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COMPULSED BY THE FUNKLOPEDIK CREW LAURENT THIEBAUT & BERNARD KOSKOWITZ

THE ULTIMATE FUNKLOPEDIK GROOVE DATABASE

“VOLUME A” ARTISTS LAST NAME BEGINNING WITH LETTER A, MORE THAN 580 ARTISTS REVIEWED

COMPREHENSIVE, VERIFIED, CERTIFIED, BIOGRAPHIES & DISCOGRAPHIES

OF BLACK ARTISTS AND GROUPS FROM 1950 TO Y2K.

EDITION: DECEMBER 2016

Preambule

THE ULTIMATE FUNKLOPEDIK GROOVE DATABASE This book includes all comprehensive, verified and certified Biographies & Discographies of BLACK Artists/Groups with a last name beginning by letter “A”, til the 50’s to nowadays, First edition: September 2016 This volume in PDF format: 544 Pages. Includes 585 biographies

AUTHORS: Laurent THIEBAUT Bernard KOSKOWITZ

BMC - THE FUNKLOPEDIK RADIO The FUNKLOPEDIK PROJECT is also a webradio broadcasting 24/24 7/7 worldwide, many of the tracks reviewed in this volume.

Where to find the radio ? You can have acess to all informations regarding our webradio here: http://www.black-music-collectors.com/

How to listen us? You may find us on these plateforms… On iTunes:

On Radionomy : https://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/bmc/index

For mobile devices : Apple : https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/bmc-app/id952278597?mt=8

Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nobexinc.wls_2107741.rc

Volume A Artists Index. Comprehensive complete index of all artists, musiciens, producers, enginners, mixers from 1940 to Y2K, in alphabetical order. Refers to all appearances in pages of biographies/discographies related in this volume.

1

100 PROOF (AGED IN SOUL) ................................ 157

2

24 CARAT BLACK, (The) ......................................... 255

5

5FIVE-O .................................................................... 123 5TH DIMENSION, (The) ................................... 108, 443

8

88 KEYZ ...................................................................... 92

9

94 EAST .................................................................... 306 9th CREATION .......................................................... 125 9TH CREATION, (The) ............................................ 155

A

A & O +PLUS ONE .................................................... 43 A ‘LAN ........................................................................ 43 A BURRELL THANG ................................................... 44 A NATURAL EXPERIENCE ........................................ 44 A STEP BEYOND ....................................................... 44 A TASTE OF HONEY ........................................ 44, 274 A TRIBE CALLED QUEST ......................... 45, 196, 281 A&M Records ........................................................... 523 A.A.B.B. ...................................................................... 43 A.B.T. .......................................................................... 44 A.C. POSSE ................................................................ 45 A.K. ............................................................................. 45 A.K. SOUL .................................................................. 45 A.O.K. ......................................................................... 46 A.P.G. CREW .............................................................. 46 A.Q. ............................................................................. 46 A.Q. RANGERS .......................................................... 47 A.T.C. .......................................................................... 47 A.Z. .............................................................................. 47 A:XUS ......................................................................... 48 A’ O’ K’ ........................................................................ 48 A+ ............................................................................... 49 AALIYAH..................................................................... 49 AALON ....................................................................... 50 AARON, Linden ................................................ 50, 186 AB LOGIC ................................................................... 50 ABACO DREAM ........................................................ 51

