Chairmen Of The Board
Chairmen of the Board is an influential American-Canadian soul music group that was formed in 1969 in Detroit, Michigan. Initially called the Gentlemen, the group underwent a name change before releasing their first recordings. They were one of the first acts to be signed by the iconic songwriting and production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, which contributed significantly to their early success.
The original lineup of Chairmen of the Board consisted of General Norman Johnson, Eddie Custis, Harrison Kennedy, and Danny Woods. General Johnson served as the lead vocalist and was a key figure in the group's creative direction . The group is recognized for their smooth blend of soul and R&B, characterized by rich harmonies and relatable lyrics, which became prominent during the 1970s and 1980s.
The Chairmen of the Board achieved their greatest commercial success in the 1970s, with hits such as "Give Me Just a Little More Time," which topped the charts and solidified their status in the music industry. They gained popularity for their upbeat tracks, often characterized by an infectious rhythm and feel-good lyrics that resonated with a wide audience. Their music not only appealed to soul enthusiasts but also enjoyed crossover success in the pop market.
Over the span of their career, Chairmen of the Board has left a lasting impact on the soul and R&B genres. They have been credited with influencing subsequent artists and have maintained a loyal fanbase, performing extensively even decades after their peak in the music scene. Their contributions to the genre are recognized as significant, ensuring their place in the history of American music.
While the group faced challenges over the years, including changes in personnel and shifts in the music industry, they have continued to perform and record new material. Their legacy as pioneers of soul music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Overall, Chairmen of the Board remains a noteworthy name in the history of American soul music, celebrated for their artistry and enduring influence.
Bittersweet
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 5:21
A2 So Glad You're Mine
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 4:15
A3 Working On A Building Of Love
Written-By – Holland-Dozier-Holland 3:55
A4 I'm A Sign Of Changing Times
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 5:42
A5 Elmo James
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 4:18
B1 I'm On My Way To A Better Place
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 4:04
B2 Bittersweet
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 5:09
B3 Saginaw County Line
Written-By – General Johnson, Greg Perry 4:09
B4 Weary Traveler
Written-By – General Johnson 5:12
Label: Invictus – ST-9801
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Chairmen of the Board's 1972 album Bittersweet is praised as a strong soul record with funky, heavy grooves, showcasing General Johnson's powerful vocals and strong songwriting from Holland-Dozier-Holland (HDH) and the group, featuring standout tracks like "I'm On My Way to a Better Place," "Elmo James," and "Working On A Building Of Love," despite not yielding major hits, it's noted for its depth, incorporating gospel, Sly Stone-esque funk, and even a quirky anti-war track, making it a solid, engaging listen for soul fans.
A heavy, funky soul sound with a fuzzy edge, reminiscent of other Invictus label artists, blending gospel and evolving 70s funk. General Johnson's passionate, soaring vocals are a major strength, elevating the material.
The album explores diverse themes, from gospel fervor ("Working On A Building Of Love") to Sly Stone influences ("I'm A Sign Of Changing Times") and even a strange anti-war song ("Men Are Getting Scarce").
Critics praise Bittersweet as the group's most consistent album to that point, benefiting from the departure of member Eddie Custis, which allowed them to focus on original, contemporary soul rather than middle-of-the-road ballad covers.
Overall, Bittersweet is seen as a strong, consistent album that goes beyond the group's hit singles, offering a funkier and more socially conscious sound. The album has a solid average user rating of over 4 stars out of 5 on platforms like Discogs.
Chairmen Of The Board
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
2:38
A2 Come Together
Written-By – J. Lennon-P. McCartney
3:50
A3 Bless You
Written-By – N. Johnson, R. Dunbar
2:49
A4 Patches
Written-By – N. Johnson, R. Dunbar
3:31
A5 Since The Days Of Pigtails & Fairytales
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
2:41
A6 I'll Come Crawling
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
2:38
B1 You've Got Me Dangling On A String
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
3:00
B2 Bravo, Hooray
Written-By – Norman Johnson
3:12
B3 Didn't We
Written-By – Jimmy Webb
2:41
B4 Feelin' Alright?
