Ronnie Dyson
Ronnie Dyson was an American soul and R&B singer and actor best known for his role in the Broadway musical Hair and his 1970 hit single "(If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can't I Touch You?"
Born Ronald Dyson on June 5, 1950, in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Brooklyn, New York, singing in church choirs. At age 18, he landed a lead role in the 1968 Broadway production of Hair, delivering the iconic "Aquarius" vocal that defined the hippie era.
Dyson's recording breakthrough came in 1970 with "(If You Let Me Make Love to You Then) Why Can't I Touch You?" from the musical Salvation, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on the R&B chart. Follow-ups like "I Don't Wanna Cry" (No. 9 R&B) and 1973's Thom Bell-produced tracks "One Man Band (Plays All Alone)" (No. 28 Hot 100) and "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely" (No. 29 R&B) marked his soul success on Columbia and later Cotillion Records.
He appeared in the 1969 film Putney Swope and reprised Hair elements in the 1979 movie adaptation. In 1986, Dyson contributed vocals to "Nola" on Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It soundtrack.
Health issues stalled his career in the late 1970s; his last R&B chart entry was 1983's "All Over Your Face," and his final solo single was 1990's "See The Clown." Dyson died on November 10, 1990, in Philadelphia at age 40.
Phase 2
Written-By – Eltesa Weathersby, Frank Fuchs, Gavin Spencer 4:10
A2 Heart To Heart
Written-By – Charles Williams, Eban Kelly 4:13
A3 One More Chance For The Fool
Written-By – Arlye Matza, Bobby Eli 4:10
A4 Say You Will
Written-By – Samm Culley 5:08
B1 Expressway To Your Heart
Written-By – Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff 4:22
B2 Now
Written-By – Allee Willis, Patrick Henderson 3:35
B3 Even In The Darkest Night
Written-By – Arlye Matza, Bobby Eli 4:05
B4 Foreplay
Written-By – Bobby Eli, Jeff Prusan 5:01
B5 I Found Someone
Written-By – Timothy Wright 3:46
Label: Cotillion – SD 5234
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Philly
Ronnie Dyson's Phase 2 (1982) is a solid, consistent soul/R&B album, praised for showcasing his powerful voice with a blend of dance-friendly tracks ("You Better Be Fierce") and heartfelt ballads ("Tender Loving Care," "Say You Will"), featuring smooth Philly soul production by Bobby Eli and notable for its uplifted, ballad-heavy sound with a Broadway flair that balanced pop and deep soul well for the era.
Produced by Bobby Eli, the album features lush, Philly-soul-influenced arrangements, supporting Dyson's strong vocals.
Dyson's background as a Broadway performer shines through, adding a theatrical, emotive quality to both uptempo and ballad tracks.
The album leans into the late 70s/early 80s soul sound, balancing danceable grooves with heartfelt, smooth R&B.
Tracks like the smooth "Heart to Heart," the powerful ballad "Say You Will," and the danceable "You Better Be Fierce" are often cited as standouts.
It's considered a strong entry in his catalog, often reissued with his album Brand New Day, offering a consistent listening experience.
In essence, Phase 2 is regarded as a quality effort from a great voice, successfully navigating pop and soul with strong ballads and uptempo numbers, making it a must-listen for fans of classic soul and Dyson's rich tenor.
The More You Do It
A2 Close To You (C. Jackson, M. Yancy 2:55)
A3 The More You Do It (The More I Like It Done To Me) (C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:10)
A4 You Set My Sprits Free (C. Jackson, M. Yancy 6:48)
B1 You And Me (C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:12)
B2 Love Won't Let Me Wait (B. Eli, V. Barrett 3:37)
B3 Lovin' Feelin' (B. Jackson 3:23)
B4 Won't You Come Stay With Me (C. Jackson, M. Yancy 3:27)
B5 Jive Talkin' (B. Gibb - R. Gibb - M. Gibb 2:59)
Label: Columbia – PC 34350
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Ronnie Dyson's The More You Do It (often bundled with Love in All Flavors) is praised for showcasing his incredible, smooth, soulful voice and lush 1970s Philadelphia-style production, featuring hits like the title track and gems like "I Think I'll Tell Her," making it a beloved collection for fans of classic soul, despite some reviewers finding it leaning towards the poppier, less gritty side of the spectrum, but still a testament to his vastly underappreciated talent.
Produced by Chuck Jackson & Marvin Yancy, the sound is characterized by rich arrangements, prominent female background vocals, and a polished, luxurious feel, similar to Natalie Cole's hits from that era.
The music serves as a perfect vehicle for Dyson's distinctive, emotive voice, allowing his purity and tenderness to shine.
Fans consistently laud his voice as phenomenal and the entire collection as enjoyable, with some calling it a "hidden talent" of soul music. Many feel Dyson deserved greater success, viewing him as one of soul's most underappreciated vocalists.
he production is seen as definitive luxury soul, offering a delightful experience for those who enjoy the smoother, Philly-soul sound of the mid-70s.
The More You Do It is considered a strong collection of classic soul, a wonderful legacy from a powerful male vocalist, perfect for anyone looking to discover or revisit Ronnie Dyson's smooth, captivating artistry.