ABBA .......................................................................... 51 ABBE .......................................................................... 52 ABBEY, John ..................................................... 53, 210 ABBOTT, Gregory ..................................................... 53 ABBOTT, Joan ........................................................... 54 ABC .................................................................... 54, 292 ABDUL, Paula ............................................................ 55 ABEL ........................................................................... 55 ABIGAIL ..................................................................... 56 ABOVE AVERAGE BLACK BAND ............................ 43 ABOVE THE LAW ...................................................... 56 ABRAMS, Colonel .................................... 57, 214, 306 ABSOLUTE ................................................................ 57 ABSOLUTE, (The) ...................................................... 58 ABSOULUTE .............................................................. 58 ABSTRAC’ .................................................................. 58 ABSTRACT TRUTH .................................................... 59 AC BLACK.................................................................. 60 AC SOUL SYMPHONY .............................................. 60 ACADEMIC POSSE, (The) ........................................ 60 ACCENTS, (The) ........................................................ 61 ACE ............................................................................ 61 ACE & ACTION3 ........................................................ 61 ACE FLY DUCE/FRESH ............................................. 62 ACE JUICE ................................................................. 62 ACE LORD CHILLERS ............................................... 62 ACE OF BASE ............................................................ 62 ACE SPECTRUM ........................................................ 63 ACE, Buddy ............................................................... 64 ACE, Johnny .............................................................. 64 ACID TECH HIGH ...................................................... 65 ACKER, Andre ................................................... 65, 264 ACKLIN, Barbara ............................................... 65, 315 ACOJ ......................................................................... 65 ACOX, Clay ............................................................... 65 ACT 1 ......................................................................... 66 ACTIVE FORCE ................................................... 67, 75 ACTIVE SOUL ............................................................ 67 ACUNA, Alex ............................................................. 67 ACUNA, Marta .......................................................... 68 A-D ............................................................................. 68 AD FINEM .................................................................. 68 AD LIBS, (The) ........................................................... 69 ADAMS, Akinyele ............................................. 70, 104 ADAMS, Arthur.K ...................................................... 70 ADAMS, Bobby ......................................................... 71 ADAMS, Bryan .......................................................... 71 ADAMS, Ernie ................................................... 72, 202 ADAMS, Faye ............................................................ 72 ADAMS, Felicia ......................................................... 73 ADAMS, Gayle .................................................. 73, 320 ADAMS, John ............................................................ 73 ADAMS, John F. ........................................................ 83 ADAMS, Johnny ................................................ 74, 324 ADAMS, Laten John ............................................... 324 ADAMS, Marie .......................................................... 74

ALVIN [Washington D.C. Go-Go] ♂

First record as Artist 1985

This is another Reo Edwards production in a classic Washington D.C. style, 12” single “D.T.” The title stans for Darryl Tyson whom was a Whasington D.C. professionnal boxer. RECORDS LABELS: FUTURE RECORDS & TAPES U.S.

Selected Visuals :

F 0003

ALWAYS, Billy [Funk, Soul] ♂ First Apearance In 1969 First record as Artist 1979

Real Name: William Lewis Moore. Born 1955, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. As a youth he was the lead voice in his church choir. At the age of nine Aretha Franklin took him under her wing and by age 11 he was touring and recording with (cousin) Reverend Isaac Whittman. In 1969, Billy (14 years old) was given studio time by her production company “Do It To It” Productions. He recorded a single 'Do It Again' with the help of Aretha, Carolyn Franklin and Cissy Houston, however it was not released. 1975 Aretha's backing singer Evelyn Green introduced Billy to Barrett Strong. In 1979, his friend and attorney financed his debut solo album Billy Always, totally self-written, performed and produced. Though not released officially, two songs 'I Mean To Love You' and 'Some Kind Of Love' were bootlegged and scored success as an illegally released single on canadia pression (V.S. records W-12051). The following year he met Willie Mitchell (known for producing hits for Al Green, Denise Lasalle, Ann Peebles Otis Clay and more). Mitchell produced Billy's song 'Didn't We Do It' as the first release on Waylo Records in Memphis. In 1980 with John Ferrara collaborated on Billy’s first album. A 7” single “Worl All Day” b/w “People Like Us” was extrazcted from this self released L.P. In 1981, he wrote 'Come To Me' (with Bernie Miller former DJ on WJPC 95 AM in Chicago) for the late Walter Jackson's album Tell Me Where It Hurts'. (Produced by Chicago’s legendary R&B Producer Carl Davis ). A debut “Selftitled” Waylo album was later released in 1982, produced by Willie Mitchell, which included the hit single “Didn’t we do it”, “I mean to love you”, “love’s knockin’” as well as cover of Al Greens “et’s stay together”. (Ann Peebles later covered it). In 1986 a 12” single “Let Your Body Rock” was released on Waylo records (#12-3010) from an expected L.P. named “Teaser”, which was unreleased. Just before was ereleased “I Do Don’t You” (#12-3005). Billy continued to work with Willie Mitchell and Waylo into the nineties, although 1988's 'Watch Out' CD which included the hit Back on track was released on Epic Records. His fourth 1990 album 'Let's Get Personal', included the songs “One Of Them Thangs”, “Ain't Nothing But A Heartache” and “I Need You” and was only released thru Nertherland relocated WAYLO records.

