"Be My Girl", "Me and Mrs. Jones", "Whatcha See" When I'm off the road, that's what I do at home. I've done several gospel stuff and I want to record a gospel albuma solo album. Christmas / The Christmas Song / It's Christmas Time / A Holiday Thought Many of the Dramatics' songs initially were written and produced by Tony Hester, including all the tracks on the first two Volt albums. L.J. I did that one when we first started out, the suits where everyone would wear a different color. 04/25 - Cheers - The Complete Series (Blu-ray) "Somewhere In Time" contains a medley of the group's biggest hits, but like onstage medleys, it's disappointing. Greatest Hits Live documents a 2001 concert at the Palace Theater in New Haven, CT, where the five-man lineup consists of Ron Banks, L.J. Whatca Get / In The Rain / The Devil Is Dope / And I Panicked / You know how some rappers these days will go and cut an album together, it didn't happen before. Instead, we signed with Stax, which was the alternative. 8, 2007 - You are truly missed. Winzell: I love steak and potatoes! The Dells Winzell: Shemar Moore from "Soul Train" could play me. Q: While most groups have either disbanded or gone through so many lineup changes, I think it's amazing that you guys have stayed together for so many years. It won't be easy! She sent me a email cause i've been on The Dramatics website before. HAHAHAHA! IN MEMORY OF WILLIE FORD, RON BANKS, LENNY MAYS, WILLIAM - YouTube They've sang on Snoop Dogg's Doggy Dogg World hit song in 93. The Dynamics When the Dramatics disbanded after their 1982 album "Somewhere In Time," he pursued a solo career. The Dramatics (formerly The Dynamics) are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. I play a lot of Dramatic records. Willie: Yes, I've written several that I'm anxious to finish. New York -- cause: ? Maddy (Gut Bucket Mix) / Blessings (A Tribute To I hear music all of the time. The Dramatics - IMDb (members Dance Your Troubles Away / I Get Carried Away // Be My Girl / After This I do a little bit of real estate, and my wife, Taleda, and I are going to get into adult foster care. Whatcha Get His warm smile and electric personality would light up Suits, jackets, anything comfortable. So I think it's combination of the fact that we do like each other and we understand that the Dramatics is basically the foundation for financial support. With over 38 charted hits to date, the Dramatics have displayed a distinctive sound that has transcended time, music genres, and generations alike. Sometimes I go and dress like a gangsta. ABC12429 - Why Do You Want Me To Do Wrong / Yo' Love (Can Only This was the lineup that you might have seen on Soul Train, the lineup that found success with "In the Rain" in 1972. I just like dressing. Single Release) The follow-ups "In The Rain" and "Toast to the Fool" were even better, and have remained in active play on many stations ever since. Of course, it's going to have some Dramatics stuff on it as well. However, the Dramatics were around before the '70s -- the group's original lineup was formed in 1962 -- and they were still active when the 21st century arrived. : I've been thinking of putting an ultimate website together. Read on to find out what they said. In the mid-1980s Howard returned to the fold and recorded a couple of albums with the group before quitting again a few years later. / Get It (Short Version) - 1980(12" Release) Sometimes I go and dress like a college kid. They gotta have a great big smile! Him? The Dramatics popularity continued with mostly R&B Top 20 successes throughout the disco era, with Welcome Back Home entering the R&B Top Ten just once more in 1980. Did the same thing for the Temptations. Q: Are there any upcoming projects? RON BANKS,LENNY MAYS, W. "WEE GEE" HOWARD,ELBERT WILKINS, &TONY HESTER. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Lenny Mayes (53169150)? Line Woman / That's My Favorite Song / I But I might do a play, I plan to also produce a movieI'd like to get into film, and I'm waiting to get the urge to write a new album. Joy Riding With Detroit's Dramatics | Ann Arbor District Library - AADL L.J. - Your presence is missed but not forgotten-Squirrel : I'm pretty sure it will. 05/23 - Go On - The Complete Series Lenny was with them performing. Lenny: Yes, about 3 or 4. miss him but I know his legacy will live on through his family, his music and his many friends around the world. 