The Philadelphia natives: Jimmy Williams, Joe Harris, Chuck Whittington, and Leonard Davis, formed in 1968 as United Image and were seasoned vets when they signed with Salsoul Records. In the early 1970''s, as United Image, they recorded "African Bump" for Stax Records. Their first release for the fledgling Salsoul Records was also the first commercial 12" single ever released.
"Ten Percent" did nicely for them, as did their debut album of the same name. Led by the hard singing Jimmy Williams, "My Love Is Free," and the controversial "Everyman Has To Carry His Own Weight" also charted. "Everyman's" message didn't sit well with liberals; it speaks of everybody carrying his own weight, and helping themselves; a section of the song has a beggar asking for spare change, only to be rejected and admonished. Pretty cold stuff for the liberated 1970''s - ironically, one of the writers Bunny Sigler, was party to another eyebrow raiser for the O'Jays entitled "Don't Call Me Brother."
Their introduction to Salsoul Records was via their friendship with producer Norma Harris, whom they had known since 1961. Harris produced all three albums for Double Exposure. He enlisted the talents of writers Ron Tyson, Ron Baker, T.G. Conway, Ron Kersey, Vince Montana, Allan Felder and Bunny Sigler, and yet the magic of their first album could not be duplicated.
Their albums "Ten Percent", "Four Play" and "Locker Room" are highly sought after collectors items. Their last 12" single for Salsoul Records was 1979's "I Got The Hots For Ya." The group disbanded shortly after that and if my information is correct (?) Jimmy Williams died on 1-29-1995.
Their place in The Discomuseum is guaranteed for not only the first commercial 12" single release, but the sheer talent displayed on their "Ten Percent" album. |