Black Soul Singles 100 (2): (1) Back On Track [PP: 43 – WOC: 10] – (2) Didn’t We Do It [PP:74 – WOC: 7] RECORDS LABELS: ALWAYS PUBLISHING U.S. - BLOCK BUSTER RECORDS U.S. – WAYLO/PETER PAN ARTISTS SERIES - EPIC RECORDS/COLUMBIA – WAYLO RECORDS, INC/NETHERLAND

Selected Visuals :

BA-51779 WAYLO TAS-12114 FE 44332

ALY-US [House, Garage] ♀

First record as Artist 1992

Members: Eddie Lewis, Kyle Smith, William B.Jennings. The Charting title “Follow Me” produced by Kyle Smith was orignally recorded in 1994, but charted in 2002. This track was the biggest selling vinyl release ever on Strictly Rhythm. “Follow Me” became a huge classic jhit on Tony Humphries/Zanzibar club sets. It was also a big hit before it was officially deal secured on Strictly. A second 12” single was recorded for Strictly Rhythm, “Time Passes On” in 1993 but failed to reach another chart succes. Then a couple of 12” singles were released trhu Music USA/Dancefloor lablle, much in New Jersey garage style; “Personnal Changes” (as Whitle label promo), “Let Us Lead The Way” and “Seasonal Faith” (A double * 12” single). Kyle Smith released “#InnocentKind” in 2015 thru Nervous MP3-320 file.

Hot Dance Music – Club Play 50 (1): (1) Follow Me [PP: 8 – WOC: 12] RECORDS LABELS: STRICTLY RHYTHM RECORDS U.S. – BEALLA RECORDS/DANCEFLOOR RECORDS – MUSIC USA RECORDS

Selected Visuals :

SR1288 USA 714 USA 717

Bonus

BILLBOARD August, 10. 2002

AMADEO [Disco] ♂

First record as Artist 1977

From Paris, France. Choregrapher. In 1976 conducted the musical “Mayflower” in Paris. Then worked for the famous cabaret “Crazy Horse”. Had a disco career in late 70’s nad the single “Moving Like A Superstar” produced by Jean Van Loo (Patrick Hernadez) was a french hit. His second L.P. “Real Magic” was produced by Gilbert Di Dinino (Jeane Manson, Sylvie Vartan) and Leo Carrier in 1978. Four 12” singles followed; “Sex Appeal” (1979), “Galaxy” (1980), “Ring A Ding Ding” (1982) and “Magic For Magic” (1986). RECORDS LABELS: ELVER RECORDS BELGIUM - IBACH RECORDS/DISCODIS FRANCE – CHARLES TALAR RECORDS/PATHE MARCONI-EMI FRANCE – TREMA RECORDS FRANCE

Selected Visuals :

ELVER 3007 ELVER 143.010Y TREMA 301.086

AMADOR, Eddie [Deep House] ♂

First record as Artist 1997

Los Angeles based music producer, remixer and DJ. Active since 1997 recording house singles in majority for defunct Yoshitoshi label. Hist most successful tracks were; “House Music” (1997), “Rise”(1999) and “Pshycho X Girlfriend” (2002). In 2008, in colaboration with Rod Carrillo and CD was released, featuring vocals by Ronnie Sumrall. In january 2016, a 12” single featuring Chad Bishop on voals was records “House Music Culture” RECORDS LABELS: XYOSHITOSHI RECORDS/DEEP DISH RECORDS U.S. – CARRILLO MUSIC U.S. – NEXT DIMENSION MUSIC U.S.

