Father’s Children
Father's Children is a Washington, D.C.-based funk and soul group with roots in the late 1960s. They evolved from a high-school doo-wop trio into a larger, socially conscious ensemble influenced by acts like Earth, Wind & Fire.
The group started as the Dreams, a doo-wop vocal trio from Adams Morgan featuring Nick Smith, Billy Sumler, and Ted "Skeets" Carpenter. Jackie Peoples soon joined as a fourth vocalist, leading to performances at local parties and talent shows. Managed by Vietnam veteran Norman Hylton at the People's Center, they expanded in 1972 into a full band with guitarist Steve "Tai" Woods, bassist Michael Rogers, organist Nick Smith, and drummer Zachary Long.
Inspired by large funk bands, the Dreams renamed to Father's Children and adopted Islamic names under Hylton's influence—such as Nizam (Nick Smith), Qaadir (Billy Sumler), Hakim (Skeets Carpenter), Malik (Michael Rogers), Wali (Steve Woods), and Sadik (Zachary Long). They recorded early sides with engineer Robert Hosea Williams and toured regionally after signing with Fly Enterprises. A planned 1973 debut album, Who's Gonna Save the World, was shelved when their management folded.
In 1979, an eight-piece version of the group released their self-titled Mercury album, produced by Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders, featuring the single "Hollywood Dreaming." Key songwriter Nick "Nizam" Smith had left in 1977 for a solo career at T.K. Productions. The band persisted through lineup changes and continues performing today from the D.C. area.
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Father’s Children
Music By – Father's Children, Jerome Morene
Words By – David Oliver 4:00
A2 Hollywood Dreaming
Written-By – Father's Children 4:44
A3 Dance Do It
Written-By – Father's Children 3:26
A4 Wild Woman
Music By – Father's Children
Words By – Edward Davis, Father's Children 5:35
A5 Music Use It
Music By – Father's Children, Wayne Henderson
Words By – Father's Children 3:31
B1 Got To Get Away
Music By – Father's Children
Words By – Nick Smith 4:34
B2 Gone Bad
Written-By – Father's Children 3:36
B3 My Grandma
Music By – Father's Children
Words By – Nick Smith 4:25
B4 Music For Your Mind
Music By – Father's Children
Words By, Music By – Nick Smith 2:38
B5 You Can Get It
Written-By – Father's Children 4:10
Label: Mercury – SRM-1-3755
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
The self-titled 1979 album by Father's Children is a rare groove and a cult classic in the underground soul circuit, known for its polished funk and soul sound. Overlooked at the time of its initial release on Mercury Records, it later gained popularity among dance club DJs.
The album primarily features a blend of soul, funk, and R&B, characterized by "high steppin' rhythms, tight, funky arrangements and... gorgeous gospel-influenced vocal harmonies".
It was produced by Wayne Henderson of The Crusaders, who augmented the core group with session musicians and backup vocalists, including members of Side Effect. The production, recorded in Los Angeles, was noted for a polished "L.A. gloss" that contrasted with the grittier sound of their earlier, unreleased D.C. recordings.
Despite not achieving commercial success upon release, the album became a "rare groove" classic, cherished by collectors and DJs for its quality and scarcity.
The track "Hollywood Dreaming" has become the album's most celebrated song, alongside other highlights like the mid-tempo "Got to Get Away" and the upbeat funk shuffle "You Can Get It".
In essence, it's a soulful, funky gem that blended raw D.C. spirit with professional polish, delivering deep grooves and beautiful vocals that resonated more years later than it did upon release