News

07/08/2010
HARVEY FUQUA 1929-2010

A dear friend is gone.

The legendary Harvey Fuqua, known to music fans everywhere as the founder of the Moonglows, a writer/producer of hit after hit, and the man who discovered and mentored a young Marvin Gaye, passed on July 6. He will be remembered for his countless accomplishments during a long and distinguished career as an artist and executive. Here at the Foundation, we will also remember and honor him for his long service and support as a Board Member and advisor throughout the history of our organization. He will be missed, deeply…

From his family, please have a look back at the wonderful life of Mr. Harvey Fuqua:

(Detroit, MI) -- Soul singer, songwriter, record producer and record label executive Harvey Fuqua, who founded the R&B/doo-wop group the Moonglows, and discovered singer Marvin Gaye and others, died Tuesday, July 6th in a Detroit hospital at 5:15 PM EST. He was 80.

Born on July 27, 1929, in Louisville, KY, Fuqua (the nephew of Charlie Fuqua of the Ink Spots) started a vocal group in his hometown called the Crazy Sounds. Later, they moved to Cleveland, OH, where Fuqua was the lead singer with Bobby Lester, Alexander "Pete" Graves and Prentiss Barnes, with Billy Johnson on guitar.

The group caught the eye of legendary rock & roll DJ Alan Freed, who got them to appear on his radio show and concerts. In 1952, Freed signed the group to his Champagne Records label after changing their name to the Moonglows. They later left Freed and signed to Chance Records for a short stay, then signed to Chess Records.

Their first single, "Sincerely," became an instant doo-wop classic in November, 1954. Later hits included "Most of All" (1955), "See Saw" (1956), and "Please Send Me Someone To Love" (1957).

In early 1958, the group broke up. It was then that Fuqua met a young vocal group from Washington, DC who called themselves the Marquees. One of the group's members was Marvin Gaye, whose vocals especially impressed Fuqua.

Trying to keep the sound of the Moonglows alive, Fuqua joined the group together, and with Reese Palmer, James Knowland, Chester Simmons, Chuck Barksdale (on loan from the Dells) and Gaye, he continued to record. The group changed their name to Harvey and the Moonglows.

In 1958, they scored their massive signature hit, "Ten Commandments of Love."

Later that year, Fuqua left the group, while still retaining Gaye. He joined Anna Records, a small label in Detroit, MI under then fledgling producer Berry Gordy.

There he recorded Lamont Dozier and Johnny Bristol, two talents who would go on to success with Motown Records. Meanwhile, Fuqua was still working with Chess, producing sides on Etta James.

In 1961, he started his own independent labels, Tri-Phi and Harvey Records. His roster included the Spinners, Junior Walker & the All Stars and Shorty Long.

After growing tired of the rigors of running a small independent label with no distribution or edge against the major labels, Fuqua got a break when he was hired by Berry Gordy to head Motown's Artist Development department.

The move allowed Fuqua to bring Johnny Bristol, Tammi Terrell and the Spinners to Motown Records, where he was assisted by Gwen Gordy, Anna Gordy, Maxine Powell and Cholly Atkins.

Success began to happen for Fuqua as he recorded Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (summer 1967), "Your Precious Love" (fall 1967), and "If This World Were Mine" (late 1967).

He also scored a hit with former Temptations lead singer David Ruffin's solo "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) (early 1969).

In 1971, Fuqua left Motown Records, signing a production deal with RCA Records. Two acts that he had previously signed to his talent agency, The Nightlighters ("K-Jee") and New Birth ("It's Been A Long Time") were also signed to the label. He also discovered disco pioneer Sylvester, producing several hit singles, including "Dance (Disco Heat") and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)." Fuqua was also Smokey Robinson's road manager for a while.

The Moonglows reunited in 1972, with Fuqua, Lester, Graves, Doc Williams, and Chuck Lewis. They produced an LP, "The Return of the Moonglows," and made a remake of "Sincerely, " which went to number 43 on the R&B chart.

The summer of 1982 saw Fuqua reuniting with Marvin Gaye, collaborating on Gaye's "Midnight Love" LP which went to number seven pop in late 1982, sold two million copies, including the gold single "Sexual Healing" which stayed at number one R&B for ten weeks.

The Moonglows received the 1995 Pioneer Awards and were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

In 2000, he set up his own Resurging Artist Records, and was an Advisory Board member of The Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

Fuqua was working with S.T.A.R.S., an inspirational group at the time of his transition.

Memorial services are pending.


07/01/2010
This Month in R&B History

July 1961

“I couldn’t sleep at all last night…”

If you’re only going to have one hit…make it a really BIG hit! Bobby Lewis did, back in ’61, and it was number one for an amazing 10 weeks on the R&B charts, starting in June, running all through July and into August. “Tossin’ and Turnin’” had energy, hooks, a driving groove, and a vocal performance to match. It became the standout song of a memorable summer, quite the feat given “Stand By Me” and “Quarter To Three” were also on the airwaves at the time.

