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Switch Biography
From Michigan and Ohio, Switch originally consisted of Founder/Leader Gregory Williams (trumpet/keyboards/lead vocals), Bobby DeBarge (lead vocals/ keyboards/drums), Phillip Ingram (lead vocals/percussion/keyboards), Tommy DeBarge (bass/vocals/keyboards), Eddie Fluellen (trombone/ keyboards/vocals) and Jody Sims (drums/vocals). After the break-up of the RCA Records group "White Heat" (which was named and managed by the late music legend Barry White,) determined to chase his dreams and stay in the record business Gregory, envisioned and soon after formed SWITCH in December 1976.
After obtaining a small budget, Gregory relocated each handpicked member of his new band from their individual hometowns to Mansfield Ohio. After rehearsing, recording and completing an eight-song demo, Gregory, along with Jody flew to Los Angeles where they (within two weeks of their arrival) by chance met Jermaine Jackson and his wife Hazel Gordy Jackson, daughter of Motown founder/ chairman Berry Gordy. Both Jackson’s liked the act and immediately took their demo tape to Motown Records where they were signed by Berry Gordy, Jr. and shortly after managed by Jermaine and Hazel Gordy Jackson. While at Motown, from 1977 to 1983, SWITCH recorded five albums of which two went Platinum and three went Gold, culminating more than Eight Million record sales. Switch scored big with five top ten singles: "There’ll Never Be", "I Wanna Be Closer", "I Call Your Name", "Best Beat In Town", and "Love Over and Over Again". After personnel changes, in 1983 the group SWITCH-ed from Motown to Total Experience/RCA Records, where they recorded (with new members) one album, "Am I Still Your Boyfriend" released in 1985; out of which came the UK Top 10 single "Keeping Secrets".
In 1986, the group disbanded until July 2003, when Switch reunited to do some well received reunion performances. The revived Switch features three original and two new members. Sharing the stage are Switch founder/leader Gregory Williams (keyboards /vocals), lead singers Phillip Ingram (lead vocals/keyboards), Akili Nickson (lead vocals/percussions), Eddie Fluellen (keyboards/vocals), Michael McGloiry (Switch’s original/recording guitarist) along with James Strong (bass & vocals) and Tefere Hazy (drums). So, come join us and enjoy the exciting trip down memory lane with Switch!
Read MoreAfter obtaining a small budget, Gregory relocated each handpicked member of his new band from their individual hometowns to Mansfield Ohio. After rehearsing, recording and completing an eight-song demo, Gregory, along with Jody flew to Los Angeles where they (within two weeks of their arrival) by chance met Jermaine Jackson and his wife Hazel Gordy Jackson, daughter of Motown founder/ chairman Berry Gordy. Both Jackson’s liked the act and immediately took their demo tape to Motown Records where they were signed by Berry Gordy, Jr. and shortly after managed by Jermaine and Hazel Gordy Jackson. While at Motown, from 1977 to 1983, SWITCH recorded five albums of which two went Platinum and three went Gold, culminating more than Eight Million record sales. Switch scored big with five top ten singles: "There’ll Never Be", "I Wanna Be Closer", "I Call Your Name", "Best Beat In Town", and "Love Over and Over Again". After personnel changes, in 1983 the group SWITCH-ed from Motown to Total Experience/RCA Records, where they recorded (with new members) one album, "Am I Still Your Boyfriend" released in 1985; out of which came the UK Top 10 single "Keeping Secrets".
In 1986, the group disbanded until July 2003, when Switch reunited to do some well received reunion performances. The revived Switch features three original and two new members. Sharing the stage are Switch founder/leader Gregory Williams (keyboards /vocals), lead singers Phillip Ingram (lead vocals/keyboards), Akili Nickson (lead vocals/percussions), Eddie Fluellen (keyboards/vocals), Michael McGloiry (Switch’s original/recording guitarist) along with James Strong (bass & vocals) and Tefere Hazy (drums). So, come join us and enjoy the exciting trip down memory lane with Switch!
Smooth Jazz & R&b
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