Veteran singing groups like New Edition and classic bands such as Lakeside and The Time are set to get the party started in Indianapolis again this summer.
However, some classic R&B and soul groups from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s have become mere shadows of themselves due to breakups and the deaths of original members. In many cases, these changes alter a group’s sound and the authenticity of its live stage show, at least for devoted fans.
In celebration of the Black musical heritage, here are some groups that are still going strong with most of their original crew. Some of them are coming to Indianapolis, and we encourage you to support them as part of the rich legacy of African-American music.
Groups coming to Indianapolis
Lakeside
Popular songs: “Fantastic Voyage”, “All the Way Live”, “Raid”
Height of Success: 1978-1987
What’s up: One of the greatest R&B/funk party bands, Lakeside still tours with seven of its nine original members as The Original Lakeside. Mark Woods, lead singer on most of the group’s songs, left to form his own band a few years ago. Fortunately, however, Lakeside regained Otis Stokes, another original vocalist whose falsetto voice graces quiet storm favorites such as “Say Yes”. Another singer who has returned is Thomas Shelby, who leads the smooth “Given Into Love” and contributes significantly to the group’s choreography.
Also, with keyboardist Norman Beavers returning to the group, all of the band’s musicians are still around, including guitarist Steve Shockley, drummer Fred Alexander, percussionist Fred Lewis and Marvin Craig, whose greatness as a bass player and musical anchor of the group is underrated.
Woods appears to be enjoying his solo career, and it doesn’t look like he will be returning anytime soon, even as all of his former bandmates reunite. But with nearly all of the original Lakeside crew on board, we can still enjoy a fantastic musical voyage.
See the Original Lakeside during the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration’s Music Heritage Festival I. Blackstreet and Al Hudson & One Way will also perform during the event, which will take place at the American Legion Mall on July 15. For more information, visit IndianaBlackExpo.com.
New Edition
Popular songs: “Cool It Now”, “Mr. Telephone Man”, “Can You Stand the Rain”
Height of Success: 1983-1990
What’s up: With the exception of Bobby Brown being replaced by Johnny Gill in 1987, the members of New Edition have managed to stay on good terms. Somehow, after more than 30 years in the business, they have avoided the petty ego trips that have damaged other groups. Probably because they gave each other space to satisfy those egos with successful solo projects in the early 90’s. Thanks to that wisdom, by 1996 all six members were ready to reactivate the group and have been touring ever since in one form or another. Brown usually appears, though not always. For most shows, their vocals and intricate choreography are still on point, reigniting memories of a more innocent era.
See New Edition during the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration Music Heritage Festival II. Kem and Dru Hill also be performing during the event, which will take place July 16 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. For more information visit IndianaBlackExpo.com.
Morris Day & The Time
Popular songs: “Cool”, “777-9311”, “Jungle Love”
Height of Success: 1981-1990
What’s Up: After their pinnacle, Morris Day & the Time never faded from the scene. However, recent publicity surrounding the death of the group’s mentor, musician extraordinaire Prince, has brought it back to the musical mainstream. Known for lead singer Day’s braggadocio lyrics and flashy stage presence, as well as the band’s hypnotically tight musicianship, The Time has broken up twice.
In 2011, all seven original members reunited as “The Original 7ven”, since Prince held the rights to “The Time” name. They recorded the album “Condensate”, which some critics say is actually their best project from a creative perspective. However, sales of the album were hurt by limited promotion and a shortened tour schedule. This frustrated original guitarist Jesse Johnson, who reportedly left the group to tour with singer D’Angelo.
Johnson is a very talented guitarist (listen to his solo album “Verbal Penetration”) and some longtime fans may indeed miss his presence.
However with the six other original members in place – Day, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Monte Moore, Jerome Benton and Jellybean Johnson – everyone can still have fun with the jams. Let’s put it this way: You won’t be sitting down or standing still at the show.
See Morris Day and The Time July 15 at The Vogue. Visit thevogue.com for more information.
Honorable Mention
Little Anthony & The Imperials
Height: 1958-1965
Popular Songs: “Tears On My Pillow”, “Goin’ Out of My Head”, “Hurt So Bad”
What’s Up: This is probably the only group from the Doo Wop era of the 1950’s and the early 60’s soul era to have its classic lineup still living. It has lost only one of its original members, the late Tracy Lord. Everyone else reunited to perform for the group’s 2009 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and original members Anthony Gourdine (lead singer) and Ernest Wright continue to lead a touring version of the group.
The Emotions
Height: 1968-1980
Popular Songs: “Best of My Love”, “I Don’t Want to Lose Your Love”, “Don’t Ask My Neighbors”,
What’s Up: This trio is best known for their 70’s jams, especially “Boogie Wonderland” with Earth, Wind & Fire. Deaths and diva blowouts have changed other “sister groups” such as The Jones Girls and the Pointer Sisters. However, Pamela, Sheila and Wanda Hutchinson are still together and still sound amazing as they represent Chicago soul.
Black Ivory
Height: 1971-1979
Popular Songs: “Don’t Turn Around”, “I’ll Find a Way”, “Spinning Around”
What’s Up: Black Ivory is one of a few soul groups from the 70’s that performs with all of its original members. Leroy Burgess, Stuart Bascombe and Russell Patterson still deliver smooth sophisticated soul.
The O’Jays
Height of popularity: 1972-1991
Popular Songs: “Love Train”, “For the Love of Money”, “I Love Music”
What’s Up: The O’Jays started off as a quintet; however its best known songs were made as a trio with Eddie Levert’s rough baritone trading off with Walter Williams’ smooth tenor. The third (or “middle” spot) was originally occupied by William Powell until his death from cancer in 1977. Since then the three men who have held that spot each brought something valuable to the group (the flawless choreography and harmony vocals of Sammy Strain, the energy of Nathaniel Best, and the “classy cool” stage presence of current member Eric Gant.) However, the voices of Levert and Williams have always been the mainstays of the group, and as long as they can continue to get on stage it’s all good for fans.
Blue Magic
Height of popularity: 1973-1978
Popular Songs: “Sideshow”, “Stop To Start”, “What’s Come Over Me”
What’s Up: Blue Magic is often overlooked during discussions about great Philly Soul groups, although they released some of the greatest smooth soul songs. The official group now features original lead singer Ted Mills, and original baritone Wendell Sawyer and tenor Keith Beaton. Richard Pratt and Vernon Sawyer also lead versions of the group, even as fans look forward to a reunion of all five original members.
The Stylistics
Height: 1971-1980
Popular Songs: “Betcha’ By Golly Wow”, “You Are Everything”, “Make Up to Break Up”
What’s Up: Like Blue Magic, all five original members of The Stylistics are still living, a rarity among classic R&B groups. Founding members Airion Love (co-lead on “You Make Me Feel Brand New”) and Herb Murrell lead the official group, while original lead singer Russell Thompkins Jr. fronts The New Stylistics with his soaring falsetto. Fans hope all five original members can extend forgiveness to each other and make-up after their break-up.
Ready For the World
Height: 1985-1991
Popular Songs: “Oh Sheila”, “Digital Display”, “Love You Down”
What’s Up: Ready for the World released songs that helped define many experiences for Generation Xers, especially on their 1985 debut album. The Jheri curls may be gone, but all six of the brothas’ from Flint Michigan are still getting dancefloors packed around the world.
