Dynasty

Dynasty was the creation of producer/label head Dick Griffey and Leon Sylvers. The band was based in Los Angeles and did light funk and clever dance/pop numbers in the late 1970's and 1980's. Bassist Kevin Spencer and vocalists Nidra Beard and Linda Carriere comprised the group. They got off to a fast start with the single "I Don't Want To Be A Freak (But I Can't Help Myself)" from their 1979 album "Your Piece Of The Rock."

"Adventures In The Land Of Music," which came out on vinyl in 1980 was Dynasty's second album — and it is arguably the group's most essential. "Adventures" contains their biggest hit, "I've Just Begun To Love You," (number 6 R&B),as well as the equally danceable 12" single "Do Me Right," but the 12" singles aren't the only things that make this album produced by Leon Sylvers III worth owning — "Adventures" also contains a lot of memorable album tracks, which range from dance-oriented numbers like "Ice Breaker," "Day And Night," and "Groove Control" to the soul ballad "Take Another Look At Love."

Producer Leon Sylvers joined them in 1981, but his presence didn't elevate their success. That year they released their third album oddly entitled "The Second Adventure." Although it did produce one hit single, "Here I Am," the album was largely overlooked. Two more albums followed, 1982's "Back At 'Cha" and their final vinyl release "Out Of Control." Although the group disbanded they appeared as background vocalists on the gospel artist Juanita G. Hines release "Jesus, My Wonderful Friend."

Nidra Beard, who had written much of Dynasty's material continued as a songwriter. Her songs appearing on albums by Shalamar, Whispers, 7th Wonder, 911 and LaRue. Linda Carriere continued as a background vocalist working with Kristine W., Loose Ends and Randy Crawford among others. Keyboardist/singer Kevin Spencer returned to studio work and can be heard on recordings by Carrie Lucas, Shalamar, Whispers, Tin Harris, Gladys Knight & The Pips and countless others. And Leon Sylvers went on to have a very successful career as the producer of such artists as: Howard Hewett, Ahmad Jamal, Brothers Johnson, Glenn Jones, Blackstreet and Dr. Dre.

Albums

Your Piece of the Rock (1979)
Adventures in the Land of Music (1980)
The Second Adventure (1981)
Right Back At'Cha (1982)
Out of Control (1983)
Best of Dynasty (1994)

Tracks currently playing/played on the station

I don't want to be a freak (Album: Your Piece of the Rock)
I just begun to love you (Album: Adventures in the Land of Music)
Day and night (Album: Adventures in the Land of Music)
Do me right (Album: Adventures in the Land of Music)
Groove control (Album: Adventures in the Land of Music)
Here i am (Album: The Second Adventure)
Love in the fast lane (Album: The Second Adventure)
Strokin' (Album: Right Back At'Cha)
Does that ring a bell (Album: Right Back At'Cha)

soul2soul favourites/recommended

Satisfied (Album: Your Piece of the Rock)
Groove control (Album: Adventures in the Land of Music)
Here i am (Album: The Second Adventure)
Love in the fast lane (Album: The Second Adventure)
Do me right (Album: Adventures in the Land of Music)
Strokin' (Album: Right Back At'Cha)
Check it out (Album: Right Back At'Cha)

Dynasty Album info
More info on Dynasty