I took my walk

around the square today

feeling a sense of renewal...and ease

I noticed the children as they ran and played

as I strolled holding hands with the breeze.

My thoughts sauntered lazily throughout

my head

as my senses inhaled sights

and sounds

I smelled popcorn and

chinese food

flowers...and soft rain

as I continued

to walk through my rounds.

There was something that I noticed

though, that I sometimes might forget

as this lady pushing

a baby carriage

brought to mind.

Our eyes locked

...she smiled...

and my heart

then recalled, that a

SMILE is a

'treasure' to find.

© edie antoinette 2002

Angela's Full Biography

Early life and career

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Angela began singing in church. She did not initially aspire to a career in music, instead studying architecture at Howard University, singing only to earn extra money. She continued to sing in church while at Howard as well as with gospel legend Richard Smallwood. By 1977, Angela had changed her major to music education, and recorded a demo. She shopped it to various record labels with no success but, through a personal introduction furnished by respected industry veteran, Wayne K. Garfield, the demo was heard by New York disc jockey Gary Byrd, who made the call that landed Angela a spot in Stevie Wonder's backing vocal group, Wonderlove. Becoming Wonder's protegé, she learned a great deal about writing and arranging songs. While in Los Angeles with Wonder, Angela met singer René Moore; the two never became a couple,and only wrote songs and performed together. René & Angela released their self-titled debut album in 1980, followed by Wall to Wall in 1982 and Rise in 1983. During this period they had two moderate hit singles, "I Love You More" and "My First Love". [edit] A Street Called Desire and meeting Ron Isley
During Rene & Angela's early years, Moore and Winbush were asked to produce songs for Janet Jackson's 1982 self-titled debut album, Janet Jackson. One of the songs, "Young Love", became Jackson's first top ten R&B hit reaching number six on the chart. They also wrote exclusively for Stephanie Mills, who forged a close friendship with Winbush (their "I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love", gave Mills her first-ever #1 R&B single, in 1985). Winbush would later write another Mills number one R&B hit with "Something in the Way You Make Me Feel". Between that, Rene & Angela decided to branch out and find a bigger fan base signing with Mercury Records in 1984. They released their breakthrough album, A Street Called Desire the following year. Among the hit singles included on the album was their first R&B number one with the dance single, "Save Your Love (For #1)", which included guest vocals from rapper Kurtis Blow, making it besides Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You", one of the first songs to prominently feature a rapper. Other hit singles included "I'll Be Good", the mostly Winbush-led "Your Smile" was another number one hit while the subsequent "You Don't Have to Cry", hit number two in the beginning of 1986. Eventually A Street Called Desire sold over a million copies going platinum, but on the brink of their greatest success, tensions between Winbush and Moore had grown. Moore went on to compose and produce hits for and with Michael Jackson and co-wrote with Winbush four songs for Janet Jackson's first album. Moore would continue to find success as a songwriter, most notably for Michael Jackson, but he never found success as a singer.

In 1986, Winbush was introduced to Ronald Isley, lead singer of the influential Isley Brothers after Benny Medina had agreed to ask Winbush to be involved with the Isleys' next record when Isley proposed plans to work with Winbush on a future project. Producing, writing and arranging the Isleys' Smooth Sailin' album, Winbush helped the group, now including just Ronald and Rudolph (eldest brother O'Kelly had died the previous year), score a top 10 R&B hit with the title track.
[edit] Sharp and subsequent follow-ups