Selected Visuals :

YR023 YR043 Xxx

AMALGAMATION OF SOUNDZ, (The) [Future Jazz, Deep House] ♂

First record as Artist 1996

U.K. production by Jean-Claude Thompson and Mark Hardbottle, that recorded a dozen of 12” singles between 1996 to 2003.

AMANT [Disco, Dance Hi-NRG] ♂♀ First record as Artist 1978

Members: Gus Perez (Drums), Arnold Paseiro (Bass), Ray Martinez (Keyboards, Synthesizers), Tony Weiss (Synthesizers), Marc Vuksanovic (Guitars), Alfons Kettner (Guitarà, Ritchie Puente (Percussions), Gus Perez (Percussions), Carlos Hernadez (Trumpet), Chris Perez (Saxophone), Luis Perez (Trombone) Amant was another of producer Ray Martinez's studio groups that he helped to launch from his home base of Florida. After the 1978 selftitled album. The L.P.was mixed by Jim Burgess and 12” singles releases were edits version of the L.P. Sstrings were performed by Jorge Orbon String Ensemble. Another 12” singles were released in 1982, “New York Nights”. The same line-up recorded as Passion on Prelude records due to legal co tract clause with T.K. Disco. It included Richard Noriega, Jr., Martha Roque, Madeline Faiella, Shane on vocals.

National Disco Action Top 40 (1): (1) If There’s Love / Hazy Shades Of Love [PP: 5 – WOC: 18] RECORDS LABELS: MARLIN/T.K. PRODUCTIONS – PARIS INTERNATIONAL RECORDS 1 FILMWORKS, INC.

Selected Visuals :

T.K DISCO 115 MARLIN 2227 P-1202

AMARI [Rap] ♀

First record as Artist 1988

Members: Sneezy, Sherri and Pooh From Washington D.C. Known for they title “Callin’” from the Soundtrack “Ride”. The L.P. “Sunshine” was only released as CD promo in Germany.

Hot R&B Singles 100 (1): (1) Callin’ (Will You Players Ever Learn?) [PP: 66 – WOC: 9] RECORDS LABELS: TOMMY BOY/TOMMY BOY MUSIC

Selected Visuals :

TB 444 TB 314 EAST WEST GERMANY NO Cat #

AMBASSADORS, (The) [Philly-Soul] ♂ First record as Artist 1968

Members: Herley Johnson Jr., Orlando Oliphant, Calvin Todd, Benjamin Speller, Robert Todd. Philly soul vocal quintet group formed in the mid-1960’s and soon came to the attention of Arctic Record Company co-owner and Philly radio star Jimmy Bishop. Followin limited success with their three singles on Atlantic between the end of 1967 and the summer of 1968, they signed to Artic Record Company. They are best remembered for their one hit, "I Really Love You" which was released in 1969, as well as their sole, highly sought-after album, that have a built a myth of holy grail among the northern soul circles. The album was produced by Jimmy Bishop and arranged by Bobby Martin, with rhythm section by Norman Harris, Bobby Eli, Ronnie Baker, Leon Huff and Vince Montana, plus strings by The Don Renaldo Strings. It was recorded at 919 Sound Studios, Philadelphia. Three of the Ambassadors, Herley Johnson Jr., Robert Todd and Orlando Oliphant later formed Creme D'Cocoa in 1978. Herley Jonshon, Jr. recorded a 12” single in 1982 “Do It” (Quality/RFC QRFC 013)

Best Selling Soul Singles 100 (1): (1) I Really Love You [PP: 43 – WOC: 2] RECORDS LABELS: ATLANTIC/ATLANTIC RECORDS SALES – ARTIC RECORD CO

Selected Visuals :

45-2442 A-LPS-1005

AMBASSADORS OF FUNK [Dance, Hip-Hop] ♂

First record as Artist 1989

Was Simon Harris (aka by Acid Fingers) U.K. DJ that recorded with succes some house anthem. The first two L.P.’s; “Monster Jam” and “The Show Must Go On” were distributed on the U.S. territory via Next Plateau records. The last opus in 1993 “Super Mario Compact Disco” was a japanese concept around Super Mario and released only in Japan.

