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Tavares

TOP SONGS

“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel”

“It Only Takes A Minute Girl”

“More Than A Woman”

BIOGRAPHY:

In the 70’s International recording artist Tavares scored multiple Top 10 hits like “Check it Out”, “She’s Gone”, “Remember What I Told You to Forget”, “It Only Takes a Minute”, “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel” and of course the Bee Gees song “More Than a Woman” that earn Tavares their only Grammy.

Today the brothers are still touring around the globe and would love to add your event to their tour dates.

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The Intruders

TOP SONGS

“Cowboys To Girls”

“I Wanna Know Your Name”

“Sad Girl”

Biography:

The Intruders were originally formed as a doo wop group in 1960 and sang around Philadelphia for As the first group to score hits with the songwriting/production team of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the Intruders played a major role in the rise of Philadelphia soul but are sometimes lost in the shuffle amid other acts like the O’Jays or Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. The Intruders were originally formed as a doo wop group in 1960 and sang around Philadelphia for several years. Lead singer Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, Eugene “Bird” Daughtry, Phil Terry, and Robert “Big Sonny” Edwards signed with Gamble and Huff’s fledgling Gamble label in 1966. They scored a Top 20 R&B hit that year with “(We’ll Be) United,” and followed it up a year later with “Together,” as well as their first album, The Intruders Are Together. 1968, though, was the Intruders’ breakthrough year: “Cowboys to Girls,” a template for what would become Philly soul’s trademark sound, topped the R&B charts and climbed to number six on the pop side, giving the group their biggest hit. The follow-up, “(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game,” was their only other Top 40 pop hit, and the accompanying LP, Cowboys to Girls, wound up their most popular.

Gamble and Huff’s success with the Intruders helped convince Columbia to grant them the money to launch Philadelphia International, which became the most successful soul label of the early ’70s. The Intruders, meanwhile, were undergoing some internal turmoil; when they resurfaced on the 1970 Gamble LP When We Get Married, lead singer “Little Sonny” Brown had been replaced by nightclub singer Bobby Starr (born Robert Ferguson). The title cut, a Dreamlovers cover, was a hit on the R&B charts, as was the follow-up, “(Win, Place or Show) She’s a Winner.” Starr’s tenure with the group was short-lived; Brown returned for the 1973 LP Save the Children, which spawned the Intruders’ last two big hits, “I’ll Always Love My Mama” and “I Wanna Know Your Name.” For the 1974 follow-up, Energy of Love, the Intruders were switched from the Gamble imprint to the Philly International subsidiary TSOP; however, it was less successful than the quartet’s previous releases, and they disbanded in 1975. Eugene Daughtry formed a new lineup in 1984 (without any other original members); they recorded an album titled Who Do You Love? for the U.K. imprint Streetwave before disbanding once again.

Artist Biography by Steve Huey www.allmusic.com

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Force MDs

TOP SONGS

“Tender Love”

“Tears”

“Here I Go Again”

Biography:

Perhaps no group embodies the spirit of classic eighties Hip-Hop R and B soul more than the iconic and unstoppable Force MD’s. Anyone who has attended a Force MD’s show knows that from the first words of “Tender Love” “Here I lay all alone…” the whole crowd is instantly unified, swaying arm in arm, passionately singing the soundtrack of their lives. The first few bars of timeless classics like “Love is a House”, “Tears,” or countless other hits can transform any arena into a nostalgic soul celebration in seconds.

In addition to a surge of new tour dates, and widespread industry buzz about the forthcoming feature length documentary Force MD’s Relived, the group’s momentum has also been fueled by a slew of recent celebrity endorsements. These range from President Obama’s highly publicized acknowledgement that he keeps the Force MD’s in rotation on Air Force One, to the growing roster of entertainers who cover Force MD’s songs in their show (including Wiz Khalifa, Alicia Keys, Marcia Ambrosius, New Edition, and others). As a result, the group is experiencing a new chapter in a long history of success.