In turn, Isley opted to manage Winbush and he helped in the process of releasing her debut solo album, Sharp, which was also released in 1987. The album included the huge hit, "Angel" which showcased Angela's multi-octave range. The song reached number 1 position for two weeks in 1987. Other notable hits include the dance track, "Run to Me", "C'est Toi (It's You)" and the Ron Isley duet, "Hello Beloved". In 1988, she wrote and produced two tracks for Sheena Easton's gold album The Lover In Me. They were "Without You" and "Fire and Rain", both of which showcased Easton's lower range and surprisingly soulful vocals. In 1989, Winbush released her follow-up to Sharp with It's the Real Thing. The title track reached number two on the R&B chart while subsequent hits "No More Tears" and "Lay Your Troubles Down" continued Winbush's top 40 success on the R&B charts where she was now a fixture on despite failed attempts to cross her over to pop audiences. On June 26, 1993 Winbush and longtime manager/collaborator/lover Ronald Isley, who is thirteen years Angela's senior, married. A year later Winbush released her third self-titled solo album, which included the huge R&B hit, "Treat U Rite". Produced by Chuckii Booker, the song peaked at number six on the R&B chart making it Winbush's ninth top ten R&B hit altogether in her career. In 1996, Winbush was featured on the Isley Brothers' (rejoined by brothers Ernie and Marvin) hit "Floatin' On Your Love", which was essentially a duet between Winbush and Ron Isley. The song was later remixed by Sean "Puffy" Combs and featured guest vocals from Lil' Kim and the group 112 in backgrounds. The video for it showcased Winbush serenading Isley's Mr. Biggs character. Winbush continued to collaborate with the Isley Brothers until 2001's Eternal, where afterwards, their marriage had cooled off. In 2002, Winbush and Isley quietly divorced. In 2003, Winbush made news when it was found out she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Eventually after a successful surgery, the cancer was in remission and Winbush returned to perform on the road.
[edit] Legacy and influence

Since starting out with Rene & Angela, Winbush and Moore have played an influence on various R&B and hip-hop acts. In the latter genre, their music been sampled by acts such as The Notorious B.I.G. (who featured her and Jay-Z on his Rene & Angela-sampled "I Love You More" for the song "I Love the Dough"), Foxy Brown (who sampled her "I'll Be Good" for her 1997 top ten hit, "I'll Be") and singer Avant re-recorded the Rene & Angela ballad, "My First Love", with singer Keke Wyatt in 2000. In appreciation during Avant's performance of the song on BET's 106 & Park, in 2001, Winbush surprised the audience by singing alongside Avant on the song. As a singer, Winbush is well noted by her gospel-influenced musical humming during her songs. She has influenced the likes of Syleena Johnson and Chante Moore. Winbush and former partner Rene Moore also shared the distinction for being one of the first R&B acts to prominently feature a rap act in a R&B song sharing that distinction with Chaka Khan and funk band Cameo. Winbush also carries the distinction of being one of the few female artists to find success as a songwriter, arranger, producer and session musician (Winbush also is an avid musician playing piano and keyboards).
[edit] Personal life

During a 2006 interview on the Christian TV show, Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors http://www.tvoneonline.com/shows/show.asp?sid=109&id=1017, Winbush disclosed that she'd overcome Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer after 6 months of chemotherapy in 2003. Her undying faith in God also got her through having a cyst (benign) removed from her breast, the ending of her marriage to Isley in divorce, and struggles with depression.

..and Rene'

Rene Moore

Before forming in 1977, René Moore — the brother of Rufus' Bobby Watson — played with the Brothers Johnson; Angela Winbush had sung backup vocals for Dolly Parton, Lenny Williams, and Jean Carn. René & Angela had their first R&B hit for Capitol Records in 1980 and proceeded to have seven other hits over the next three years. In 1985, the duo switched to Mercury, where they had the number one R&B hit "Save Your Love (For #1)" with their first single from the album Street Called Desire. Over the next year, the group had three other Top Ten hits — including the number one R&B single "Your Smile" and the number two "You Don't Have to Cry" — before pursuing solo careers in the mid-'80s.

Rene and Àngela separated in a much-publicized breakup. They were embroiled in a nasty legal battle over ownership of copyrights and royalties embroiled credits that lasted seven years with Àngela finally being declared the victor and having 'total vindication."

Rene's career is not as flourishing as Angela's which explains why I couldn't find much.

Sorry.

Either way, we can be grateful for their joint, and individual accomplishments.

edie ..2008

Views: 633

Comment

You need to be a member of E.FM Radio to add comments!

