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]

Marilyn Martin

Marilyn Martin (born on May 4, 1954 in Tennessee) is a pop/rock singer from the mid-80s. She was raised in Louisville, Kentucky and began her music career by singing back-up vocals for artists such as Joe Walsh, Don Henley, Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks.

When former head of Atlantic Records, Doug Martin heard Marilyn singing backup on Stevie Nicks' 1985 album "Rock a Little," he was impressed quite enough to ask for a demo from her. After that, she was signed to Atlantic Records for a two-album contract.

In 1985, Marilyn scored a number-one hit with "Separate Lives," a duet with Phil Collins from the film soundtrack to "White Nights." The song became Marilyn's most notable hit song to date.

A year later, Marilyn released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #72 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single from the album "Night Moves" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #18 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock charts.

The follow-up singles, "Body and the Beat" and "Move Closer" were released, but failed to make any impact on the Billboard charts at all.

In 1988, Marilyn released her sophomore album "This is Serious" which didn't chart at all on the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single from the album, "Possessive Love" (which was written and produced by Madonna) failed to make an impact on the charts.

The follow-up single, "Love Takes No Prisoners" didn't fair well either. During that same year, Marilyn recorded a duet with David Foster entitled "And When She Danced" which was featured in the film "Stealing Home."

After the album and singles failed to make much impact, Atlantic Records released Marilyn from her contract, but she continued to work as a back-up vocalist into the 90s.

In 1994, she recorded a country music album entitled "Through His Eyes," but it was never officially released.

These days, Marilyn works as a realtor and resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband Greg Droman, who is a music producer and engineer.

In 2012, she independently released her new album "Trust, Love, Pray."

To see Marilyn's official website, go to:
http://www.marilyn-martin.com/

To see the music video for "Night Moves," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGD77VsaCL

To see the music video for "Move Closer," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6_ysU13rII

To see the music video for "Possessive Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia8dLtOPTio

To see a fan-made video for "Love Takes No Prisoners," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx3C7A8AHcE

To see the music video for "Separate Lives," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkxLTZm-6OE

To see the music video for "And When She Danced," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLo_1WrMiA


[updated on 06/02/13]

Vicky "D"

Vicky "D" was an R&B\dance singer from the early 80's. Not much information is given about this singer, but she was signed to SAM Records.

In 1982, she released her first single, "This Beat Is Mine" peaked at #11 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #64 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.
In 1982, she released a second single, "Mystery Lover" which didn't chart at all on the Billboard charts.

After that, it seemed that Vicky "D" has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her  lately.

To see a fan-made video for "This Beat is Mine," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CpfZfyTClY



[updated on 06/02/13]

Rochelle

Rochelle was a freestyle/dance musician from the mid 90s. Not much information is given on this singer, but she was signed to SOS Records.
In 1994, she released her first single, "Praying For An Angel" peaked at #32 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Rochelle released two more singles: "Holding Onto Love" and "Nene" before fading into obscurity. Nothing has been heard from her in quite sometime.

To see a fan-made video for "Praying For An Angel," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IecLUIJ6n84

To see a fan-made video for "Holding Onto Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfzmj4t3Dac

To see a fan-made video for "Nene," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vilt_JH8wM



[updated on 06/02/13]

Caron Wheeler

Caron Wheeler (born on January 19, 1963 in London, England) is a female British R&B singer who was a former member of R&B group Soul II Soul.

In the 80s, she was a member of female vocal quartet Afrodiziak and was also a backup vocalist for artists such as Elvis Costello, Madness, Dexy's Midnight Runners and Erasure.

Caron wrote and sung two of Soul II Soul's biggest hits "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" and "Keep on Movin'." 

In 1990,she left Soul II Soul to pursue a solo career. Shortly after she left the group, Caron managed to secure a record deal with RCA/EMI Records.

During that same year, she released her debut album "UK Blak" which peaked at #133 on the Billboard 200, #30 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #14 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single, "Living in the Light" peaked at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in November of 1990, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #14 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The title song peaked at #40 on the U.K. Singles chart and #44 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The third single "Blue (Is the Colour of Pain)" peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks, but missed the U.K. Singles chart. The song featured late saxophonist Stanley Turrentine.

The last single "Don't Quit" peaked at #53 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't appear to make the charts in the United States.

In 1992, Caron was featured on the soundtrack to the film "Mo' Money" with the track "I Adore You" which peaked at #59 on the U.K. Singles chart and #12 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks. The song was also featured on her next album.

During that same year, she released her sophomore album "Beach of the War Goddess" which peaked at #81 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart, but missed the U.K. Albums chart.

The title song managed to peak at #75 on the U.K. Singles chart, but failed to make the Billboard charts at all.

The third single from the album "In Our Love" peaked at #61 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

The last promo single from the album "Soul Street" didn't make the charts at all. In 1996, Caron was featured on a remixed version of Soul II Soul's single "Keep on Movin" which managed to peak at #31 on the U.K. Singles chart.

During that same year, she was featured on a cover version of "Just the Two of Us" with Japanese singer/songwriter Toshi Kubota.

In 1998, Caron and Soul II Soul were featured on the soundtrack to the film "How Stella Got Her Groove Back."

In 1999, she released the single "Star" featuring rapper Biz Markie, which managed to peak at #82 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.

In 2003, she was featured on Richard X's album, "Richard X Presents His X-Factor Vol. 1" and on the Stevie Wonder tribute album, "Conception - An Interpretation of Stevie Wonder's Songs."

As of 2012, Caron is reportedly working a new solo album and back in the recording studio with Soul II Soul member Jazzie B recording new music for a new Soul II Soul album, but nothing much has been heard about either projects in quite some time.

To see the music video for "Living In the Light," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNwOgUirIhQ

To see the music video for "UK Blak," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnGxJBeJIBU

To see a fan-made video for "Blue (Is The Colour of Pain)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPPS0JkaFcY

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Quit," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aBYDFspPiM

To see the music video for "I Adore You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ-gmb6MOPU

To see a fan-made video for "Beach of the War Goddess," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrrB4uNiaks

To see the music video for "In Our Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy5uu4pdZXk

To see a fan-made video for "Soul Street," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSZ-UBGmCNM

To see a fan-made video for "Star," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujko995Cm7A


[updated on 06/02/13]