| Author | Message | ||
  Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 239 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
I thought of this topic when I found out about the recent passing of Syretta (RIP). I'm not a Stevie Wonder expert and I was wondering if his backup group Wonderlove ever did any solo recordings? It seems as if Stevie was fascinated with girls singers that had VERY HIGH VOICES! Syretta, Susaye Greene, Minnie Ripperton and Deniece Williams all have very similar singing styles and all of them backed up Stevie at one point or another. Since he liked this particular style of singing so much it surprises me that he never did anything with The Emotions. If Wonderlove did record solo what are the best songs by them? What are the best Stevie Wonder tunes that showcase their vocals? Who were some of the other Wonderlove members besides the ones I mentioned. The only thing I know about this group is that they were involved in a few tunes on Cheryl Lynn's 1979 "In Love" album. Stevie fans feel free to share anything you know about them. Thanks.  | ||
Destruction (destruction) 4-Laureate Username: destruction Post Number: 147 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 69.139.236.125 |
Rod, I wonder if it was there high voices or their range which got Stevie's attention, but you raise an excellent point. | ||
1wicked (1wicked) 5-Doyen Username: 1wicked Post Number: 179 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.126.64.72 |
Though Stevie stated several times over the years (that I heard during various interviews) that he "planned" to record Wonderlove...I have never seen a Wonderlove project in stores, never heard of any release, never heard of any outside studio time being booked, etc. WRT Wonderlove, I've often wondered whether it was generosity or a desire for access 24/7 (to go into the studio)the reason Stevie paid Wonderlove salary year-round...regardless of whether he was working in the studio, performing live, or doing nothing at all. | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 233 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Hey Rod & SDF! There was another singer who sang in the Minnie/Deniece era by the name of Lani Groves. Let's us not also forget Lynda Lawrence & Sudray Tucker (sisters), who sang on Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours). Other ladies I know that sang with Stevie are: Angela Winbush & Shirley Brewer (Ordinary Pain). Handsome | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 234 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
On his forthcoming new album, Stevie has gotten the orginal ladies of En Vogue back together (just for that session I believe.) Handsome | ||
Walt B (walt_b) 2-Debutant Username: walt_b Post Number: 15 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.200 |
I believe that Stevie recorded an album with Wonderlove but that it was never released. Also Angela Winbush was in Wonderlove as well. | ||
the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.194.16.136 |
Hi Rodmann, I don�t know much about Wonderlove apart from the fact that Stevie Wonder�s live shows at the time featured an opening set where Wonderlove performed their own songs. For example �Feel It� is one of the songs they sung live. This cut is taken of a live show they did with Stevie at the Berkeley Community Theatre, Berkeley, CA, in 1973. A friend of mine has audio of this show (which I believe to be a bootleg). To my knowledge Wonderlove never released any music officially (If there are any studio recordings then Stevie would have control over it). These were the musicians in Wonderlove (one time or another), as I know it, I apologise if some of these cats have already been mentioned before. Stevie Wonder (but of course!) Angela Winbush Jim Gilstrap Michael Sembello (guitar/synths) Reggie McBride (bass) Carolyn Dennis Ollie Brown Jr. (drums) Deniece Williams (vocals) Keith John (son of singer Little Willie John) Lani Groves (vocals) Shirley Brewer (vocals) Susaye Greene (ex Supremes) Ray Parker Jr. Syreeta Wright (R.I.P.) Minnie Riperton David Sanborn Dennis Davis Ricky Lawson and let�s not forget, THE THIRD GENERATION, a three piece female vocal group, formed in the late 60�s by Lynda Laurence (ex Supreme) when Stevie wanted a group to accompany him on future tours. The other band members were Terri Hendricks and sister to Lynda, Sundray Tucker (b.n.a. Cindy Scott). During an interview, early 70�s, Stevie once said that if people didn't like his new music he would drop his name and become a full member of Wonderlove instead. If you listen to Syreeta�s �74 debut LP �Stevie Wonder presents� you can hear Wonderlove on most of the songs (Ollie Brown, Reggie McBride, Mike Sembello, Denice Williams, Lani Groves, Shirley Brewer, Minnie Riperton, etc. They are all on the record). No offence to our sweet princess but we could say that this is a Wonderlove LP with Syreeta Wright singing all lead vocals. LOL Have a look at these pix� Wonderlove in action! The shots are taken of a live concert given in my country of birth, Holland, 1981 (courtesy of Wim). I hope this helps (and enjoy Rodmann!) Andreas Hellingh www.thesoulofamsterdam.com Wonderlove (Live in Holland)    | ||
