Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose
Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose was a family soul group from Dania Beach, Florida, active from 1970 to 1976. They achieved fame with hits like "Treat Her Like a Lady" and "Too Late to Turn Back Now."
The group formed around siblings Edward "Eddie" Cornelius (born 1943, main songwriter), Carter Cornelius (1948–1991), and Rose Cornelius, initially as the Cornelius Brothers in the mid-1960s. Rose, who had performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1967 and toured with Gospel Jazz Singers, joined at her mother's urging; childhood friend Cleveland E. Barrett was an early member but died in a car accident before their success. Sister Billie Jo Cornelius joined in 1972.
Signed to United Artists after auditioning for producer Bob Archibald and managed early by Dionne Warwick's father, they debuted with "Treat Her Like a Lady" (1971, No. 3 Hot 100, gold-certified). Follow-ups included "Too Late to Turn Back Now" (1972, No. 2 Hot 100, also gold), "I'm Never Gonna Be Alone Anymore" (1973), and "Don't Ever Be Lonely" (1974). Their self-titled album hit No. 29 on the Billboard 200.
The group disbanded by 1976. Eddie pursued solo albums in the 1980s, became a pastor, and founded Blood of Lamb Ministries in 1995 (later in Atlanta). Surviving members sued Capitol Records in 2001 over royalties, but the case was dismissed. Carter died in 1991.
Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose
Written-By – E. Cornelius
3:22
A2 I'm So Glad (To Be Loved By You)
Written-By – C. Cornelius, E. Cornelius
2:57
A3 Let Me Down Easy
Written-By – E. Cornelius
3:00
A4 Don't Ever Be Lonely (A Poor Little Fool Like Me)
Written-By – E. Cornelius
2:58
A5 Gonna Be Sweet For You
Written-By – E. Cornelius
3:25
B1 I'm Never Gonna Be Alone Anymore
Written-By – C. Cornelius, E. Cornelius
2:37
B2 Good Loving Don't Come Easy
Written-By – E. Cornelius
2:57
B3 Treat Her Like A Lady
Written-By – E. Cornelius
2:42
B4 Just Ain't No Love (Like A Lady's)
Written-By – E. Cornelius
2:44
B5 Lift Your Love Higher
Written-By – E. Cornelius
3:20
B6 Let's Stay Together
Written-By – Green, Jackson, Mitchell
3:05
Label: United Artists Records – UAS-5568
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
The 1972 self-titled debut album by Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose is a standout early '70s soul record featuring the smash hits "Treat Her Like a Lady" and "Too Late to Turn Back Now". The album, peaking at #29 on the pop charts, blends smooth, uplifting soul with funkier, horn-heavy arrangements. It is widely praised for having no filler tracks, featuring memorable, melodic songwriting by Eddie Cornelius.
Key Tracks:-
"Too Late to Turn Back Now": The album’s standout hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is praised as a "phenomenal, catchy ballad" that remains an oldies radio staple today.
"Treat Her Like a Lady": A driving, funky track described by some as having a "bullseye blend of rock and soul elements".
"Don't Ever Be Lonely (A Poor Little Fool Like Me)": Often cited as a "grower" that showcases the group's melodic strength beyond their biggest hits.
"Let Me Down Easy": A fan-favorite smooth soul track frequently highlighted in modern reviews as an "underrated gem".
The production is characterized by rich, layered strings and horns, giving it a polished yet soulful sound. Features tight family harmonies, with Rose Cornelius providing distinct, powerful background and supporting vocals.
While popular with mainstream audiences for its crossover appeal, some contemporary soul listeners found it slightly less gritty than other funk/soul artists of the era.
The album is regarded as a "classic" or "masterpiece" of its time, capturing a brief but incredibly successful moment for the Florida-based family group.
Overall, the album holds a strong 4.1/5 average rating on Discogs and is recommended for fans of early '70s soul who appreciate sophisticated production and memorable melodies.