R&B

Get ready for the 70s Soul Jam Valentine’s Concert featuring The Stylistics, Dramatics, New Birth, Ray, Goodman and Brown, and * Jobie Thomas’Enchantment*. Share the love on Saturday, February 13 at NYC’s landmark Beacon Theatre, with shows at 3pm and 8pm.

ABOUT THE ARISTS

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 former band member Russell Thompkins, Jr. and the lush yet graceful productions of Thom Bell. This enduring act is a favorite for their showmanship, harmony and style and features the talented line-up of Airrion Love, Herb Murrell, Eban Brown and Jason Sharp.

DRAMATICS:
The group 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 RIAA 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, Wattstax, Darktown Strutters, and Talk To Me.

NEW BIRTH:
With hits like “Dream Merchant,” “It’s Been A Long Time,” “I Can Understand It,” “It’s Impossible” and “Wildflower," New Birth has continually maintained a strong presence in today’s music world, evidenced by the repeated use of their music. Either as re-makes or as samples, their music and musical style has experienced a resurgence via some of today’s most popular artists such as Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Notorious BIG, KC & Jo Jo, Master P, Something for the People, and De La Soul, to name a few. Originally New Birth was comprised of several separate acts that combined their talents to become a force to be reckoned with. Known for their captivating ballads as well as their funky, upbeat tunes, New Birth group was also recognized for their phenomenal stage shows. Today’s group consists of the nucleus of the New Birth sound. Brother’s Leslie and Melvin Wilson (lead singer and 2nd lead singer/writer/producer respectively) have reformed the group and are happily back to doing what they do best… making and performing the music we all love to hear.

RAY, GOODMAN & BROWN
The soul trio of Harry Ray, Al Goodman, and Billy Brown scored several hits the early ’70s as the Moments before they became Ray, Goodman & Brown in 1978. In 1979, their poignant ballad “Special Lady” topped the R&B charts and hit #5 on the Pop charts. In 1980 they enjoyed another Top 20 hit with “Inside of You” and in 1986 they scored their last Top 10 single, “Take It to the Limit.”

JOBIE THOMAS’ ENCHANTMENT
Detroit, Michigan’s Enchantment formed in the late ‘60s at Pershing High School. Founding members included Emanuel “EJ” Johnson, Joe “Jobie” Thomas, Bobby Green, Edgar “Mickey” Clanton, and David Banks. Best known for their hits, “Gloria”, “Sunshine” and "It’s You That I Need" in the mid-1970s, they were one of the most enjoyable yet underrated groups of the ‘70s and early ’80s. In the early 2000’s Jobie Thomas formed his own group – who will be appearing in this show.