Carrie McDowell

Carrie McDowell (born on May 11, 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa) is a female pop\dance singer from the mid 80's.

In the early 70's, Carrie was a child singing sensation, gaining attention at Bill Riley's "Talent Sprouts" contest when she was 8 years old. On October 11, 1974, she appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson and appeared with the late George Burns on the show.

Carrie recorded a version of the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," sang on Jerry Lewis' MDA Telethon & opened a show with Danny Thomas in Reno, Nevada. She even performed with Liberace at the Hilton International Hotel in Las Vegas for three weeks.

Carrie's singing career took a break when her mother brought her back to Iowa to attend school. When Carrie was 18 years old, she left for New York, then Los Angeles and signed a record deal with Berry Gordy's record label, Motown Records.

In 1987, Carrie released her self-titled debut album. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
Her one and only single, "Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex" was moderately successful, peaking at #38 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #65 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
After her one and only album, Carrie left Motown Records and married guitarist Michael Hodge in 1989. In 1991, the couple settled in Nashville, Tennessee and they have a son named Gabriel.

Together, Carrie and Michael are Christian country\gospel musicians, performing under the name "Two Hearts." In 2002, they performed in Kenya and South Korea & released two albums "Give 'em the World" & "Stand Your Ground."
Carrie and Michael also released a Christmas album called, "The Heart of Christmas." Carrie released a solo album called "Never Forget." She returned to her hometown of Des Moines for club dates and to perform on the Variety Club Telethon, making 25 appearances with the charity. In 2004, she was inducted into the Iowa Rock n' Roll Music Association Hall of Fame.

These days, Carrie is working on a new cd and an autobiography.

To see the music video for "Uh, Uh, No No Casual Sex," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUhG2sAMqGU&amp

Lushus Daim & The Pretty Vain

Lushus Daim was a female R&B singer from the mid-80's. Not much information is given on her, but she was on the Motown\Conceited Records label and released only one album.
In 1985, she released the album, "More Than You Can Handle" under the name "Lushus Daim & The Pretty Vain" which managed to peak at #52 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single, "The One You Love" was released and managed to peak at #65 on Billboard's R&B charts. The title song was also released as a single, but it's unknown how well it did. After that, it seemed as if Lushus Daim has practically seemed to fallen off the face of the earth and into obscurity.

(Update: 09\17\10) Here's a post about the latest update about Lushus Daim:
http://musicrareobscure.blogspot.com/2010/09/lushus-daim-update.html

To see the music video for "The One You Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-CROlkvmf0

Taka Boom

Taka Boom (born Yvonne Stevens in 1954 in Chicago, Illinois) is a female R&B singer and the sister of Chaka Khan.

She came up with the name "Taka Boom" by combining the Swahilli word for "love of my people" (which is her first name) and her last name "Boom" is comes from her ex-husband's job as a demolition expert.

Taka worked with Chaka in their hometown of Chicago until Chaka joined a local Chicago group called Rufus and she moved to Los Angeles, California. She worked as a session singer in the early 70's, singing with Carl Carlton, the Gap Band, and she was also a member of George Clinton's Brides of Funkenstein.

In 1975, Taka was the lead vocalist for music group, Undisputed Truth and soon after, Taka signed a record deal with Ariola Records.
In 1979, Taka released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #171 on the Billboard 200 and #48 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

She scored a moderate R&B hit with the song "Night Dancin" which peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #20 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album "Red Hot" peaked at #70 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

After that, Taka joined the Norman Whitfield-produced music group, Dream Machine. They only released one album in 1981. After that, she returned to her solo career.
In 1983, Taka released her second album "Boomerang" on Calibre Records. It's unknown how or if the album charted at all. The two singles released from the album "Love Party" and "To Hell With Him" were released, but it's also unknown how they charted.

In 1985, Taka signed to Mirage Records and released her third album, "Middle of the Night" which didn't appear to make the Billboard album charts. The title song managed to peak at #63 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In the mid-90s, Taka moved to London and continued doing session work along with performing in live appearances. She been featured on a few dance\electronic music singles during the 2000's and the most recent one was on electronic music duo, Glimpse's single, "We Existed" in 2008.

