Creative Source
Creative Source was a Los Angeles-based R&B vocal group active in the 1970s, known for blending funk, soul, and disco elements. They gained fame with hits like their funky cover of Bill Withers' "Who Is He (And What Is He to You?)" from their 1973 debut album.
Formed in 1972, the quintet consisted of veterans from West Coast studios: Barbara Berryman, Barbara Lewis (formerly with the Los Angeles Elgins), Don Wyatt (who sang backup for Nat King Cole and performed with 1950s groups like the Fortunes), Steve Flanagan, and Celeste Rose. Managed by Ron Townson of The Fifth Dimension, they debuted on Sussex Records under producer Mike Stokes.
Their self-titled debut (1973) reached No. 21 on the R&B chart, featuring "You Can't Hide Love" (later covered by Earth, Wind & Fire). Follow-ups included Migration (1974), Pass the Feelin' On (1975, Polydor), and Consider the Source (1976). Other singles: "You're Too Good to Be True" and "I Just Can't See Myself Without You." Despite compelling tracks, later releases lacked promotion and chart success.
By 1977, after losing their label deal, the group disbanded and members returned to regular life in Southern California. They appeared on shows like Soul Train and The Mike Douglas Show.
Migration
Written-By – D. Wyatt, J. Thomas, M. Stokes
2:27
A2 Harlem
Written-By – Bill Withers
4:57
A3 I Just Can't See Myself Without You
Written-By – Skip Scarborough
7:30
B1 Keep On Movin'
Written-By – J. Thomas, M. Stokes, S. Scarborough
2:35
B2 Migration
Written-By – J. Thomas, M. Stokes
4:22
B3 Corazon
Written-By – Carole King
4:41
B4 Let Me Be The One
Written-By – P. Williams, R. Nicholas
3:27
Label: Sussex – SRA-8035
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Migration (1974) is the acclaimed second album by the Los Angeles-based soul/funk group Creative Source, released on Sussex Records. Produced by Mike Stokes, the album is highly regarded for its blend of, funk, and soul, featuring polished vocal harmonies, with a notable cover of Carol King's "Let Me Be The One". It is often regarded as a strong, yet overlooked follow-up to their 1973 debut, featuring a "Funky Sound" that is popular with rare groove enthusiasts.
Produced by Mike Stokes, the album features sophisticated West Coast soul and funk arrangements. The production and arrangements are highly regarded, continuing the high quality established in their first album.
Considered an excellent, "rare groove" album, highly valued by collectors and fans of 70s soul. Known for close-knit, ensemble vocals similar to The 5th Dimension but with a distinct, funkier, and sometimes cinematic edge.
The album was the follow-up to their successful debut (which included the original "You Can't Hide Love" later made famous by Earth, Wind & Fire). While perhaps not as commercially impactful as the debut, it is considered an equally good record by some fans and critics.
Overall, "Migration" is a solid and enjoyable album for fans of 70s soul and funk, showcasing the group's strong vocal harmonies and musicianship.