The Mary Jane Girls

The Mary Jane Girls were an R&B group from the 80s that was formed by the late Rick James. The original line-up consisted of Joanne "JoJo" McDuffie, Cheryl Ann "Cheri" Bailey, Candice "Candi" Ghant and Kimberly "Maxi" Wuletich.

The origin of their name is commonly believed to be an homage to Rick's affinity for marijuana (or "Mary Jane") and the girls took on distinctive character looks with matching personalities: JoJo was described as sexy & streetwise; a female version of Rick James, Cheri was the Valley girl, Candi was the vamp and Maxi was the dominatrix.

The project was originally supposed to be a solo debut for JoJo, who sung background vocals for Rick on tours and recordings. Rick developed tracks with JoJo and session vocalists the Water Sisters creating the sound of the Mary Jane Girls.

Motown Records offered Rick a record contract for what they believed was the girl group he wanted to produce and not wanting to lose the deal, he lied and told Motown that the Mary Jane Girls were a group & not JoJo's solo project.

Rick got who he could to take photos with the Water Sisters for all the Mary Jane Girls recordings. The other members of the group couldn't sing and had limited vocal talent. The band had to sing for them with JoJo on tour.

With the exception of JoJo, the vocal inability of the other group members prevented them from achieving their full potential & television shows such as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Tonight Show" couldn't have the group perform because of it.

In 1983, the Mary Jane Girls released their self-titled debut album, which peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200, #6 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #51 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single "Candy Man" peaked at #101 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #23 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks and #60 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single from the album "All Night Long" peaked at #101 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #11 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks and #13 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The song has been sampled by artists such as Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, and Redman.

The third single "Boys" peaked at #102 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, #29 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks and #74 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album "Jealousy" peaked at #106 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #84 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

"Candy Man," "All Night Long" and "Boys" all peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Before the release of their next album, Cheri left the group and was replaced by Yvette "Corvette" Marine (who is the daughter of disco singer Pattie Brooks) and took over the valley girl role in the group.

In 1985, the group released their last album to date "Only Four You" peaked at #18 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album "In My House" became a hit, peaking at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for 2 weeks in April of 1985 and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 22 weeks. The song also peaked at #77 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "Wild And Crazy Love" peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #10 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album "Break it Up" peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #79 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

In 1986, The Mary Jane Girls covered Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons hit song "Walk Like a Man" which was featured on the "A Fine Mess" movie soundtrack. The song peaked at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #91 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In the spring of that same year, the group's next single "Shadow Lover" was released, but problems between Motown Records and Rick James resulted in little promotion for the single even though the group performed it on "Soul Train."

The Mary Jane Girls were preparing to record their third album entitled "Conversation," but the album was never released and they officially disbanded in 1987.

After Candice and Kimberly left the group, JoJo carried on a solo artist.

Yvette appeared in Pebbles' music video for her single "Mercedes Boy." In 1991, she sued Virgin Records, claiming that she shared the lead vocals on Paula Abdul's 1988 album "Forever Your Girl" on the tracks "Opposites Attract," "Knocked Out" and "I Need You," but a jury ruled against her in 1993.

In 1994, Motown Records released the compliation album "In My House: The Very Best Of The Mary Jane Girls."  

In 1995, a remixed version of "All Night Long" was released as a single in the U.K. and managed to peak at #51 on the U.K. Singles chart.

During that same year, JoJo, Candice and Kimberly appeared on the daytime talk show "Jenny Jones" under the name "MJG" as the show's first musical guest, but by 1997, Kimberly and Candice left the group again.  In 2003, the group appeared on the VH1 network show "Where Are They Now?"

These days, Cheri resides in Portland, Oregon and continues to perform. JoJo continues to perform and released a solo project called "Slightly Dangerous."

Yvette (now Yvette Barlowe) is married with two children, continues to sing and the host of her own celebrity profile show entitled "In the Mix with Yvette."

Kimberly works as a successful celebrity chief, published a cookbook and is developing a TV cooking show. Candice continues to be active in the music business.