Join E.FM Radio

Comment by Edie Antoinette on February 3, 2008 at 2:52pm
Will do....♥
Comment by Edie Antoinette on February 3, 2008 at 2:06pm
It doesn't mean a THING without people like you to let me know you enjoyed it papi-san..♥ Thank you dear.
Comment by Edie Antoinette on January 29, 2008 at 8:35pm
they were married--see the blog above...
Comment by Shelley "SoleMann" King on January 21, 2008 at 8:48pm
ROFLMBOOOO
Comment by Edie Antoinette on January 21, 2008 at 8:29pm
Pitiful...you hear me...PITIFUL. My blog and I ain't even knowed that...pitiful!!! ROFLMBOOOOOOOOOO

I'mma call you ole eagle eye worthington IV..lol
Comment by Shelley "SoleMann" King on January 21, 2008 at 7:39pm
Angela met singer René Moore; the two became a couple (eventually marrying), and began writing songs together. René & Angela released their self-titled debut album in 1980, followed by Wall to Wall in 1982 and Rise in 1983.
Comment by Edie Antoinette on January 21, 2008 at 7:30pm
I still don't know that they were married. I know Angela married Ron Isley..where does it say they were married?

And po Rene ain't never been heard of again..LOL
Comment by Edie Antoinette on January 21, 2008 at 7:26pm
Thanks Suggah--yeah, I didn't realize they did other stuff besides sing. I like You don't Have To Cry and I've Learned To Respect The Power of Love written by them and sang by Stephanie Mills...
Comment by Shelley "SoleMann" King on January 21, 2008 at 6:39pm
Beautiful Blog and very informative...I remember this duo, but before i ever saw a pic of them, i thought Renee was a woman...BWAAA HAHAHA. I never knew they were married and also didn't know that was Angela Winbush...I remember a couple of their songs including this one....SMILE

Latest Activity

Edie Antoinette posted a blog post
Nov 22
Edie Antoinette updated their profile
Nov 6
Film Noir updated their profile
Oct 25
Film Noir and Edie Antoinette are now friends
Oct 9
Edie Antoinette left a comment for Film Noir
"The Website"
Aug 19
Edie Antoinette commented on Edie Antoinette's blog post test
Jul 30
Edie Antoinette replied to Edie Antoinette's discussion WDCB FM Jazz-DuPage Illinois in the group Jazz Lounge
"WDCB Jazz-DuPage Illinois Pop Up Player"
Jul 1
Edie Antoinette posted a song

 play Summer In The City

Jun 28
Edie Antoinette replied to Edie Antoinette's discussion WDCB FM Jazz-DuPage Illinois in the group Jazz Lounge
"Many browsers have changed their settings to prevent autoplay, which may cause the WDCB player…"
Jun 26
Edie Antoinette posted a photo
May 28
Edie Antoinette posted a status
"Content ..."
May 7
The Steppin Zone updated their profile
Apr 22
The Steppin Zone and Jeanette Mack are now friends
Apr 22
JazzWorld joined Shelley "SoleMann" King's group
Thumbnail

E.FM - Black & White Photography

This Group Was Created To Focus On Black & White Photography. It Can Be Your Own Photos Or Any…See More
Apr 16
Edie Antoinette posted songs
Mar 15
Black Heritage was featured
Mar 12
Edie Antoinette liked Black Heritage's profile
Mar 12
Edie2k2 Radio updated their profile
Mar 11
JazzWorld posted a song

 play Cityscape

08:46
Mar 11
JazzWorld updated their profile
Mar 11

Remembering Q

E.FM Radio Spotlight

Quincy Jones is thoroughly entwined in the musical background of my young adulthood. A genius of unique quality. I have been posting blogs and music throughout the years and decided to embark on the arduous but satisfying task of gathering some of it to remember the excellent legacy that he left.
Read More

E.FM Radio Spotlight





The history of the Butlers/Raw Soul is dense, but for all of us music nerds, that's normal. It is not totally clear what year the Butlers actually formed but they released their first single in 1963 on Liberty Records. That single was "She Tried To Kiss Me" and another single followed on Guyden entitled "Lovable Girl." After the Guyden single the Butlers took a break not recording another record until the single "Laugh, Laugh, Laugh" was released on the Phila label in 1966. The group also backed Charles Earland and Jean Wells on one Phila single ("I Know She Loves Me"). 


As you might be noticing, the Butlers were doing a fair amount of recording but not achieving much success. The group's recordings sold regionally but never had the promotion to make an impact on the national scene. After the single with Phila, the Butlers moved to the Fairmount label (part of the Cameo-Parkway family) and released a handful of singles, some being reissued singles of the past. The Butlers were with Fairmount for 1966-67 and then moved to Sassy Records. Sassy released the group's greatest single (in my opinion) "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)" b/w "If That's What You Wanted." A copy of that 45 sold for just under $500 last summer on eBay. Even though that isn't that much in the world of record collecting--it's still a hefty sum. The Butlers released another single on Sassy ("She's Gone" b/w "Love Is Good") that appears to be even 
harder to come by then the "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)" single.

 

The true history become a bit blurred here as the AMG biography states that the Butlers last record was released on C.R.S. in 1974 (". However, between 1971 and that single, Frankie Beverly formed a group called Raw Soul and released a number of singles. Some of the songs recorded by Beverly during this period are "While I'm Alone," "Open Up Your Heart," (both on the Gregor label) and "Color Blind." "Color Blind" was released by the Eldorado label and rerecorded by Maze. Beverly's big break came when Marvin Gaye asked Raw Soul to back him on a tour. Gaye helped Beverly/Raw Soul get a contract at Capitol. Beverly decided to take the group in a different direction, a name change occurred, and Maze was created. 

The above isn't the most complete history of Beverly but hopefully someone will know a way to get in touch with the man or his management because a comprehensive pre-Maze history needs to be done on Frankie Beverly (his real name is Howard, by the way). Below you'll find every Frankie Beverly (pre-Maze) song available to me right now ("Color Blind" will be up soon). 

If you have a song that is not included below, shoot it over to funkinsoulman (at) yahoo.com and it will go up in the next Frankie Beverly post (later this week--highlighting Maze). Also, if you have any more information please share your knowledge. The Butlers material has been comp-ed sporadically (usually imports) but the entire Maze catalog has been reissued and is available. 

Enjoy.  "She Kissed Me" (Fairmount, 1966 or 1967) 
 
 "I Want To Feel I'm Wanted" (not sure which label or year) "Laugh, Laugh, Laugh" (Phila, 1966) "Because Of My Heart" (Fairmount, 1966 or 1967)
   
 "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)" (Sassy, 1967)
   
 "If That's What You Wanted" (Sassy, 1967)
 



Frankie Beverly is one of those cats that has lasting power. He started in the music business doing a tour with doo wop group the Silhouettes and then formed his own group called the Blenders. The Blenders never recorded a single, Beverly wouldn't appear on wax until forming the Butlers a few years later. Along with Beverly, the Butlers included Jack "Sonny" Nicholson, Joe Collins, John Fitch, and Talmadge Conway.

Beverly would later enjoy great success fronting Maze and Conway would become a
well-known penning Double Exposure's
"Ten Percent" and the Intruders' "Memories Are Here To Stay." 
 While Maze is a phenomenal group, Beverly's work before that group will always stand out as his best (imo).
The Butlers produced tunes that most Northern Soul fans would kill for and Raw Soul gave the funksters something to pursue. The Butlers recorded their first single in 1960 titled "Loveable Girl". Left to right John Fitch, T Conway, Frankie Beverly, Sonny Nicholson and Joe Collins. 

Frankie Beverly12/6/46 - 9/10/24

Power...Through Simplicity ♪♫♪

Members

About

© 2024   Created by Edie Antoinette.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service