Joy

Anyone ever hear of this group?

JOY - High Life [[1981)

RPM, PVBL9002
Producers: Patric van Blerk, Fransua Roos & Greg Cutler
Engineer: Greg Cutler
Recorded at: RPM Studios

Made up of the late Anneline Malebo, Felicia Marion and Thoka Ndlozi, Joy pre-empted the bubblegum era with their commercially appealing sound and image, crafted by producer Patric van Blerk [[Victory, Margaret Singana), one of the first to forge a multiracial crossover sound influenced by American soul and R&B. As South Africa's answer to the Supremes, Joy supported touring acts like Lamont Dozier, Clarence Carter, Dobie Gray and Leo Sayer. They were undoubtedly best known for the massive crossover hit 'Paradise Road' in 1980, which helped them earn two Saries Awards for Best Vocal Group and Best English LP of the Year in 1980 [[a landmark moment in the ethnically divided industry) and even led to a tour of the UK. High Life followed in 1981, but lacked a hit to take the trio further. They broke up in 1983, the year that Brenda Fassie, who had once filled in for Malebo in the Joy line-up, ushered in the bubblegum era with 'Weekend Special'. Although their sound was less fresh and funky that the bubblegum acts that followed in the footsteps, Joy's contribution to the local industry should never be forgotten.

Anyone else own this CD? Don't hear much about this group around here.
Lois Reeves was in the group after she left The Vandellas. It has a great booklet and liner notes. Lots of info.

So encouraged by a post regarding Just Another Lonely Night thought it might be a bit of lightearted relief to see a list of your favourite worst Motown covers - they might even be someone else at Motown covering Motown who knows?

1975
begins with the music industry's chart conquerors still in competition with the continuous releases from the studios of Motown with offerings ranging from those of established superstars, to long-time strugglers, to recruits and newcomers that are hoping to build a name for themselves under the famed Motown banner.

Let's get to it!!:cool: the year 1975 is being divided into four threads.

This is Part I:
January -March
______________

Previously on Motown and Billboard's Hot 100/ Top 40:

1974:
link for: 1974 Part III - September - December
link for: 1974 Part II - May - August
link for: 1974 Part I - January - April

1973:
link for: 1973 Part III - Sept - December
link for: 1973 Part II - May - August
link for: 1973 Part I - Jan - April

1972:
link for: 1972 Part III - Sept - December
link for: 1972 Part II - May - August
link for: 1972 Part 1 - Jan - April

1971:
link for: 1971 Pt. 1 - Jan - July
link for: 1971 Pt. 2 - July - December

link for: 1970

From SoulTracks.com:

The Four Tops have been part of our lives for more than six decades, and they keep chugging along in 2025, apparently with the addition of an old friend.
Tops fans no doubt remember Theo Peoples, the powerful vocalist who has the distinction of serving as both the lead singer of The Temptations [including on that group’s final #1 hit, 1997’s “Stay”] and The Four Tops, where he was an integral member for a dozen years in the late 90s and 00s.

Read full article here:
Is former Temptations lead singer Theo Peoples back with the Four Tops? - SoulTracks