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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Top Tracks

1	I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun	71
2	Memory Band	25
2	Christmas Love full track	25
4	Tales Of Brave Ulysses	23
5	Respect	21
6	Didn't Want To Have To Do It	15
7	Love Has Fallen On Me	11
7	Lady Jane	11
7	We're Going Wrong	11
7	Turn Me On	11
11	Amen	10
12	Sunshine Of Your Love	9
12	Like A Rolling Stone	9
12	If I Sing My Song	9
12	Rapid Transit	9

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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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