Hot Dance Music – Club Play 50 (2): (1) The Monster Jam (All Cuts) [PP: 13 – WOC: 7] – (2) My Minds Made Up / Just A Groove [PP: ,34 – WOC: 3] RECORDS LABELS: LIVING BEAT RECORDS/MUSIC OF LIFE RECORDS U.K. - NEXT PLATEAU RECORDS U.S. – ALAFA RECORDS INC JAPAN

Selected Visuals :

NPLP 1014 NP50090 NP50144

AMBASSADORS OF SWING [-] ♂ First record as Artist 1994

Duo: David Thackaray, Grant Nelson. This duo released three 12” singles between 1994 to 1997; “Feelin’ Good” featuring Peter Hall and Antonia Lucas on vocals, “Coming Up” featuring Bryan Chambers, and “Phase One EP” all recorded on Grant Nelson’s U.K. labels. RECORDS LABELS: NICE ‘N’ RIPE/FX PROMOTION U.K. – RISE’N’ SHINE/WYZE U.K.

Selected Visuals :

NNR-018 NNR-022 SHINE 1003

AMBER [Dance, Pop] ♀ First record as Artist 1996

She is a singer, songwriter, label owner and executive producer. She is best known for her hits "This Is Your Night", "If You Could Read My Mind", and "Sexual (Li Da Di)". Started her cda&reer as session vocalist. She started in 1996 when one of her demos, "This Is Your Night" gained interest from Tommy Boy Records. Soon after its release as a single, it became one of the most successful songs of 1996 and 1997 .…..

FULL DETAILLED BIOGRAPHIE +

AMBITIOUS LOVERS [Pop, Dance] ♂

First record as Artist 1988

Duo: Arto Lindsay (Vocals, Guitar), Peter Schere (Keyboards) From england. Lindsay was previously member of group DNA. From New York City. The single “Pointa De Lanca Africano/Umbabarauma” was remixed by Goh Hotoda with post productions edits by Chep “On The Monkey” Nunez. Three L.P were recorded; “Envy” (1984), “Greed” (1988), “Lust” (1991).

Hot Dance Music – Club Play 50 (2): (1) Umbabarauma [PP: 10 – WOC: 7] – (2) Love Overlap [PP: 48 – WOC: 2] RECORDS LABELS: EDITIONS EG U.K. - VIRGIN RECORDS AMERICA, INC. / ELEKTRA RECORDS U.S.

Selected Visuals :

VIRGIN 0-96657 ELEKTRA 0-66583

AMBROSIA [House-Garage] ♂ First record as Artist 2001

Full name: Ambrosia Gainous. American house music artists. Shelter sound for this artist produced by Moise Laporte. Four 12” singles have been recorded; “Believe In Me”, “Trust Yourself”, “Talk To Me” and Don’t Worry. RECORDS LABELS: XSHELTER RECORDS U.S. – SPACE KAT RECORDS U.SK.

Selected Visuals :

SHL-1035 SHL-1038 SHL-10502

Collaborations and participations TRISPIRIT Featuring Tonni SMITH (12” Single: Rejoice) (2003) – SOUNDMEN ON WAX/SOULSHINE RECORDINGS U.S. SOW-417US (Backing Vocals) Su Su BOBIEN (MP3 Files: SET Free Remixes) (2007) – SOUNDMEN ON WAX SOW 490 (Backing Vocals)

A-MEN [Deep-House] ♂ First record as Artist 1995

A Pete Avila project in conjonction with Jason-“Jay” Hernandez and Marc Jellybear. One 12” single E.P. “The West Coast Sermon EP” release in november 1995, with six tracks; “Can You Feel It”, “Spirit Beats”, “The Countdown”, “Sunrise Service”, “Bass Wake Up Call” and “Organ Rub-A-Fella”.

Hot Dance Music – Club Play 50 (1): (1) Sunrise Service [PP: 45 – WOC: 4] RECORDS LABELS: TON-A-RECORDS/STRICTLY RHYTHM RECORDS, INC.

Selected Visuals :

T 006