Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band
Originally conceived as an instrumental group, Bernard Blackman (guitar), Raymond Jackson (trombone), John Rayford (b. 1943; tenor saxophone), Melvin Dunlap (bass) and James Gadson (drums), were still known by their former name, the Soul Runners, when a 1967 release, Grits And Cornbread, reached the US R&B Top 30. Having changed their name in deference to the Watts section of Los Angeles, they enjoyed further success with Spreadin Honey the same year. The group also backed comedian Bill Cosby, whose influence helped secure a deal with Warner Brothers Records. The new signings then acquired a featured vocalist, Charles Wright (b. 1942, Clarkdale, Mississippi, USA) and following two 1969 singles, Do Your Thing and Till You Get Enough, the band's name was changed to Charles Wright And The Watts 103rd Street Band. Subsequent singles Express Yourself (1970) and Your Love (Means Everything To Me) (1971) both reached the soul Top 10, but their unstable personnel constantly undermined the group's potential. Wright later left the group for a solo career.