Timothy Cox is a Beaver Falls native and professional musician. When the band held a reunion show during Aliquippa Days in September 2011, Thea Austin and Michael Otey were the only former Rare Experience members unable to attend due to previous obligations. “Being married and raising a family kept me from being a full-time musician,” Josey said. “They were from rural Mississippi, so they had sort of a country flavor,” he said. A career union truck driver, Abercrombie retired from the McDanel Corp. in Beaver Falls. Abercrombie noted, “There are so many people to thank for our development. While a student at the Unniversity of Pittsburgh, his ties to Nathan Davis, chairman of Pitt’s Jazz Department, allowed him and Sewickley’s Rex Rideout opportunities to tour with jazz greats such as Roy Ayers and Grover Washington Jr. They are the parents of three adult children and one grandson. When it comes to strictly rhythm and blues musicianship in Beaver County, the groundwork was laid by several soul bands from Aliquippa, Pittsburgh and the Ohio Valley. By high school, he was starting quarterback on the Aliquippa football team and a basketball star. When the band’s plans didn't pan out, Austin said she returned to Pittsburgh and joined a 1950s revue band and a jazz trio. In music, Beaver Valley Musician Union Hall of Famers Henry Mancini and the Steals brothers, Melvin and Mervin, also come to mind. Rehearse to get a gig, and prove to the club owner that you can fill his/her room, sell drinks and sell food," he said. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Get Ready is the RIAA Platinum-certified second studio album by American blues rock band Rare Earth. Explore. B.E. It includes previously unreleased outtakes from the sessions that produced ‘Self Portrait’ and ‘New Morning’ plus the complete May 1, 1970 studio recordings with George Harrison, which capture the pair performing together on nine tracks. These days Price utilizes his impact on Sunday morning church revelers as an assistant evangelist at Christian Lighthouse in downtown Aliquippa. Austin was among the Rare Experience members who relocated to Atlanta: Jones, Smith, Caperris, Jackson, White and the Otey brothers. Workers at Google parent Alphabet band together to form union. “We heard about this young kid who was very talented, so we inquired. Jones noted that of all the players that originally left Aliquippa in January 1983, no one has returned. “All that experience set him up to become ‘the Wizard’ that we all respect, love and appreciate.". An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works In the past 20 years, White has performed at several internationally renowned music shows, such as Montreux, Essence and Newport jazz festivals. Pettis, a Quigley High School graduate, is also a married family man. “Rare Experience emerged on the Pittsburgh area music scene in the mid-1970s during the apex of the Black Power, Black arts movement,” Mitchell said. The 1966 Aliquippa graduate has two tweeners from a new marriage. Yet, it’s generally agreed upon by many, including musicians from that bygone era, that Rare Experience remains the pride of Aliquippa — the one band that garnered the most acclaim of the many that formed in the 1950s and existed throughout the new millennium. “I’m honored.”. Another memorable gig was the live show by 1950s vocal giant, Lloyd Price, at the Polish Hall near the Quippian Club, he added. Discover. “Though we didn’t reach our ultimate goal as a group, we were able to leave home, establish careers and never have to return — only to visit families for special occasions. An audition produced a reliable replacement vocalist for Townsend — Thea Austin of Clairton, who was also studying at Pitt, as was Pettis. Before moving to Orlando, guitarist Fred Campbell also lived in Atlanta and saw first-hand the excellent rapport between Jones, Smith and artists like Larry Blackmon of Cameo, Ray Ransom of Brick and Abdul Ra’oof of the SOS Band. Soon after, she moved to Los Angeles, where she joined forces with the group, SNAP, and was affiliated with mega hip-hop/pop hits, “I Got the Power” and “Rhythm is a Dancer.” She learned to play the guitar and also records and programs computer tracks and writes new music, including a Steelers Nation tribute she hopes will catch on as the team's NFL playoff hopes ascend. And, now it’s instilled in me on Sunday mornings. “Bongo Bobby,” as one of his group members dubbed him, said he joined the group mainly through affiliations with his uncle and Midland saxophonist, Del Fielder. (None of the previously signed all-white acts, The Rustix, The Dalton Boys, or The Underdogs, had any hits.) The duo was often found in area churches playing spiritual music. “It’s significant that during this Black conscious period, the band’s ensemble of vocalists and musicians creatively blended R&B, funk and jazz into a joyous musical experience.”, Mitchell attended Geneva College during that period and fondly recalled “what made Rare Experience an all-time show band. They were being courted by heavyweights, including Earth, Wind & Fire. Duck’s father, Frank Abercrombie, played piano and worked as a crane operator at J&L Steel. “The guys were highly talented and were from respectable families. He’s married with two sons, the oldest being the touring drummer for the SOS Band. Still, a common thread