Five Star

Five Star were a British pop\R&B group that consisted of the Pearson siblings: Stedman (born Stedman Pearson Jr. on June 29, 1964), Doris (born Doris May Pearson on June 8, 1966), Lorraine (born Lorraine Samantha Jean Pearson on August 10, 1967), Denise (born Denise Lisa Maria Pearson on June 13, 1968), and Delroy (born on April 11, 1970) from Romford, Greater London, England.

The group was formed by their father, Buster Pearson, who toured as a guitarist for musicians such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Desmond Dekker and Jimmy Cliff. Their mother, Delores Pearson handled the business side of things.

Buster started his own record label called Tent Records. In October of 1983, Five Star released their first single "Problematic" which they performed on BBC TV's "Pebble Mill At One" show that gave the group public attention.

According to Buster Pearson, RCA Records were on the phone offering Five Star a record deal before the end of their performance. The single failed to chart at all in the UK.
In 1984, Five Star released two singles from their upcoming debut album "Hide and Seek" and "Crazy." The singles failed to make any impact on the UK Singles chart, but "Hide and Seek" was covered by New Edition on their 1984 self-titled album.
In 1985, Five Star released their debut album "Luxury of Life" which peaked at #57 on the Billboard 200 and #14 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Even though the album took a while to chart in the UK when it was released in the summer of that same year, by 1986, it managed to peak at #12 in early 1986 on the UK Albums chart. It was certified Platinum in October of 1986, selling over 300,000 copies in the UK.
The third single (released in May of 1985) from their debut album "All Fall Down" peaked at #15 on the UK Singles chart.

In the United States, the song peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 (making it their first pop hit in the country). It also peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart & #16 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.
The fourth single from the album "Let Me Be The One" was released in July of 1985. It peaked at #18 on the UK Singles Chart, making it their second Top 20 single.

In the United States, the song peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #19 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart & #2 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 19 weeks.
The fifth single "Love Take Over" (released in September of 1985) peaked at #25 on the UK Singles Sales chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #9 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The sixth single "RSVP" peaked at #45 on the UK Singles chart, but didn't appear to chart at all in the United States.
The last single from the album "System Addict" peaked at #3 on the UK Singles chart, making it Five Star's first Top 10 hit song.
In 1986, Five Star released their sophomore album "Silk and Steel" which topped the UK Albums chart and internationally. In the United States, the album peaked at #122 on the Billboard 200 and #22 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single from the album, "Can't Wait Another Minute" peaked at #7 on the UK Singles chart. In the United States, the song became their biggest pop hit to date, peaking at #41 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It also peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #19 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart & #7 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 18 weeks.
The second single from the album "Find the Time" (which was released in June of 1986) peaked at #7 on the UK Singles chart.
The third single from the album "Rain or Shine" peaked at #2 on the UK Singles chart, making it their biggest hit in the UK to date.
The fourth single "If I Say Yes" peaked at #15 on the UK Singles chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.
The fifth single from the album "Stay Out of My Life" peaked at #9 on the UK Singles chart. It was written by Denise Pearson and she produced the song with her dad, Buster.
The sixth single "The Slightest Touch" peaked at #4 on the UK Singles chart, making it their last Top 10 hit song to date in the UK. Five Star chose music producer Shep Pettibone to remix the album track for release as a single.
The last single from the album "Are You Man Enough" which was released only in the United States, peaking at #15 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.Five Star received a BRIT Award for "Best British Group."
In 1987, Five Star released their third album "Between the Lines" which peaked at #7 on the UK Albums chart, but not on the Billboard 200.
The first single from the album "Whenever You're Ready" peaked at #11 on the UK Singles chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #39 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
The second single "Strong as Steel" peaked at #16 on the UK Singles chart. It was written by Diane Warren (who has written songs for Michael Bolton, Cher, etc). In 1990, the song was covered by singer Tina Arena.
The third and last single from the album "Somebody Somewhere" peaked at #23 on the UK Singles chart. The live performance of the song became their official music video since a promotional one wasn't made due to Five Star's involvement in the "Children of the Night" tour.
In 1988, Five Star released their fourth album "Rock the World" which peaked at #17 on the UK Albums chart and #91 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart in the United States.

