Rockwell

Rockwell (born Kennedy William Gordy on March 15, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan) was a R&B singer and the son of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy.

After being kicked out of the house by his father, Rockwell moved in with Berry Gordy's ex-wife Ray Singleton where he began working on music. After seeing his potential, Ray successfully lobbied to get Rockwell a staff writing job at Jobete.
In 1984, Rockwell released his debut album "Somebody's Watching Me" which peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

One night, Ray overheard Rockwell working on the track "Somebody's Watching Me" and believed that it was a song worthy of recording.

When Motown staff producer Curtis Anthony Nolen took an interest in the song, he was hired as the producer on the project.

While working on the song in the studio, Rockwell got the idea to get his good childhood friend, the late Michael Jackson to sing on the song.

He picked up Michael and drove him to the studio without indicating his plans. Once Michael was at the studio, Rockwell asked him to record the chorus with him which he agreed to.

Once "Somebody's Watching Me" was mixed, Ray couldn't wait to play it for Berry Gordy, who though that one of the voices sounded familiar, but he couldn't identify it. When he later found out it was Michael Jackson, he was pleased.
The title song became Rockwell's only biggest hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart and topped Billboard's Black Singles chart for 5 weeks, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

Internationally, the song was a success, peaking at #6 on the U.K. Singles chart and topped the charts in Belgium, France & Spain.

The song also featured Michael's brother Jermaine Jackson on additional backing vocals. It was also one of the biggest singles of 1984 & both the single & album were certified Gold by the RIAA.
The follow-up single from Rockwell's debut album "Obscene Phone Caller" peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks and #79 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The last single from the album "Taxman" (which was a cover version of the Beatles' 1966 song) peaked at #88 on the U.K. Singles chart.
In 1985, Rockwell released his sophomore album "Captured" which peaked at #120 on the Billboard 200 chart and #52 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album "He's a Cobra" peaked at #108 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #65 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
The follow-up single from the album "Peeping Tom" peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart (along with the song "Tokyo"). The song was featured on the movie soundtrack to "The Last Dragon."
In 1986, Rockwell released his last album to date "Genie" which failed to make the Billboard album charts at all.
The only single to chart was "Carmé" which managed to peak at #46 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

After that, it seemed as if Rockwell faded into obscurity, but in 2010, he married Nicole Moore, but in 2013, he filed for divorce due to "irreconcilable differences" and asked not to pay spousal support.

To see the music video for "Somebody's Watching Me," go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YvAYIJSSZY

To see the music video for "Obscene Phone Caller," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HdOqhjuph8

To see a fan-made video for "Taxman," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aMb-l1i-u0

To see a fan-made video for "He's a Cobra," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXGiUPQEwws

To see a fan-made video for "Carme," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvMMky45eaY

[updated on 03\08\14]

Groove Theory

Groove Theory is an R&B\hip-hop duo consisting of singer Amel Larrieux and rapper\former Mantronix group member Bryce Wilson.

The duo started in 1993 when Bryce met Amel (who was working as a receptionist for Rondo Music in New York) through a friend.
The two signed a record deal with Epic Records and in 1995, Groove Theory released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #69 on the Billboard 200 and #14 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The duo's first single and biggest hit to date "Tell Me" which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #21 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 38 weeks.

The follow-up single released from the album "Keep Tryin'" peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100, #29 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #36 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #24 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.

The last single from the album "Baby Luv" peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100, #14 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles chart and #23 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

In 1999, Amel left Groove Theory to start her solo career and was replaced by Makeda Davis. The
group left Epic Records and signed with Columbia Records.

The duo recorded a new album entitled "The Answer" which was supposed to be released in 2001, but Bryce asked to be released from the label due to Columbia Records' track record with urban music projects at the time & the album was never released.

The only single released from the album was "4Shure" which managed to peak at #97 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for only a week.

