R&B

Saturday, February 12, 2011 3:00PM

Saturday, February 12, 2011 8:00PM

Soul music returns to the Beacon Theatre for an amazing evening of music with The Valentine’s Soul Jam, featuring the Stylistics, The Dramatics, The Manhattans, Blue Magic and New Birth! For ONE NIGHT ONLY, this revival of R&B, Disco, & Soul will take New York City by storm! Be sure to get your tickets early.

The Stylistics
During the early ‘70s, the Stylistics were the leading Philly soul group. The band had 12 straight Top Ten hits, including “You Are Everything” “Betcha by Golly, Wow” “I’m Stone in Love With You” “Break Up to Make Up” and “You Make Me Feel Brand New” Of all their peers, the Stylistics were one of the smoothest and sweetest soul groups of their era. All of their hits were ballads, graced by the soaring falsetto of Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the lush yet graceful productions of Thom Bell.

The Dramatics
The Dramatics, formed in Detroit, Michigan in the late 1960’s. They signed to Stax-Volt records and are best know for their #1 R&B hits “In the Rain” and “Whatcha See is Whatcha Get”. Their disc, “Whatcha See Is Watcha Get” was awarded gold disc status by the R.I.A.A. in 1971. The band appeared on Soul Train multiple times through the 70’s and their music has been featured in the films Sunday Driver, Wattstaz, Darktown Stutters and Talk To Me.

The Manhattans
Hailing from Jersey City, NJ, The Manhattans sold millions of records over four active decades. They won NAFTA’s “Most Promising Group” in 1969, and in the late 70’s recorded and released the songs they are best known for, “Kiss and Say Goodbye” and “Shining Star”. Through the years, the group has persevered though numerous management and personnel changes to continue their performing and recording career.

Blue Magic
Blue Magic, an R&B vocal quintet, was formed in Philadelphia and signed to Atlantic Records in 1973. They hit the Top 40 of the R&B singles chart with their first three 45s before breaking through and crossing over with “Sideshow” released in April 1974, which went gold, topped the R&B charts, and became a Top Ten pop hit. “Three Ring Circus” their next single, made the R&B Top Ten and the pop Top 40. Over the next three years Blue Magic became known mostly for their smooth ballads, and the group stayed high on the Soul charts with “Stop to Start” and “Chasing Rainbows” before landing a big hit with the dance tune “Magic of the Blue.” They returned with R&B chart singles in 1981 and 1983 and made their comeback album, From Out of the Blue, in 1989.

New Birth
Formed by Tony Churchill and music-industry veteran Harvey Fuqua, New Birth was originally named the Nite-Liters. The roots of the band lie with Leslie and Melvin Wilson, who were gospel singers living in Muskegon, MI. After moving on to Detroit in the late ‘60s, Melvin Wilson eventually met the Nite-Liters, who at the time were backing Motown artists, and expressed the possibility that he and his brother Leslie could perform with them. Fuqua had three groups under his tutelage: Love Peace & Happiness (of which Leslie and Melvin became members), the Nite-Liters, and New Birth. All but two members of New Birth had left the group around this time, leaving just Londee Loren and Bobby Downs. The three groups toured, backed each other up, and ultimately merged into one, with New Birth the name of the new group. Leslie, with his feisty vocals, and Melvin, with his more serene appeal, emerged as the primary lead singers. New Birth’s first release was the R&B Top Ten single “I Can Understand It.” Led by Leslie Wilson’s intense vocals and reminiscent of Bobby Womack, the single zoomed up the charts, peaking at number four after only 12 weeks. In January of 1974 they released “It’s Been a Long Time,” one of their celebrated hits and another Top Ten entry. That single was followed by the classic, soulful ballad “Wildflower.” In mid-1975 the group signed with Buddah Records and immediately recorded number one R&B hit, “Dream Merchant.” They recorded just one album for Buddah, however, before signing with Warner Bros. and later Ariola, continuing to record throughout the remainder of the ‘70s. In 1994, Leslie and Melvin re-formed the group and began performing at venues around the nation.