Dynasty (band)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Dynasty was an American band best known for their song "I Don’t Want To Be A Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself) " (1979).
History
Based in Los Angeles, California, the band was created by producer and SOLAR Records label head Dick Griffey, and record producer Leon Sylvers III. The band was known for their dance/pop numbers during the late 1970s and 1980s. Keyboardist Kevin Spencer and vocalists Nidra Beard and Linda Carriere originally comprised the group.
During the late 1970s or early to mid 1980s, almost any recording by R&B groups such as the The Whispers, Shalamar, Midnight Star, or Dynasty, would distinguish itself as a SOLAR recording. Dynasty was not as big as the Whispers or Shalamar, but the group did enjoy a few hits.
Adventures In The Land Of Music, which was released in 1980 was Dynasty's second album. The collection contained their biggest hit, "I've Just Begun To Love You", (Number #6 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart), as well as "Do Me Right." The title track provided the key samples for Camp Lo's "Luchini AKA This Is It" and Terri Walker's "This Is My Time".
Producer Leon Sylvers joined them in 1981, but his presence did not elevate their success. That year they released their third album, entitled The Second Adventure. Although it did produce two Top 40 R&B hits, "Here I Am" and "Love in the Fast Lane", the album was largely overlooked. Sylvers and fellow bandmate Nidra Beard were briefly married during the early 1980s.
Two more albums followed, 1982's Right Back At Cha ! and their final release, 1988's Out Of Control, but hit singles dried up. Although the group disbanded they appeared as backing vocalists on the gospel artist Juanita G. Hines release, "Jesus, My Wonderful Friend."
Beard, who had written much of Dynasty's material continued as a songwriter. Her songs appearing on albums by Shalamar, Whispers, 7th Wonder, 911 and LaRue. Carriere continued as a background vocalist working with Kristine W., Loose Ends and Randy Crawford among others. Keyboardist/singer Spencer returned to studio work and can be heard on recordings by Carrie Lucas, Shalamar, Whispers, Tin Harris, Gladys Knight & The Pips. Sylvers went on to havea successful career as the producer of such artists as: Howard Hewett, Ahmad Jamal, The Brothers Johnson, Glenn Jones, Blackstreet and Dr. Dre.
The band recently has reissued most of their albums on CD through Unidisc Music Inc.
Band members
- Kevin Spencer - bass
- Nidra Beard - vocals
- Linda Carriere - vocals
Discography
- Your Piece of The Rock (1979)
- Adventures In The Land Of Music (1980)
- The Second Adventure (1981)
- Right Back At Cha ! (1982)
- Out Of Control (1988)
