Cartouche

Cartouche was a dance group from Belgium that consisted of members Myrelle Tholen and Jean-Paul Visser.

In 1991, the group released their only album "House Music All Night Long" on Scotti Bros. Records. It's unknown how or if the album charted at all.

The first single "Feel the Groove" peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1991, #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in May of 1991 and #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Single Sales chart.

The song became a hit in France, peaking at #13 on the charts. It was also moderately successful in the U.K., Belgium and on the dance music charts in Canada.

The follow-up single "Let the Music Take Control" peaked at #46 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart in October of 1991, but didn't appear to chart anywhere else.

Two more singles from the album "Hold On" and "Do Your Thing" were released, but didn't make the charts at all.

In 1993, Cartouche released the single "Shame" which didn't appear to make the music charts in the U.S. or internationally.

In 1994, Cartouche's single "Touch the Sky" was released and it topped the dance music charts in Canada for 6 weeks in mid-1995.

In 1995, Cartouche released the single "Miracles" which peaked at #3 on the dance music charts in Canada.

Cartouche released two more singles: "Feel the Rain" and "Runnin' Up That Hill" before apparently fading into obscurity.

As of 2007, Jean-Paul Visser resides in Holland while Myrelle Tholen runs a street-dance school in Essen, Belgium. She is retired from singing and is married with two children.

To see the music video for "Feel the Groove," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-xaL4_cep4

To see the music video for "Let the Music Take Control," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r9TV3fk_cA

To see a fan-made video for "Hold On," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlDkYVJ79cc

To see a fan-made video for "Do Your Thing," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlqoxvfIU3Q

To see the music video for "Shame," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=341Y5lwxoUI

To see a fan-made video for "Touch the Sky," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjAYoCY99Vg

To see a fan-made video for "Miracles," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPPr5rZeKYM

To see a fan-made video for "Feel the Rain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOL4z2RCm4U

To see the music video for "Runnin' Up That Hill," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIx6phNNwP0

Ericka Yancey

Ericka Yancey (born in 1979 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a female R&B singer who was signed to RCA Records in 1996.

Ericka's first single "So Good" peaked at #47 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the charts for 12 weeks.

Her follow-up single "Wait a Minute" peaked at #93 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 3 weeks.

Ericka's self-titled debut album was scheduled for release that year, but due to the two lead singles failing to make the Billboard Hot 100, the album was eventually shelved, but promotional copies of the album were exclusively released on Amazon in 1999 until 2000.

In 1998, Ericka recorded a duet with R&B singer, TQ. From 1999 to 2003, she focused on writing & producing music, and recording background vocals for artists such as Victoria Beckham, Macy Gray, Brownstone, Sheeba Black, Rainman, Kia Shine, and Susan Morabito.

Nothing much was heard from Ericka until 2007 when she signed with an independent record label, and started her official debut studio album.

In 2008, the buzz singles "One Day" and "Sugarcoat" were released on her MySpace page, but they failed to gain any recognition.

Her debut album was supposed to be released in the fourth quarter of 2008, but then it was pushed back to 2009 and then ended up being shelved.

These days, Ericka resides in Los Angeles and appears to be active in the music business according to her Facebook page.

To see the music video for "So Good," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6f0-QOpXfw

To see the music video for "Wait a Minute," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZl7rPpt6PE

Kimber Lee

Kimber Lee was an R&B singer from the 80s. Not much information is given about this singer, but Kimber was signed to Macola Records.

In 1985, Kimber released the single, "The Beginning of the End" which didn't appear to make the charts at all. After that, it seems as if Kimber has faded into obscurity.

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Pocahonus And The Generation Band

Pocahonus And The Generation Band were a hip-hop music act from the 80s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Macola Records.

In 1985, they released the single "The Lady Rapps." It's unknown how or if the single ever made the charts at all.

After that, it seems as if Pocahonus And The Generation Band have faded into obscurity.

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Madi

Madi was a female freestyle singer from the '80s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to the Tropic Sound Productions record label.

In 1987, she released the single "Can You Feel My Love For You." It's unknown how or if the single ever made the charts.

After that, it seems as if Madi has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made video for "Can You Feel My Love For You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksclZHdpXHQ

Innocence

Innocence was a British R&B band that was fronted by singer Gee Morris and featured guitarist Mark Jolley, singer Anna Jolley, percussionist Brian Harris, Mattie on the synthesizer and producer Phil Dane.

