The Whatnauts
The Whatnauts were an American soul group from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 1969. Produced by George Kerr, they gained recognition in the early 1970s for heartfelt singles admired by soul enthusiasts, though mainstream R&B success was limited.
The core trio included lead vocalist Billy Herndon, tenor Garrett Jones, and baritone Gerard "Chunky" Pinkney, all from Baltimore.
Key Hits:- "Message from a Black Man" (1970, peaked at #19 US R&B), a socially conscious track on A&I International; "I'll Erase Away Your Pain" (1971, #14 US R&B), their biggest hit on Stang Records. "Girls" (1974, with The Moments, #25 US R&B, #3 UK).
They released three albums: Introducing the Whatnauts (1970, #29 US R&B), Reaching for the Stars (1971), and Whatnauts on the Rocks (1972). Later singles like "Help Is on the Way" (1981) showed continued activity into the 1980s.
On The Rocks
Written-By – George Kerr
3:29
A2 Heads Up
Written-By – Michael Watson
3:40
A3 Hurry Up And Wait
Written-By – G. Kerr
4:07
A4 I'm So Glad I Found You
Written-By – G. Kerr, L. Roberts
3:15
B1 Only People Can Save The World
Written-By – M. Watson
4:33
B2 Blues Fly Away
Written-By – G. Kerr, M. Burton
2:43
B3 Why Can't People Be Colors Too?
Written-By – M. Watson
4:55
B4 Ooh Baby Baby
Written-By – W. Robinson
3:17
Label: Stang Records – ST-1018
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Sweet Soul
Released in 1972, The Whatnauts’ On The Rocks is a critically acclaimed, high-quality soul album from Baltimore that blends romantic, slow-burning ballads with groovy, uptempo tracks. Produced by George Kerr and Michael Watson, it is considered a essential, rare 70s soul gem featuring standout harmonies and rich, emotional songwriting.
The album balances tender ballads with raw,, soulful funk, often described as a perfect mix of soul, funk, and early disco elements.
Standout Tracks: "I'm So Glad I Found You" (featuring Linda Jones): Highlighted as a perfect Northern Soul floor-filler; "Why Can't People Be Colors Too?": Noted for its groovy, distinct drum breaks; "You Forget Too Easy": Considered a classic, lowrider-style soul track.
The group's music has been heavily sampled by hip-hop artists, including A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, and Busta Rhymes.
On The Rocks is highly regarded by collectors and soul fans, with an average rating of 4.48/5 on Discogs, making it a "must-have" for lovers of vintage soul. Reissues, such as the one from Playoff Records, often include the 80s-influenced track "Help is on the Way," which features a notable, hard-hitting bassline.