Deborah Francine Baker was a part of the Stone Gold Records (SGR) and The Sound Of Virginia (TSOV) legacy with producer credits as well as being a regular presence in the studio, at concerts, and music related events.Her personality and presence will surely be missed.
Coming soon!!
Remember Tidewater's own, The Symbolics? Ollie Waters, Ronald Randall, Weeton Outlaw, Rolland Wolfe.
Or how about groups like Main Attraction, or The Movements? If you have a favorite old group from the area and some information on them, please contact us.
Another area group, New Trends, recorded "Home Ain't Home," on Brooks Records.
One of the most beautiful singing and soulful groups to come from the area was Jato Vondel. The soaring sounds of Jarvis Bell, Lavone Spence, and Del Casey thrilled audiences all over Tidewater and beyond. With songs like, "Small Token of My Love," "Just A Few Steps," "We'll Join Together." Mr. James Gregory, over at Gregory Records, was another label from this area which utilized the vast talent of the area that is much under appreciated but deserving of recognition.
"Just A Few Steps" Jato Vondel
Duke, Randy, & Boonie were the core of Love Foundation before becoming known as Norfolk. This polished smooth and versatile act has traveled extensively to perform, as well as releasing some of the area's top notch records. Typical of the professionalism of this group and others from the area is this gem by Norfolk, "Don't Ask Me," written by Ken Williams & J.R. Bailey (with spoken words by Milton Grayson). Or find their cover of the hit, "Cowboys To Girls," on the Barbara Jean record label.
Van Jones and the Jays. Van Jones follows in the tradition of multi-talented artist from the area who had an impact on the music scene here and contributed to the "Norfolk sound," which was emulated by other labels all over the country. WRAP's own Maurice Ward was a producer for Van Jones.
The Deceptions came out of the box with the songs, "Of All the Hearts," and "People." One of the members, Daniel Goldstone, later emerged as Danny Gold, and had a string of recordings as a solo artist and in various groups, like Peace, Justice & Equality. Also in the picture is Little Joe and the Everyday People--a 2 for 1.
Malcolm Mason, Daniel Goldstone, Jimmy Williams The Deceptions
Leroy Little was a force and a pioneer in the music industry. He was one of the top record promoters in the country, helping Stax andf Atlantic Records rise to the top with a number of hits. He owned and operated Waxy Maxy Record Store om 35th Street in Norfolk. He had several record labels, featuring a lot of talented artists, musicians, and writers, with Mr. Little even writing a few songs himself, along with writers like Andrew Simms, Garfield Williams, and Leroy Tuna. Some of the artists on his labels were Sebastian, Little Royal, Willie Brown, Trina Thomas, and The Reno Expedition. Labels included TRI-IT, TRI-US, and TRI-SOM.
Mr. Joe Riley was another man about town who knew how to take advantage of and succeed in the music business. His Mark IV Productions, and his Pasante featuring the Norfolk Scope on the label) had some mighty fine acts, including Jade, Third World Connection, and Broken Melody.
Charles McClendon & the Magnificents, with songs like, "We’re Gonna Hate Ourselves In the Morning," "Need Love," and, "Thing It Is," Charlie McClendon paved the way for a number of artists from the area. Charlie McClendon is currently working on his Gospel projects.
