Ray, Goodman and Brown
Ray, Goodman & Brown is an American R&B vocal group that originated as The Moments in the late 1960s. They achieved major success in the 1970s with hits like "Love on a Two-Way Street" before renaming themselves in 1979 for contractual reasons.
The group formed in Washington, D.C., initially featuring members like Mark Greene, before Al Goodman (bass vocals, born March 31, 1946, in Jackson, Mississippi), Billy Brown (lead tenor), and others solidified the lineup. They signed with All-Platinum Records and scored early R&B hits such as "Sunday," "I Do," and their signature No. 1 "Love on a Two-Way Street" in 1970. Harry Ray joined soon after, creating the core trio that defined their sound through the mid-1970s with songs like "Sexy Mama" and "Look at Me (I'm in Love)."
In 1978–1979, due to label issues with Stang Records owning "The Moments" name, they rebranded as Ray, Goodman & Brown (using their surnames: Harry Ray, Al Goodman, Billy Brown). Their biggest hit under the new name was "Special Lady" (No. 5 R&B, 1980) on Polydor Records. They released four albums with Polydor, blending sweet soul harmonies and ballads.
Harry Ray briefly left in 1982 for a solo stint at Sugar Hill Records but rejoined for EMI's 1987 hit "Take It to the Limit" (No. 8 R&B). Ray died of a stroke in 1992 and was replaced by Kevin "Ray" Owens (ex-Luther Vandross backing vocalist). Al Goodman passed from heart failure in 2010. Billy Brown remains the sole surviving original member as of 2025, now performing with Keenan Blount and Kenny Brown; they were inducted into the National R&B Music Society's Atlantic City Walk of Fame in April 2025. The group continues touring, with recent albums in the 2000s featuring classics and new soul tracks.
Intimate Moments
Producer – Al Goodman
Written-By – A. Goodman, B. Shepherd 5:07
2 Rockin You Tonight
Producer – George Kerr
Written-By – A. Egans, Cirocco, S. Wright 5:02
3 Give Me Your Love
Producer – Rhani Harris
Written-By – A. Goodman, B. Brown, R. Song 4:14
4 Girl I Want To Be The One
Producer – Rhani Harris
Saxophone, Soloist – Marion Meadows
Written By – P. Kearney
Written-By – A. Goodman, B. Brown, E. Young 5:21
5 Someone's Missing Your Love
Producer – Al Goodman
Saxophone, Soloist – Najee
Written-By – A. Goodman, H. Ray, W. Morris 6:46
6 This Is The Last Time
Producer – Rhani Harris
Written-By – A. Goodman, B. Brown, R. Song 4:26
7 I've Been Good To You
Producer – Al Goodman
Written-By – S. Robinson 4:43
8 Long Gone
Producer – Ted Wizard Mills
Written By – A. Mathews
Written-By – T. Mills 5:41
9 My Shining Star
Producer – Al Goodman
Written-By – B. Shepherd 5:01
10 Deeper And Deeper
Producer – George Kerr
Rap – Sinful
Saxophone – Daryl Dickerson
Written-By – G. Karukas, R. Boustead 4:22
11 Girls
Producer – George Kerr
Rap – Sinful
Written-By – A. Goodman, H. Ray, V. Dodson, W. Morris 4:11
12 When The Party's Over
Producer – Al Goodman
Rap – Alpyne, Bliss (93), Izzy Blue
Written By – R. Rocco Musacchia 4:58
13 Drive Me Crazy
Producer – Rhani Harris
Written-By – A. Goodman, B. Brown, H. Ray, R. Song 6:00
14 Any Kind Of Love
Producer – George Kerr
Saxophone – Daryl Dickerson
Written-By – B. Robert, Carole Bayer Sayer, J. Ingram 5:30
15 We Fall Down
Producer – George Kerr
Written-By – Mattews Kyle David 5:03
Label: Orpheus Records – 802469090024
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul
Ray, Goodman & Brown's "Intimate Moments" album is generally well-received by fans as a solid return to form for the classic soul trio, blending signature smooth harmonies with new soulful tracks, though some listeners find modern rap elements distracting; it's praised for nostalgic vibes, solid originals like "Girl I Want to Be the One," and showcasing their enduring vocal talent despite minor critiques over contemporary additions.
The album, produced by George Kerr, aims to capture the spirit of their past success while incorporating some modern sounds, including rap, which polarized some long-time fans.
Tracks like "Girl I Want to Be the One" and "Someone's Missing Your Love" are highlighted as strong, original soul compositions that resonate with their established style.
Fans enjoy the album for bringing back memories of their heyday with The Moments, praising the group's ability to deliver smooth, heartfelt R&B and soulful ballads.
While some appreciate the up-tempo tracks and rap inclusion as fresh, others felt it ruined the classic vibe, calling it "garbage" or an unwelcome distraction.
Released in 2002, it followed their successful backing vocals for Alicia Keys and marked a significant project for the group after their time as The Moments, showcasing their enduring appeal in the R&B landscape.
Intimate Moments offers a blend of classic RG&B soul with contemporary touches, succeeding for many in delivering soulful originals and nostalgic harmonies, even if the integration of rap isn't universally loved.