Tomorrow’s People<div hidden>Tomorrow s People Tomorrows People</div>
Tomorrow's People was a Chicago-based soul and funk group active in the mid-1970s, best known for their rare 1976 album Open Soul.
The band formed in the early 1970s, led by four brothers—Kevin, Maurice, Gerald, and Timothy Burton—along with two other members, creating a six-piece soul/jazz-funk fusion outfit. They hailed from Chicago and blended raw soul, funk, and disco elements in their sound.
Their debut (and primary) album, Open Soul, appeared in 1976 on a small label and became highly sought after by collectors due to its limited distribution and scarcity. The record featured gritty, energetic tracks showcasing the brothers' vocal harmonies and tight instrumentation, though the group did not achieve widespread commercial success.
Tomorrow's People disbanded after their lone album, but Open Soul later gained cult status in funk and soul reissue circles, with modern vinyl pressings making it more accessible. No major reunions or additional discography emerged from the group.
Open Soul
Written-By – Tomorrows People
3:50
A2 It Ain't Fair
Written-By – Tomorrows People
4:20
A3 Hurt Perversion
Written-By – Tomorrows People
5:03
A4 Hurry On Up Tomorrow
Written-By – Tomorrows People
2:31
A5 Let's Get Down With The Beat
Written-By – Tomorrows People
2:56
B Open Soul
Written-By – Tomorrows People
20:13
Label: Stage Productions – SM-766-5
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Funk, Soul, Psychedelic, Disco
Tomorrow's People's 1976 album Open Soul is a coveted Chicago soul-funk classic, famous for its rare status and epic 20-minute title track, a deep funk jam exploring "What is soul?" with cosmic keys, chanting, and hard grooves, though some find the A-side more standard early funk/soul, with highlights like "Let's Get Down With The Beat," making it essential for rare groove fans despite sourcing challenges for reissues. A sole album by the four Burton brothers from Chicago's South Side. An extremely sought-after collector's item, with original pressings fetching high prices.
The centerpiece of the album is the 20-minute title track, "Open Soul," which occupies the entire B-side. Described as a "breathtaking funk odyssey," it features cosmic-soul vibes, warm keys, and a building, "motorik" groove that critics liken to a marathon. It was reportedly neither written nor rehearsed, giving it a raw, improvisational energy.
Other Notable Tracks:- "Let's Get With The Beat": An upbeat funk-disco track with proto-disco elements; "Hurt Perversion": A keyboard-fronted instrumental; "It Ain't Fair" / "Lovers To Friends": Slower, more sentimental soul tracks with harmonies and synth textures.
Reissued by labels like Melodies International, P-Vine, and Light in the Attic Records. Due to the scarcity of master tapes, reissues are often sourced from original vinyl, leading to some audible imperfections like guitar distortion, noted by some listeners.
Overall, a unique blend of Chicago's gritty funk scene with sophisticated soul arrangements, offering deep grooves and psychedelic touches, especially on the epic title track. It has become a "holy grail" for collectors, with original copies often selling for over $1,000.
Tomorrow s People Tomorrows People