This R&B vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, consisting of Brenda Payton, Jerry Jones, Eddie Jackson, and Maurice Coates, was recognizable for the fetchingly innocent-sounding vocals of Payton on a series of intensely
sung ballads. Their biggest hit was their 1967 debut single on the Dionn label, "Dry My Eyes" (number 8 US R&B chart, number 20 pop chart). This was followed by further successful records, including a remake of the Miracles' "Who's Lovin' You" (number 19 R&B, June 1967), "When You're Gone" (number 27 R&B, December 1967). Bernard Murphy joined the line-up in 1969 The group reorganized in 1970 around Brenda Payton, Pat Mercer, and Deborah Martin, the group achieved a further string of hits including "The Touch Of You" (number 12 R&B, December 1969), "And My Heart Sang (Tra La La)" (number 12 R&B, May 1970), "Don't Make Me Over" (number 15 R&B, August 1970) and 1971's "Right On The Tip Of My Tongue" (number 10 R&B, number 23 pop), all released on the Top & Bottom label. A stint at Epic Records produced no major hits, but in 1973 their excellent "One Girl Too Late" (number 43 R&B) deserved far greater recognition and success.
The group's last chart success was in 1977. With disco music in full swing Brenda the group recorded one successful album for Chocolate City Records "I Keep Coming Back For More." Producer John Davis brings out all Brenda's rich vocals on the 12" single "(I'm A) Superstar." While producer Bobby Eli generated the late night classic "Let's Go All The Way (Down)" from the same album.
Little is know about Brenda's career and even less about her life and death. Surely another talent gone too soon! |