To see JoJo's official website, go to:
http://www.jojourbandiva.com/

To see Yvette's official website, go to:
http://www.yvettebarlowe.com/

To see the music video for "Candy Man," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlMuhCp5Gq0

To see a fan-made video for "All Night Long," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B5xS_qk0ko

To see the music video for "Boys," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2RoUwQx8Vk

To see a fan-made video for "Jealousy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aw2uIssAWY

To see the music video for "In My House," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RENIRXApuW8

To see a fan-made video for "Wild And Crazy Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re9e5g4DBxs

To see the music video for "Walk Like a Man," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Raa9U2hHbr0

To see a fan-made video for "Shadow Lover," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5O04_-b57g


[updated on 06/12/13]

Klique

Klique was an R&B trio from Los Angeles, California that consisted of Isaac Suthers and his sister, Deborah Hunter and Howard Huntsberry (born on March 5, 1952 in Pacoima, California).

Isaac used to sing in nightclubs around the Los Angeles area and later he & Deborah got together and decided to form a group.

After auditioning people, Howard became involved in the group and Klique was born. They signed to MCA Records in the early '80s.

In 1981, Klique released their debut album, "It's Winning Time" which peaked at #40 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "Love's Dance" peaked at #24 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Middle of a Slow Dance" peaked at #45 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1982, the trio released their sophomore album, "Let's Wear It Out" which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts.

The first single, "Dance Like Crazy" peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The second single from the album, "I Can't Shake This Feeling" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The last single from the album, "Pump Your Rump" peaked at #83 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

In 1983, Klique released their third album, "Try It Out" peaked at #70 on the Billboard 200 and #11 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Klique's biggest hit to date, a cover version of Jackie Wilson's 1960 hit song "Stop Doggin' Me Around" peaked at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 24 weeks.

The follow-up single "Flashback" peaked at #59 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1985, Klique released their last album to date "Love Cycles" which peaked at #25 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "Be Ready For Love" peaked at #56 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album "A Woman, A Lover, A Friend" peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 16 weeks. After that, Klique disbanded.

In 1986, Isaac and Deborah released the single "Waiting For Ya Genie." They also did productions for other artists.

In 1987, Howard portrayed the role of Jackie Wilson in the film "La Bamba." He wrote the song "Over and Out" for the 1988 film "Jailbird Rock" and released a solo album during that same year.

These days, Deborah and Isaac are in the hair care business, manufacturing hair products. Isaac even did a Christmas song for soldiers overseas and his son is into rap music.

Howard resides in Louisiana and has a daughter who is a musician.

To see the music video for "Stop Doggin Me Around," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi5JqmfWek8

To see a fan-made video for "Love's a Dance," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK6zMvixkLQ

To see a fan-made video for "Middle of a Slow Dance," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSIbehyoAVU

To see a fan-made video for "Pump Your Rump," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTs4GHEuQPU

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

To see a fan-made video for "Dance Like Crazy," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDWQvVVUuOo

To see a fan-made video for "I Can't Shake This Feeling," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhvnDw6zyLQ

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

To see a fan-made video for "A Woman, A Lover, A Friend," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2FMi-O1eyo


[updated on 05/31/13]

Marva Hicks

Marva Hicks (born in Petersburg, Virginia) is an R&B singer/songwriter from the 90s. She grew up singing in the church that was founded by her grandfather, Reverend E.E. Hicks and was a member of the children's choir.

After a trip to New York, she became attracted to theatre and later took acting lessons. While attending Howard University (where she earned her BFA, cum laude), Marva had her first record deal.

After graduating from college, Marva moved to New York and was cast in her first Broadway tour entitled "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music." She was also a member of a music group called the Eighties Ladies.

For two in a half years, she worked with Lena Horne and then moved to Los Angeles where she signed her second record deal with Polygram Records.

In 1991, Marva released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #46 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single "Never Been in Love Before" peaked at #7 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The second single "I Got You Where I Want" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The last single "One Good Reason" peaked at #65 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

Marva has been on tour with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and James Ingram. She has acted on television, film and stage.

These days, Marva continues to be active in the entertainment business.

To see Marva's official website, go to:
http://www.marvahicks.com/

To see the music video for "Never Been in Love Before," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpvhJsINvR4

[updated on 06/11/13]

Gayle Adams

Gayle Adams (born in Washington, D.C.) was an R&B/dance singer from the early 80s. She also worked as a comedian and briefly raced cars.

In 1980, Gayle released her self-titled debut album on Prelude Records. It's unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.

The first single "Stretch' In and Out" peaked at #64 on the U.K. Singles chart, #75 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks and #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (along with the song "Your Love is a Lifesaver.")

In 1982, Gayle released her sophomore album "Love Fever" which peaked at #55 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #24 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

In 1984, Gayle released the single "I'm Warning You" which peaked at #86 on the U.K. Singles chart.