03/28 - Rick and Morty - Season 8 (Blu-ray) (DVD) Q: Other than the Dramatics, of course, what other singers do you listen to? Q: Is there anything that you would like your fans to know about you? We realized that we're better together than apart. Winzell: I like Ginuwine, Chante, Toni Braxton, Dave Hollister, Jeffrey Osbourne, B2K, JaRule. Tracks: Aces / If You Come Back To Me / I Wish That You Were Here With I do a little bit of real estate, and my wife, Taleda, and I are going to get into adult foster care. I also hope it attracts up-and-coming artists. Q: What plans do you have for an official website, if any? WBSS Media-Lenny Mayes // Playin' The Love Game - The Dells / I listen to elevator music, classics, jazzJazz soothes my mind and soul. I hold the position that Squirrel held. The Dramatics are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. (The CD cover depicts the Dramatics with a newer member who wasn't around when this was recorded.) This spurred some legal proceedings between the original Dramatics and the Howard/Wilkens version, forcing the former group to re-name themselves as Rob Banks and the Dramatics. Bring Me Happiness) 1978 Then there was the guy who's with the Temptations now, Bo, then a guy named Craig, then a guy named Steve, and finally me. We love you still - Squirrel, Nov. 8, 2006 - Rest in Peace my friend - Squirrel, Nov. 8, 2005 - I miss you my friend. In 1980, L.J Reynolds left in the group to pursue a solo career and the group later disbanded in 1982. Lenny: Yes, but my main interest is in real estate. In 1968 William Wee Gee Howard replaced lead singer Larry Reed and bass singer Willie Ford, formally of the Capitols replaced Rob Davis. Sadly, more core members of the group died in the next decade, with Banks passing in 2010 and Ford in 2019, and there were some legal wranglings over the group name. June 5, 2019 Willie "Sugar Bear" Ford Jr., one of the earliest members of The Dramatics, passed away May 28 in Detroit at the age of 68. His warm smile and electric personality would light up the stage where the Dramatics performed. When you try to hide it from them, it just gets worse, cuz they'll listen to it anyway. The Dramatics | SoulTracks - Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews Winzell: I love steak and potatoes! To Be Wild (Extended Version) /// Born To Be Wild (Radio Edit) / Born Q: Are there any songs that you don't or didn't let your kids listen to? Loving You / Highway To Heaven / Get Up And Get Down Above and Beyond Band What about Paul Williams? The Dramatics are a one of a kind group, and each member is very special. I found this out from this old white woman who's a fan of their music. But right now, I don't have an actual tour schedule with me. Volt 4058 - Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get* / Thankful For You Love - 1971 Think About You / Get With The Band And Dance // Life Is Just A Love Again (Short Instrumental) (4:10) / Try Love Again (Long Remix) -. I'll also be doing another solo album. It went to the Hot 100s Top 10 hit and sold over a million copies, earning a gold status. Willie: I haven't had too much success in stopping my kids from listening to what they want. Q: Lenny and Willie, are you planning on writing and producing some songs of your own? A Little Bit / If You Love Me // Let's Make Luv Flow / This Love Is For Real 1984, Striped Horse Sh1214 - Born However, producer Don Davis re-signed them to Stax subsidiary, Volt in 1971 after the group teamed up with Detroit writer-producer, Tony Hester. The Dramatics - Greatest Hits Live Album Reviews, Songs & More - AllMusic The Dramatics without LJ Reynolds appeared on The Scene to promote their new album in 1980. Sport 101 - If You Haven't Got Love / All Because Of You - 1967 I'm from the old school! ABC 12090 - Me And Mrs. Jones / I Cried All The Way Home 1975 : Rollerskating, I used to be able to roller-skate, playing instruments, I play several instruments, including the piano, keyboard, bassI'm playing bass on a couple of songs that I wrote. Get Off My Mountain // Toast To The Fool / Now You Got Me Willie: My offstage style is comfort. They also sang on Snoop Dogg's Ballin song on his Paid The Cost To Be The Boss cd. L.J. Lenny: I knew you were gonna ask that! L.J. The Dramatics have worked with many diverse R&B acts, including Snoop Dog, and continue to tour. Troubled Water / Please Say You'll Be Mine - 1989 (12" I did that one when we first started out, the suits where everyone would wear a different color. Lenny: Yeahactually, my girlfriend's mother owns a transcription company. Original lead William "Wee Gee" Howard ("In the Rain") reunites with Ron Banks, Lenny Mayes, Willie Ford, and L.J. Games / Music / Movies / Sports. 8, 2010 Q: What plans do you have for an official website, if any? - Squirrel. Willie: Yes, I've written several that I'm anxious to finish. 