that existed among Rare Experience members was their spiritual ties. Though Rare Experience never reached major acclaim as a recording group in Atlanta, Jones has worked as music director for the nationally televised "Soul Train Awards," as well as being keyboardist and music director for Outkast, TLC and Toni Braxton. As the lone Beaver Falls member of Rare Experience, White is unique to the group. He credited older musicians like William “B.E.” Taylor, Mickey Cherico and Ray DeLisio for their welcoming attitude to help the band develop as young music businessmen. I had a wonderful childhood, and being in the band was a major part of it,” he added. Rodney “Duck” Abercrombie also contributed to this article. A younger generation of musicians — such as Rodney “Bogey” Burrows, Gary “Bosh” Washington, Rusty Carter, Lawrence Stringfield, Eugene Crosby, Rex Rideout, James Tignar, Kiki Brooks, Percy Smith, Quinton Newsome, Clarence Grant, Richard “Dicky” Morris, Rosco “Fox” Peak, Derek Redd, Dwight “Mouse” Sims, Rick Gilbert, George “Chico Vaughn” Owens, Bobby Short, Keith Haskins and Beaver Valley Musicians Union Hall of Fame inductees keyboardist Ronnie Cox and vocalist Janine Gilbert-Carter —also connect the proverbial dots to include Rare Experience. Earth Quake was born out of the fertile Berkeley high school music scene (as were another of the band's eventual Beserkley labelmates, The Rubinoos). She sings in the Christian Lighthouse Ministries choir. Rare Earth [Prodigal] Prodigal Records 1978 : Grand Slam: Culture Factory / L.M.L.R. Johnny Josey Sr., 82, said he fondly recalls working his alto saxophone as a member of the 1957-58 Aliquippa High School Marching Band under the direction of Fred J. Sporny. The official Black Sabbath website. Get Ready is the RIAA Platinum-certified second studio album by American blues rock band Rare Earth.It was released on September 30, 1969 by Motown Records.The album spawned one hit single, an edited version of "Get Ready", which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970.Track listing Price and wife Roulette Jefferson Price have been married 41 years. Back then, a second-shift position kept him from making many band practices, so he decided to quit Rare Experience. I really enjoyed their vibe,” Abercrombie said. The couple met when Rare Experience performed at the legendary Mason’s Hotel & Lounge in her hometown of New Kensington. They had a large white following, especially in Center Township,” said Washington, a retired Times photographer. “Our connections to both of those groups are still vital to our success, even now,” Jones said. Instead, good musicianship provided a viable alternative to youngsters who may have failed on the hoop court, gridiron or simply lacked athletic prowess. I’ve heard it said that you can’t really have a true love unless it was a love unrequited. In the 1990s, Wizard Jones and Grip Smith became first-call producers and music directors for some of the hottest R&B acts in the nation, many of whom resided in Atlanta after Clive Davis, Antonio “LA” Reid and Kenneth “BabyFace” Edmonds founded LaFace Records in February 1990. ‘1970’ is a new 3-disc set, released by popular demand on February 26. He’s also a former employee of Aliquippa’s Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. and the B.F. Jones Library. The nickname “Boutique” stuck, due to his penchant for wearing the latest clothing gear. "No matter where our travels have taken us, when we reunite, it’s like a family get-together. As a native Aliquippian, Abercrombie has a solid knowledge of all the early members of Rare Experience, in addition to a keen recollection of many other Aliquippa area musicians. After the band achieved significant success in Beaver County, Tyson, now 61, said the band made plans to first relocate to Greenville, S.C., and then ultimately to Atlanta, seeking greater fortunes on the recording scene. "Today’s young people have technology and sports to pull from. Rare Earth is an American soul band affiliated with Motown's Rare Earth record label.Although not the first white band signed to Motown, Rare Earth was the first big hit-making act signed by Motown that consisted only of white members. White, a father of two adult children, said he learned his basic skills while hanging out at the Beaver Falls Elks Club and closely observing drummers Kenny “KT” Thompson, Bobby Crutcher and Cecil Washington of Pittsburgh. Back then, a second-shift position kept him from making many band practices, so he decided to quit Rare Experience. WAMO-FM radio account executive Philip Billingsea recalled B.E. As time would have it, music remains his passion and vocation. At the time, he was the only one with an amplifier,” Tyson said, crediting Romeo for allowing Jones to develop his skills while arranging music charts for the marching band. “Unlike today’s artists who may record a YouTube or Instagram video, and hope for several 'likes' from their friends and relatives, we did it the hard way. Space.com is where humanity’s journey to new and exciting worlds is transmitted back down to Earth. Groups — like The Notations, Sweet No, TNT Flashers, Black Love, Wantu Wazuri, The Veltones, Coffee’s Love Train, Shades of Night, Eighth Wonder, Stereos, Soul Del Vibes, The Dynamics, Hi-Fidelics, Jasmine Entertainers featuring Wendy Z, Basic Soul and El Pooks (aka the Stringfield Family) — formed the bedrock for Rare Experience, an Aliquippa-based band that enjoyed enormous success in the region. “I’ve always had gigs, up until the virus struck last March. For “Duck” Abercrombie, his musical career originated as a trumpet player in school bands, but his Aliquippa High School band director, Ron Romeo, recognized his rhythmic skills and moved him into the drumline. