Curtis Hairston
Curtis Hairston was an American R&B, soul, and funk singer known for his smooth vocals and 1980s hits. Born Curtis Kinnard Hairston on October 10, 1961, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he passed away on January 18, 1996, at age 34 due to kidney failure from lifelong diabetes.
Hairston began singing at age three in church and performed semi-professionally by 13. He attended Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and Winston-Salem State University, with some accounts mentioning training at Juilliard School of Music around 1980.
In the early 1980s, he moved to New York City, where ex-NBA star Earl "The Pearl" Monroe signed him to the new Pretty Pearl Records label. His 1982 debut single "Summertime" led to club success with "I Want You (All Tonight)" in 1983, peaking at No. 35 on US Dance charts and No. 44 in the UK.
Hairston's breakthrough came in 1984 with a cover of Jimmy Cliff's "We All Are One," his first Billboard R&B hit at No. 72. His signature 1985 single "I Want Your Lovin' (Just a Little Bit)" reached No. 13 in the UK, earning a Top of the Pops appearance.
Switching to Atlantic Records in 1986, he released his self-titled debut (and only) album, featuring Luther Vandross on backing vocals; "Chillin' Out" hit No. 57 in the UK. He also sang lead on B.B. & Q. Band's "Genie" (UK Top 40) and provided vocals for Change.
Hairston's last solo single, "The Morning After," arrived in 1987. Health issues forced his return to Winston-Salem in 1992 for dialysis, ending his career prematurely.
Curtis Hairston
5:56
A2 Let's Make Love Tonight
5:33
A3 (You're My) Shining Star
5:49
A4 Hold On (For Me)
6:37
B1 All We Have Is Love
4:47
B2 Take Charge
4:36
B3 The Morning After
5:10
B4 Let Me Change Your Mind
4:55
Label: Atlantic – 81693-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Contemporary R&B, Dance-pop
Curtis Hairston's 1986 self-titled debut (and only solo album) is widely regarded as a hidden gem of mid-80s soul and R&B, celebrated for its "satin-smooth" vocal delivery that earned Hairston frequent comparisons to Luther Vandross.
Musical Highlights:-
"The Morning After": The album's standout track and primary single, featuring a "catchy melodic guitar and keyboard riff".
"Chillin' Out": Highly praised for Hairston's distinctive voice, this track is often cited as the most "striking" song on the album by contemporary reviews from 1986.
The record balances upbeat club grooves like "Take Charge" (reminiscent of the era's electronic R&B) with soulful ballads like "(You're My) Shining Star".
Hairston is lauded as a "versatile performer" with a "deeply melodic and soulful delivery". Produced by Kae Williams Jr. and Greg Radford, the sound is described as "crisp and balanced," though some critics find certain dance tracks formulaic by modern standards.
For decades, the album was a rare find, often commanding high prices until recent remastered reissues on CD. It holds a high user rating of approximately 4.5/5 on Discogs.