The group is most known for the overwhelming commercial success from the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-penned classic “Tender Love.” The song proved to be a huge success, peaking at #10 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, remaining there for 19 weeks, and helping Jam & Lewis garner a Grammy Award for Producer of the Year. Incredibly, the group would follow this success in 1987 with their first #1 R&B hit “Love is a House.” But the Force MD’s deep catalog of classic R and B/ Hip-Hop staples including “Tears,” “Here I go Again,” “Let me Love You,” and their continued release of new anthems for all occasions has allowed them to maintain a consistent presence at radio and in the hearts of their fans.

The Force MD’s live show takes fans beyond the groups original classics and dazzles them with an uplifting soulful tour of the best of the black music experience. With the captivating energy that took the group from the Staten Island Ferry to the top of the charts, the group rolls out spontaneous crowd pleasing renditions of songs from artists such as the Temptations, Four Tops, the Jackson Five, Al green and others.

When the Force MD’s fans listen to their music and attend their shows they frequently state that they feel like they are celebrating a story of resilience, and triumph over obstacles and tragedy. The group is a living testimony that empowers fans to face the challenges in their own lives. And the group knows challenges all too well. Tragedy struck the group three times with the passing of three of its members: Charles “Mercury” Nelson suffered a fatal heart attack in 1995; Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy died of Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1998; and DJ Dr. Rock died under unknown circumstances. Nevertheless, the groups remaining members have transformed this tragedy into ongoing inspiration that they share generously with their audiences.

As the longest active member of the group, Stevie D is the dynamic thread that connects the group’s history, to its present and rapidly evolving future. As a powerful vocalist, pioneering freestyle artist, and electrifying dancer he exemplifies the blend of Hip-Hop and R and B that the group is known for originating. Khalil Lundy and TCD Lundy forged their vocal styles working closely together during their youth. Today Stevie D, Khalil, an their nephew Zieme (Zy-eem) continue to carry that legacy as the embodiment of the distinctive Force M.D.’s sound.

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First Choice

TOP SONGS

“Let No Man Put Asunder”

“Doctor Love”

“Love Thang”

Biography:

R&B trio First Choice — Rochelle Fleming, Joyce Jones, and Annette Guest — were originally known as the Debonettes and performed around Philadelphia. Radio DJ Georgie Woods introduced the group to Philly soul guitarist/songwriter/producer Norman Harris, who produced First Choice’s debut single, “This Is the House Where Love Died,” which received airplay in Philly and other markets but failed to chart nationally. Their next single, the Harris-produced “Armed and Extremely Dangerous,” was their first big hit, going to number 11 R&B in early 1973 for Stan Watson’s Philly Groove label. It was also a Top 20 U.K. hit. The Armed and Extremely Dangerous album was released in fall 1973. On this set — as well as the bulk of their other releases — First Choice were backed by the tight rhythm section of guitarist Harris, bassist Ron Baker, and drummer Earl Young, who were part of MFSB, the house band for Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. The next single, “The Player, Pt. 1,” was their highest-charting R&B single, hitting number seven R&B in summer 1974, though the group enjoyed many high-charting hits on Billboard’s disco charts. The Player, the group’s second album was issued in fall 1974 and reached number 36 on the R&B chart.

After they switched to Warner Bros., First Choice charted with “Gotta Get Away (From You Baby)” in spring 1976 and “Let Him Go” in fall 1976, and they released an LP, So Let Us Entertain You (number 53, R&B). Around 1977, Joyce Jones left the group and was replaced by Ursula Herring. The following year, Norman Harris formed Gold Mind Records, which was distributed by dance label pioneer Salsoul Records. First Choice signed with Gold Mind and their first release for the label, the ultra-catchy “Doctor Love,” went to number 23 R&B in summer 1977. Delusions followed that fall; generally regarded as the trio’s best LP, it featured lyrically rich dance tunes as well as luscious ballads and gave Philadelphia native Fleming her best showcase yet, displaying one of the most distinctive lead vocalists in soul/dance/pop music. Their next Gold Mind LP, Hold Your Horses, was released in March 1979, with the title track becoming a disco classic. That same year, Debbie Martin replaced Ursula Herring. Around 1983, Salsoul ceased operations to focus on the emerging home video market by starting their First Choice Video division, and the following year, the trio split. In 1987, Fleming re-formed a version of First Choice with her cousin Laconya Fleming and Lawrence Cottel, who recorded a single for Prelude Records, “Love Itch.” In the ’90s, Rochelle Fleming continued to record in the U.S. and Europe.