01/27 - Master of None - Season Three / The Complete Series Lenny Mayes The "Outgoing" Dramatic Born Leonard Cornell Mayes on April 5, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan He attended Pershing High School, along with Larry Demps and Elbert Wilkins. - The Complete Series (VEI) I forgot how old he was. Though Jazz was the music genre that brought them together, they each have the skill set and flair to perform any style of music, whether Jazz, R&B/Soul, Easy Listening, Blues, Classical or Holiday, the blend of sounds by Above and Beyond Band will leave the listener longing for more. Usually, I basically stay at home, doing a little pilling around the house, and taking care of my daughter, and my mom's not been feeling too well. I forgot how old he was. Detroit group 1964 Didn't you read my post? Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins in 1973. Q: Have you decided which actors will play you in the movie? Q: Who will be doing the writing of the book and the movie? Menu. 018 - Bingo / Somewhere 1966 Willie: Years ago. W-Music) Turn On The Music / You Promised To Be My Girl / How Can I Be : I'm pretty sure it will. Nov. 8, 2007 - You are truly missed. / Hey You! They needed to have a major overhaul in their roster in hopes of making it big. Winzell: I love singing all of them. . Davis, then Banks and Reynolds took over production later in the 1970s and the early 1980s. Dramatics founder Ron Banks, 58, dies | Reuters Lenny Mayes Of The Dramatics Died! - Prince I wrote songs for a lot of artists, and I've even got a solo album. ABC 955 - Joy Ride - 1976 I just hope it will be able to be done. Melvin Franklin? And when I said that, that became the song that I wrote for him. nature of the group. I like to be comfortable. The Sensations What ensued was a cascade of hits and fan favorites that include the top 10 Fell For You (A Dramatic Experience, 1973), And I Panicked (Dramatically Yours, 1974), Door To Your Heart (The Dells vs. I'd like to thank each and every one of the Dramatics for taking the time out to do this interview, and to those of you who helped me to set it up. I'd love to do "Baby Boo"I'd LOVE to do it LIVE! Willie: Years ago. 05/30 - Looney Tunes Collector's Choice - Volume 1 (Blu-ray) I spend a lot of time with my mother, who lives about five minutes away by car. Howard and Wilkens then formed their own group and billed themselves as the Dramatics. The Dramatics They are best known for their 1970s hit songs \"In the Rain\" and \"Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get\", both of which were Top 10 Pop hits,[1] as well as their later 1993 collaboration \"Doggy Dogg World\" with Snoop Dogg, a top 20 hit on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40.The Dramatics, founded by Ron Banks, Willie Ford and Larry Reed, originally formed in 1964, recording as the Dynamics in 1965. They were replaced by Larry James \"L.J.\" Reynolds and Leonard \"Lenny\" Mayes (who died of lung cancer on November 8, 2004, at the age of 53). Back to the blog start page. Reed, Rob Davis, Elbert Wilkins, ABC Dm-4 - Shake It Well Release) MCA? Bell 5 - Toy Soldier / Hello Summer 1968 The Dramatics Lenny: Probably "I Cried All the Way Home". They are as special to me as I am to them. They re-signed in 1971, and with Hesters production, released their first national hit, Whatcha See is Whatcha Get. T he songs reached number 3 on the R&B charts and they soon followed up with their another top ten hit, Get Up and Get Down. In the Rain, released in 1972, proved to be their first number one single, topping the R&B charts for four weeks as well as reaching the top five on the pop charts. Lonely / Highway To Heaven / Beautiful Feeling / Toast To The Fool / Lenny Mayes joined the group in 1973 and passed away in 2004 after a long battle with lung cancer. Lenny Mayes (1951-2004) - Find a Grave Memorial Song Review by Andrew Hamilton. 05/23 - The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - The Complete Season Eleven / The Complete Season Twelve L.J. Anchored by Willie Ford, one of the strongest bass singers on the planet, the quintet features the alternating leads of high tenor Banks and low tenor/baritone Reynolds. I just hope it will be able to be done. His performances on stage and on records are a testament to his incredible talent and professionalism. : All of us will do our own version of reliving what we think happened, cause everybody has their own version of what happened. The Dramatics - Lenny Mays Leads a song | The Dramatics: In Memory of Lenny Mays Please Subscribe: @NatMorrisChannelThis clip of The Dramatics features Leonard Cornell Mayes bka \"Lenny Mays\" on lead vocals.