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Though the Watts 103rd St. Band are not yet a big act in Britain, they have established themselves as one of the top attractions in their homeland.
Via such hits as 'Do Your Thing', 'Love Land' and, currently, 'Express Yourself', they have become Warner Bros. spearhead into R&B. Whilst I was in New York, the Watts Band were making their initial stab at the lucrative Eastern markets. As well as several important coast-to-coast TV spots, they spent nearly a week at Ungano's, probably the most significant and 'in' club in New York. And, by all accounts, the band went down a storm.
The band is fronted by guitarist and pianist, Charles Wright, a very shy and well mannered gentleman who just happens to be one of the nicest people I've ever interviewed. The name of the group is derived from the fact that the Watts is the black community within Los Angeles, and 103rd St. is the main street that runs through Watts. The group identifies itself with Watts in that many of the members live or lived in Watts. The actual name was chosen by Bill Cosby, the comedian, and Fred Smith, who managed the group until a couple of years ago. Fred may be remembered for his work with the Olympics, Jackie Lee and Bob & Earl.
Charles himself hails from Clarksville, Mississippi, a home town that he shares with Jimmy Reed, and he was born there on April 6, 1941, though he moved to Los Angeles ten years later. His first encounter with show business came in the mid-50's when he sang with a group known as the Twilighters. Their only success came via a number called 'Eternally'. The group didn't stay together, sadly, and Charles moved on to the Galahads, who also had a couple of regional hits, 'Lonely Guy', and 'I'm Without A Girlfriend'.
Charles' first major break came when he sang lead with his next group, the Shields, on their million seller, 'You Cheated', on the Dot label. This was in 1958 and the group consisted of Charles, James Warren, Charles Jackson and Chuck Jackson. Chuck was with the group for only a short time straight after leaving the Del-Vikings and he didn't record as lead voice though he was in the background on 'You Cheated'.
However, the group didn't last too long. Charles' ambition was to create a 'Watts Band' even then. He believed that his group had to learn to play instruments to survive -- a fact that was proven shortly after. He wanted to create as good a sound on stage as was made in the studios. This, of course, is an admirable belief and one that is firmly instituted in the Watts Band of today.
Charles then spent the ensuing eight years building the Watts Band under the guise of Charles Wright and the Wright Sounds. The latter name stuck until Messrs. Cosby and Smith arrived on the scene. But, during these eight years, Charles did not sit by idly. His superb guitar playing was put to use frequently creating success for other artists. He spent some time as A&R Director for Del-Fi Records and produced million-selling one-shot, 'Those Oldies But Goodies' by Little Caesar and the Romans. Unfortunately, Charles could not recall the names of the members of the group but they didn't even last the year out anyway!
Whilst with Del-Fi, he also produced his own group, the Galahads. From 1965, he spent most of his time as a studio guitarist. It's strange really because he is happiest playing piano!
The year 1967 brought Fred Smith and Bill Cosby into the picture. They immediately redubbed the group Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band in an attempt to give the group an identity. They made one record for the local Keymen Records, 'Spreadin' Honey'. The actual recording was made as a commercial break, actually, for Los Angeles DJ, Magnificent Montague, and the public reacted so strongly in favour of the irresistable funk that the record became something of a hit for the band. It at least established the band as a name group and Fred Smith promptly sold the name Watts 103rd. St. Ryhthm Band to Warner Brothers Records. Needless to say, the group went with it and then during last year the band became known as Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band, putting the spotlight fairly and squarely on the shoulders of its creator and leader, Charles Wright.
The two years with Warner Brothers have been very successful for all concerned and again Charles has to be credited since he also produces all the group's sessions. He also writes a large percentage of the material in the group's repertoire.
As an individual, Charles Wright is an intense human being who is deeply aware and concerned with today's problems in America. He depends solely on himself to get things done. He admits that his background and original inspiration comes, either directly or indirectly, from the natural gospel feel that is in him although he does not consider himself a religious person.
The Watts Band line up this way:
Melvin Dunlap -- bass. Melvin played bass with the O'Jays prior to joining the Watts Band and has been with the band for 4 years plus.
John Rayford -- tenor sax. John and Charles have been together for more than seven years though only for 2 1/2 years with the Watts Band. He hails from Los Angeles' Watts district, where he still lives.
Bill Cannon -- tenor sax. Bill is the only white member of the Watts Band and he comes from Chicago. When he was sixteen, he played with Charlie Parker and has since played with some of the real heavyweights. Bill and Charles met on the set for the movie, Gunn, some three years ago and they have been together ever since.
Ray Jackson -- trombone, congas. Ray is -- to quote Charles -- "an amazing man." They have been together for over two years now. He studied music at Valley State College and whilst still there he won awards for a piece of music that he created called 'Anti-Christ', which involved over 150 musical instruments. He also does some of the arrangements for the band nowadays.
Gabriel Fleming -- trumpet. Gabriel played with Otis Redding and Joe Tex directly prior to joining the Watts Band. He has actually had two stints with Charles during the past four years that were broken for a short stint with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
Bernard Blackmon -- guitar. Came from Seattle, Washington, only six months ago. This is his first serious experience.
James Gadson -- drums. As a solo artist and vocalist, James recorded for King/Federal but with little success. He has only spent the last five years as a drummer, the last 3 1/2 with Charles.
Al McKay recently left the group -- and was replaced by Bernard Blackmon -- and is now guitarist with Sammy Davis Jr
Charles is very concerned that his band mean so little outside of the US and he would seriously like to promote the band in Europe and South America. They would certainly receive a warm welcome in Britain.
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