In 1961, “Tossin’ and Turnin’” made Bobby Lewis a star, and became a crossover hit too, reaching #1 on the pop charts. “Tossin’ and Turnin’” was recorded in late 1960 for a small New York-based independent label, Beltone Records. Written by Richie Adams, who sang with a doo-wop group, the Fireflies, and by co-writer Malou Rene, “Tossin’ and Turnin’” has proven to be a classic oldie for decades, appearing in the late 70’s as part of the hit soundtrack to Animal House, and covered by many artists.

Another Lewis single, “One Track Mind”, followed and charted, but it was not the sensation of its predecessor – “Tossin’ and Turnin’” was on the charts for a total of 23 weeks. By the end of the year, Billboard anointed it the Hot 100 Single of the Year.

Bobby Lewis had a short recording career, as careers go, and never charted again. But he toured successfully for many years, singing the song that had everybody dancing nationwide in July 1961.

It was a great month in R&B History.


01/14/2010
TEDDY PENDERGRASS 1950-2010

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends and fans in the passing of Teddy Pendergrass. The legendary artist and fellow Foundation Board Member died on January 13 at 59.

Teddy Pendergrass was a one of kind voice and a one of a kind person whose contributions and impact on R&B music cannot measured. His dynamic voice, impeccable style, and warm personality were truly a gift to the world. Teddy was a dear friend and colleague of the R&B Foundation having served diligently on our Board of Directors for several years.

We applaud and cheer Teddy for his life’s work. He was, as one of his many hit songs stated, a “Joy” - he will truly be missed.

Please click below to read more on the life of this talented artist and humanitarian.


10/28/2009
Philly press comes out for The Foundation

The Inquirer and The Daily News have both been kind enough to feature the Foundation in pieces that highlight our service to musicians in need. Click on the links (above) to have a look, and meanwhile, please consider supporting the important work of the Foundation's mission.


10/14/2009
Foundation Benefit in Philadelphia - October 28th at Club Adesso

It is fall, and winter is on the way, which means hard times for many. With that in mind, for its grand opening event, Club Adesso, 1519 Walnut Street is hosting a benefit for The Rhythm and Blues Foundation.

The event is to be held on Wednesday October 28, 2009 from 7-10 PM at Club Adessso, a new state-of-the-art dance club. The theme: a disco Halloween party. Billy Paul, famous for Me and Mrs. Jones and hundreds of other songs will appear and a DJ will spin records from (naturally) Gamble and Huff’s extensive 70’s repertoire. Prizes will be awarded for funkiest costume and wildest dancer. Patti Labelle’s autographed magenta stilettos will be auctioned along with other disco memorabilia.

Adesso, which means “now” in Italian, wants to help let the good times roll. At a cost of two million dollars, the five thousand square foot bi-level facility is beyond compare. Locating in a four story historic brownstone, the space is a dance lover’s paradise. It will showcase a hi-tech sound system and DJ booth. Floor to ceiling windows face center city’s most beautiful street and a special VIP section makes for a private yet beautiful setting. “We have been working on building the club for two years. Even though its rough expanding your business now, we have been on Walnut Street for over twenty-five years, and thought Philadelphians would love to see how we have changed and grown” explained Alberto Delbello, Il Portico and Club Adesso owner.

Everything is ultra modern from the two granite topped bars, comfortable leather couches, and recessed lighting to the high-end kitchen facilities on premises. The Club will be featuring special themed dinner and dancing nights, full meals provided by Il Portico, the restaurant downstairs. Il Portico has long been regarded as one of the best Jewish-Italian fine dining establishments in Philadelphia. In conjunction with the club opening, Il Portico will be unveiling a new menu. Valet parking is available.

Come check out Adesso, disco the night away and help those who have made the music that still makes us want to boogie! For further information or to RSVP call: 215 587-7000 or visit www.clubadesso.com.


08/23/2009
Johnny Carter of The Dells passes at 75

On their Facebook page, The Dells announce:

"Johnnie Carter of The Dells (known as the world's greatest tenor) passed at 1:00 am. August 21, 2009, from lung cancer.

Johnnie was diagnosed with this dreadful disease, last August while The Dells were appearing in Las Vegas. The Dells refused to perform without Carter, and had been trying to nurse him back to health for one year. We will keep you informed, as to the funeral arrangements.

God decided that it was time for Johnnie to come home, he will be missed.

The Mighty Dells"

Johnny Carter, prior to joining the Dells, was a founding member of The Flamingos, joining them on their classic version of I Only Have Eyes For You. With The Dells, Johnny had the biggest hits of his career, on Oh What A Night and Stay In My Corner.