Artist Biography by Ed Hogan of www.allmusic.com

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Allure

TOP SONGS

“All Cried Out”

“Head Over Heel”

“Last Chance”

BIOGRAPHY:

The New York-based urban soul vocal group Allure was the first band to be signed to Mariah Carey’s Crave Records. Such connections ensured that Allure would be promoted well, and that their eponymous 1997 debut would have cameos by such stars as Nas, L.L. Cool J, Raekwon, 112, Q-Tip, and Carey herself, but it didn’t ensure that the record itself would be a blockbuster. Instead, the album was a moderate hit, suggesting the group’s commercial potential instead of fulfilling it.

The roots of Allure lay in the early ’90s, when Alia Davis, Lalisha McLean, and Akissa Mendez were studying at the LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York. When the girls decided to form a full-fledged group, they recruited Davis’ friend Linnie Belcher, who was studying at the Julia Richmond High School. For the next two years, they rehearsed and practiced, eventually securing management connections which brought them to the attention of Poke, a member of the production team Track Masters. Poke worked with the unnamed group and soon signed them to Track Masters under the name Allure, and then helped the group sign with Crave Records.

Allure’s debut single, “Head Over Heels,” featured a rap by Nas and became a moderate R&B hit in April of 1997. The following month, the group’s eponymous debut album was released.

Artist Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine of www.allmusic.com

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The Delfonics feat Wil Hart

TOP SONGS

“La, La, Means I Love You”

“Didn’t I Blow Your Mind”

“I Gave To You”

Biography:

Wilbert Hart is an American R&B singer and a pioneering co-founding member of the legendary Delfonics. Wilbert (aka, Wil) was instrumental in the development of the styling and branding of the Delfonics and what is widely known as “The Sound of Sexy Soul”. From the beginning of his career as a musician, Wilbert Hart wrote, produced, and co-produced songs for his group as well as other up-and-coming artists. Most notable was his hit song “Hey Love” with Delfonics and “Say You Love Me” with Norman Connors. Currently, Wilbert Hart owns his recording and production company “In the Game Entertainment” where he continues to produce music and groom up-and-coming artists. Wilbert Hart continues to write and produce music for R&B, Pop, and Hip Hop genres. Artists currently signed to In the Game Entertainment benefit from Wilbert Hart’s knowledge, experience, and wisdom from over 45 years of working in the music industry. Wilbert Hart is currently writing, producing, co-producing, recording, and grooming a Hip Hop Group called “Code Bleu”. He also writes, produces, and performs music for Wilbert Hart of the Original Delfonics. As a founding member of the Legendary Delfonics, Wilbert Hart helped the group remain a fixture on the Pop and R&B top ten as one of the lead singers on the Delfonics song “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time”, which achieved the group it’s very first and only Grammy Award for best R&B performance in 1970. He was responsible for writing, co-writing, producing, arranging, and singing lead and background on every one of the Delfonics’ successful recordings and albums.

In 2012 Wil signed a publishing deal with Reservoir Media and has been working on new releases and product placements since that time. Recent placements for Wil Hart of the Original Delfonics music can be found in major movie productions, television commercials, and on many new artists recording both through samples and through remakes.

