People’s Choice
Philadelphia funk band People's Choice, formed by keyboardist Frank Brunson in 1971, became famous for their infectious disco-funk hits like "I Likes to Do It" and their iconic #1 R&B smash, "Do It Any Way You Wanna," released on Philadelphia International Records in 1975, becoming gold-certified and a major dance floor anthem before the band's active run ended in the mid-80s.
The band started in Philadelphia, PA, in 1971, with Frank Brunson (keys/vocals) and David Thompson (drums) as key members, alongside vocalists Valerie Brown & Marc Reed. Their first single, "I Likes to Do It," charted well in 1972, catching the attention of Gamble & Huff.
Signed to Philadelphia International Records (PIR), they released "Do It Any Way You Wanna" in 1975, a massive disco-funk hit that topped the R&B charts and crossed over to the pop charts, earning gold status reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold over one million copies within three months. They released albums like Boogie Down USA (1975) and We Got the Rhythm (1976) on PIR, featuring other R&B hits like "Party is a Groovy Thing".
The band continued with albums on Casablanca and Mercury into the early 80s, with tracks like "Here We Go Again". The original run ended around 1985, but founder Frank Brunson's vision continued, with David Thompson leading new versions of the band into the 2010s, even releasing new music like Jammin' Philly Style (2017).
People's Choice epitomized the soulful, dance-oriented sound of '70s Philly soul, blending funk grooves with disco energy, known for their tight instrumentation and catchy hooks.
<div hidden>People s Choice Peoples Choice</div>
Strikin’
Written-By – D. Thompson, F. Brunson 5:15
A2 No One Can Love You More
Written-By – J. Hightower 5:35
A3 Young Wings Can Fly
Written-By – J. B. Jefferson, R. Roebuck 5:01
A4 (Theme From) Above The Stars
Written-By – D. Thompson, F. Brunson 5:18
B1 Can't Get Enough Of Your Love
Written-By – D. Thompson, F. Brunson 5:32
B2 Hands In The Fire (Strung Out Over You)
Written-By – M. Reed 5:40
B3 Watcha Gonna Do With My Love
Written-By – D. Thompson, F. Brunson 5:05
B4 Mr. Rhythm Man
Written-By – D. Thompson, F. Brunson, J. Hightower, M. Reed 5:23
Label: Mercury – 422-818 925-1 M-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
People's Choice's Strikin' album (1980/early 80s) is a solid funk/boogie record, praised for its irresistible keyboard grooves, especially the standout club hit "You Ought To Be Dancin'," a magical, Tom Moulton-mixed jam; tracks like "Bad Dancin' Rita" offer similar funk, while "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" showcases classic Philly soul, making it a must-have for fans of late-70s/early-80s dance music, even if the single "My Feet Won't Move But My Shoes Did The Boogie" didn't chart higher.
Key Highlights: "You Ought To Be Dancin'": The undeniable peak, a long, keyboard-driven funk groove that was a major club success, noted for its Fatback-esque feel and female choir. "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" brings a distinct Philly soul flavor, featuring Frank Brunson's strong baritone vocals. "My Feet Won't Move But My Shoes Did The Boogie" is a hypnotic dancer, reminiscent of Frankie Smith's "Double Dutch Bus," despite its modest chart performance.
The album delivers strong boogie/funk with tracks like "Bad Dancin' Rita" (compared to Carl Carlton's "She's a Bad Mama Jama") and hypnotic grooves on slower cuts like "Sweeter Than Honey" and "Young Wings Can Fly".
Overall Vibe: Strikin' captures that exciting transition period in funk and disco, delivering infectious, dancefloor-ready tracks with memorable keyboard work and solid grooves, cementing its place in early 80s funk/boogie.
The album was originally released on vinyl and has since seen limited CD reissues, which have been welcomed by fans for making the obscure 1984 tracks more accessible. Used vinyl copies are still traded among collectors, with recent median prices around $7.00 as of late 2025.
People s Choice Peoples Choice
We Got The Rhythm
Arranged By – Leon Huff
Written-By – L. Huff
4:55
A2 Jam, Jam, Jam (All Night Long)
Arranged By – Frank Brunson, Leon Huff
Written-By – F. Brunson, L. Huff
3:38
A3 We Got The Rhythm
Arranged By – Darnell Jordan, Frank Brunson, Leon Huff
Written-By – D. Jordan, F. Brunson
3:32
A4 Cold Blooded & Down-Right-Funky
Arranged By – Frank Brunson, Leon Huff
Written-By – F. Brunson, L. Huff
4:18
B1 Movin' In All Directions
Arranged By – Darnell Jordan, Leon Huff
Arranged By [Strings] – Dexter Wansel
Written-By – D. Jordan, D. Ford, L. Huff
6:38
B2 Opus-De-Funk
Arranged By, Synthesizer – Leon Huff
Organ – Victor Carstarphen
Saxophone – Sam Peake
Written-By – L. Huff
5:58
B3 A Mellow Mood
Arranged By – Leon Huff
Written-By – L. Huff
5:05
Label: TSOP – PZ 34124
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Philly
People's Choice's We Got The Rhythm (1976) is a classic Funk/Soul/Disco album from Philadelphia International Records, known for its slick production, potent grooves, and hits like "Here We Go Again," blending gritty funk with catchy pop appeal for timeless dancefloor appeal, featuring strong rhythms, keyboards, and vocals by Frankie Brunson, with tracks like "Jam Jam Jam" and "Opus De Funk" showcasing its versatility.
The album is a definitive example of mid-70s Philly Soul, Disco, and Funk. Produced by the legendary duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the record balances a sophisticated "late 70s club" sound with sharp, live rhythms. A blend of Funk, Soul, Disco, and Philly Soul, characterized by sharp, live rhythms and polished production.
Features heavy keyboard work by group leader Frankie Brunson and emphasizes instrumental moments alongside soulful vocals. Described as "smooth as hell" with a mix of "gritty and down-to-earth" tracks and polished, mass-appeal pop-funk.
Includes the popular singles "Here We Go Again," "Jam, Jam, Jam (All Night Long)," and "Movin' in All Directions," alongside "Cold Blooded & Downright Funky" and "Opus-De-Funk". A well-produced, timeless classic that was a hit on R&B charts, offering both gritty funk and slick pop sensibilities.
In essence, We Got The Rhythm is a quintessential mid to late-70s funk-soul record, capturing the energetic spirit of Philadelphia's music scene with tracks designed to keep listeners dancing.