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.
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.
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Shoutbox
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Ton87 wrote:
The guitar at 1:07 to 1:11 of Black Gold makes no sense at all but it sounds great. And I love the percussive strikes. Great song.
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bnbmusic3000 wrote:
Today is the 64th Anniversary of Minnie Riperton's birth. Personally, I celebrate her artistry and humanity. I am glad that you passed our way and left us awesome music. Now, you are with our Heavenly Father singing praises to Him. You are truly missed, Minnie. Love Lives Forever. Brian
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FiZ1_5 wrote:
I found them a few years ago from a podcast that included I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun and fell in love with the track. But recently, I got "Hey, Love" on LP and I can't stop listening to it. "Love Has Fallen On Me" has become an all-time favorite.
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chasmjumper wrote:
I love Aladdin
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darthsketch wrote:
Good stuff. Found out about them thanks to A Tribe Called Quest.
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janop wrote:
what a great, crazy sound! how can I put it on the airwaves?!
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UsPeaches wrote:
NEVER underrated.....more diamonds 4 me!!!!!!
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complexlogix wrote:
.
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Kym-B wrote:
"Sunshine of Your Love" deserves to be wayyyy higher in the Top tracks listing.
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Ugzilla wrote:
Just realized this band existed. Wish I were alive when they were around. Good music!
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Kym-B wrote:
*spreads love*
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dokfocks wrote:
it's minnie all the way...
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somnambulance wrote:
shoutbox cherry POPPED!
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Recent Activity
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daisysteiner85, TescoSwabs, Rubyinthedusty and 8 other people added Rotary Connection to their libraries. Saturday morning
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Bindibhullar tagged Rotary Connection with funk, psychedelic soul and soul. last month
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Bindibhullar and Rahzooni added Rotary Connection to their libraries. last month
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a-val-on tagged Rotary Connection with female vocalists, funk, psychedelic and 2 other tags. December 2011
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a-val-on and bagbagboxbox added Rotary Connection to their libraries. December 2011
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HectorOmarRoman connected Rotary Connection to the group Delilah. December 2011
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hargoblin, sabtag, vannykatili and 3 other people added Rotary Connection to their libraries. December 2011
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kmullin wrote about Rotary Connection in things to check out. November 2011
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kmullin wrote about Rotary Connection in a deleted journal. November 2011
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Remipop, OlFly and play_n added Rotary Connection to their libraries. November 2011
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