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "I also played in my father’s band,” he said. Jones said Austin’s role was primarily as a recording soloist, while Capperis was as a keyboardist/vocalist, which created a more diverse front-stage presence. As the fourth of eight children, Price also had a love for athletics. Now a Baltimore resident, Robert White, 63, has enjoyed an especially extensive career as a professional musician. “Those two were hot commodities in Atlanta. His mom, Ida Mae Taylor Abercrombie, was a nurse and also worked at J&L. He has the distinction of growing up in Aliquippa and Beaver Falls during Rare Experience's soul music supremacy in Beaver County. “Over there, he’s on a par with a Quincy Jones,” Abercrombie said. “The music is still in me,” said Price. 1978 : Band Together: Motown / Prodigal Records / Universal 1993 : Different World: Koch International AllMusic … He gave me the freedom to learn and kept me in-check,” Smith said, adding that his older brother Percy Smith, a keyboardist, was also influential. Later, Robert “Bobby” White (percussion) and brothers Michael (bass) and Maurice Otey (drums) joined the fold, while Aliquippa vocalists Stephanie Townsend, Paula Capperis (keys) and Clairton resident Thea Austin, also became valued members. When the band decided to make the trek to Atlanta in January 1983, female vocalist/keyboardist Paulette Caperris also made the trip. The center diamond blooms from a gallery of diamond petals, which is complimented by additional accent diamonds on the band. Price said he still enjoys secular music, but from another view. Abercrombie noted the bond between Whitaker and himself when they formed the rhythm section for the Church in the Round's music ministry. It’s kinda flipped from lots of other Black musicians.”. Jackson now uses his talents in the pulpit and in church choir stands. Abercrombie credited Sounds Unlimited, a band featuring ex-Motown bassist Eugene “Woody” Smith and bandleader Ronnie Cox, for keeping Beaver County’s soul music flame alive in the new millennium. “Winky” Pettis is a music mogul in Shanghai, China. “Rook” Lewis. At first, we had about 15 people in the band, but eventually, we pared it down to a more dedicated and talented smaller crew,” he said. Mama (Betty) Jones would feed us after every rehearsal — they looked after me like another family member. For me, it all started playing in bands. Another nephew, Christian Norman, plays gospel keys, drums and bass guitar in Pittsburgh. “We were a bunch of young kids, really, who were very interested in being musicians. Seeking a record deal By 1982, Rare … “At this time, I was very eager to go South looking for the ‘big time.’”. Rush was a Canadian rock band formed in Toronto in 1968, consisting of Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards, composer), Alex Lifeson (guitars, composer), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion, lyricist). Jupiter & Saturn Shine Bright in Rare ... the last the gas planets appeared as together as they do this right now was some 800 years ago. “Mr. He’s married with children, according to members. Black Sabbath is credited with creating heavy metal. The percussionist/bandleader sponsors regular jam sessions for blues, soul and R&B musicians. Steals and his brother, Mervin, composed the megahit song, “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” performed by The Spinners. It was released on September 30, 1969 by Motown Records. “Unlike some secular artists, the band world initially influenced my gospel world. “Some of the best years of my life. “I was proud to be chosen to join the band,” said Austin, now living in Hollywood, California. Executive Summary The Global Rare Earth Magnet Market valued at USD 13298. “I was working for Westinghouse in Vanport at the time, and had a young son,” said Tyson, who recently celebrated 40 years with the company, now called the Eaton Corp., where he is a senior lead engineer. Abercrombie, 63, and his wife of 21 years, Tamyka Allison Abercrombie, live in Aliquippa and are the parents of two college-educated children. Not until Black Sabbath upended the music scene did the term “heavy metal” enter the popular vocabulary to describe the denser, more thunderous offshoot of rock over which they presided. Though his skills were comparable to his contemporaries such as Kirk Whalum and Najee, Pettis took his saxophone talents to another level in Japan and China. But they never left us. Jackson, along with Wizard Jones, Grip Smith and Michael Otey, are still Atlanta residents. By 1982, Rare Experience's popularity reached its apex, and the group decided it was time for a change. Tyson also serves on the audio-visual ministries staff at Macedonia Baptist Church in Pittsburgh. Drummer Maurice Otey lives in Nagoya, Japan, and still plays drums after carving out a successful music career. While he’s considered the baby of the bunch, during Rare Experience's formative