marv (marv) 3-Pundit Username: marv Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 152.163.252.200 |
You can hear Lynda Lawrence (an Original Member of Wonderlove and formerly of The Supremes) screaming on "Signed,Sealed Delivered". LOL! | ||
SDF (handsome) 5-Doyen Username: handsome Post Number: 241 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 170.118.158.14 |
Marv, that in the same vein vocal pattern is noticeable on the Supremes-Bad Weather, where Mary & Lynda are chirping. This is also a Stevie Wonder & Ira Tucker Jr. (Lynda's brother) tune. Handsome | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 241 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
Thank You Andreas! Great post and pics! You know, I had always thought of Wonderlove as the female background singers. I had no idea that Wonderlove was actually the whole band! Thanks for clearing that up. I remember reading an article about the popular session singer Peggi Blu and she said that she sang with Stevie for a few years. I'm not sure when she was with the band though. | ||
sea (sea) 3-Pundit Username: sea Post Number: 38 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
David Sanborn wasn't a member of Wonderlove. However, Nathan Watts and Greg Phillinganes were along w/Melody McCully, Alex Brown, Windy Barnes, Earl DeRouen, Rick Zunigar, Hank Redd, Larry Gittens | ||
the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.194.16.136 |
Hey Rodmann! Thanks for your kind words; I wish I had more news to share my friend. I'm sure many more acts were once part of Wonderlove though I believe we have mentioned the 'biggies' LOL It's funny you mentioned Peggi Blu. I happened to pull out and play her latest album 'Livin' On Love' last night!! Peggi Blu happens to be a great friend of mine, coincidence or what!? Anyway, I know that Peggi sang in many bands before she went solo to record albums for MCA, Capitol and Expansion Records. I will give her a call and ask her if she have had anything to do with Wonderlove (although I doubt she ever was - but I could be wrong). As they say... TO BE CONTINUED! LOL Sea, Like I wrote in my original post, there is not a lot I can tell about Wonderlove and like everyone else I�m dying to find out more though I can confirm that David Sanborn played with Wonderlove. For instance... when they opened for the Rolling Stones on their 1972 tour! Andreas Hellingh www.thesoulofamsterdam.com | ||
caliluv (caliluv) 2-Debutant Username: caliluv Post Number: 20 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 63.251.57.2 |
hey Dutchman! I saw that show at the Berkeley Community Theatre in '73. Man, I had forgotten about it. It was a great venue to see him. | ||
Brother Love (brother_love) 4-Laureate Username: brother_love Post Number: 86 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 67.113.218.245 |
Hey Dutchman, I think the girl in the blue in your pictures is Alex Brown and the one in the pink is Shirley Brewer. | ||
sea (sea) 3-Pundit Username: sea Post Number: 39 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.139 |
Andreas, My apologies...you are correct...David Sanborn did play w/Wonderlove. Also Ben Bridges did as well. Thanks | ||
the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 78 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.194.16.136 |
Sea, Don't worry about it, It's all good! I didn't know that Ben Bridges played with Wonderlove! To be honest I don't even know who Ben is!! LOL Brother Love, Thanks for the names to the pix, would you happen to know who the lady in red is? Oh, before I forget... I have enjoyed all the pictures you have posted on this board. Pfff what a great shots! Many thanks again! Respect to you!! Caliluv, I'm trying to contact some of my friends in the U.S. hoping they can help me with a copy of that '73 show. YOU have made me hungry!! LOL Rodmann, As promised I would get back to you regarding Peggi Blu. She said that she was not part of Wonderlove, however Peggi did sing with Stevie Wonder at "Motown Returns To Te Apollo", and again at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. I hope this helps. Cheers! Andreas Hellingh www.thesoulofamsterdam.com | ||
the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 79 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.194.16.136 |
