GQ (band)

GQ
Background information
Origin The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Genres Disco, R&B
Years active 1968–1991, 1999
Labels Arista
Associated acts Keith Sweat, Kool & the Gang
Past members Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc
Keith Crier
Herb Lane
Paul Service
Steve Adorno

GQ was an American group, formed in The Bronx, New York, primarily noted for its success in disco and R&B. The core membership of the group commenced playing professionally, under different group names, as of 1968.

History

GQ was first formed in 1968 as a quartet called Sabu & the Survivors, with "Sabu" being a moniker of member Keith Crier. The group then evolved in the 1970s as The Rhythm Makers, playing primarily funk music. They were Five Percenters. The Rhythm Makers were composed of Emanuel Rahiem Leblanc (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Keith "Sabu" Crier (bass and vocals).[1] Herb Lane (keyboards and vocals) and Kenny Banks (drums and vocals) The group released one album, Soul On Your Side in 1976 on the De-Lite Records subsidiary Vigor Records, from which the group had one major international dancefloor hit, "Zone". At the time that Kenny Banks was replaced by Paul Service in 1978, and the group's manager suggested that the group name be changed to "GQ", which stood for "good quality".[2] They would sign with Arista Records.

GQ became quite successful playing music representative of the period's disco influenced sound. They had several highly ranked singles in multiple markets (US Pop, US Black, US Disco/Club). Their biggest hit was 1979's "Disco Nights (Rock-Freak)", a single from their debut album Disco Nights, which reached #1 (for two weeks) on the R&B singles chart, #3 on the Hot Dance Club Play and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over one million copies in the US alone. The track also peaked at #42 in the UK Singles Chart.[3] (It was a reworked version of The Rhythm Makers title-track to Soul On Your Side). The follow-up Billy Stewart remake, "I Do Love You", was also successful, reaching #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Drummer Paul Service fractured his wrist in a car accident in 1980, forcing the band to hire a substitute drummer for performances.[4] Service was ultimately replaced by Steve Adorno, who performed with GQ from 1980 to 2010.

Keith "Sabu" Crier was the son of Arthur Crier, a member of the doo-wop group The Halos. He was also the uncle to new jack swing/R&B singer Keith Sweat.

Steve Adorno is the drummer and bandleader of Fania recording artist "SEGUIDA", SMI RECORDING ARTIST "DEVOSHUN".

Emanuel would later sign with Capitol Records and record a solo album called Always Be Around released in 1991. He still tours as GQ, and is widely known as Mr. Q an in-name tribute to GQ.

In 1999, Lead vocalist-songwriter Mr Q (now a solo performer), recorded a covers album A Tribute to Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart.[2]

Members

Discography

Albums

Year Title Label US Black Albums[5] U.S. Top 200[5]
1976 Soul On Your Side (as The Rhythm Makers) Vigor Records - -
1979 Disco Nights Arista Records 2 13
1980 Two 9 46
1981 Face to Face 18 140
1999 A Tribute to Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart ITP Records - -

Singles

Year Title Chart Positions[6]
US US
R&B		 US
Dance
1979 "Disco Nights (Rock Freak)" 12 1 3
"I Do Love You" 20 5 -
"Make My Dreams a Reality" - 8 -
1980 "Sitting in the Park" - 9 -
"Standing Ovation" - 12 35
1981 "Shake" - 23 -
1982 "Sad Girl" 93 39 -
1982 "Try Smurfin'" - - -
1984 "You Are The One For Me" - - -

References

  1. ↑ http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/G.Q.html
  2. 1 2 GQ Page; www.soulwalking.co.uk.
  3. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 219. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  4. ↑ Jet Magazine "G.Q. Drummer in Hospital After N.Y. Car Accident." June 12, 1980, p. 56. Retrieved 2-28-2016.
  5. 1 2 Billboard, Allmusic.com
  6. ↑ Billboard Singles. Allmusic.com.
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