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation offers sincere sympathies to friends and fans of Johnny Carter.


06/25/2009
MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009 The Rhythm & Blues Foundation joins the world in mourning.

The Rhythm & Blues Foundation joins the world in mourning the passing of Michael Jackson. His impact on the world of music is immeasurable and incomparable. From the launch of his career as a Motown dynamo, Jackson's vibrant voice and innovative moves thrilled fans the world over.

Although he became known as “The King of Pop,” Jackson’s roots were pure R&B. Iris Gordy, chair of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Grants Committee recalls, "From his first moments at Motown, we knew Michael was more than special. The fact that he possessed that profound singing and dancing ability at such a young age was truly amazing. Michael was an astonishing talent. My family and I feel an especially personal loss."

Singing with his brothers and later as a solo artist, Jackson reached unprecedented heights, transcending established concepts of race and musical genre.

"It has to be noted that with Billie Jean, Michael Jackson became the first artist to simultaneously top the R&B single, R&B album, pop album, and pop single charts," comments Foundation board member Kenny Gamble who produced The Jacksons, the group's first album after leaving Motown. “He took R&B into uncharted territory.”

The passing of Michael Jackson brings Black Music Month 2009 to a sad end.

"There will never be another Michael Jackson," said Rhythm & Blues Foundation chairman Kendall Minter. "As a singer, song writer, businessman and, most importantly, as a humanitarian, he left an indelible imprint on the world of entertainment."


06/06/2009
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Koko Taylor

R&B legend Koko Taylor left us this week, on Thursday, June 3, 2009, at age 80. Known the world over as the "Queen of the Blues", Ms. Taylor entertained all of us with the power and the passion of her wonderful voice during a magnificent career that spanned six decades. The recipient of multiple Grammy Award nominations, she was perhaps best known for her million-selling version of "Wang Dang Doodle" recorded on Chess Records in 1965. Ms. Taylor was also a R&B Foundation Pioneer Award recipient, honored in 2003.

The Foundation honors her memory, and mourns in her passing.


05/04/2009
2008 Pioneer Award Highlights Video
The 2008 Pioneer Awards were, if we do say so ourselves, amazing. The talent, the music, and the history of great artists all came together in one magical evening in the City of Brotherly Love. We wish everyone could have been there. But if you weren't, or you'd like to relive a special night, have a look now at a clip that tells the story of that unforgettable show.


01/25/2009
The Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of David

1998 Pioneer Award winner David “Fathead” Newman has passed, too soon, at the age of 75. His contributions to music spanned over 50 years, starting most notably with his long stretch as saxophonist in the original Ray Charles band. His recording career began in 1959, and continued through his most recent release in 2007, “Life”, almost 40 albums in all. And, on works by Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin, Hank Crawford, and Aaron Neville among many, many others, his signature sax could be heard.

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation honors his achievements and mourns his passing.


01/25/2009
Motown Celebrates its 50th Anniversary!

If there was a precise moment that launched the phenomenon that was Motown Records, perhaps it was the day that founder Berry Gordy secured an $800 loan that financed initial business operations. That day, 50 years ago, was celebrated this January in Detroit, with “Motown Day” to honor the beginnings of “The Sound of Young America” and the label that launched the artists and songs that gave so much to the world. The list goes on and on – The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Funk Brothers – one fears starting the roll call, lest someone’s favorites be left out!

The Rhythm and Blues Foundation congratulates Berry Gordy on this Anniversary, and all of the writers, musicians, producers, and performers who used their prodigious talents to create, truly, the soundtrack of our lives.


10/17/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Levi Stubbs
Levi Stubbles (June 6, 1936 – October 17, 2008), best known by the stage name Levi Stubbs, was the lead vocalist of the legendary Motown R&B group The Four Tops.

Born in Detroit in 1936, Stubbs began his professional singing career with friends Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton, forming a singing group called The Four Aims in 1954. Two years later, after having signed with Chess Records, the group changed their name to the Four Tops - this was to avoid confusion with the then-popular Ames Brothers.

The group signed to Motown Records in 1963 and by the end of the decade, the Four Tops had over a dozen hits to their name. The most popular of the hits, all of which featured Stubbs on lead vocals, include "Baby I Need Your Loving", "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)", "It's the Same Old Song", "Reach Out I'll Be There", "Standing in the Shadows of Love", "Bernadette", "Still Water (Love)", and "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)".

The Four Tops were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and have sold over 50 million records worldwide (Information obtained from Wikipedia.com). The Foundation honors his memory, and mourns with you in his passing.


09/10/2008
The Nation Buzzes About The R&B Foundation's 20th Anniversary Gala, THE 2008 PIONEER AWARDS
In case you missed it, click the links below for a taste of some recent media coverage on the Pioneer Awards Gala and 20th Anniversary of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation:

*Much more coverage available throughout the web - Just input "R&B Foundation Pioneer Awards" into your choice search engine (Yahoo, AOL, Google, etc.)