Gee Morris started out in the music business in 1988 with a high energy remake of the Isley Brothers' song "This Old Heart Of Mine" that was produced by Ian Levine.

She later did backing vocals for artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Pet Shop Boys, and Donny Osmond.

Because of her session work, Gee was noticed by British music production trio Jolley/Harris/Jolley, who were in the midst of recording demos for Innocence.

In 1990, Innocence released their debut single "Natural Thing" which peaked at #16 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

During that same year, they released their debut album "Belief" which peaked at #24 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The second single "Silent Voice" peaked at #37 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

Innocence's third single "Let's Push It" peaked at #25 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In the United States, the song peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, #31 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #39 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The fourth single from the album "A Matter of Fact" peaked at #37 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

The last single from the album "Remember the Day" peaked at #56 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 2 weeks.

In 1992, Innocence released their last album to date "Build" which peaked at #66 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single from the album "I'll Be There" peaked at #26 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 3 weeks.

The second single "One Love in My Lifetime" peaked at #40 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for 2 weeks.

The last single from the album, the title song, peaked at a low #72 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for only a week. After that, Innocence disbanded.

In 1994, Gee Morris released her self-titled solo album in 1994 which wasn't successful. According to a post about Gee on the Isle of Deserted Pop Stars blog back in 2008:

"She [Gee] has not recorded an album since, but according to her Myspace page, she has continued working extensively, most recently recording with the man that started it all, Ian Levine."

These days, Gee continues to be active in the music business.

To see Gee's official website, go to:
http://www.lionkhat.net/geemorris/index2.htm

To see the music video for "Natural Thing," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG5JonuTL0U

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

To see the video for "Silent Voice," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVdoG6kMKD8

To see the music video for "Let's Push It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAea5Dng4jE

To see a fan-made video for "Remember the Day," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ktPgA0ANpQ

To see the music video for "I'll Be There," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc6PVqPJS2k

To see the music video for "One Love in My Lifetime," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a_S0b7jg9U

[Updated on 01/20/13]

Dionne Farris

Dionne Farris (born in 1968 in Bordentown, New Jersey) is a female R&B singer. She started out singing in high school, performing in her school's choir, and starred in a production of "Annie." After that, she sang solo and with a female vocal group named Onyx.

In 1990, Dionne moved to Atlanta to live with her dad and began dating drummer Rasta Don, who was an early member of music group Arrested Development.

The group was looking for a female singer and even though she wasn't an official member of Arrested Development, she provided vocals on their debut album especially on their hit song, "Tennessee" which caused not only media attention, but personal conflicts with Arrested Development member, Speech which caused Dionne to leave the group in 1993.

Chrysalis Records offered Dionne a solo record deal, but she turned it down, hoping for more artistic control than the record label wanted to give her.

She contacted funk/rock band, Follow For Now members, David Harris and Milton Davis, & Dionne collaborated with David on music material. Her demo made it to Sony Music.

In October of 1994, Dionne released her debut album "Wild Seed, Wild Flower" which peaked at #57 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.

Dionne's first single "I Know" peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1995, #2 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart in June of 1995, and topped Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart in April of 1995, becoming Dionne's biggest hit.

In the U.K., the song peaked at #41 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The song was nominated for a Grammy for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" in 1996. She also appeared as the musical guest on the April 8, 1995 episode of "Saturday Night Live" with Damon Wayans as the guest host.

During that same year, Dionne gave birth to a daughter named Tate in May. She also sang the closing song "For Once in My Life" in the film "The Truth About Cats & Dogs."

Two more singles from Dionne's debut album "Passion" and "Don't Ever Touch Me Again" were released as singles, but didn't chart at all.

In 1997, Dionne was featured on the "Love Jones" movie soundtrack with the track "Hopeless" which peaked at #23 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, staying on the chart for 26 weeks. It also peaked at #42 on the U.K. Singles chart, staying on the chart for a week.

In 2007, Dionne released her second album, "For Truth If Not Love" which is available for purchase on iTunes.

To see the music video for "I Know," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHsJe94TdhA

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Ever Touch Me Again," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRyaUgYbUAg

To see the music video for "Passion," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbyzLb82DJs

To see a fan-made video for "Food for Thought," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8my9_V9ohCE

To see a fan-made video for "For Once in My Life," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmRTS5o9aCY

To see a fan-made video for "Hopeless," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Zp67eoAG0


[updated on 01/20/13]

Highland Place Mobsters

The Highland Place Mobsters were an R&B\rap group that was led by music producer Dallas Austin (who has worked with Boyz II Men, TLC, Another Bad Creation, and many more) along with singers Theophilus Glass & Derrick Culbreath and rapper Melvin Davis.

