Say the name Rose Royce and you automatically think “Car Wash”, “I Wanna Get Next To You” or “Wishing On A Star”. The Los Angeles based group had a string of formidable hits from 1976 through 1981. Once they parted ways with then lead singer Gwen Dickey, producer Norman Whitfield and changed labels in one tumultuous period – they all but turned invisible. Back then we record buyers were so into the band/label connection we just knew that a label change or ANY change meant we would move on.
Radio felt the same way. From 1981 thru 1986, Rose Royce was on 4 different labels with almost as many different producers and lead singers. The absence of a supportive major label system meant that the band didn’t have a chance to regain the superstar traction they once had. Philadelphia based Omni Records gave them a decent budget and distribution through Warner Bros, only to have this fine performance by the band – featuring new singer Ricci Benson and guest star Grover Washington, Jr. on the song “Lonely Road” – fare no better than number 45 on the Billboard R&B top 50. Soul Trackers, is this a Lost Gem? Or does it belong in the same “Timeless Music” conversation with “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” or “I’m Going Down”?
Rose Royce and Grover Washington
“Lonely Road”