Artist Biography provided by www.reservoir-media.com

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Blue Magic

TOP SONGS

“Spell”

“Sideshow”

“What’s Come Ove Me”

Biography:

Blue Magic is an American R&B soul vocal quintet formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972. Ted Mills, Keith Beaton, Richard Pratt, Vernon Sawyer and his brother Wendell would become best known for their hit songs, “Spell”, “Sideshow”, “Three Ring Circus” and “Start To Stop”. The early releases from their first album in 1973 were mainly confined to the R&B chart. Blue Magic’s first million-selling US Top 10 hit single Sideshow climbed to #8 and topped the R&B chart.

With over thirty years of performing with the group original member Vernon Sawyer is still traveling around the world with his current members electrifying Blue Magic fans in every venue and arena they perform at. Keeping true to the Blue Magic persona that identified the group visually back in the days, you’ll witness their precise choreographed movements, smooth mesmerizing vocals and of course their classic Blue Magic attire.

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Black Ivory

TOP SONGS

“You & I”

“Don’t Turn Around”

“Mainline”

Biography:

Black Ivory is a Classic Soul / R&B vocal trio founded in Harlem, New York in 1969. Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe and Russell Patterson were just teenagers when they were signed by Perception/Today Records and released their first hit single, “Don’t Turn Around”. This was soon followed by an album by the same name and a string of hit singles produced by the legendary Patrick Adams. These included “You and I” and “I’ll Find A Way (The Loneliest Man in Town). They continued to produce hits throughout the 70’s on Today Records, Kwanza Records and Buddha Records. The most popular of these were “Time Is Love”, “Spinning Around”, “What Goes Around (Comes Around), “Will We Ever Come Together” (written by Robert John and Michael Gately) and “Mainline” (mixed by Michael Gomes) which was destined to become a club cult classic. Most well known for a style of soul which features a male falsetto lead vocal, classic Black Ivory can be compared to artists such as The Delfonics, The Stylistics, Blue Magic, The Moments, The O’Jays, Earth, Wind and Fire and Prince. The group also engaged in a fair amount of musical genre-bending and were no strangers to funk and disco. One of the groups primary creative forces, Leroy Burgess left the group to forge his own legend as the voice and musical genius behind groups such as Convertion, Logg, and The Fantastic Aleems. He wrote the smash hit “Over Like A Fat Rat” for Fonda Rae and has come to be referred to as “the patron saint of Boogie”.Black Ivory’s recordings have been sampled by numerous hip hop artists including Raekwon, Q-Tip, Nas and 9th Wonder. Now, after close to thirty years, the original members have reunited on an album that reflects their growth as individuals and their refinement as songwriters, producers and recording artists. With a rich musical history behind them, Black Ivory steps into the future with Continuum.

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Regina Belle

TOP SONGS

“Make It Like It Was”

“Baby Come To Me”

“A Whole New World”

Biography:

Regina Belle (born July 17, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter from Englewood, New Jersey. At a young age she began performing at Englewood’s Mount Calvary Baptist Church. She was introduced to the Manhattans by New York radio DJ Vaughn Harper and began working as their opening act. She recorded the 1986 duet, “Where Did We Go Wrong,” with the group which helped to attract the attention of Columbia Records. They eventually signed her to a record deal.

In 1987, she released her debut album, “All By Myself.” It included her first hits “So Many Tears” and “Show Me the Way.” Her follow-up album, “Stay with Me,” was then released in 1989.

Belle recorded a duet in 1991 with Johnny Mathis, “Better Together,” which appeared on his album “Better Together: The Duet Album.” Continuing her tradition of duets, Belle teamed up with Peabo Bryson for the songs “I Can’t Imagine,” “Without You” and “A Whole New World,” which was the featured pop single from the soundtrack to the 1992 Disney movie “Aladdin.” The song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart and won the Grammy Award in 1993 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal as well as the Academy Award for Best Song in later that year.

Also in 1993, Belle released her platinum selling third album, “Passion.” The album featured the Disney hit “A Whole New World,” “Dream In Color” and “If I Could, “which reached # 9 on the Billboard R&B chart. Belle released “Reachin’ Back” in 1995 followed by “Believe in Me” in 1998.

