The Manhattans, a popular R&B group from the ’60s, whose songs “Shining Star” and “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” is the next to be featured on an episode of TV One’s “Unsung.” Winfred “Blue” Lovett, Richard Taylor, Kenny Kelley, George “Smitty” Smith and Sonny Bivins originally formed the group in New Jersey and soon signed to Carnival Records.
Due to illness, Smith had to step down from the group, and Phil Terrell took his place temporarily, and was soon replaced by Gerald Alston as lead vocalist, according to their official website. They scored a top 20 hit in 1972 with “One Life to Live” and made their way to Columbia Records. It was at Columbia where they earned their first number one hit, “Kiss and Say Goodbye.” In 1980, they won a Grammy for “Shining Star.” They decided to add a female vocalist to the group, and Regina Belle fit the bill.
When lead Gerald Alston decided to pursue his solo career, the rest of the group decided to try their hand in different areas of the music industry.
Take a look at a preview of The Manhattans’ “Unsung” below.
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The Manhattans are featured on tomorrow night’s “Unsung” episode. Watch a sneak peek below, and tune in to the full episode on Wednesday on TV One, at 8 p.m. EST.
