1000 Giants Of Black Music

[stepping razor]

DRAMATICS:
Dells-influenced Detroit soul team who, after usual dues paying, shot to national prominence with the million sellers "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" (1971) and "In The Rain" (1972, Volt). Now regular soul chart entrants.

1000 GIANTS OF BKACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

DREAMLOVERS:
One of the first Philadelphia groups to bridge the doowop sound of the `50s and the soul world of the `60s. Biggest hits were "When We Get Married" (Heritage, `61) and "If I Should Lose You" (End, `62).

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

PATTI DREW:
Once a member of a vocal group the Drew-Vels, Patti became a soloist on Capitol, where her earthy vocals over large soul orchestrations produced hits like "Tell Him" (`67) and "Workin` On A Groovy Thing" (`68).

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

DRIFTERS:
You could write a book about this group (Bill Miller has). Probably THE most influential R&B vocal group who, with a series of startlingly talented lead vocalists (Clyde McPhatter in the early `50s, Ben E. King in the early `60s, Rudy Clark in the mid sixties and Johnny Moore at the moment), have proved that black harmonies could reach a mass white audience, gospel styled vocalists didn`t need religion to sound involved, and producers could use sophistication in R&B and still make it R&B. Atlantic placed them with the most important writers and producers of the `60s (including Leiber-Stoller, Burt Bacharach, Goffin-King, and Phil Spector) and they produced a series of classic records, including "Dance With Me", "On Broadway", "Up On The Roof", "Under The Boardwalk", and "Save The Last Dance For Me". Their records set new standards in arrangements (they were probably the first R&B group to use strings) and lyrics (including some of the first pop songs to talk about ghetto life) and their place in history (and in our hearts) is assured, even though they are currently more popular in Britain than in America.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

DON DRUMMOND:
Jamaican (and rastafarian) trombonist who at one time was rated among the best in the world. Made fame in JA with original instrumental ska numbers like "Chang Kai Chek", "Silver Dollar", "Confucius", "Occupation", "The Reburial", "Addis Ababa" and many more, usually accompanied by the Skatalites. Died in a mental Hospital in `69.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

DUBS:
Big doowop hitmakers of the `50s with classics like "Don`t Ask Me To Be Lonely" and "Could This Be Magic"--both for Gone.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

DORIS DUKE:
As Doris Willingham she languished in the anonymity pf New York session work until, with Jerry William`s Jr. writing and producing a series of searing, adult ballads, she hit in 1970 for Canyon with "To The Other Woman" and "Feet Start Walking". Though her hits have stopped, she`s reckoned by many to be the ultimate in mature soul.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

WAYNE DUNBAR:
He progressed from an obscure vocalist to successful producer/song writer with Holland-Dozier-Holland`s Invictus/Hot Wax set up. Now Rated by many as a bright prospect for `74.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

CHAMPION JACK DUPREE:
Blues singer/pianist who after a lifetime of performing and recording finally came to live in Europe and now resides in the North of England. His bawdy, rolling blues are now an established part of the British blues scene.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace

[stepping razor]

DYKE & THE BLAZERS:
Dyke Christian, tragically shot in a night club incident a couple of years ago, is remembered for his funk composition/recording "Funky Broadway" and a series of other hits, all for Original Sound from 1967 to 1970.

1000 GIANTS OF BLACK MUSIC - AUGUST 1974: - PART SIX
Black Music August 1974: - Vol. 1 / Issue 9

peace