The Ojays
The O'Jays were one of soul's most popular and greatest vocal groups of the 70s and they are still going strong today. The O'Jays' recordings epitomized the Philly soul sound: smooth, rich harmonies backed by elaborate arrangements, lush strings, and a touch of contemporary funk.
First charting single, 1963's Lonely Drifter
First Top Ten single on the R&B charts, I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow (Than I Was Today)
Back Stabbers, released in 1972, became a classic landmark of Philly soul.
The title track hit the pop Top Five, and the utopian Love Train went all the way to No. 1 (both singles topped the R&B charts).
It was the beginning of a remarkable run that produced nearly 30 chart singles over the course of the '70s, plus a series of best-selling albums and a bevy of No. 1 hits on the R&B charts.
Ship Ahoy featured the No. 1 R&B hit For the Love of Money, a funky number that still ranks as one of their signature songs.
Survival was another hit, spinning off the singles Let Me Make Love to You and the R&B No. 1 Give the People What They Want.
Family Reunion found the group emerging into disco sound, which won them their third Top Five pop hit in Love Music, Pt. 1.
Other Hits:
Top Five pop hit, Use ta Be My Girl
R&B number one Lovin' You
R&B hits Have You Had Your Love Today and Emotionally Yours and Heartbreaker