The group changed their clean-cut image to a "leather-clad" look with a slightly harder-edged dance sound to their music.
The first single from the album "Another Weekend" peaked at #18 on the UK Singles chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #23 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
The second single "Rock My World" peaked at #28 on the UK Singles chart, making it their last UK Top 40 hit. The b-side on the single "Sweetest Innocence" received a BPI Award for "Best Instrumental."
The third single "Someone's in Love" peaked at #36 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. On the song,  Doris sang the lead vocals rather than Denise (who had been the lead singer on all of Five Star's singles up to this point).
The fourth single "There's a Brand New World" peaked at #61 on the UK Singles chart. It was their first single since 1985 not to chart on the UK Top 40.
The last single from the album "Let Me Be Yours" peaked at #51 on the UK Singles chart and didn't go any higher. It was released in November of 1988 as their intended Christmas single.
In 1989, Five Star released their greatest hits album which included two new songs and one of them "With Every Heartbeat" flopped, only charting at #49 on the UK Singles chart.

The release of their greatest hits album marked the end of their association with RCA Records and after that, they signed to Epic Records and started to work on their new album.
A year later in 1990, Five Star released their fifth self-titled studio album which was released only in the US. The album was planned to be released in the UK, but scrapped after the two lead singles failed to make any impact on the charts.
The first single from the album "Treat Me Like a Lady" peaked at #54 on the UK Singles chart.
The second and last single from the album "Hot Love" peaked at #68 on the UK Singles chart, making it their last appearance on the UK Top 75.

In 1991, Five Star released their sixth album, "Shine" which was released only in the US, but it was released on import to the UK. The album was recorded at Michael Jackson's recording studio, MMJ Studios in California.

The title song was released as a single, but it flopped on the charts. After that, Epic Records dropped Five Star from their label. The group's second greatest hits album was released in 1993.
In 1995, Five Star released their seventh album, "Heart and Soul" on their own record label, Tent Records. The album was first released a year earlier in the US, but it flopped.

The two singles released: "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" and "I Give You Give" were unsuccessful. After that, Five Star disbanded.

Denise moved to California in the early 90's and married a racing driver whom she later divorced. She has two children and in 2005, she moved back to the UK with her kids.

Stedman pursued other business ventures such as running a limousine service and teaching dance in London.

Lorraine became an author, releasing her novel, "Her, Me, and Reality" in 1989. Doris pursued other interests and focused on personal projects.

Delroy scored success writing & producing songs for R&B boy band, Immature. He is married with a kid and continues to write & produce music for other artists.

In 2001, Five Star released their newest single, "Funktafied" peaked at #99 on the R&B charts in the US.

During that same year, they released their last album to date "Eclipse" which was only released on CD as an Internet-only release.

In 2002, the group was back as a trio with only Denise, Lorraine and Stedman to perform on various tours such as 2002's "Here and Now" nostalgia tour. In 2005, they released a re-recorded version of "System Addict" and in 2006, Five Star was booked to perform a gig at the UK holiday resort, Butlins.

In 2007, Denise announced she was working on solo material and is now a songwriter. In March of that same year, a DVD of all of Five Star's videos was released. She made her appearance in the West End Theater in the musical, "Thriller-Live" based on Michael Jackson from January to April 2009.

In 2008, Five Star celebrated their 25th anniversary and Denise joined Stedman for gigs at Butlins in October and November of 2009. In 2012, all the original members of the group performed at the 2012 Rewind Festivals. During that same year, their father & manager, Buster passed away.

These days, Five Star continues to perform and tour at various venues & festivals.