08/20/2008
Remembering Pervis Jackson, original member of The Spinners
The soundtrack to the 70’s would have been a little dimmer, a little quieter, and a lot less fun if not for The Spinners. The Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Pervis Jackson, a member of the Spinners throughout the decades. One of the founding members of the group, he was the solid, soulful bass that provided a foundation for the early hits “I’ll Always Love You” and “It’s A Shame” while the group was part of the Motown family. In 1972, The Spinners moved to Atlantic Records, and released the album that made them international stars. “I’ll Be Around”, “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and "One of a Kind (Love Affair)” all were on their label debut, all held down by the smooth lines of Pervis Jackson. Later, on the hit single “Games People Play”, Pervis got his starring role with the simple lines “12:45” and “I took my time”, and they became his signature for years in live performances. Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife, Claudreen, four children, and eight grandchildren. But his music, and his memory, live on…


08/15/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Jerry Wexler
Gerald "Jerry" Wexler (January 10, 1917 – August 15, 2008) was a music journalist turned music producer, and was regarded as one of the major record industry players behind music from the 1950s through the 1980s. He coined the term "rhythm and blues", and was integral in signing and/or producing many of the biggest acts of the last 50 years, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield and Bob Dylan. Wexler was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. During his time as an editor, reporter, and writer for Billboard Magazine, Wexler coined the term "rhythm and blues." He became a partner in Atlantic Records in 1953. There followed classic recordings with Ray Charles, the Drifters and Ruth Brown. With Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegün, he built up Atlantic Records into a major force. In 1967 he was named Record Executive of the Year for turning Aretha Franklin's career around. He also cultivated a tight relationship with Stax Records, was an enormous proponent of the then-developing Muscle Shoals Sound and founded the fortunes of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. His work in this decade put Atlantic at the forefront of soul music. (From Wikipedia.com) The Foundation honors his memory, and mourns with you in his passing.


08/11/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Isaac Hayes
If you only knew Isaac Hayes as a radio personality, and the voice of “Chef” in “South Park”, you didn’t know half of the talent and history that was lost yesterday when he passed, too young, at the age of 65. A talented musician and composer, Isaac Hayes was an accomplished hitmaker even before he won multiple Grammies and an Oscar for his seminal soundtrack to “Shaft” in 1972. He had already teamed with co-writer David Porter to write songs that stand today among the greatest to come from the era, among them “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’”. And, as a solo artist, he had already become a major success with his LP, “Hot Buttered Soul”, which featured an 18-minute version of Jimmy Webb’s “By The Time I Get to Phoenix” that became known for Isaac’s extended “rap”. “Phoenix” became a late-night staple of the free-form FM radio that had become popular in the late 60’s, and this underground hit launched a solo career that would span 40 years. Truly a Pioneer, Isaac Hayes was honored as such by the Foundation in 1999. We, along with all of you, honor his memory and mourn his passing.


08/11/2008
MEDIA ONLY: 2008 Pioneer Awards


06/03/2008
The Rhythm & Blues Foundation shares the sadness of family, friends, and fans in the passing of Bo Diddley
R&B legend Bo Diddley left us yesterday, June 2, 2008 at the age of 79. A true innovator, he was the creator of a rhythm and a sound that inspired the development of generations of musicians. Honored by NARAS with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bo Diddley was also a R&B Foundation Pioneer Award recipient, honored in 1996. His work inspired the entire spectrum of rhythm-based music, and his early fans included The Beatles and The Rolling Stones; his signature groove remained the backbeat of hundreds of hit recordings, used by artists ranging in styles and eras from Buddy Holly to George Michael. And none of us may live long enough to see his influence diminish, so strongly is his imprint woven into the fabric of the music. The Foundation honors his memory, and mourns in his passing.


04/23/2008
In the beginning...
…there was The Groove. It came up from the earth, and from the heart, and in the souls and the voices and the rhythm and the blues. And it was good. And there was Ruth Brown, and there was Solomon Burke. And there was Jackie Wilson and there was Otis Redding and there was Laverne Baker and there was Ben E. King. And it was very good. And there was Aretha Franklin and there was James Brown and there was Little Richard. And it was BAD… in a good way. And the people danced and forgot their troubles, thanks to The Groove and the artists that brought it to life...


03/19/2008
R&B Foundation newsletter


03/03/2008
R&B Foundation receives generous donation from the Argus Fund!
Thanks to the efforts of Board Member Judy Tint, the R&B Foundation received a generous $100,000 donation from The Argus Fund! The funds will be used to support the foundation’s operations, replenish the Doc Pomus Fund and renew Performance Grant opportunities.