Amel started her solo career by releasing her debut album "Infinite Possibilities" in 2000 and had a minor hit with the single "Get Up" which peaked at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #37 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
In 2003, Amel started her own independent record label, Blisslife Records where she released her next three albums "Bravebird" (2004), "Morning" (2006), and "Lovely Standards" (2007).

In February of 2010, Amel and Bryce reunited and were working on their second official album, but it's unknown what the album's release date will be.

In October of 2013, Amel released her fifth solo album "Ice Cream Everyday" on her own independent record label Blisslife.

To see Amel's website for her record label, go to:
www.blisslife.com/

To see the Facebook page for Amel's record label, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/amellarrieux

To follow Amel on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/amellarrieux

To see the music video for "Tell Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THtqUDitQ4I

To see the music video for "Keep Tryin," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhL1lUzmjcs

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

To see a fan-made video for "4Shure," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9mKFCHMP8w

[updated on 03\08\14]

Silk

Silk is an Atlanta-based R&B group whose members consisted of Tim Cameron, Jimmy Gates, Gary "Big G" Glenn, Jonathan "John-John" Rasboro, and Gary "Lil G" Jenkins.

Gary Jenkins started his singing career in church at a young age and during college, he was a member of the Tennessee State University Jazz Collegians. In 1992, Jenkins answered an audition call and became the lead singer for R&B singer Keith Sweat's new R&B group, Silk.
During that same year, Silk released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200, #4 on Billboard's Heatseekers albums chart, and #1 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.
The group's first single, "Happy Days" peaked at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
It wasn't until 1993 that Silk hit it big with their second single, "Freak Me" (which was co-written and produced by Keith Sweat himself) topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and R&B charts, making it their biggest hit song to date.

The song also topped Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart and managed to peak at #7 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart.
Silk's third single, "Girl U For Me" peaked at #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #25 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart. Their last singles from the album, "It Had to Be You" and "Lose Control" managed to become moderately successful on the R&B charts as well.
In 1995, Silk released their self-titled sophomore album which peaked at #46 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The first single from the album, "Hooked on You" peaked at #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, #25 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #12 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and #44 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The second single, "I Can Go Deep" failed to appear on the Hot 100, but managed to peak at #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The third single, "Don't Rush" peaked at #91 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #39 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
In 1999, 4 years after their last album, Silk released their third album, "Tonight" which peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200 and #8 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "If You" became another hit for the group, peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

The second single, "Meeting in My Bedroom" peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #15 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

The last single, "Let's Make Love" peaked at #58 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. Silk performed one of the songs from their album, "Please Don't Go" on the UPN sitcom "Moesha."
In 2001, Silk released their fourth album, "Love Session" which peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The album wasn't quite as successful as their previous ones and the only single to chart was "We're Callin' You" which peaked at #56 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

In 2002, Elektra Records dropped Silk and Keith Sweat from their label and during that same year, Gary Jenkins departed from the group to pursue other interests.
In 2003, Silk released their fifth album, "Silktime" which peaked at #30 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart and #11 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart.

The only single to chart was "Side Show" which peaked at #66 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
After the flop of "Silktime," nothing had been heard from Silk in quite sometime, but in 2006, Silk released their sixth album, "Always and Forever" which included cover versions from Shalamar, Prince, and the System.
Gary Jenkins became a member of the R&B group, Blayse, but the group has yet to release an album. In 2007, Gary released his solo album, "The Other Side."

In 2007, Gary returned to his old group, Silk after appearing with them on Keith Sweat's 2006"Sweat Hotel" tour. Silk is currently working on a new album.

