| Brownstone | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genre(s) | R&B Hip hop |
| Years active | 1994 – 1998 2008 |
| Label(s) | MJJ Music/Epic/SME Records (1994-1997) |
| Associated acts | Michael Jackson Tatyana Ali Quo |
| Former members | |
| Nicci Gilbert (1994-1998, 2007-) Maxee Maxwell (1994-1998, 2007-) Mimi Doby (1994-1995) Kina Cosper (1995-1998) Racquel Roberts (2007-2008) Teisha Brown (2008-) |
|
Brownstone was a Grammy Award-nominated female contemporary R&B group, popular during the mid-1990s that has began a revival in 2007. It is best known for its 1995 hit single "If You Love Me." The group also had some success with the singles "Grapevyne," "Pass the Lovin'," and "I Can't Tell You Why," the latter of which a song originally recorded by the Eagles.
Contents |
Group history
The three original members of Brownstone were Monica "Mimi" Doby , Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell and Nichole "Nicci" Gilbert. The group was founded in Los Angeles, California, after the three singers met each other after going to different auditions around the city. They formed the group, and less than a year later were signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music record label. The group recorded its debut album, From the Bottom Up, which spawned the hit "If You Love Me." In 1995, the group earned a Grammy Award nomination and a Billboard Music Award.
After extensive touring around the globe, Doby left the group after what was released in the media in an interview with BET Video Soul host Donnie Simpson as a medical problem of bronchitis. It was later revealed, through radio interviews, to be because of internal strife with the other two members of the group. She was replaced by Kina Cosper and after a difficult transition period, Brownstone had a brief showing with "5 Miles to Empty".
During the group's down time, Gilbert has had small roles in a few movies and TV. She also released a solo album titled Grown Folks Music. Maxwell had an on-off career in Europe as a recording artist. Cosper released a self titled solo album, and is currently working on a second album plus Doby left the music industry and is a teacher with two children.
Brownstone had a brief attempt for a comeback in 2007, where they welcomed vocal talent Racquel Roberts to the group. They performed in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta, GA.
On April 28th, 2009, Maxee Maxwell of Brownstone confirmed that the group had not disbanded. The group is said to be recording new material for an album with an anticipated release date in late 2009.
Discography
Albums
| Album | Release Date | Peak Position | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| From the Bottom Up | January 10, 1995 | #29 | Platinum |
| Still Climbing | June 24, 1997 | #51 | Gold |
| All for Love | October 31, 2000 | – | – |
Singles
| Year | Title | Album | U.S. | U.S. R&B | U.S. Dance | UK Singles Chart[1] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | "If You Love Me" | From the Bottom Up | 8 | 2 | – | 8 |
| 1995 | Grapevyne | From the Bottom Up | 49 | 6 | – | 16 |
| 1995 | "I Can't Tell You Why" | From the Bottom Up | 54 | 22 | – | 27 |
| 1995 | "Freedom" | Panther soundtrack | 38 | 18 | – | – |
| 1997 | "5 Miles to Empty" | Still Climbing | 39 | 6 | 38 | 12 |
| 1997 | "Kiss and Tell" | Still Climbing | – | 41 | – | 21 |
| 2008 | "Stand By Me" | N/A | – | – | – | – |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 1995 | Billboard Music Award for Top Hot R&B Singles Airplay for "If You Love Me" |
| 1995 | Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Singles Artist - Duos/Group |
| 1995 | Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Singles Artist |
| 1995 | Billboard Music Award nomination for Top New R&B Artist |
| 1995 | Billboard Music Award nomination for Top R&B Artist - Duos/Group |
| 1995 | Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Singles & Tracks for "If Your Love Me" |
| 1995 | Grammy Award nomination for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Duo or Group ("If You Love Me")[2] |
| 1995 | Lady of Soul Music Award nomination for Best R&B/Soul Song of the Year for "If You Love Me" [3] |
References
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 83. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ Theenvelope.latimes.com
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=zAsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22&vq=brownstone&source=gbs_search_r&cad=1_0
- Billboard.com (2006) Discography - Brownstone
- Billboard.com (2006) Artist Chart History - Brownstone
External links
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