Donald “Pup” Bolding is a songwriter, guitarist and producer whose talents have taken him from school and church ensembles in Trenton to touring and recording gigs with such hitmakers as Nelly, Case, Deborah Cox and Sarah Dash. He co-produced Sarah Dash’s album, :The Seventh Child, and co-wrote two of the songs.

Michael Ray is a trumpeter known for his work with the Sun Ra Arkestra and Kool and the Gang, as well as for leadership of his own ensemble, Michael Ray and the Cosmic Krewe. In addition to his work as a performer, he worked with his friend and Kool and the Gang bandmate Clifford Adams […]

Roy Richardson is a vocalist, saxophonist and flautist whose work ranges from jazz to R&B, Gospel and musical theater. From the artist’s bio: “Roy started playing flute at the age of 9. He performed in his first talent show when he was 14 and at that point was addicted to music.   The next year […]

From the artist’s Philly.com obituary: T.J. TINDALL, 65, the legendary Philly Soul guitarist on 38 gold and platinum hits, including the O’Jays’ “Back Stabbers” and the Trammps’ “Disco Inferno,” died Tuesday after a long, private battle with cancer. Mr. Tindall, whose bronze plaque is on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame on Broad Street, […]

As schoolboys, drummer Scotty Miller and bassist Raymond Earl formed the nucleus of the band that became Instant Funk in the mid-1960s. Billboard summarizes their impact: The Trenton, NJ, band started out with the core lineup of bassist Raymond Earl, drummer Scotty Miller, and guitarist Kim Miller. It later expanded to include keyboardist Dennis Richardson; lead […]

From the artist’s Allmusic.com biography by Ed Hogan: Trenton, NJ-born guitarist/bassist Raymond Earl was an integral member of Philly soul band Instant Funk, who in turn was part of MFSB, the studio aggregation that was the house band for Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff’s Philadelphia International Records. Earl followed the lead of his older brothers, […]

From the Allmusic.com biography by Ed Hogan It may come as a surprise to some that fast-as-quicksilver rhythm guitarist Kim Miller of ’70s Philly soul band Instant Funk likes smooth jazz groups like the Rippingtons, but it’s true. Then again, listen to Miller‘s songs, which are sprinkled throughout the recordings he did with Instant Funk […]

The TNJs were a popular 1960s R&B band whose musicians included Robert Earl and the Millers Brothers (Scott and Kim.) They released two singles:  “She’s Not Ready,”  on the Newark record label with Lou Henderson as composer and producer, and  “I think I’m Falling in Love” on the Cameo/Parkway label with Bunny Sigler as producer. […]

From the artist’s website: From her beginnings with Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles (the sweethearts of The Apollo Theater); to LaBelle (a trio made up of Patti LaBelle and Sarah Dash) — the groundbreaking rock funk band of the 70s; followed by a stunning solo career; and then inducted into The Rhythm & Blues Foundations’ Hall […]