Sherrick - Baby, I'm For Real

**marv2** · 02-28-2020, 10:53 PM

This is a Motown artist rarely spoken of here.....Sherrick!

**jack020** · 02-29-2020, 03:52 AM

Sherrick ‎– Baby I'm For Real

Label:

Warner Bros. Records ‎– W 7942

**mysterysinger** · 02-29-2020, 12:03 PM

From wikipedia

Sherrick was given his professional break by producer Raynoma Gordy Singleton [[née Mayberry), former wife of Motown founder Berry Gordy.[2] Sherrick was the lead singer of the Motown group, Kagny, who recorded a song for the Motown movie, The Last Dragon.[2]

He signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1987, co-producing an album with Michael Stokes and with Ray Singleton as an executive producer. The album, titled Sherrick, included "Just Call" which reached number 8 in the US Billboard R&B chart. A version of the Originals' major hit of the late 1960s, "Baby I'm for Real" also charted, peaking at number 53. He also had two entries in the UK Singles Chart in 1987.[1] These were "Just Call" [[number 23) and "Let's Be Lovers Tonight" [[number 63).[1] In addition, his album, Sherrick reached number 27 in the UK Albums Chart the same year.[1]

He died in Los Angeles, California, on January 22, 1999, at the age of 41. He is survived by his widow Lynne Conner-Smith and three children, Kiriandra, Paris and Chance Smith.[2]

**marv2** · 02-29-2020, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by mysterysinger

From wikipedia

Sherrick was given his professional break by producer Raynoma Gordy Singleton [[née Mayberry), former wife of Motown founder Berry Gordy.[2] Sherrick was the lead singer of the Motown group, Kagny, who recorded a song for the Motown movie, The Last Dragon.[2]

He signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1987, co-producing an album with Michael Stokes and with Ray Singleton as an executive producer. The album, titled Sherrick, included "Just Call" which reached number 8 in the US Billboard R&B chart. A version of the Originals' major hit of the late 1960s, "Baby I'm for Real" also charted, peaking at number 53. He also had two entries in the UK Singles Chart in 1987.[1] These were "Just Call" [[number 23) and "Let's Be Lovers Tonight" [[number 63).[1] In addition, his album, Sherrick reached number 27 in the UK Albums Chart the same year.[1]

He died in Los Angeles, California, on January 22, 1999, at the age of 41. He is survived by his widow Lynne Conner-Smith and three children, Kiriandra, Paris and Chance Smith.[2]

Thank you mysterysinger for filling in the gaps with that information. Much appreciated.

**TomatoTom123** · 03-01-2020, 06:12 PM

"Just Call" is a bit of a tune... and nice version of "Baby I'm For Real"

**blkfrost** · 03-02-2020, 05:59 PM

I remember the group Kagney and the Dirty Rats on Motown. They had one album as I recall.

**marv2** · 03-02-2020, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by blkfrost

I remember the group Kagney and the Dirty Rats on Motown. They had one album as I recall.

That's them! That's the group Sherrick was a member of.

**MIKEW-UK** · 03-06-2020, 01:55 PM

Raymona Singleton [[Gordy) writes extensively about Sherrick in her book "Berry, Me and Motown". Blues and Soul magazine named 'Just Call' as record of the year 1987. Impact magazine proclaimed him as 'New Artist of the Year 1987'. He had a lot of talent.

However, Raymona relates the most distressing history of just what a hopeless, heartrending challenge it was to mentor Sherrick from the outset and manage him through the 4 years they worked together. Despite her strenuous and selfless efforts, Sherrick would never fulfil his promise. Tragic outcome for both of them.

**marv2** · 03-06-2020, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by MIKEW-UK

Raymona Singleton [[Gordy) writes extensively about Sherrick in her book "Berry, Me and Motown". Blues and Soul magazine named 'Just Call' as record of the year 1987. Impact magazine proclaimed him as 'New Artist of the Year 1987'. He had a lot of talent.

However, Raymona relates the most distressing history of just what a hopeless, heartrending challenge it was to mentor Sherrick from the outset and manage him through the 4 years they worked together. Despite her strenuous and selfless efforts, Sherrick would never fulfil his promise. Tragic outcome for both of them.

I also recall that there may have been some drug issues.

**MIKEW-UK** · 03-06-2020, 05:01 PM

Hi Marv,

according to Raymona, a lost soul to drugs........in her book, she refers observing David Ruffin and the same grip these things have. Raymona states Sherrick basically wrecked himself and took her down with him. Distressing reading.

**MIKEW-UK** · 03-06-2020, 05:09 PM

Hi Marv,
Raymona states Sherrick was a lost cause to drugs. She says so many, including Benny Medina, gave him every support and opportunity but he was beyond saving. She claims she witnessed the same issue with a David Ruffin. Tragic doesn’t even begin to describe the curse of drugs. Sherrick Left behind a very loving family. Too sad all around

**Jerry Oz** · 03-06-2020, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

That's them! That's the group Sherrick was a member of.

Wow! I had the only copy of their album that I knew of here and played it out. Motown's answer to Punk Funk. I had no idea Sherrick was in KATDR.

With that said, his story is a sad one. He had talent but would die as a one hit wonder [[Call Me peaked at 8 but Baby, I'm For Real only made it to 53). With that said, he's remembered more for that hit than the tragedy of his life, which is more than can be said for most.

**marv2** · 03-07-2020, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by Jerry Oz

Wow! I had the only copy of their album that I knew of here and played it out. Motown's answer to Punk Funk. I had no idea Sherrick was in KATDR.

With that said, his story is a sad one. He had talent but would die as a one hit wonder [[Call Me peaked at 8 but Baby, I'm For Real only made it to 53). With that said, he's remembered more for that hit than the tragedy of his life, which is more than can be said for most.

It kind of reminds me of Colonel Abrams story. Sad.