To see Gary Jenkins' MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/garygjenkins

To see Silk's MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/silk

To see the music video for "Freak Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyFX1gt0GYE

To see the music video for "Girl U For Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=-x7yG2bUiWU

To see the music video for "I Can Go Deep," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=xnVN0d74luU

To see the music video for "Don't Rush," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=xnVN0d74luU

Siedah Garrett

Siedah Garrett (born on June 24, 1960 in Los Angeles, California) is a singer\songwriter who became quite successful during the 80's. In 1980, Siedah appeared on the "Password Plus" television show.
In 1984, Siedah teamed up with Temptations' lead singer, Dennis Edwards on his hit single, "Don't Look Any Further" which peaked at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

A year later in 1985, Siedah released the single, "Do You Want it Right Now" for the "Fast Forward" movie soundtrack. The song peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #14 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #63 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

In 1987, Siedah released the song, "Everchanging Times" for the movie, "Baby Boom." The song peaked at #30 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.
During that same year, she teamed with Michael Jackson on his hit #1 single, "I Just Can't Stop Lovin' You."

The success of "I Just Can't Stop Lovin' You" gave Siedah the chance to appear on other Quincy Jones albums throughout the 80's and 90's. Siedah also co-wrote Michael's other #1 song, "Man in the Mirror."
In 1988, Siedah released her debut and only album, "Kiss of Life" which peaked at #41 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album was released on Quincy Jones' record label, Quest Records.


Siedah's biggest hit to date, "K.I.S.S.I.N.G." peaked at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100,#16 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and topped Billboard's dance charts. Another single, "Refuse to Be Loose" was also released, but didn't chart.

In 1991, Siedah hosted the television show, "America's Top 10." She also toured with Michael Jackson during his "Dangerous" tour from 1992 to 1993, singing backup vocals and duetting with him on their #1 song.

Throughout the 90's, Siedah appeared on albums for artists such as Maysa Leak and the Brand New Heavies. In 2004, Siedah was on Madonna's "Re-Invention" tour as a backup singer & dancer. Siedah provided vocals on Madonna's albums, "True Blue" and "Who's that Girl."

In 2006, Siedah provided her songwriting to the film, "Dreamgirls" and one of her songs, "Love You I Do" (which was sung by Jennifer Hudson) earned her a nomination for the 2007 Academy Award for "Best Original Song."

In 2008 at the 50th Grammy Awards ceremony, Siedah along with composer Henry Krieger won a Grammy for "Best Song in a Motion Picture, TV, or Visual Media" for "Love You I Do."

To see the music video for "Don't Look Any Further," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH3rx8LhrQo

To see the music video for "K.I.S.S.I.N.G," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4nxro_siedah-garrett-k-i-s-s-i-n-g_news

Baltimora

Baltimora were an Italian New Wave\pop group who became well-known for being a "one-hit wonder" in the U.S.

The group consisted of frontman\singer Jimmy McShane, singer\keyboardist Maurizio Bassi, lead guitarist Giorgio Cocilovo, guitarist Claudio Bazzari, bass guitarist Pier Michelatti and drummer Gabriele Melotti.

In early 1984, musician\music producer Maurizio was looking for a new music project and he came across Jimmy who worked as an EMT for Ireland's Red Cross.

Maurizio had Jimmy do some vocals and to be the group's frontman because of his appearance and talented dancing. Maurizio recruited other musicians who would appear on Baltimora's two albums.
In the summer of 1985, Baltimora released their first single, "Tarzan Boy" which became an instant hit, peaking at #5 on the Italian Singles chart and topped the charts in Canada, the Netherlands, and France.

The song was also moderately successful in countries such as Sweden, the UK, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and Switzerland.

In the US, "Tarzan Boy" took a while to make an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, but during the spring of 1986, the song peaked at #13 on the chart.

The song also peaked at #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #12 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. Baltimora appeared on "Solid Gold" which furthered their success in America.
Baltimora's debut album, "Living in the Background" was released in Europe at the end of 1985 and released in the US in 1986, which peaked at #49 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The group's second single, "Woody Boogie" made the top 20 charts in Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Baltimora's third single, "Living in the Background" peaked at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100, but failed to chart internationally. Another single, "Juke Box Boy" also failed to chart.
In 1987, Baltimora released their sophomore album, "Survivor in Love" which failed to chart at all. The album was only released in countries such as Italy, the UK, Germany, Japan, and Mexico.
The only single to chart was "Key Key Karimba" which managed to chart in a few European countries. Subsequent singles from the album failed to make any impact. After the release of their second album, Baltimora split up.

