Dynasty
Dynasty is an American R&B/soul and funk band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1979 by SOLAR Records head Dick Griffey and producer-bassist Leon Sylvers III, and best known for late-1970s and 1980s dance-oriented hits like “I Don’t Want to Be a Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself)” and “I’ve Just Begun to Love You.”
Dynasty was created as part of the “Sound of Los Angeles Records” (SOLAR) stable, with Griffey and Leon Sylvers III deliberately assembling a new vocal group to showcase the label’s signature blend of R&B, funk, and pop. Dynasty specialized in light funk and clever dance-pop/R&B, marked by tight rhythm sections, prominent bass and keyboards, layered group harmonies, and polished production—a hallmark of Leon Sylvers III’s work at SOLAR.
Core and principal members over the group’s classic period included: Nidra Beard – lead and background vocals; Linda Carriere – lead and background vocals; Kevin Spencer – keyboards, synthesizer, vocals (often cited as bassist/keyboardist in later summaries); William Shelby – keyboards and vocals, joined as the lineup expanded; Richard Randolph – guitar; Leon Sylvers III – bass, production, songwriting; he formally joined as a performing member around 1981 after already serving as SOLAR’s in-house producer.
These musicians were closely intertwined with other SOLAR acts such as The Sylvers, Shalamar, and The Whispers, often sharing writers, producers, and backing players.
Dynasty’s debut album, Your Piece of the Rock (1979), introduced their mix of R&B, funk, and disco; it reached the Billboard R&B Albums chart and firmly established them within the SOLAR roster. The album’s standout single “I Don’t Want to Be a Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself)” became their first R&B and dance hit, charting on the U.S. soul and disco charts and reaching the UK Singles Chart (top 40, peaking around No. 20).
Their second album, Adventures in the Land of Music (1980), continued the dance-soul direction and included “I’ve Just Begun to Love You,” which became their biggest R&B hit, reaching the U.S. R&B Top 10 (around No. 6).
In 1981, Dynasty released their third album, The Second Adventure, which further refined the SOLAR sound and coincided with Leon Sylvers III formally joining the performing lineup. The Second Adventure generated R&B chart singles such as “Here I Am” and “Love in the Fast Lane,” both making the U.S. R&B Top 40 and receiving significant club play.
Across the first half of the 1980s, Dynasty released a total of five albums on SOLAR, blending upbeat dance tracks, mid-tempo grooves, and ballads, and they remained label mainstays even as overall commercial momentum softened. Despite the early hits, later singles did not duplicate their initial chart success, and the group’s presence became more identified with the broader SOLAR sound than with constant mainstream radio hits.
Dynasty stayed with SOLAR Records through roughly 1988, after which releases and activity slowed as musical tastes shifted toward new jack swing and emerging hip-hop-infused R&B. Some members continued working in music as writers, producers, or performers, particularly within the extended SOLAR and Sylvers creative circle, though Dynasty as a recording group effectively became inactive by the late 1980s.
Their songs, especially “I’ve Just Begun to Love You” and tracks from Adventures in the Land of Music, have been widely sampled and referenced by later R&B and hip-hop artists, helping preserve their reputation among crate-diggers and soul/funk fans. Within the history of West Coast R&B, Dynasty are often cited as one of the groups that helped define the classic SOLAR Records sound alongside acts like Shalamar and The Whispers, even if they had fewer mainstream hits.
Adventures In The Land Of Music
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Gene Dozier
Written-By – Ricky Smith, William Shelby
6:28
A2 Groove Control
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements] – Ben Wright
Arranged By [String Arrangements] – David Crawford
Written-By – Kevin Spencer, Nidra Beard, William Shelby
4:52
A3 Take Another Look At Love
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Gene Dozier
Written-By – Leon Sylvers III
4:24
A4 Day And Night
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Gene Dozier
Written-By – Wardell Potts, William Shelby
6:03
B1 Do Me Right
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Gene Dozier
Written-By – Nidra Beard, William Shelby
6:03
B2 Something To Remember
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Gene Dozier
Written-By – Gene Dozier, Linda Carriere (2), Nidra Beard
4:43
B3 Adventures In The Land Of Music
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Ben Wright
Written-By – Kevin Spencer, Richard Randolph, Ricky Smith
4:19
B4 Ice Breaker
Arranged By [Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements] – Gene Dozier
Written-By – Leon Sylvers III
5:22
Label: Solar – BXL1-3576
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Dynasty’s 1980 album Adventures In The Land Of Music is a acclaimed R&B/funk classic produced by Leon Sylvers III, showcasing tight instrumentation and soulful vocals. Known for its infectious, polished disco-funk grooves and strong, danceable tracks, the album defines the "SOLAR sound" with highlights like the title track, "Groove Control," and "Day and Night".
Leon Sylvers III delivers high-quality production, reminiscent of his work with Shalamar and The Whispers, creating a cohesive, polished feel. The album is considered a "solid" effort, featuring strong, harmonious, and danceable grooves.
Critics highlight the "top-notch musicianship" and the group's unique ability to balance upbeat dance floor fillers with "sultry jams" and romantic soul ballads. It is often described as an "Old Skool classic" that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with acts like Shalamar and The Whispers.
Key Tracks & Highlights:-
"I’ve Just Begun to Love You": The album's biggest commercial success, reaching #6 on the US Billboard R&B chart. It is noted for its infectious bassline and "Chic-influenced" groove.
"Adventures in the Land of Music" (Title Track): Celebrated for its "incredible arrangement," including Earth, Wind & Fire-style horns and jazzy choral vocals.
"Groove Control": A fan favorite praised for its catchy female-led vocal hooks and prominent, driving bassline.
"Day and Night": Recognized as a standout "sultry jam" that showcases the group's vocal prowess.
The album is highly regarded among funk and disco enthusiasts, with its title track famously sampled in Camp Lo’s 1997 hit "Luchini". It captures a 1980s R&B vibe, blending upbeat dance tracks with smoother, soulful moments.
Adventures In The Land Of Music remains a highly regarded, essential listen for fans of late 70s/early 80s, funk and soul. The album maintains strong standing among soul enthusiasts, with a 4.46/5 average on Discogs and a 3.42/5 on Rate Your Music.