The Winstons

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The Winstons is a funk and soul music outfit, based in Washington, D.C., from the 1960s who are most notable for recording a track called "Amen, Brother" (a B-side to the single "Color Him Father" recorded in 1969). "Amen, Brother" is probably the most sampled record of all time. Midway through the track there is a drum solo which has been sampled and used in thousands of hip-hop, pop, drum and bass and jungle tracks. This beat is known as the "Amen break", after the song.

The Winstons line-up included:

• G.C. Coleman (vocals, drums)
• Richard L. Spencer (lead vocals, tenor saxophone)
• Ray Maritano (vocals, alto saxophone)
• Quincy Mattison (vocals, lead guitar)
• Phil Tolotta (second lead, organ)
• Sonny Peckrol (vocals, bass guitar)

Their famous "Amen break" can be heard in thousands of songs, e.g. "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A.. [1]

The Winstons toured as backup for The Impressions.

[edit] Notable songs

• "Color Him Father" - (1969) - Billboard Hot 100 # 7
• "Amen, Brother" - (1969)

[edit] External links

• The Winstons at Allmusic