years, Reginald “Wizard” Jones, now 58, was also considered the group’s most gifted member. “Our Quiptown guys represented well in the ATL,” said Campbell, an award-winning session player in the city of Walt Disney enterprises. In recent years, Jones was contracted as music director for pop sensation Justin Bieber. They remained committed to Rare Experience,” he said. Abercrombie agreed with Jackson, adding that “the commitment reigns mutual throughout all the players, to this day.". Never a phony,” Billingslea said. Since his early days, his musicianship has evolved into a lead vocal realm, a la Luther Vandross. Pasquarelli was cool. Along with himself, Tyson recalled the following original members: Rodney “Duck” Abercrombie (drums); Fred Campbell (guitar); Andre Redd (trumpet); Billy “Whit” Whitaker (bass); vocalist brothers Sheridan “Sherdy” Southerland and Thomas Southerland; Vastine “Winky” Pettis (alto sax/vocals); Aaron White (trumpet); Edgar "Buck" Jackson (tenor sax/vocals) and cousins Reggie “Wizard” Jones (keys, multi-instruments) and Allan “Grip” Smith (keys); Napoleon “Nap” Thompson (trombone) and vocalist Sylvester “Boutique” Price. "Today, there’s a chance they can at least get a good education through sports. In Beaver County, the probability of becoming a professional musician was a devout reality, whereas so was becoming a professional athlete — considering the acclaim of Hopewell Township’s Anthony “Hawk” Dorsett, Aliquippa’s Mike Ditka and Beaver Falls’ Joe Willie Namath. Sylvester “Boutique” Price, 63, is no longer the energetic frontman that typified Rare Experience, a la David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards or Marvin Gaye mode. Joins Blind Melon from Wales Uk Eddie Vedder explained in the Pearl Jam 20 documentary about Black: “It’s very rare for a relationship to withstand the Earth’s gravitational pull and where it’s going to take people and how they’re going to grow. "Collectively, their musical gifts and skills embodied their upbringing in the Black church and training in African American musical traditions.". [2], https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Get_Ready_(Rare_Earth_album)&oldid=1000440733, Short description is different from Wikidata, Album articles lacking alt text for covers, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz release group identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 15 January 2021, at 03:26. But Dr. Steals said we needed something more unique and marketable — and he suggested Rare Experience.”. As a young father and husband, Tyson said he chose not to risk leaving Aliquippa. “Naturally, I had my priorities.”. “We were quite popular playing clubs, cabarets and events throughout the county, in Pittsburgh and other outlying areas like New Kensington, Clairton, 'Little' Washington, Uniontown and area colleges,” Edgar “Buck” Jackson recalled. While attending California State University of Pennsylvania, White said he naturally gravitated toward the developing sounds of the new soul band in town, Rare Experience. The young ladies were also gifted,” he said. A talented trio of female singers, Renee “Ree” Harvey, Gloria “Glo” Savage and Debbie Hines, also are regarded as legendary Quiptown vocal talents. We call that success,” he said. Rare Experience was more than music to Beaver County, said Anthony B. Mitchell, a professor at Penn State University Greater Allegheny. Tyson remembered when Jones joined the group. “In junior high, I sang in school choirs and played some guitar,” Price said. Smith developed much of his musical expertise under the direction of Hopewell High School band director Victor Pasquarelli. Unlike today's counterparts, yesterday’s young were not fixed on becoming top videogame rompers. “I subbed for their drummer, KT Thompson, on occasion. His brother, bassist Michael Otey, still lives in Atlanta, has children and plays music on a more limited basis compared with his former bandmates. “That’s the difference from how we did it years ago to now. Explore releases from Rare Earth at Discogs. He also played drums with organist brother, Wayne Abercrombie. Rounding out the entourage was sound/road crew members Sam Jackson and Ted B. This would be the start of what would become the young phenomenal self-contained group that morphed into the county’s most prolific R&B band. “Even then, music was very important to us,” said Josey, who remembered patronizing the CIO Hall on Franklin Avenue when James Brown and Ray Charles performed there. Price was married by 1979, and like Tyson, both young family men opted not to move South to fulfill Rare Experience's musical dreams. Campbell is married with two adult sons. At 73, he now lives in Oakland, California, but served multi-roles with the early group, including emcee and hype-man, roadie and sound engineer. was always genuine when it came to Black people. George “Isley” Tyson, an original member and guitarist, humbly reflected on the group’s early success. Tyson said he doesn’t criticize today’s local youth for not gravitating to bands as his generation once did. I have no regrets. He has passed his bass playing skills onto a son, Chuck, whom he describes as “having passed me up, skill-wise.” Chuck has performed with neo-soul singer Eryka Badu and also at Missouri City Baptist Church.
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