Starpoint
Starpoint formed in 1969 in New York and consisted of the brothers Ernesto Phillips(Guitar & Front Vocal), George Phillips (Keyboards & Vocal), Orlando Phillips (Bass, Sax, Keyboards & Vocal) and Gregory Phillips (Drums), with lead singer Renee Diggs, who was Ernesto's longtime companion, and musician-songwriter Kayode "Ky" Adeyemo (Bass & Vocal) later joining the group.
Originally they called themselves Licyndiana (made up from the first few letters of each of the group's sister's Christian names!), but soon changed it because no one could understand or pronounce it.
After building a reputation on the club scene, they were signed to Chocolate City Records in 1979, Their first album on the label "Starpoint" in 1980 featured "I Just Wanna Dance With You". Two albums were released in 1981; "Keep On It" and "Wanting You" both doing quite well on the charts.
'All Night Long' was released in 1982 and contained the rare-groove classic 'Bring Your Sweet Lovin' Back'.
They Moved to Boardwalk Records in 1983 for "It's So Delicious".
A further move to Elektra in 1984 brought them back on the charts with "It's All Yours". In 1985 Starpoint recorded the their seventh Album "Restless". The album sold over 600,000 records and went "Gold". The lead single release was the Top Ten hit "Object of My Desire." With its imaginative lyrics and catchy hook, René Diggs' urgent, emotional vocal delivery is augmented by a pulsating bass line and intriguing arrangement.
The single peaked at number eight on the Billboard R&B charts after 22 weeks. (This was the group's highest charted single.) The follow-up single was the rock-layered "What You Been Missin'." Introduced with a monologue by Diggs, she vehemently chants her way through the verses before bowing to Kayode Adeyemo's vocals.
In the middle of the "Restless" tour, Renée was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It made it hard for Starpoint to continue touring. Even though Renee became increasingly ill with MS, she continued to tour and record three more albums with Starpoint.
In 1987 "Sensational" featured more hit singles; "He Wants My Body". "Hot To The Touch" was released in 1988. The final release "Have You Got What It Takes" in 1990 with production from Teddy Riley on "I Want You, You Want Me" was the last charter for the veterans.
The group is still performing today but without Renee Diggs. Renee released a solo album "Oasis" in 1994, an album she co-wrote with longtime partner Ernesto Phillips, who did the majority of the writing and production work for Starpoint.
Sadly, Ernesto Phillips, leader, co-producer and main songwriter of the group, passed away in 2004 as the result of a stroke.
Renee Diggs passed away
Renee Diggs passed away March 18, 2005 due to complications with an underlining heart condition.
Albums
Starpoint (1980)
Keep On It (1981)
Wanting You (1981)
All Night Long (1982)
It's So Delicious (1983)
It's All Yours (1984)
Restless (1985)
Sensational (1987)
Hot To The Touch (1988)
Have You Got What It Takes (1990)
Starpoint Album info
More info on Starpoint