The Controllers (R&B band)

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The Controllers
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Background information
Origin	Birmingham, Alabama / USA
Years active	1977-1989
Label(s)	- Juana ( 1977 - 1980 ) - CMP ( Private Label / 1982 ) - MCA ( 1984 - 1987 ) - Capitol ( 1989 )
Website	http://www.insidethejukejoint.com
Former members
- Rickey Lewis - Larry McArthur

This Birmingham, Alabama-based quartet commenced the establishment of their musical reputations in the late seventies. Their more than eloquent vocal style is attributable to the many years spent sharpening their musical skills. Originally part of an eight member gospel group they were down to just four by the time they entered junior high school. Their local notoriety in and around the Birmingham area led to their introduction to Cleve Eaton, bassist for the Ramsey Lewis Trio.Under Eaton’s guidance“The Soul Controllers ” as they were then called, recorded their first single, called “Right On Brother, Right On”. It became a regional hit while they were still attending Fairfield High School.

Their growing reputation brought them to the attention of Juana Records, who signed them in 1975. Their first release on Juana, the “In Control” album immediately scored a smoking top ten hit “People Want Music”. Their second release from the album, “Somebody’s Got Win, Somebody’s Gotta Lose”, proved to be pure gold. It shot to the top of the charts to become the number one song in the country. This song established The Controllers and their unique song stylings.

With the word out about their dynamic singing quality and headlining abilities, they began to open for renown artists such as Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, B.B. King and the Temptations. Whom all readily admitted that the Controllers were now stars to contend with!

In 1983, The Controllers, signed with San Francisco-based manager, the late Jimmy Bee, where they soon landed a recording contract with MCA records. Their first release on the label, “the Controllers” , contained the top 15 single “Crush” (which featured none other than Stevie Wonder on harmonica). The group followed this success in 1986 with the release of “Stay”. The title cut “Stay” was an immediate top 10 hit, as well as their cover of the Marvin Gaye chestnut, “Distant Lover’. These hits led to more than five appearances on “Soul Train”, performances at Radio City Music Hall, as well as Carnegie Hall. During this time, the group also gave stellar performances on MTV, BET’s Video Soul and on HBO.

Under the guidance of Jimmy Bee, the Controllers made the career move to Captitol Records in 1989. With renewed vigor and vision they commenced work on what was to become the “ Just In Time” CD. From the energetic single “Temporary Lovers, with the hot video showing off their vocal and dancing abilities, to the sexy syncopation of “Just In Time” ,the Controllers rekindled their popularity among their loyal following.

After scoring some 15 top 20 hits, two gold albums and three top singles, the dynamic quartet stepped away from the ‘business of show business’ for a much needed rest. Only to return in the late ‘90s ready to scorch the music scene again. Taking creative ‘control’ of their artistic destiny, they joined the Malaco label and released the remarkable CD, entitled “Clear View", containing the chart climber “When I’m Away” and a sizzling remake of Stevie Wonders’ “Superstition”. As well as a re-release of their earlier smash “Somebody’s Gotta Win (Reloaded).”

Currently, the two remaining active “Controllers” , Lenard Brown (bass vocals) and Reginald McArthur (lead vocals) are co-hosts of a syndicated talk show in the southeastern United States called “Inside The Juke Joint”. Where renowned artists, writers, arrangers and musicians gather to talk about their careers and their lives, then and now.

And as always they remain “In Control”.

(Official bio authorized by "The Controllers".)

The Controllers were a vocal soul-band who met in the late 60's at their high school in Farfield , a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Before their professional career took off , by signing their first official contract for Juana Records, they recorded two singles while still at school ; Right On Brother, Right On and Hate Is The Thing, Peace Is The Rap.

( Reference source from Ralph Tee's book ; Who's Who In Soul )