In 1992, the group released their only album on LaFace Records "1746DCGA30035" which peaked at #72 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. 

During that same year, Dallas formed Rowdy Records with music producer L.A. Reid even though he left the label the following year.

The first single "Let's Get Naked" peaked at #55 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks, becoming their highest chart appearance to date.

The follow-up single "Take a Dip" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

After that, Dallas Austin went on to be a full-time music producer where he continues to work today. The other members did various vocal and production work, but it's unknown what they are up to today.

To see the music video for "Let's Get Naked," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeU_xxtNa9c

To see a fan-made video for "Take a Dip," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP7OfqeIJQI

To see the music video for "N.A.K.E.D." (from their debut album), go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcceMiWY0mE

Velia Thompson

Velia Thompson was an R&B singer from the 80s. Not much information is given about Velia, but she was signed to Triple T Records.

In 1987, Velia released the single, a cover version of Barbara Mason's hit song "Yes I'm Ready."

It's unknown how or if the single ever made the charts. After that, it seems as if Velia has faded into obscurity.

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Romeo

Romeo (born in 1968 in Chicago, Illinois) was a male R&B singer from the 80s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Triple T. Records.

In 1987, Romeo released the single, a cover version of Smokey and the Miracles' song
 "Ooh Baby Baby" which managed to peak at #67 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Romeo has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see a fan-made video for "Ooh Baby Baby," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHgUxXTh6Qk

The Reddings

The Reddings were an R&B band from the 80s that consisted of the late Otis Redding's sons, Dexter (who sang and played the bass) & Otis Redding III (who played guitar) along with their cousin, Mark Lockett (who played keyboards).

In 1980, the Reddings released their debut album, "The Awakening" on Believe in a Dream Records, which peaked at #174 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single, "Remote Control" peaked at #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of 1980, #22 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #6 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single, "I Want It" peaked at #50 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1981, the band released their second album, "Class" which peaked at #106 on the Billboard 200 and #40 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "You're The Only One" which peaked at #48 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Class (Is What You Got)" peaked at #63 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1982, the Reddings released their third album, "Steamin' Hot" which peaked at #153 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "I Know You Got Another" peaked at #71 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #32 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The second single, a cover version of "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" (originally sung by Dexter and Otis Redding III's father), peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of 1982, #15 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, and #21 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

In 1983, the band released their fourth album, "Back to Basics" peaked at #50 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The only single to chart was "Hand Dance" which peaked at #76 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1985, the band released their fifth album, "If Looks Could Kill" which peaked at #24 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. 

The first single released from the album, "Where Did Our Love Go" peaked at #37 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in April of 1985, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The second single from the album, "Parasite" peaked at #70 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in August of 1985, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

In 1988, the Reddings released their last self-titled album to date, which peaked at #88 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album, "So in Love With You" peaked at #60 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in May of 1988, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The follow-up single, "Call the Law" peaked at #16 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart in November of 1988, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.After that, nothing much was heard from the Reddings.

After the band stopped recording together, Mark experimented with rock 'n' roll music and later went back to songwriting funk-oriented music.

He founded an entertainment company called Platinum Hooks Entertainment, Inc. along with Funk All Y'All Entertainment, which is a new advancing record label that nurtures other musical talents.

These days, it appears that the Redding Brothers are still active in the music business, performing live.

To see a fan-made video for "Remote Control," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gyLI0UxdY4

To see a fan-made video for "I Want It," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTe8Rs34zyk

To see a fan-made video for "You're the Only One," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dwr2WeinuU

To see a fan-made video for "Class (Is What You Got)," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EikIqshlMZg

To see a fan-made video for "I Know You Got Another," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRNzftcKCms

To see a fan-made video for "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYj8xsJ9-4c

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

To see a fan-made video for "Where Did Our Love Go," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooFZSWxPwKM

To see a fan-made video for "Parasite," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ir-xFPu1XU

To see a fan-made video for the dub version of "So In Love With You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rptLJ8lXI6w

To see the music video for "Call the Law," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmSELcjcVu0