Now this is how you should come out as a new artist: HARD. In 1990 Mariah Carey came out swinging and giving everything vocally but the kitchen sink with “Vision of Love”. She co-wrote the song too. “Vision of Love” was certified gold, nominated for three Grammy awards and topped the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary and R&B charts. It went to the top ten on the Canadian, Australian, Dutch, Irish, New Zealand and UK Singles charts. “Vision of Love”, produced by Narada Michael Walden and Rhett Lawrence for Mariah Carey’s self-titled debut album.
A little chilled-out, smoothed-out, soulful, sumthin, sumthin for your Friday. “Sumthin, Sumthin” by Maxwell from his debut album Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite.
Ahh… a dope ’90s slow jam based on a dope ’80s slow jam. “Don’t Leave Me” by Blackstreet went to #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. The song was an instant favorite because it sampled another favorite– “A Dream” by DeBarge. “Don’t Leave Me”, from the 1996 Blackstreet album Another Level.
When we celebrate the great contributions of music artists, we always like to give a narrative picture from those who knew them well. In our tribute of the late, great Gerald Levert, we brought a dear friend of the Grown Folks Music family, Mrs. Sheri Riley. For those not familiar with Sheri’s name, you definitely know her work. She is the founder and president of the successful entertainment consulting company, Glue, Inc., former marketing executive with Atlantic and LaFace Records and the marketing hand behind artists like TLC, Donell Jones, Usher, Toni Braxton, OutKast and of course Mr. Gerald Levert. From her story, we hope you will thoroughly enjoy this interview and gain more insight into this R&B legend. Also, catch some of Sheri’s exclusive pics with Gerald, Sean and Eddie Levert, Isaac Hayes, Phyllis Hyman, Don Cornelius and many more!
Gerald Levert, Sheri Riley and Usher
Gerald Levert, Keith Washington and friend
Gerald Levert performing on Soul Train
Eddie Levert , Phyllis Hyman, Don Cornelius, Gerald Levert
Gerald Levert and Eddie Levert
Gerald Levert & Sheri Riley's mother, Ms. Huguely
Eddie Levert , Don Cornelius, Gerald Levert
Gerald Levert, Sheri Riley and friend
Eddie Levert, Gerald Levert and his girl group, 1 Of The Girls
Gerald Levert, Sheri Levert and friends
Gerald Levert, Joe N Little and friend
Gerald Levert, Isaac Hayes, Sean Levert
Gerald Levert, Members of Men At Large and the Rude Boys and Michael McCary of Boy II Men
Many of the current gospel artists whose music is played frequently on R&B radio stations owe a little bit of thanks to BeBe and CeCe Winans. Pretty much from the start their music was hugely popular with R&B radio and audiences. “Addictive Love”, from their fourth album Different Lifestyles, went to #1 on the Christian chart as well as the R&B chart. Different Lifestyles, won a Grammy award in 1992 for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
What’s so cool about this song is it draws the listener in with all of dramatic strings of a classic ’70s slow jam; similar to ones The O’Jays put out, but then it moves on to the bass-heavy groove that was common in ’90s slow jams. But, the best part is a remorseful Gerald wearing his heart on his sleeve and putting it all out there on “Angela’s” answering service. “Answering Service” by Gerald Levert from his sophomore solo album Groove On.
Check out this now classic interview from 1994 with our Artist of the Month Gerald Levert about his then upcoming second album Groove On. In this interview he talks about his writing collaboration with Tony Nichols (the two even penned songs for Barry White and Teddy Pendergrass), the evolution of his live performances and competition with his legendary dad among other things.