To see the music video for "To Hell With Him," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hbdPl0vqfE

To see the music video for "Middle of the Night," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inI5P3DYy78

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

Guinn

Guinn were a R&B group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that consisted of the Guinn siblings: Randy, Michael, Skip, Bonnie, Earl, Marjorie and Lori Fulton (who was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania).

Michael, Skip, Bonnie, Marjorie, & Lori sang while Randy played bass and Earl played guitars.

The group has worked together since 1970 and Lori joined in 1985 during a collaboration between the group and their mutual publishing house. Bonnie and Marjorie originally worked under the name "The Passionettes."

Guinn recorded a few songs under the name "New Experience" on the Philly World record label.
In 1986, Guinn released their self-titled debut album on Motown Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted at all.
One of the songs on their album, "Dreamin" was later recorded by singer Vanessa Williams in 1988 for her debut album & it became an R&B and pop hit in February of 1989.

The follow-up singles "Open Your Door" and "People Will Be People" were released, but didn't appear to chart at all.

Today, it's unknown what Guinn is up to. I haven't been able to find any information about their whereabouts whatsoever. It seems as if the group has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Dreamin," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCAMD5AYhGY

To see a fan-made video for "Open Your Door," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCKgY4uBDaM

Audrey Wheeler

Audrey Wheeler (born in Jamaica, Queens, New York) is a female R&B singer and top New York-based session singer.

She sang in a local choir and she was a finalist in the Miss Black America Pageant and a runner-up in the Miss Black Universe contest during her teen years.

Audrey has recorded backup vocals for artists such as Freddie Jackson, Glenn Jones, Eric Gable, Najee and even Atlantic Starr.

Audrey started her music career in the early 80's when former members William Anderson and Bert & Ray Reid (of the 70's disco band, Crown Heights Affair) were looking for a female singer for their new group, Unlimited Touch. They released their self-titled debut album on Prelude Records. She was the lead vocalist from 1981 to 1983.
In 1983, Audrey released the single "Your Love is Serious" on the Prelude Records label. In 1985, she was featured on Jeff Lorber's song. "Step By Step." In 1987, she got a record deal with Capitol Records.
During that same year, Audrey released her debut album, "Let it Be Me." It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The two singles released from the album "Forget About Her" and "Irresistible" didn't apear to make Billboard's R&B charts at all.

In the early 90s, Audrey recorded a duet called, "This Must Be Heaven" with musician Omar Chandler on his self-titled 1991 album. During that same year, she was signed to a new record deal on Nile Rodgers' new record label, Ear Candy.
Also in 1991, Audrey released her sophomore album "I'm Yours Tonight" which managed to peak at #57 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The title song was released as a single, but it didn't make the charts at all. After the album's release, Ear Candy Records shut down and Audrey went back to doing session & concert work

These days, Audrey is married to musician Will Downing, but it's unknown if she's still active in the music business.

To see the music video for "I'm Yours Tonight," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhXDZaAapcI

To see a fan-made video for "Irresistible," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2ssikZU-LU

To see a fan-made video for "I Miss You, Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPtYf13Bejs

Tashan

Tashan (born Thomas Jerome Pierce on April 30, 1962 in Poughkeepsie, New York) is a male R&B artist.

As a kid, Tashan's mother enrolled him in a dance studio and took him out of school from time to time to take him into New York for auditions. He was a part of a group called Estelle and Alphonse's Dance Studio, performing before live audiences.

Tashan sang in his local church choir when he was 7 years old where his mother was the musical director. At the age of 13, she gave up the music group and started developing his musical skills.

He started his music career in the mid-80's, writing and producing the song "Yours for a Night" which was recorded by rap group Whodini. In 1985, he was signed to Def Jam\Columbia Records.
A year later in 1986, Tashan released his debut album, "Chasing a Dream." It's unknown how the album charted, but it was well-received by critics and the song "You've Got the Right Attitude," a duet with singer Alyson Williams was popular with soul purists.

The title song managed to peak at #100 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't make any impact on the charts in the U.S. at all.