To see Five Star's official website, go to:
http://www.fivestarofficial.com

To see the music video for "Hide and Seek," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfz0usTi_A8

To see the music video for "Crazy," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO_BN00aVqY

To see the music video for "All Fall Down," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI58lEFaODE

To see the music video for "Let Me Be the One," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nOAYYSQP_M

To see the music video for "Love Take Over," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dNrv1HX-F8

To see a fan-made video for "RSVP," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B-jGEajIXs

To see the music video for "System Addict," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsA7rdZelLc

To see the music video for "Can't Wait Another Minute," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sng4JWYn-o8

To see the music video for "Find the Time," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zXp0xUk7qI

To see the music video for "Rain or Shine," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOXjoLf-bLw

To see a fan-made video for "If I Say Yes," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcOK-lxLnLE

To see the music video for "Stay Out of My Life," go to:
ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPdK6llKM6o

To see the music video for "The Slighest Touch," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QnpyVzigng

To see a fan-made video for "Are You Man Enough," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Cr61hUGic

To see the music video for "Whenever You're Ready," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mbyCITBnW8

To see the music video for "Strong as Steel," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP-1qSHuTG4

To see the music video for "Somewhere Somebody," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1dijAA97ck

To see a fan-made video for "Rock My World," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9d9EjX8xpw

To see the music video for "There's a Brand New World," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaA_J3ZiQO4

To see the music video for "Let Me Be Yours," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWJm1D7rIto

To see the music video for "With Every Heartbeat," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUlULCdtPg4

To see the music video of "Treat Me Like a Lady," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAv8-PhY-qU

To see the music video for "Hot Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfWGfigCJu0

To see the music video for "Shine," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KL70zOEeSY

To see the music video for "I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSorm0G6B2k

To see a fan-made video for "I Give, You Give," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FXZuKb3xm4



[Updated on 04\15\2016]

Jossette

Jossette (from Redwood City, California) was a female freestyle/dance musician from the '90s. Her first single "In a Dream" was written & produced by Randy Taylor-Weber of Galaxy Freestyle Records.

The song was originally recorded in 1989 by a girl group called First Kiss (which was later renamed "Emotion in Motion"). When the group disbanded, Randy re-created the song with further advanced studio equipment in 1996 and came across Jossette.

At the time, Josette was working at a department store when she was approached by one of the Galaxy Freestyle Records employees who asked her if she could sing which she replied that she could. She later had an audition with Randy and they later met & recorded the song.

In 1997, "In A Dream" received its first break on San Francisco radio station Wild 94.9 when DJ Jose Melendez decided to give the record a chance on the radio. Within minutes, the phone lines blew up and Josette was asked to return & appeared on radio DJ Jojo Wright's "Make it Or Break It" segment.

The song made its debut on the segment with a 95% saying "Make It." It became the longest running number-one song on the daily countdown.

The song also managed to peak at #109 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and became a staple in the freestyle/dance music industry. During that same year, freestyle artist Rockell covered the song and it became a successful hit for her.

Josette's follow-up single "Where Are You Now" was released, but didn't make the charts. After that, it seemed as if she has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made music video for "In a Dream," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_i_NShUt5c

To see a fan-made music video for "Where Are You Now," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUP8obTliKo


[updated on 04/15/16]

Lil Johanna

Lil Johanna is a freestyle singer from the mid '90s. When she was 11 years old, her mother sent a demo to a radio station. In 1996, she was signed to High Power Records and worked with music producer Tony "Dr. Edit" Garcia.
During that same year, she released her debut album "Real Love" when she was only 12 years old. It's unknown how or if it charted at all. Half the songs on the album were sung in English and Spanish. It also included a tribute song to the late Tejano singer, Selena (whom Johanna was influenced by).

Two singles were released from the album, the title track and a cover version of Lil Suzy's "Take Me In Your Arms." It's unknown how or if the singles charted at all.

When she was 17 years old, Johanna had her own television show in New York City called "The Lil Johanna Show" and was a student with scholarships and honors. In 2000, she joined a new formed version of freestyle girl group, Pajama Party.

These days, it's unknown what Lil Johanna is up to & it seems as if she has faded into obscurity.

