Mixed- Gender Bands
The mixed-gender band or group is an artistic ensemble which combines the voices of women and men. However, the bane of its existence is usually the compulsion by the male constituents of the unit to suppress the female. The fight for dominance often leads to the disintegration of the artistic ensemble which rationalises the paucity of mixed-gender bands, today. Surviving bands usually share intimate bonds through marriage or kinship, but even such ties are challenged and undermined by fame should we consider the stories of ABBA or The Jets, who were torn apart, inspite of their familial relationship.
Shalamar
In cases where intimate relational bonds are absent, the propensity arises whereby the male members attempt an enforcement of dominance with expectations of submission from the female. The band Shalamar fell into obscurity when the founder Dick Griffin who also founded the then Solar Records designated Howard Hewett as the chosen one, while disadvantaging Jody Watley, the only female band member through her placement at the periphery. This triangulation engendered a privilege-driven high handedness on Hewett’s part against Watley, leading to her exit.
The R&B band, Atlantic Starr is reputed to have incessantly changed its female band members due to internal conflicts which impacted the band’s sound over time. Within a span of fifteen years, five female singers had come and gone like Sharon Bryant, Barbara Weathers, Porscha Martin, Rachel Oliver and Crystal Blake.
Lucy Pearl
Furthermore, the band Lucy Pearl was projected as a super band due to the calibre of its members. Dawn Robinson known for her impressive vocals was a member of the iconic female group En Vogue, Raphael Saadiq was a leading member of the R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné!, while Ali Shaheed Muhammad was a DJ and member of The Tribe called Quest. The trio had various musical backgrounds which was expected to factor in their unique delivery with Robinson’s pop soulfulness, Muhammad’s hip-hop style and Saadiq’s multi-facetedness.
However, the group crumbled after an album due to its instigator, Saadiq’s desire for more recognition than Robinson in the scheme of public appearances. Robinson has shared in multiple interviews how Saadiq’s rude and confrontational attitude towards journalists who prioritized her in conversations given her more successful musical antecedent created tension within the group. Apparently, Saadiq craved the same attention accorded a woman, and his vindictiveness would lead to a self-sabotaging mission following Robinson’s unexpected replacement by a little known Joi. The group perished thereafter.
Mother’s Finest
Sade
Nonetheless, it is not all gloomy as certain mixed-gender bands have enjoyed a longevity fostered by members’ inner maturity, commitment and mutual respect. Bands like Mother’s Finest and Sade come to mind with a pretty consistent line-up which has endured since 1970 and 1982, respectively. This post highlights the music made by mixed-gender bands over the years.
ABBA. “Super Trouper” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBjAZvpJDQs Super Trouper (1980).
Ace of Base. “The Sign” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIPPh7AWSt4 The Sign (1993).
Arrested Development. “Fishin’ For Religion” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXuTllIYA_o 3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of…… (1992).
Atlantic Starr. “Love Crazy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EzK-y-gUJ4 Love Crazy (1991).
Black Eyed Peas. “Don’t Lie” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHZ50v3wJ1Q Monkey Business (2005).
DeBarge. “Rhythm Of The Night” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0k0FAlLlK0 Rhythm Of The Night (1985).
Fifth Dimension. “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlrQ-bOzpkQ The Age Of Aquarius (1969).
Fugees. “Ready or Not” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWOa_eeKzO0 The Score (1996).
Gladys Knight & The Pips. “Lovin’ On Next To Nothin’” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lDPmFLpKkE All Our Love (1987).
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. “Let The Beat Hit ‘Em” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-jAjZZWNRk Straight Outta Hell’s Kitchen (1991).
Lucy Pearl. “Dance Tonight” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmPzKXO09aA Lucy Pearl (1999).
Midnight Star. “Curious” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK3U5UUT3PY Planetary Invasion (1984).
Mother’s Finest. “Love Changes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DePNfzgDhA Mother Factor (1978).
Mtume. “Juicy Fruit” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw99In9cK6U Juicy Fruit (1983).
Rufus. “Ain’t Nobody” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBnISf3Rjx8 Stompin’ At The Savoy (1983).
Sade. “Cherish The Day” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7JuCab6yqs Love Deluxe (1992).
Shalamar. “Friends” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2LV9hOyKvc Friends (1982).
Sly and The Family Stone. “Everyday People” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JvkaUvB-ec Stand! (1969).
Soul 2 Soul. “Move Me No Mountain” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cerrNNJPAVo Volume III Just Right (1992).
The Jets. “Make It Real” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf0VE6Aei3Q Magic (1987).
The S.O.S Band. “Take Your Time” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUa5t8ESM-4 S.O.S (1980).
