peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. Ollie and Jerry promoted their hit song and even performed it on "Soul Train."

In 1985, Ollie and Jerry released the single "Electric Boogaloo" for the  "Breakin'" movie sequel, "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo."

The song peaked at #43 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #45 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks and #57 on the U.K. Singles chart. After the release of "Electric Boogaloo," Ollie and Jerry went their separate ways in mid-1985.

Ollie continued to produce and perform on various albums and currently works in the real estate industry.

Jerry continued to write & produce music. According to Discogs.com, he passed away in 1997, but the circumstances of his death are unknown.

To see the music video for "Breakin'...There's No Stoppin' Us," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv8gUkzbA9U

To see the music video for "Electric Boogaloo," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLr_Gpfv06g


[updated on 06/02/13]

Terry Tate

Terry Tate (born in Plainfield, New Jersey) was an R&B singer from the late 80s. Not much information is given about this singer, but he was signed to Atlantic Records.

In 1989, he released his self-titled debut album which didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard charts.
Terry's first and only single, "Babies Having Babies" peaked at #10 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

After that, it seemed that Terry had faded from obscurity, but sadly in April of 2012, he passed away due to complications from gallbladder surgery in Wilmington, North Carolina.

To see a fan-made video for "Babies Having Babies," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s338u1Rrvg


[updated on 06/02/13]

Millie Scott

Millie Scott (born Mildred Vaney Scott in Savannah, Georgia) was an R&B singer from the 80s. She began her music career by singing in gospel groups such as the Pilgrim Gospel Singers and the Sermonettes before switching to jazz music.

Millie performed with Bobby Dilworth and the Blazers and later moved to New York, working as a session singer.

When the Temptations visited New York, they encouraged her to move to Detroit, Michigan where she formed a music group called Quiet Elegance, toured as a back-up singer for Al Green and formed another music group called Cut Glass whom she worked with for 3 years.

In 1986, Millie signed to Island Records and released her debut single "Prisoner of Love." The song peaked at #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #43 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles chart, #78 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks and #52 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Millie's second single "Automatic" peaked at #56 on the U.K. Singles chart and #49 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1987, Millie released her debut album "Love Me Right" which peaked at #57 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The third single from the album "Ev'ry Little Bit" peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #11 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks and #63 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The title song managed to peak at #40 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

In 1988, Millie released her sophomore album, "I Can Make It Good For You" which didn't peak at all on the Billboard charts.

The first single from the album "It's My Life" peaked at #90 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

The follow-up single "A Love of Your Own" peaked at #66 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

After that, it seemed that Millie has faded into obscurity. It's unknown what she's up to these days.

To see the music video for "Love Me Right," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLbi7SjqoPg

To see the music video for "Automatic," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V4XG5yRUF4

To see a fan-made video for "Prisoner of Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhuWkrF9TKQ

To see a fan-made video for "E'vry Little Bit," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC1omPip44A

To see the music video for "It's My Life," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37zp0Iaq6YQ

To see a fan-made video for "A Love Of Your Own," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBDMP3mtLCQ


[updated on 06/02/13]