To see a fan-made video for "Real Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdMKF0L2tkM

To see a fan-made video for "Take Me In Your Arms Again," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD9wjwft3mM


[Updated on 04\15\2016]

Ms. Adventures

Ms. Adventures were a female pop trio consisting of sisters Kindra, Charity and Amy Morriss. They were signed to Atco Records during the early 90s.
In 1990, they released their self-titled debut album which didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard 200.
The trio's first single and biggest hit to date, "Undeniable" peaked at #73 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The follow-up single "As Long as I'm With You" was released, but didn't make the charts at all.

After that, it seemed as if Ms. Adventures faded into obscurity even though Amy Morriss has released two gospel albums.

These days, nothing much has been heard from them.

To see the music video for "Undeniable," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJfgQ868c14

Premiere

Premiere were a female teenage R&B trio from the mid-90's whose members consisted of Lesyle Maninang and sisters Alisha & Gigi Florescea from San Jose, California. The girls met when Lesyle's sister married the Florescea sisters' brother in 1990 and they soon started a friendship. They would perform for their family and left a-cappella songs on their friends' voicemails.In 1996, Premiere released their self-titled debut album. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted on the Billboard 200 or R&B albums chart, but the album was #1 in Guam for seven weeks.
The only single released from the album was "Somethin' About You." It's unknown how or if the single ever charted at all. Premiere toured with Immature, Destiny's Child, Dru Hill, and Soul For Real. They've been recognized internationally in Japan and Germany.

In 1998, Premiere decided to take a break and continue with their education.
In 2002, the trio returned to the recording studio under the new name "Honey Luv." In Spring 2003, Honey Luv (formerly Premiere) were signed by Cudda Love and working on a new album. In 2006, Gigi released her solo album, "Sunrise" which is available on CDBaby. It's unknown when "Honey Luv" will release a new album.

To see the music video for "Somethin' About You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb6y6dB7l5M

Gregory Abbott

Gregory Abbott (born on April 2, 1954 in New York City, New York) is an R&B singer, musician (keyboards & drums), composer, and producer. During his childhood, Gregory's mother taught him how to play the piano and encouraged his singing. Before starting his music career, Gregory studied psychology & taught English at the University of California, Berkeley and he also studied creative writing at Stanford (where he won a Wallace Stegner fellowship).

Gregory's first opportunities in the recording studio was an album for an independent record label that gave him the chance to do a duet with Whitney Houston. He also produced for music group, EQ on Atlantic Records.
In 1986, Gregory released his debut album, "Shake You Down" which peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The title song became Gregory's biggest hit to date, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B chart, #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and #2 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. The song was certified Platinum and also became a hit in the UK.
The second single from the album, "I Got the Feelin' (It's Over)" which peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on Billboard's R&B chart, and #25 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.
In 1988, Gregory released his sophomore album, "I'll Prove it To You" which peaked at #132 on the Billboard 200 and #17 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The title song peaked at #5 on Billboard's R&B chart and was featured on a movie soundtrack in Japan.The second single, "Let Me Be Your Hero" peaked at #34 on Billboard's R&B chart, but didn't chart on the Billboard Hot 100 just like the previous single. Gregory won first prize at the Tokyo Music Festival and performed with Princess Stephanie of Monaco in Belgium.
In 1994, Gregory released his third album, "One World" which didn't chart at all on the Billboard 200 or R&B charts. It's unknown if or any singles were released from the album or if they charted. Gregory's greatest hits album was released in 1998
In 2002, Gregory released his fourth album, "Eyes, Whispers, Rhythm, Sex" which also failed to make any impact on the charts at all.
In 2005, Gregory released his fifth album, "Dancing in the Inner Realm" which became another album for Gregory that failed to chart at all.
A year later in 2006, Gregory released his sixth album, "Rhyme and Reason." Once again, the album failed to chart at all. In 2010, Gregory released his newest single, "Baby Mama" which is available on iTunes.

To see Gregory's official website, go to:
http://www.gregoryabbott.com/

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

To see the music video for "Shake You Down," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc8wmLul3uw&feature=player_embedded

To see the music video for "I Got the Feelin (It's Over)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXRMmh0B860&feature=channel

To see the music video for "I'll Prove it To You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbW-hy77XDc&feature=channel