Written-By – Dave Mason
3:40
B5 My Way
Written-By – Francois, Revaux, Anka
3:57
B6 Tricked & Trapped
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
3:20
Label: Invictus – ST-7300
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The 1970 self-titled debut album by Chairmen of the Board is widely regarded as a cornerstone of early '70s soul, marking the first major success for the Invictus label founded by legendary producers Holland-Dozier-Holland after they left Motown.
Critics and fans praise the "Motown-level polish" combined with a "fresh, funky edge". The album is often described as an "iconic debut" that helped define the Carolina Beach Music sound.
Reviews frequently highlight the "quirky, hiccup-laden" and "raspy" lead vocals of General Norman Johnson, which gave the group a distinct identity separate from their Motown contemporaries.
Notable Tracks:-
"Give Me Just a Little More Time": The album's massive standout hit, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over a million copies.
"(You've Got Me) Dangling on a String": Another top-40 hit known for its infectious beat and soul polish.
"Patches": The original version of this track, co-written by General Johnson, appears on this album; it later became a Grammy-winning hit for Clarence Carter.
The album includes soulful re-imaginings of popular hits like John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Come Together" and the standard "My Way".
The album debuted on the Billboard Top LPs chart on May 2, 1970, and peaked at No. 133 during a 10-week chart run. It remains a definitive example of the transition from 1960s soul to 1970s funk. On modern platforms, it maintains strong retrospective ratings, such as a 4.13/5 on Discogs.
In Session
Written-By – Holland-Dozier
3:34
A2 Everything's Tuesday
Written-By – D. Dumas, E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
2:48
A3 Pay To The Piper
Written-By – Angelo Bond, G. Johnson, G. Perry, R. Dunbar
3:05
A4 Twelfth Of Never
Written-By – Jerry Livingston, Paul Francis Webster
3:13
A5 All We Need Is Understanding
Written-By – E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
2:55
A6 Patches
Written-By – G. Johnson, R. Dunbar
3:22
B1 It Was Almost Something
Written-By – Raynard Miner, William Witherspoon
2:41
B2 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Written-By – Paul Simon
5:19
B3 Hanging On To A Memory
Written-By – D. Dumas, E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
4:13
B4 I Can't Find Myself
Written-By – G. Johnson, G. Perry, R. Dunbar
2:33
B5 When Will She Tell Me She Needs Me
Written-By – E. Wayne, G. Johnson, R. Dunbar
3:06
B6 Children Of Today
Written-By – William Witherspoon
3:17
Label: Invictus – SKAO-7304
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Chairmen of the Board's In Session (1970) is praised as a transitional Soul/Funk album, blending classic Motown vibes with emerging psychedelic funk, featuring hits like "Pay to the Piper" and "All We Need Is Understanding," showcasing General Johnson's unique vocals and production by Holland-Dozier-Holland, offering a rich, nostalgic, and often overlooked gem from the era.
The album benefits from HDH's signature sound, giving it that strong Motown flavor, even for this Detroit-based group, according to this Facebook post. It includes their popular track "Pay to the Piper," featuring Danny Woods on lead vocals, and other fan favorites like "All We Need Is Understanding".
The album captures the shift from 60s soul to 70s funk, with standout tracks like the psychedelic "Hanging Onto a Memory," noted for its fuzz guitar and potential P-Funk involvement. Lead singer General Johnson's distinctive, hiccup-laden voice shines, though Danny Woods also takes the lead on "Pay to the Piper," making it a varied vocal experience.
It's considered a "killer" album by fans, described as a unique blend of funk, soul, and beach music, with many appreciating its deep cuts beyond the big hits.
Overall Vibe: In Session is seen as a strong, enjoyable listen, offering both the catchy appeal of mainstream soul and deeper, funkier cuts that highlight the band's versatility, making it a favorite for those into vintage soul and the birth of funk.