Dakota Moon

Dakota Moon was a pop rock, R&B, and country band from Los Angeles, California that consisted of Ray Artis, Joe Dean, Mike Malloy and singer Ty Taylor. Ray & Ty were from New York and Joe & Malloy were from California.

All four of them sang vocals, but Joe played guitar, Ray played bass and Malloy played percussion.

The quartet met at a recording session in Los Angeles for music producers Andrew Logan and Mike More. They had such chemistry, they decided to form a band.

Ray & Ty moved to Los Angeles and the band began to play regularly on the L.A. club circuit.

After Sylvia Rhone (the head of Elektra Records) spotted Dakota Moon in concert, she offered them a recording contract which they accepted.

Before making their debut album, the band toured as the opening act for Tina Turner in 1997. By the end of the year, they recorded their debut album.

In April of 1998, Dakota Moon released their self-titled debut album which didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single "A Promise I Make" peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 1998, #19 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart in May of 1998 and #37 on Billboard's Top 40 Mainstream chart.

The follow-up single "Another Day Goes By" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart in November of 1998 and #36 on Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart.

Dakota Moon released two more singles from the album: "She Knows" and "Your Smiling Face" which didn't appear to make the Billboard charts at all.

In 2002, Dakota Moon released their last album to date "A Place to Land" which also didn't make the Billboard 200.

The only single to chart was "Looking For a Place to Land" which peaked at #30 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart in February of 2002 and #27 on Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart.

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

To see a fan-made video for "A Promise I Make," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2y5xh_-JFg

To see a fan-made video for "Another Day Goes By," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-7eHOiON6w

To see a fan-made video for "Looking For a Place to Land," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1XfpXep7k0

Samantha Cole

 

Samantha Cole (born on October 31, 1978 from Southhampton, New York) is a female pop singer from the 90s. She took music lessons and performed in bands during her early teen years.

Samantha earned her big break when she appeared on the MTV dance show "The Grind" which later led her to becoming a regular performer at Tatou in New York City.

While at Tatou, she met some executives from EMI Records and she afterwards cut some demos. Within 2 weeks, Samantha signed a record deal with Universal Records.

In 1997, Samantha released her only self-titled album which didn't appear to make the Billboard 200 chart at all.

The first single "Happy With You" peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her only chart appearance in the United States.

The follow-up singles "Without You" and "You Light Up My Life" were released, but didn't make the charts at all.

In 2004, "Without You" was covered by American Idol singers Kimberley Locke and Clay Aiken which topped the charts in Asia.

In 2001, Samantha was featured on reggae singer Shaggy's song, "Luv Me Luv Me." Janet Jackson's vocals were originally on the track, but they were later re-recorded by Samantha after Janet didn't allow Shaggy to use her vocals on the song.

Even though the song didn't chart in the U.S., it managed to peak at #5 on the U.K. Singles chart. In 2002, Samantha teamed up with Shaggy again for the song, "Bring it To Me" which was featured on the "Dark Angel" television soundtrack.

In 2005, Samantha released a cover version of Animotion's hit song, "Obsession" which became quite successful and gained radio airplay.

Along with performing to sold out crowds, Samantha has also dabbled in modeling and acting. Reportedly, she is working on her second album, "Superwoman."

In 2010, Samantha's compliation album, "The Best of Samantha Cole" was released on Cleopatra Records. The album is available on iTunes.

During that same year, Samantha released cover versions of Roxette's "Listen to Your Heart" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believing which are also available on iTunes. She also married her fiance of 2 years, Anthony Sacchetti.

In 2011, Samantha released her cover version of LeAnn Rimes' song, "How Do I Live" which is also available on iTunes.

To see a video of Samantha performing "Happy With You" live, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbESzEMxXqA

To see the music video for "Without You," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzzO7nyfcus

To see the music video for "You Light Up My Life," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydSehM6gUzM

To see the music video for "Luv Me, Luv Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvk23jmrIPE

To see a fan-made video for "Obsession," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIy_6y5JIQo

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]