Coming from Los Angeles this disco soul group had a big bite of the 1970s chart action on both sides of the Atlantic. The group formed out of several backing groups. Eventually they were put in contact with Norman Whitfield. But, the group went through a number of name changes before Rose Royce.
Whitfield had been asked to do the soundtrack for a new film called Car Wash. The song went to No.1 in the States and No. 9 in the UK. The follow up single was also from the film and tells of a mans love for a woman who just does not pick up on his message. The song was called I Want To Get Next To You.
The group had one more top thirty hit in 1977 with Do Your Dance Part One. In 1978 a top three hit with a beautiful ballad song called Wishing On A Star written by Billie Rae Calvin and Norman Whitfield. The song is all about a woman hoping to get her man back. Same year a No. 16 hit with It Makes You Feel Like Dancin.
The last hit of 1978 would be a gold single and the highest UK hit they would have with Love Don't Live Here Anymore with lead singer Gwen Dicky producing a great sound.
1979 and the group had their last top twenty hit with Is It Love You're After.
BAILEY RITZ Interviews GWEN DICKEY
Also see 70s music podcast
