The O'Jays
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The O'Jays helped to define the sound of Philly soul. The O’Jays
originally consisted of Walter Williams, Bill Isles, Bobby Massey, William
Powell and Eddie Levert.
The O'Jays formed in Canton, Ohio in 1958 while the guys were attending high
school.
The O'Jays were originally known as The Triumphs, followed by The Mascots. The
friends began recording with "Miracles" in 1961 (see 1961 in music), which was a
moderate hit in the Cleveland area. They took the name "the O'Jays", in tribute
to radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay (Toop, 1991), in 1963 (see 1963 in music) and
released "Lonely Drifter", which charted nationally. Their debut LP was Comin'
Through.
The O'Jays (now a quartet after the departure of Isles) had their first hit with
"I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)"; in spite of its success, the
group was considering quitting the music business until Gamble & Huff, a
legendary team of producers and songwriters, took an interest in the group. With
Gamble & Huff, the O'Jays emerged at the forefront of Philadelphia soul with
Back Stabbers, a pop hit.
The O’Jays are bonafide chart-toppers. During the remainder of the 1970s, the
O'Jays continued releasing chart-topping singles, including "For the Love of
Money", "Let Me Make Love to You", "Give the People What They Want", "Love
Train", "Livin' For The Weekend", "Stairway To Heaven", "I Love Music", "Darlin'
Darlin' Baby (Sweet Tender Love)", and "Message In Our Music". Powell died of
cancer in 1977 (see 1977 in music).
The O’Jays augmented their lineup by adding Sammy Strain (of Little Anthony &
the Imperials). The O'Jays continued recording, though with limited success.
1978's (see 1978 in music) "Use Ta Be My Girl" was their final Top Five hit,
though they continued scraping the bottom of the R&B charts throughout the
1980s. Let Me Touch You (1987; see 1987 in music) was a breakthrough of sorts,
and included the #1 R&B hit "Lovin' You".
The O'Jays continued charting on the R&B charts in the late 80s and early 1990s,
the O'Jays never again achieved pop success. Later in the 90s, the band did
little recording, though they remained a popular live draw.
The O'Jays latest album is Imagination, released in 2004.
The O'Jays were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
The O’Jays provide the theme song to TV’s hottest property! The O'Jays’ "For the
Love Of Money" is the theme song to the hit reality TV show The Apprentice,
starring Donald Trump.
The O'Jays are also appearing on a charity single which is being organised by
Michael Jackson.
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