Guinn
Guinn was a family-based R&B and soul vocal group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, active primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. They are best known for their 1986 self-titled Motown album, which featured the track "Dreamin'" later popularized by Vanessa Williams.
The group formed in 1970 as sons and daughters of Louise and Elgin Guinn, with most members hailing from Philadelphia (except vocalist Lori Fulton from Harrisburg, who joined in 1985). The sister members initially performed as The Passionettes in the 1970s. They recorded early tracks as New Experience for Philly World Records, including the single "Prove It To Me," before signing with Motown.
Guinn consisted of siblings with shared vocal and instrumental talents: Michael Guinn (lead vocals); Randy Guinn (bass); Skip Guinn (vocals, band leader); Bonnie Guinn (vocals); Earl Guinn (guitars); Marjorie Guinn (vocals). Lori Fulton provided additional vocals later on.
Their sole major album, Guinn (Motown, 1986), included tracks like "Dreamin'," "Open Your Door," and "People Will Be People." Produced with input from Bobby Eli and Michael Forte, it showcased mature R&B but failed to chart commercially. The group faded into obscurity afterward, though members like Earl Guinn continued in music (e.g., co-writing Musiq Soulchild's "B.U.D.D.Y." in 2007).
Guinn
Producer – Donald R. Robinson, Michael Forte
Written-By – G. Paschal, L. Montgomery
5:28
A2 Open Your Door
Producer – Donald R. Robinson
Written-By – G. Paschal, R. Dixon
4:56
A3 I Can't Live Without You
Producer – Baylor, McKinley Horton
Written-By – L. Montgomery, M. Guinn
4:45
A4 Slow Down
Producer – Bobby Eli
Written-By – Allison Hobbs, A. Hobbs, L. Montgomery
4:55
B1 Sincerely
Producer – Michael Forte
Written-By – S. Harcum
4:08
B2 Tell Me
Producer – Donald R. Robinson
Written-By – G. Paschal, L. Montgomery, R. Dixon
4:28
B3 People Will Be People
Producer – Coleman, Baylor, Horton
Written-By – C. Coleman, G. Paschal, L. Montgomery
3:48
B4 Give Everything You Got For Love
Producer – Michael Forte
Written-By – L. Montgomery, L. Fulton
5:02
Label: Motown – 6168ML
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Downtempo, Disco
Released in 1986 on Motown, the self-titled debut from Philadelphia-based sibling group Guinn is a hidden gem of mid-80s R&B and Quiet Storm. Despite being somewhat lost in the label’s internal transitions at the time, it has since earned a reputation among soul aficionados as a high-quality "no-skip" record.
The album is characterized by polished production and sophisticated vocal harmonies. "Dreamin’," the album's standout track and most significant legacy, became a massive hit for Vanessa Williams.
Reviewers often highlight "The Feelings Killing Me" for its funky "soul stomp" energy and the bass-driven single "Open Your Door". The record leans heavily into the Quiet Storm and Contemporary Gospel styles popular in the mid-80s.
It maintains a strong reputation on enthusiast platforms like Discogs, where it holds an average rating of 4.12/5 based on user feedback. Critics often describe it as a "mature" R&B effort that deserved more mainstream success than it received during its initial run.
For those looking for better audio quality, a Remastered Edition was released, though some listeners have noted that certain early CD reissues appeared to be mastered directly from vinyl.