First Class
Baltimore's sweet soul group First Class, active from the 1970s, was a regional favorite known for smooth harmonies, releasing tracks like "What About Me" on Today Records and collaborating with The Softones, leaving a lasting legacy in the local soul scene through their heartfelt performances and recordings. They were part of the vibrant Baltimore R&B sound, alongside groups like The Softones and The Royalettes, and featured members like J. Marvin Brown and Elton Lynch.
They embodied the sweet soul genre, characterized by smooth vocals, tight harmonies, and heartfelt melodies, akin to other Baltimore acts. The lineup included J. Marvin Brown (lead), Steven Jackson, Elton Lynch, and Byron Summerville.
They released music on labels like Today Records (a 1974 single) and were featured on a joint album with The Softones, including the popular "Carla My Love".
They were well-regarded in the Baltimore area, performing with other local legends and earning a lifetime achievement award.
First Class remains cherished by fans of classic Baltimore soul, known for their pure, melodic sound and contributions to the city's rich musical heritage.
First Class
2 Nothing You Can Do 3:47
3 Coming Back To You 2:47
4 Give Him Up 3:18
5 I Wasn't There 5:08
6 Lucky Me 3:25
7 Going Out Of My Head 6:18
8 Hypnotize 4:15
Producer – Sylvia Robinson
Producer, Mixed By, Engineer – George Kerr
Label: All Platinum – AP-3022
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The self-titled 1977 album by the Baltimore-based soul quartet First Class was produced by George Kerr alongside Tommy Keith, Sylvia Robinson, and Donnie Elbert, the album followed their debut, Going First Class.
Known for its "East Coast soul" sound, the album was a collaborative effort with members of the group The Softones.
Beyond the original vinyl, the material has been reissued in digital and CD formats, such as the 2012 collection titled They Call This Group First Class They Are! with some bonus tracks added.