Rotary Connection

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Rotary Connection was a psychedelic soul band formed in Chicago in 1966 that lasted until 1971, and are possibly most notable for launching the formal singing career of a Chess Records’ receptionist named Minnie Riperton. The highly experimental band was formed under artistic direction of Charles Stepney, at the behest of Marshall Chess, the then 25 year old son of Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess.

Marshall was the director behind a start-up label, Cadet Concept Records, and wanted to focus on music outside of the blues and rock genres, which had made the Chess label popular. This led Marshall to turn his attention to the burgeoning psychedelic movement. He recruited Charles Stepney, a vibraphonist and classically-trained arranger and producer for sonic wizardry. Marshall then recruited members of a little-known white rock band, The Proper Strangers (Bobby Simms, Mitch Aliotta & Ken Venegas). Sidney Barnes, a songwriter within the Chess organization, also joined, as did Judy Hauff and a Chess receptionist named Minnie Riperton, who would later be successful in her own solo career. Marshall also called up prominent session musicians associated with the Chess label, including guitarist Phil Upchurch and drummer Morris Jennings.

The band released their self-titled debut album in late 1967.

Tagged as:

soul, psychedelic soul, psychedelic, funk, rare grooves
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Rotary Connection
Rotary Connection
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Best Of Rotary Connection
Rotary Connection
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Top Tracks

1	Christmas Love full track	178
2	Christmas Child	74
3	I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun	43
4	Memory Band	24
5	Respect	21
6	Silent Night Chant	15
7	Last Call for Peace	14
8	Peace at Least	13
8	Silent Night	13
8	If Peace Was All We Had	13
11	Opening Round	12
12	Amen	11
12	Santa's Little Helpers	11
14	Tales Of Brave Ulysses	10
14	Shopping Bag Menagerie	10

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janop wrote:
June 2009

what a great, crazy sound! how can I put it on the airwaves?!

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UsPeaches wrote:
June 2009

NEVER underrated.....more diamonds 4 me!!!!!!

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complexlogix wrote:
June 2009

.

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underdogautopsy wrote:
April 2009

Holy.... I scored an LP copy of ALADDIN, thought not much of side A, was seeing for how much I could resell it online while starting side B, and stopped in my tracks. Incredible!

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Kym-B wrote:
October 2008

"Sunshine of Your Love" deserves to be wayyyy higher in the Top tracks listing.

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Ugzilla wrote:
September 2008

Just realized this band existed. Wish I were alive when they were around. Good music!

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Kym-B wrote:
February 2008

*spreads love*

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dokfocks wrote:
December 2007

it's minnie all the way...

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somnambulance wrote:
January 2007

shoutbox cherry POPPED!

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