Her last musical release to date was the single "Don't Waste My Time" before fading into obscurity. It's unknown what she is up to today.

To see a fan-made video for "Love Fever," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6zzXD9OS9s

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

To see a fan-made video for "Stretch' In and Out," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7RCFz2Jg2k

[updated on 06/11/13]

Glenn Medeiros

Glenn Medeiros (born Glenn Alan Medeiros on June 24, 1970 in Lihue, Kaua'i, Hawaii) is a male pop singer from the 80s and 90s.

He began his musical career when he was 10 years old helping his father entertain guests on his tour bus on the island of Kauai.

In 1987 when he was 17 years old, Glenn won a local radio contest in Hawaii when he performed a cover version of George Benson's song "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You."

The song was heard by a visiting radio executive from the KZZP radio station in Phoenix, Arizona who took it back to Phoenix where through word of mouth, it became a national hit and later a worldwide hit.

"Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You" peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart and topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain.

It was moderately successful in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The song was certified Gold in the U.K., Canada, France and the Netherlands.

In 1987, Glenn released his self-titled debut album on Amherst Records which peaked at #82 on the Billboard 200.

Glenn's follow-up single "Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone" didn't match the same success as his first single, peaking only at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The last single from the album "Watching Over You" peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1988, Glenn released his second album "Not Me" on MCA Records which missed the charts in the U.S., but managed to peak at #63 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Long And Lasting Love" which peaked at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #42 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "Never Get Enough Of You" missed the Hot 100, but managed to peak at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

In 1988, French pop singer Elsa Lunghini was invited to perform her single "Quelque chose dans mon cœur" on a French television programme and the host, Jean-Pierre Foucalt made the surprise to invite Glenn whom Elsa was a fan. The two of them got together and decided to record two songs together.

The song "Love Always Finds a Reason" was recorded full in English and added on Glenn's second album and whose complete title was "Un Roman d'amitié (Friend You Give Me a Reason)" according to the single title. The song mixes English and French lyrics together.

The song topped the charts in France and was certified Gold. Both Glenn and Elsa promoted the song around the world.

Glenn re-recorded the song in a full English version with singer Ria Brieffles, who performed the song with him in the United States.

In 1989, he recorded the song "Under Any Moon" with music group The Jets which was featured on the "Karate Kid 3" soundtrack.

In 1990, Glenn released his third self-titled album which peaked at #93 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart, but missed the Billboard 200.

He scored a number-one hit with the single "She Ain't Worth It" featuring former New Edition member Bobby Brown, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 2 weeks in July of 1990.

The song also peaked at #43 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks, #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #12 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The second single "All I'm Missing Is You" featuring singer Ray Parker Jr., peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #35 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart.

The last single from the album "Me-U=Blue" featuring R&B group The Stylistics, peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1992, Glenn recorded the song "Standing Alone" which Modern Talking singer Thomas Anders. He also wrote songs for artists such as Sam Verlinden, Martin Nivera and Forte.

In 1993, Glenn released his fourth album "It's Alright to Love," but it was only released in Europe and Asia. It's unknown how or if the album charted in those countries.

During that same year, he released a holiday album entitled "The Glenn Medeiros Christmas Album," but once again, it's unknown how or if the album charted.

Glenn released four more albums "Sweet Island Music" (in 1995), "Captured" (in 1999), "ME" (in 2003) and "With Aloha" (in 2005).

These days, Glenn is the Vice-Principal of the Maryknoll Grade School where he has been there for five years. He has taught grades Kindergarten through high school at various schools throughout Oahu.

He is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-West Oahu where he earned his B.A. in History and then earned his M.A. in Elementary Education. He is also married with two children.

To see the music video for "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLxTEV5vpyg

To see the music video for "Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le9Anv_EzvE

To see the music video for "Watching Over You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86X8h04OA7s

To see the music video for "Long and Lasting Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_-XOv95qaI

To see the music video for "Never Get Enough Of You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN5t7F4UjBM

To see the music video for "Un Roman d'amitié (Friend You Give Me a Reason)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jElpErva5WY

To see the music video for "She Ain't Worth It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBdduYqdy3s

To see the music video for "All I'm Missing Is You," go to:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGIiYPyhT7s

To see a fan-made video for "Me-U=Blue," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doWG-MOzsC4



[updated on 06/11/13]