In March of 1993, a remix of "Tarzan Boy" came back to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #51 when it was featured in a Listerine commercial. The song was also featured in the films "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" in 1993 and "Beverly Hills Ninja" in 1997.

Sadly, Jimmy McShane passed away of AIDS on March 29, 1995. Today, Maurizio Bassi continues to work as a songwriter, arranger, and music producer. As for the other members, it seems as if they faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Tarzan Boy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=_r0n9Dv6XnY&feature=related
To see the music video for "Key Key Karimba," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1xa09_baltimora-key-key-karimba_music
To see the music video for "Woody Boogie," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1xa2p_baltimora-woodie-boogie_music
To see the music video for "Juke Box Boy," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1xa06_baltimora-jukebox-boy_music

II D Extreme

II D Extreme was an R&B\new-jack swing group from the early 90's whose members consisted of Randy Gill (brother of New Edition member, Johnny Gill), Jermaine Mickey and D'Extra Wiley from Washington, DC.

The group came onto the music scene as an unsigned group that made their first demo song, "Cry No More." A DJ at WPGC-FM played the demo on the air which lead to major demand for nationwide airplay even though II D Extreme wasn't signed to a record label yet.
Several months after the "Cry No More" demo was released, the group released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #115 on the Billboard 200 and #22 on Billboard's Top R&B\Hip-Hop Albums chart.
"Cry No More" became II D Extreme's biggest hit to date, peaking at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100, #6 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and #34 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.

The song was certified Gold by the RIAA, spent 4 weeks at the top of BET's "Video Soul" countdown, 7 weeks at Jet Magazine's top charts, earned the group a Soul Train Music Award nomination and also a ASCAP award for "Best Urban Debut Song."

In their hometown of DC, the group received a Wammie award. The group has appeared on Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, Soul Train, MTV, and BET.
The group's second single, "Up on the Roof" peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. The last single, "Let Me Love You" peaked at #70 on Billboard's Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.
In 1996, the group released their sophomore album, "From I Extreme II Another" which failed to chart at all on the Billboard albums chart. In 1997, the group introduced a new member, Sage Lee.
The two singles released, "If I Knew Then (What I Know Now)" and "You Got Me Goin" weren't also very successful. When their record label, Gasoline Alley shut down, the group went their separate ways.

Today, D'Extra Wiley is a producer, artist, and songwriter. He worked with artists such as Queen Latifah and K-Ci and JoJo. He wrote the theme song for the show, "The Hughleys."

Currently, D'Extra is now producing a gospel project with his siblings called "The Wileys" and continues to do radio consulting and writing scripts & screenplays.

Randy Gill continues to work as an R&B singer. He and his brother, Johnny have entertained American troops in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Macedonia with the USO Tour. Today, Randy is working on a solo album. Jermaine Mickey is a gospel singer and released his first gospel album, "Testimonies" in 2008.

Sage Lee is part of the production team, "5th Lnmnt" and works with a stable of artists. The group is still together, creating new music. It's unknown when they'll release a new album, but hopefully soon.

To see the group's MySpace page, go to:
www.myspace.com/iidxtreme

To see D'Extra Wiley's MySpace page, go to:
www.myspace.com/dxtra

To see Randy Gill's MySpace page, go to:
www.myspace.com/gilltime

To see Jermaine Mickey's MySpace page, go to:
www.myspace.com/jermainemickey

To see the music video for "Cry No More," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8fvud_ii-d-extreme-cry-no-more_music

To see the music video for "Up on the Roof," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1gxib_up-on-the-roof_music

To see the music video for "You Got Me Goin," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x73kxf_music

To see the music video for "If I Knew Then," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCX1EHRi7pM

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