In 2001, Regina Belle’s cover of “Just the Two of Us” from the tribute album “To Grover, With Love” made a surprising return to the Billboard charts, and within months Belle would sign with the jazz oriented independent label Peak-Concord Jazz. That same year she released the album “This Is Regina!, “which featured the R&B hit single, “Ooh Boy.” Belle also known for her hits “Make It Like It Was” and Baby Come To Me” is a must sing for her fans.

In 2004, she released a jazz standard album, “Lazy Afternoon,” which was produced by George Duke. The album included covers of the Isley Brothers’ “For the Love of You” and Tony Bennett’s “If I Ruled the World.” In 2007, she collaborated with smooth jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor, co-writing and singing on his album, “Ladies Choice.” Belle released her debut gospel album, “Love Forever Shines,” in 2008 via Walker Davis Records The 14-track collection featured guests Melvin Williams (of the Williams Brothers) and Shirley Murdock.

In 2009 Belle suffered a Brain Tumor and under went 2 surgeries that left her deaf in one ear.Belle Faith was tested and she stood on God’s word that she would be healed.

Belle in June 2012 released her Testimony album ,” HIGHER”, Regina Belle has a simple but powerful message. “I pray that each listener has an experience. My whole objective in doing this record is to bring people into the presence of God. Some of us don’t always get there through the preached word. The music is only second to that, but I want to be able to know that I did my job and if you don’t have words to say, then use my words. If you don’t have a voice, then use my voice. If you don’t have the music or the setting, use mine. I believe that my music helps people get to a special place.” That place is a closer walk with God, one that is sweeter, deeper, richer and HIGHER!

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The Stylistics feat Russell Thompkins Jr

TOP SONGS

“Betcha By Golly Wow”

“You Make Me Feel Brand New”

“Stop, Look, Listen”

Biography:

For over 30 years, Russell Thompkins, Jr. was the original lead singer of the Stylistics. His impeccable falsetto voice led the group to international fame and recognition, recording such hits as “You’re A Big Girl Now”, “Stop, Look, Listen”, “You Are Everything”, “Rockin’ Roll Baby”, “Betcha By Golly Wow”, “Break Up To Make Up”, “Stone In Love With You”, “People Make The World Go Round”, “Children Of The Night”, “You Make Me Feel Brand New”, “You’ll Never Get To Heaven”, “Let’s Put It All Together”, “I Can’t Give You Anything”, “ First Impressions”, “Love At First Sight”, “Hurry Up This Way Again”, “Love Talk”, and many, many more. Russell had the opportunity to work with such greats as Thom Bell, Linda Creed, Burt Bachrach, Carol Bayer Sager, Van McCoy, Teddy Randazzo, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff.

Russell’s distinctive falsetto was the driving force and backbone of the original Stylistics and it earned them (7) gold albums, (5) gold singles, (2) double gold singles, (8) platinum albums, (1) double platinum album, and (4) platinum singles, along with a Grammy nomination in 1974 for “You Make Me Feel Brand New”, and a plaque on the Walk of Fame in 1994, in Center City Philadelphia, including various awards and trophies from around the world. In May 2004 they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Russell’s departure from the group, in April 2000, has culminated in two separate, but equally important events. The first event was the release of his first solo CD, “A Matter Of Style”, in September 2002, with the collaboration of Christopher Biehler, President of ForEverMore Music and Records, based in Rochester, NY. The second event was the formation of “The New Stylistics”, who are dedicated to preserving the sound of the original recordings. As Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics they are committed to delivering high quality vocal performances on stage and in the studio in a professional and masterful style. Russell brings to the table an unparalleled level of talent, dedication, and professionalism. His major goal and mission is to provide his fans, friends, and supporters, who have remained loyal for over 30 years, with the same quality of music and showmanship that they have come to know and love.

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