Rotary Connection
Formed in 1967, Rotary Connection was a Chicago, USA-based group mixing art-rock and soul. The group was assembled by Marshall Chess, son of Chess Records founder Leonard Chess. Looking to update the company's image, Marshall Chess chose several hip-looking singers and musicians, intending to keep the group's membership revolving with each new recording. The original Rotary Connection included pianist/arranger Charles Stepney, who co-produced with Chess, guitarist/vocalist Bobby Simms, bassist/vocalist Mitch Aliotta, drummer Kenny Venegas, and three vocalists: Sid Barnes, Judy Hauff and Minnie Riperton. Chess placed the group on his Cadet/Concept label and recorded a debut album largely consisting of covers of recent hits, re-done in a progressive/psychedelic style. Subsequent albums consisted of original material. The group, which underwent several personnel changes in its lifetime, ultimately recorded six albums up to 1971 but experienced only minor chart success. Riperton left in 1970 to pursue a solo career, but the group disbanded in the mid-70s and the others retreated into obscurity.