The Family

The Family is an R&B band from the 80s that was signed to Prince's well-known record label, Paisley Park Records.

The origin of the band began with the break-up of The Time in 1984 when lead singer Morris Day left to pursue a solo career of his own and guitarist Jesse Johnson became the de facto leader of the band.

Prince suggested reconstructing the band with new member Paul Peterson to head the group, but Jesse opposed to this.

Jesse soon left the band to pursue his own solo career and a few of The Time's newer members followed him join his backing band called Jesse Johnson's Revue.

Because the band served as an outlet for Prince to release more music, he wanted to continue with the project and invited the remaining members of The Time, Jellybean Johnson, Jerome Benton and Paul to his home and presented them with his new project.

They agreed to become a new band called The Family and Paul was renamed "St. Paul" becoming the new frontman and bassist.

Jesse and Jerome reprised their familiar roles from the time. Prince added singer Susannah Melvoin (the twin sister of Wendy Melvoin, guitarist for Prince's band, The Revolution and his fiancée at the time) as a backing singer.

He also added Eric Leeds (the brother of Prince's tour manager, Alan Leeds) who played saxophone and flute.

Guitarist Miko Weaver is credited in the album's booklet because he was supposed to be a session player and tour musician band supporter, but he was never an official member of the band.

The Family's material was composed nearly entirely by Prince. He wrote and performed all the other tracks & simply overdubbed St. Paul and Susannah's vocals & added saxophone and flute by Eric.

All the tracks for their debut album were recorded in a few weeks span by the end of 1984 after Prince completed sessions for his "Around the World in a Day" album and before he began recording music for Sheila E.'s "Romance 1600" album and his own album entitled "Parade."

In 1985, The Family released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #62 on the Billboard 200, #17 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #23 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart.

The first single "Screams of Passion" peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100, #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #9 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks.

The follow-up single "High Fashion" peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

Despite the moderate success of the band, Prince's music project turned out to be short-lived. St. Paul felt constricted by Prince's control and wanted to pursue his own solo career.

Without a lead singer, Prince lost interest in the project and he absorbed most of the remaining members of The Family into the expanded version of The Revolution except for Jellybean Johnson, who went on to join the Flyte Time music production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

The members of The Family moved onto various projects and in 2009, they reformed under the name "Fdeluxe" & these days, they continue to perform.

To see Fdeluxe's official website, go to:
http://www.fdeluxe.com

To see a fan-made video for "The Screams of Passion," go to:
https://vimeo.com/138469168


[updated on 04\21\2016]

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]