As it has been well documented in The Beat before, "super groups" have quite a significant part of rock 'n roll history. While names of groundbreaking solo acts like Michael Jackson, Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis (?) immediatly come to mind o the "pop hierarchy" tip; nothing quite catches the eye and ear like the syncronized choreography, that unified look and vocal harmony of our many super groups. In fact, some of those groups, as well as solo acts, have been credited with revolutionizing the sound of America.
When it comes to "super groups," no other record company has a richer history than Motown. Back in the early '60's, before black artists became a real part of the "pop culture," Berry Gordy's than Detroit-based operation spun off one super group after another. Starting with The Miracles, Motown spun off more than enough new groups a year, at one point becoming the only American-made records able to complete with then-rising British Invasion (The Beatles/Rolling Stones) of the charts. Before the 60's came to an end, Berry Gordy's Motown, then dubbed "The Sound Of Young America," introduced timeless soul music by groups like The Temptations, The Supremes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, The Isley Brothers, and countless others. Their hit-making forumla was simple, but not quite as easy to acheive. Many other record companies cashed in, or went out of business trying. What was so difficult to copy for others, came quite simply for those young, ambitious and talented brothers and sisters from the not-so-affluent parts of Detroit. It was simply a little of that traditional R&B/blues, a touch of gospel, the inner city experience, mixed with that pounding rock 'n roll sound. Henceforth-"the sound of young America."
With 1993 in full swing, Motown is fast becoming the "sound of young America" again with a whole new batch of young artists motivated by that same tradition, but with a diferent beat. Sporting a heavy dose of R&B, some woven into modern hip-hop and new jack swing mixes, acts like Johnny Gill, Shanice, Another Bad Creation, The Good Girls, and Milira are creating the new sound for Motown. And in the tradition of some of Motown's most-treasured male groups, Boyz II Men are leading the pack.
When "End of the Road," Boyz II Men's cross-the-board smash from last year, sat atop the Billboard Hot 100 for thirteen weeks, not only did it break a Motown house record, but it broke the all-time record held by America's beloved (?) Elvis. Motown's longest run in the number one spot prior to that was when Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love" sat on top for a then-wopping nine weeks.
Regardless, no one would have guessed that four Philadelphia natives would go on to sell over five million copies of their Biv 10/Motown debut CD 'Coolyhighharmony' in such a short time. In fact, it was just yesterday that Michael Bivins began telling folks in the music industry of this new group he was managing. By that point, most grew familiar with Wanya Morris, Michael McCary, Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris sneaking backstage at a New Edition concert, ultimately giving Bivins an impromptu and a capella audition. Obviously Bivins didn't sleep because he immediatly signed them up for management, and to his new label deal through Motown. Combining the best of today's streetwise production with their Take 6-like harmonies, and their winning formula was in place.
Before anyone had time to assess their success, "Motownphilly," "Please Don't Go," "Uhh Ahh," and "It's so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" became top hits, making them one of the top players in the 1992 music scene. By the time "End of the Road" was released, Boyz II Men mania was in effect.
Cooleyhighharmony, which had started to cool off, was again a hot commodity. We all know the rest of that record-breaking story.
Following up "End of the Road," Boyz' "In the Still of the Nite (I'll Remember)," from the Jacksons mini series, enjoyed equal cross-the-board success, tapping off a year-long hit streak and a crazy large debut. Now that the anticipation from the Soul Train Awards, the American Music Awards, and the Grammys is over, everyone can agree on one thing - Boyz II Men are all that. With these four brothers from Philly already in the studio concocting their sophmore release, their hit streak will seem continuous, proving that once again Motown is kickin' "the sound of young America."