Dynamic Five
The Dynamic Five was a local Nashville soul/R&B group known for live performances and for recording the rare 1978 album Love Is The Key. They were known for their energetic soul/funk sound and for playing at local venues on Historic Jefferson Street, such as the Modern New Era Club and Club Baron. They opened for several well-known national acts, including the Isley Brothers, The Stylistics, and the Dells. In 1972, they made history as the first R&B group to perform at the Opryland theme park.
The group is primarily known for their highly sought-after album Love Is The Key, released in 1978 on the Manhattan Records (and United Artists Records) label. The album features a mix of soul, funk, disco, and R&B styles.
The original LP pressing of Love Is The Key is considered a rare collector's item, with copies often selling for over a thousand dollars.
The members of the Dynamic Five who recorded this album included Don Patton, James D. Clemmons (J.D. Clemmons), Robert Alred, Robert Ursery, and Wayne Stevens. J.D. Clemmons and Don Patton were also involved in songwriting for the album.
Love Is The Key
A2 Skyboat (J.D. Clemmons, R. Alred Jr. 4:33)
A3 To Get To Heaven (D. Patton, R.D. Wells 2:42)
A4 It's So Lonely (R. Alred Jr., R. O'Connor 3:11)
A5 One Way Or The Other (J. Reed, P. Leka 3:18)
B1 So Much Love To Give (J. Reed, R. O'Connor 3:17)
B2 You Got To Get Up R. Alred Jr., R. O'Connor 3:19)
B3 Beautiful Lady (J.D. Clemmons 3:48)
B4 Supreme Being (J.D. Clemmons 4:26)
B5 Love Is The Key (D. Patton 4:29)
Label: Manhattan Records – MR-LA899-H
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
The album Love Is the Key by the Dynamic Five (featuring Robert "Red" Alred Jr.) is a 1978 smooth soul, funk, and disco album that has become a rare and highly sought-after collector's item. It was released on the Manhattan Records label, distributed by United Artists.
The album is primarily known for its smooth soul sound of the late 1970s. A single from the album, "Lover's Lullabye," was released in 1979. The album itself has gained notoriety in the decades since its release, fetching high prices in online auctions due to its rarity, with one original copy reportedly selling for over $6,000.
The group experienced musical hurdles, making this album a testament to their talent that might have been overlooked at the time. The scarcity of the original vinyl and the addition of extended edits on CD releases make it a significant piece for collectors.
In essence, Love Is The Key is a beautiful, classic soul album that stands out as a rare find from the era, capturing the essence of late '70s R&B.