DESCRIPTION:
During the late 1940's black American music was undergoing a metamorphosis both on the commercial side as well as the changing of the guard from jazz music to what would become Rhythm and Blues. Many of the big bands that reigned during the first 25 years of jazz became at thing of the past for music listeners as trio based vocalists began to dominate the airwaves and juke boxes all over the country. Out went Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman and those legendary big bands and in comes a more soulful and more personal form of black music. Charles Brown, Ray Charles, Lowell Folsom, Nat King Cole, and Louis Jordan came on the scene and sang from the depths of the schools of the church meets the blues. Vocal groups became the new form of what these architects developed in a form of music style called 'doo-wop." Groups like Sonny Til and the Orioles, Billy Ward and the Dominos, The Flamingos, The Moonglows, and The Spaniels dominated airwaves. Rock and Roll took over the teenage record population and an explosion took off.

One of the most important groups that came out of this era were The Impressions. Formed in 1958 in Chicago, Illinois, The Impressions would segue from the 1950's vocal 'doo-wop' era to what would evolve into Soul music that still is apart of the rich and great musical landscape that makes up our rich American Roots Music.
The group originally began as The Roosters based out of Chattanooga, Tennessee formed by brothers Richard and Arthur Brooks and Sam Gooden. Meanwhile, back in Chicago, vocalists Jerry Butler and Curtis Mayfield sung together while attending the same church. Members of The Roosters moved to Chicago and began to make a name for themselves while seeking the attention of Chess and Vee Jay Records, two of the most important blues and rock labels of that period. The group auditioned both Curtis and Jerry to become part of what would now become "Jerry Butler and the Impressions."

The groups manager got the group signed to Vee Jay and their first record "For Your Precious Love" was a hit both on the R & B and pop charts.

In early 1960, the group changed. Jerry left to pursue a solo career and Brooks brothers left as well making the group a trio. Curtis, Sam, and Fred would become one of the most influential soul groups for their generation. With arranger Johnny Pate and Curtis's unique and powerful songwriting and production skills, The Impressions made an impact in Soul music even influencing other groups like The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, and Bob Marley and the Wailers.
The Impressions were also one of the first groups to sing messages of hope and encouragement during the nations struggle with civil rights. Curtis penned some of the groups most prolific songs like "Choice of Colors," "Amen," "It's My Country," "People Get Ready," and "Keep on Pushin."

In the 1970's Curtis left the group but The Impressions continued to record and tour.

Today the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are about to embark on their second renaissance as a group. They have a new record their about to released produced by Binky Griptite of the legendary Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. The Impressions are backed by Binky Griptite and the Dee-Keys, a fifteen rhythm and horn section playing new material. The group also reunited with the legendary Johnny Pate, who arranged the original Impressions records and hits. Mr. Pate, who's 88-years-old, came out of retirement to work on their new album.
In this special edition of The Pace Report, I was honored to interview the founding members of The Impressions, Sam Gooden and Fred Cash. Also, vocalist Reggie Torian rejoined the group and are now in preparations to go on tour.

To order The Impressions new disc or to find out their upcoming tour dates, please visit them on the web at www.the-impressions.com.