Executive Suite
Executive Suite was an American R&B/soul vocal group formed in Camden, New Jersey, in 1969. Originally known as The Millionaires, the group rebranded to Executive Suite due to naming conflicts. They hailed from Camden, NJ, and emerged in the late 1960s Philly soul scene.
The core lineup included Henry Tuten, Billy Tyler, Charles Conyers, and Vincent Unto. Daryl Hall (later of Hall & Oates) provided guest vocals on their 1970 debut single "Christine" for Jubilee Records.
They released tracks like "I'm A Winner Now," fitting into the era's soul vocal group sound. It was followed by "You Believed In Me", "Your Love Is Paradise/I'm Leaving This Time" and finally "When The Fuel Runs Out" a disco-ish Philly style tune produced by Baker, Harris & Young, the Big Three Music trio, was put out in 1974.
By this time Polydor records put together a highly collectible LP of those hits into "Executive Suite 1", which was five songs including the vocal and instrumental versions of "When The Fuel Runs Out", "You Got It" Parts 1 & 2, "You Believed In Me" Parts 1 & 2, "Your Love Is Paradise" and "I'm A Winner Now" although they made up seven separate tracks.
The group suffered from indifferent promotion and by the time they released "Hey Pearl" in 1975 for United Artists without the backing of Sigma Sound Studios, the song did not chart.
Their output was limited, primarily singles, with Discogs listing them under obscure soul releases. The group did not achieve major commercial success but remains noted in Northern Soul and collector circles.
Executive Suite 1
Written-By – Felder, Sigler, Harris
A2 When The Fuel Runs Out (Instrumental)
Written-By – Felder, Sigler, Harris
A3 You Believed In Me (Part 1 & 2)
Written-By – Jennings, Lewis, Lucas
B1 I'm A Winner Now
Written-By – Felder, Harris
B2 Your Love Is Paradise
Written-By – Felder, Sigler
B3 You Got It (Part 1)
Written-By – Sigler, Hurtt
B4 You Got It (Part 2)
Written-By – Sigler, Hurtt
Label: Polydor – 2310 400
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Philly
Executive Suite 1 (1974) by the Philadelphia-based soul group Executive Suite is a highly regarded Philly soul/disco LP released on Polydor Records. It features lush production, including contributions from the legendary Baker, Harris & Young team. The album is highlighted by the standout track "I'm A Winner Now".
The album is deeply rooted in the Philly soul sound, with smooth vocals and polished, orchestral instrumentation. It seamlessly bridges smooth soul ballads with early disco-influenced rhythms, characterized by the "neck-snapping drums" and melodic harmonies that would later define the genre's peak.
The group consisted of Henry Tuten, Billy Tyler, Charles Conyers, and Vincent Unto. The group worked with notable producers and musicians from Sigma Sound Studios, including Bobby Eli and Bunny Sigler.
The album holds an average rating of 4.15/5 on Discogs, with enthusiasts praising its consistency despite the band's lack of major commercial success at the time of its release.