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| Edward Patten Born: 8-22-1939 Died: 2-25-2005 ....complications from a stroke. |
| Edward (seated) with cousins Gladys, Merald & William. |
| Atlanta native Edward Patten joined his singing cousins Gladys Knight, her brother Merald (Bubba) and William in the late 1950's to form one of the most enduring soul groups in history. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees began their ascent into musical history at Motown Records. Despite a string of crossover successes and number one hits the group felt overshadowed by Gordy's thrust to propell Diana Ross to international stardom. A move to Buddah Records in the early 1970's furthered their pop appeal and continued their string of hits. By 1977 disco was in full swing and Gladys was bound for a solo career. That same year Edward and William launched their own solo careers as Patten and Guest Steppers. The duo had one successful 12" single for Buddah entitled "Put On Your Dancing Bells." The ailing Buddah records couldn't properly promote Knight or Patten & Guest Steppers and trouble began brewing both within the group and with the label. Lawsuits began flying against the label and each other and for awhile it seems there was bad blood between family members. Gladys bailed on Buddah and moved to the major label Columbia Records in 1979. A few releases, mainly of previously recorded material and discarded tracks, satisfied the lawsuit with Buddah. And apparently blood is thicker than vinyl, for the family reunited both in and out of the studio. With family matters patched up The Pips reunited with Gladys in 1980 on Columbia records. The reunion would start a string of club smashes for them that would rival their string of early 1970's pop hits. The first 12" single was an out of the box hit. "Taste Of Bitter Love" was perfect for the time, high energy disco had died and club music was moving towards a downbeat R&B feel. The following year they scored another smash with 1981's 12" single of "I Will Fight," a shuffle beat masterpiece that hit both the clubs and radio with full force. They had one final 12" single in 1983 for Columbia. "Save The Overtime For Me" was once again a radio hit and it turned a whole new generation on to the magic of Gladys and The Pips. The act took a four year hiatus from recording. After over twenty years of record making, touring and being in the spotlight it was time to relax, regroup and rethink their direction. The group then resurfaced on yet another new label in 1987. MCA records became their new, and last home on vinyl. They started their tenure at MCA with a bang. The first 12" single was "Lovin' On Next To Nothing" which was quickly followed by "Love Overboard." Both songs became instant hits and it appeared as if they had not missed a single step during their four year break. In 1988 they released the last two 12" singles they would record as a group. "Send It To Me" and "It's Gonna Take All Our Love" just didn't click. Not that the songs were bad or that their performances weren't good it's just that once again they were out of sync with what was really happening on the charts. At this point the Pips threw in the towel and decided to retire once and for all from show business. Of course they would reunite for special occassions, like their 1996 induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and the rare television spot but the men were ready to move on to other endeavors. Edward now living in Livonia Michigan co-founded Crew Records. As label head he would also produce and lend his musical expertise to the labels roster of up and coming artists. In 1996 Edward suffered a massive stroke that left him wheel chair bound. His spirit could not be dampened and he remained as active as possible until his recent passing. As someone who grew up with Gladys and the Pips always being there, I was truely saddened at his passing. Edward (and the fellow Pips) will be fondly remembered for their glorious harmonys and flashy dance moves. Thank you Edward. |
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