P.S. If you're interested you can read a 5-page article I wrote on singer Peggi Blu. The site is build in frames which is why I have to give different URL addresses for each page: (cover of the magazine) http://www.peggiblu.com/review s/SoulExpressInterview/scans/S oulExpress1.jpg (page 1) http://www.peggiblu.com/review s/SoulExpressInterview/scans/S oulExpress.jpg (page 2) http://www.peggiblu.com/review s/SoulExpressInterview/scans/S oulExpress3.jpg (page 3) http://www.peggiblu.com/review s/SoulExpressInterview/scans/S oulExpress4.jpg (page 4) http://www.peggiblu.com/review s/SoulExpressInterview/scans/S oulExpress5.jpg (page 5) http://www.peggiblu.com/review s/SoulExpressInterview/scans/S oulExpress6.jpg Enjoy! Andreas | ||
everettinct (everett860) 1-Arriviste Username: everett860 Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 206.213.209.31 |
How I loved BLU BLOWIN'.....I used to play that album over and over...I loved I ONCE HAD YOUR LOVIN....Capitol Records had no idea what to do with that album. | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 245 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
Thanks again Andreas. I knew I had read about Peggi's involvement with Stevie somewhere. She truly is a wonderful singer. I love her 'I Got Love' single from 1980. I'd like to hear that whole first album. One of these days I might actually get around to purchasing it from her website. LOL. It's a crime that more people don't know about this talented woman. Can't wait to read this article you wrote on Peggi! | ||
sea (sea) 3-Pundit Username: sea Post Number: 40 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
Ben Bridges was Stevie's guitar player for many years. | ||
Songstress (songstress61) 1-Arriviste Username: songstress61 Post Number: 3 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 68.101.247.165 |
Dutchman I think I remember Peggy Blu singing a duet with Stephanie Mills on one of Stephanie's albums.. | ||
the crazy dutchman (andreas) 4-Laureate Username: andreas Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 62.194.16.136 |
Everettinct, I hear you! "Blu Blowin'" is such a great LP. Peggi received a budget of $500.000,00 USD to record the album. My fav cuts are those by Nick Martinelli. Like with so many projects during the 60s to present date it was never properly promoted. A real shame!! Rodmann, You need to purchase the "I Got Love" album like today! LOL The LP has many highlights. The LP also features a beautiful ballad titled "Memories" (which Peggi still performs during live shows today). "I Got Love" was recorded in one take, like most of the songs. As a matter of fact Cheryl Lynn (who had just received success with "Got To Be real") wanted to use "I Got Love" for her upcoming LP but Peggi decided to keep the song her self. Peggi Blu and Cheryl Lynn were next-door neighbours; they used to live in the same building! Small world!! Songstress, Yes, Peggi did indeed do a duet with Stephanie Mills (for her �83 LP �Merciless�). The song was titled "His Name Is Michael" and recorded LIVE (what I mean is that the song was cut when they were fiscally in the studio singing together (at the same time) unlike many other duets where singers never met each other (and vocals mixed together to make it sound like a real duet!). Though It�s understandable that some artists can�t sing duets at the same time (due to other work commitments such as studio work elsewhere, a concert, a play, etc). Andreas Hellingh | ||
Rodmann (rodmann) 5-Doyen Username: rodmann Post Number: 254 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.221.46.59 |
YOU'RE TALKIN' MY LANGUAGE NOW ANDREAS! I've made no secret of the fact that Cheryl Lynn is my all-time favorite female vocalist! I can just hear Cheryl putting her spin on 'I Got Love'. It would've fit in nicely on her "In Love" album. Peggi's version is great though. Wonderlove actually wrote a nice little disco tune for Cheryl on "In Love" called 'Hide It Away'. Next time you talk to Peggi you should ask her if she has anything that she can share with us about Cheryl. Peggi's a great singer and I love her website! I'm as fascinated by the career that she's had as I am by her excellent singing. She's one of those super session vocalists like David Lasley and Cissy Houston who have worked with almost everyone in the music biz. From R&B to Rock to Gospel to Disco to Pop to Country, you name the artist and they've sang with them! And they always have such great stories to tell! LOL. I've been wanting Miss Blu's "I Got Love" album for a long time. I'll definitely be ordering that soon! Andreas, Cheryl's 1979 "In Love" album was co-produced by someone named Barry Blue. Is he any relation to Peggi? I read the article that you wrote on Peggi's career (all 5 pages) and it was great by the way. |
