Act 1
Act One (also known as Act 1) was a 1970s studio-based soul vocal group assembled and led by producer and songwriter Raeford Gerald. The group was formed in 1972, members were Reginald Ross, George Parker, Roger Terry and Terry Huff, and were signed to Spring Records. While primarily associated with the Detroit soul scene, they were also linked to Los Angeles, where Gerald sought to replicate his earlier success with artists like Millie Jackson. Raeford Gerald acted as the group's "svengali," serving as their main producer and primary songwriter. They later left Spring Records for Mainstream Records and re-formed with Huff, and changed their name to Special Delivery.
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The group's sound ranged from upbeat funk to sophisticated "Philly-style" ballads, characterized by strong vocal harmonizing. Their most successful single was the ballad "Friends or Lovers" (1973), which reached the US R&B charts and became a cult classic. The song later gained modern recognition for being extensively sampled in hip-hop records.
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Other Notable Singles:- "Takes Two of Us" (1973) – Their second major R&B chart entry; "Tom the Peeper" – An uptempo funk track that became a significant dancefloor hit in the UK club scene; "It's the Same Old Story" – A smooth, orchestrated track often compared to the Philadelphia International Records sound.
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Their primary output is collected in the self-titled album Act 1, which contains 11 original tracks. Most of their material, including non-LP singles, has been reissued by labels like Ace Records to preserve their contribution to 1970s soul. The group's work has been sampled by prominent artists, including Cypress Hill (who sampled "Friends or Lovers" for "Spark Another Owl").
Act 1
A2 I Don't Want To Know What You Do To Me (Raeford Gerald 2:59)
A3 Still Water (Frank Wilson, William Robinson 5:06)
A4 Goodbye Love (We're Through) (Andrew Smith, Bob Babbitt, Perry Boyd 2:13)
A5 Friends Or Lovers (Raeford Gerald 3:18)
B1 It's The Same Old Story (Cleveland Parker, Doug Nordli, Raeford Gerald, Roger Terry 3:08)
B2 You Didn't Love Me Anyhow (Andrew Smith, Bob Babbitt, Perry Boyd 4:33)
B3 Love's Got Your Mind (Andrew Smith, Bob Babbitt, Perry Boyd 2:32)
B4 Bump'n From The Middle (Raeford Gerald, Rob Dixon 3:29)
B5 Tom The Peeper (Raeford Gerald 2:16)
B6 Do You Feel It (Raeford Gerald 2:54)
Label: Spring Records – SPR 6704
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The album Act 1 by the band Act 1 is a soul and funk album, primarily known for its melodic dance tracks. The group was a studio project featuring members Raeford Gerald, Roger Terry, Reggie Ross, and George Barker.
The album features a classic 1970s sound, incorporating compositions from noted writers and producers like the legendary Funk Brother Bob Babbitt. While not a major commercial success at the time, some of its tracks have gained recognition over the years.
This disco-funk record was produced by Raeford Gerald and was originally released on the Spring label and is known for its danceable and groovy sound, making it a notable record for collectors of funk and disco.
Characterized by strong compositions, melodic arrangements, and a prominent 70s groove. Some tracks feature horn arrangements.
The album includes the band's hit single "Tom The Peeper" which reached #40 in the UK Top-40 Pop charts, as well as "Friends Or Lovers" which was the band's biggest selling single in the US.