The follow-up singles "Thank You Father," "Read My Mind" and "Love Is..." were released, but it's unknown how or if these singles ever charted.
In 1989, Tashan's second album, "On the Horizon" was released, but didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single "Black Man" managed to peak at #35 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The second single "Save the Family" became Tashan's highest chart appearance to date, peaking at #34 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The last single from the album "Think About You" peaked at #74 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.
In 1993, Tashan released his third album, "For the Sake of Love" was released, but it didn't chart at all on the Billboard charts.

The only single to chart "Love is Forever" managed to peak at #25 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.

The songs from the album, "All I Ever Do" and "Romantically Inspired" were well-received from fans. He also covered Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" on the album also.

In 2002, Tashan performed a sold-out concert in the UK at the Fleetwood Soul Weekender. During that same year, a compliation album of his songs from 1986 to 1993 was released in the UK.
Also in that same year, Tashan released his fourth album "Life Goez On" on his own record label, PowerKingdom Music. These days, he continues to be active with his music career.

To see Tashan's official website, go to:
www.Tashan7.com

To see a fan-made video for "Chasin' a Dream," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2QIpj2yCWU

To see a fan-made video for "Read My Mind," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5T4NCTDRlU

To see a fan-made video for "Thank You Father," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0241Et4S4M

To see a fan-made video for "Love Is...," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2zo-UbZgCA

To see the music video for "Black Man," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhtLUyNvzVk

To see the music video for "Save the Family," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYRvh77QbY0

To see a fan-made video for a remixed version of "Think About Me," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wlRoAPBsQY

To see the music video for "Love is Forever," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTiX-8kPiOQ


[Updated on 4\15\2016]

Kane Gang

The Kane Gang (named after the classic movie "Citizen Kane") were a pop\blue-eyed-soul trio from North East England that managed to score moderate hits in both the UK and US. The trio consisted of singers Martin Brammer (born on May 13, 1957 in Seaham, Country Derham in North East England) and Paul Woods along with multi-instrumentalist Dave Brewis.

They formed in 1982 after meeting in a few small local bands and they were signed to a small record label which led them to score a deal with London Records in 1984.
During that same year, the Kane Gang released their first single "Smalltown Creed" which peaked at #60 on the UK Singles chart.
Their second single from the album "Closest Thing to Heaven" became a hit, peaking at #12 on the UK Singles chart.
The Kane Gang's third single "Respect Yourself" peaked at #21 on the UK Singles chart and managed to chart at #19 in Australia.
In 1985, the Kane Gang released their debut album "Bad and Lowdown World of the Kane Gang" (or "Lowdown" the title released in the U.S.) which managed to peak at #21 on the UK Albums chart.
Their fourth single "Gun Law" peaked at #53 on the UK Singles chart, but it's unknown if it was released or charted in the US.
In 1987, the Kane Gang released their sophomore album "Miracle" which peaked at #115 on the Billboard 200 and #41 on the UK Albums chart.
The first single from the album "Motortown" peaked at #45 on the UK Singles chart. In the U.S., the song peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #12 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.
The second single from the album, a cover version of Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garrett's song "Don't Look Any Further" topped the dance charts in the US and also managed to peak at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

Another single "What Time is It" was released, but it's unknown if it charted at all. Paul Woods left Kane Gang in 1991 to pursue a solo career. He and Dave Brewis worked on an album which was never released.

These days, Martin Brammer continues to write music for artists such as Sheena Easton, Nick Carter, Tina Turner and Beverely Knight.

To see the music video for "Don't Look Any Further," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlbuZtvspd4

To see the music video for "Closest Thing to Heaven," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY6bKOqicLc

To see the music video for "Motortown," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxnzw26vdQg

To see the music video for "Respect Yourself," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGffrSPt5k0

To see the music video for "Gun Law," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GFkoCME35M

To see the music video for "Small Town Creed," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jBmZC1KO0



[Updated on 04\15\2016]

Melody

Melody was a freestyle musician from the late 80's. Not much information is given about this singer, but she was signed to First Class Records.
In 1987, Melody released her first (and only) single "Heartbreaker." The song was written, produced & mixed by Charlie "Rock" Jimenez.

After that, it seemed as if she has faded into obscurity. She never released another single or album and nothing's been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made music video for "Heartbreaker," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQqnCYg6Rng