Soul Generation
Soul Generation was a 1970s American R&B/soul vocal group, formed in Jersey City, NJ, as "The Citations," featuring founder Cliff Perkins, Earl Davenport, Herman Hammonds, and later Jeff Burgess, known for their hit "That's the Way It's Got to Be (Body & Soul)" and their independent spirit, releasing music on Ebony Sounds Records and later Buddah Records, blending smooth harmonies with funk and disco influences, maintaining a dedicated following, and continuing to perform with evolving lineups.
The group began in 1970 as The Citations in Jersey City, comprising Cliff Perkins (lead/tenor), Earl Davenport (2nd tenor), Thomas Timmons (bass), and Herman Hammonds (baritone). After Timmons left and was replaced by Jeffrey Burgess, jazz musician Doc Bagby encouraged them to change their name to Soul Generation, setting the stage for their future success.
Signature Song: "That's the Way It's Got to Be (Body & Soul)," a major hit on the R&B charts for Ebony Sounds Records. Other Hits: "Million Dollars," "Ray of Hope," and "Key to Your Heart". Albums: Beyond Body and Soul (1972) and Meet the Soul Generation (1975).
They founded their own label, Ebony Sounds Records, to release their groundbreaking hit. The group, led by Perkins, continued to perform for decades, even touring with artists like Al Green.
Member Earl Davenport passed away in 1975 and was replaced by Michael Murphy. The group performed as a trio from 1977 until they disbanded in 1983.
The group reunited in 1989 and began performing on the Classic Soul Circuit. In 2004, the name was updated to Soul Generation featuring Cliff Perkins as Cliff Perkins became the sole remaining original member. New members included Perkins’ wife, Veda LaRue-Perkins, and Donald Taylor.
As of 2025, the group remains active, celebrating over 52 years in the industry. Recent performances have included appearances alongside groups like Black Ivory and The Intruders. They are remembered for their distinct sound and significant contributions to 70s East Coast soul.
Beyond Body And Soul
Written-By – J. Burgess, S. Vincent 3:40
A2 In Your Way
Written-By – C. Perkins, S. Vincent 2:52
A3 Wait So Long
Written-By – S. Vincent 4:03
A4 Ray Of Hope
Written-By – E. Brigati, F. Cavaliere 3:23
A5 Million Dollars
Written-By – J. Burgess, S. Vincent 3:12
B1 Sailing
Written-By – J. Mason, S. Vincent 3:32
B2 Young Bird
Written-By – S. Vincent 2:52
B3 Black Man
Written-By – E. Davenport, S. Vincent 3:12
B4 Sweet Thing
Written-By – S. Vincent 3:22
B5 Body And Soul (That's The Way It's Got To Be)
Written-By – P. Kyser 3:07
Label: Ebony Sounds Records – ES-2000
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Sweet Soul
Soul Generation's Beyond Body & Soul (1972) is hailed as a masterpiece of early 70s East Coast vocal group soul, praised for its sweet yet tough harmonies, masterful arrangements by Stan Vincent, and classic tracks like "Super Fine" and "That's The Way It's Got To Be (Body & Soul)", blending soulful vocals with early funk for a timeless sound, making it a highly regarded deep soul/rare groove staple.
Sweet, tough, street-corner harmonies with early funk, featuring prominent male falsettos, produced and arranged by Stan Vincent, who brought perfection to the sound, notes Dusty Groove.
Key Tracks: "Super Fine," "That's The Way It's Got To Be (Body & Soul)," "Black Man," "Million Dollars," and "In Your Way" are standout classics.
Considered a quintessential independent harmony album and a treasure in sweet soul/rare groove. Described as "one of the best independent harmony albums of the early 70s" and a "classic treasure" by listeners. It has a unique "slight gangster/pimp touch" that sets it apart from other groups, according to Dusty Groove.
In essence, Beyond Body & Soul is celebrated for its strong vocal performances, sophisticated arrangements, and enduring appeal within soul music circles, offering both nostalgia and consistent listenability. CD versions often include bonus tracks like "Mandingo Woman" and "Praying For A Miracle," newly remastered for enhanced quality.
Meet The Soul Generation
2 What's In It For Me
3 Yesterday's Memories
4 Hooked On Love
5 I've Got That Lovin' Feelin'
6 I Don't Know Why
7 All's Well That Ends Well
8 Take A Little Time
9 She Comes Up
10 Just In The Nick of Time
11 Key To Your Heart
12 I Wonder What She's Doin'
Label: Essential Media Mod
Original Release Date: 1975
Release Date: 2013
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
A vocal group originally formed in 1970 as the Citations with Cliff Perkins (lead singer, tenor), Earl Davenport (2nd tenor), Thomas Timmons (bass) and Herman Hammonds (baritone), the group replaced vocalist Timmons with Jeff Burgess and changed their name to Soul Generation. Burgess introduced them to a young songwriter named Paul Kyser (who would later go on the become a famed record producer) who secured them a record deal with a label named Ebony Sounds Records and also penned their first hit in 1972 "That's the Way It's Got to Be (Body & Soul)." Presented here is their rare classic album "Meet the Soul Generation," originally released in 1975, plus two exclusive bonus tracks; "Key to Your Heart" and "I Wonder What She's Doin'." All selections newly re-mastered.
Soul Generation Live
01:17
2. Baby I'm the Best Thing for You (Live 1996)
03:02
3. Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now (Live 1996)
04:41
4. Million Dollars (Live 1996)
09:27
5. That's the Way It's Got to Be (Body and Soul) (Live 1996)
05:06
6. Million Dollars (Live 2002)
08:19
7. Spoken Interlude (We Sure Enjoy Bringing It to You) (Live 2002)
00:44
8. That's the Way It's Got to Be (Body and Soul) (Live 2002)
05:12
(C) 2014 Essential Media Group LLC
The Identity of these Tracks.....
The tracks labeled "Live 1996" on this album (including "Introduction", "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", and "Baby I'm the Best Thing For You") are pulled from a legendary R&B multi-group showcase. They were originally recorded live at Newark's Symphony Hall in New Jersey during a major 1990s "Sweet Soul" revival concert.
The remaining portion of the track list captures their continuous touring in the early 2000s, right before Cliff Perkins officially rebranded the touring lineup to Soul Generation featuring Cliff Perkins in 2004.