A Taste Of Honey
A Taste of Honey: The Sweet and Sour Saga of Boogie Oogie Oogie
In the annals of music history, the band A Taste of Honey holds a unique place. Their infectious dance anthem "Boogie Oogie Oogie" catapulted them to stardom, but their journey was not without its trials and triumphs.
Origins and Early Success
A Taste of Honey was formed in 1978 by Janice Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne, two vocalists who shared a passion for R&B and soul. Their distinctive harmonies and energetic stage presence quickly garnered attention, and they were signed to Capitol Records in 1979.
Challenges and Controversies
The release of "Boogie Oogie Oogie" in 1980 was a commercial triumph, reaching number one on the Billboard Dance chart and becoming a worldwide sensation. However, the band faced criticism for the song's suggestive lyrics and dance moves, which some deemed inappropriate for mainstream radio.
Despite the controversy, A Taste of Honey continued to release successful singles such as "Sukiyaki" and "Two Hearts." However, tensions within the band began to rise as Johnson and Payne clashed over creative direction.
Discord and Departure
In 1984, Johnson left A Taste of Honey to pursue a solo career. Payne carried on with the band, bringing in new members and releasing albums that failed to match the success of their early work.
Discography
* A Taste of Honey (1980)
* Twice as Sweet (1981)
* Ladies of the Eighties (1983)
* I'll Try Something New (1986)
* Bitter & Sweet (1990)
Members
* Janice Marie Johnson (vocals, 1978-1984)
* Hazel Payne (vocals, 1978-2005)
* Perry Kibble (drums, 1978-1984)
* Donald Ray Johnson (bass, 1978-1984)
* Harry Ray (keyboards, 1978-1984)
Legacy
Despite their challenges, A Taste of Honey remains an iconic group whose music continues to inspire and entertain generations of fans. "Boogie Oogie Oogie" endures as a timeless dance classic, forever etched into the fabric of popular culture.
In the annals of music history, the band A Taste of Honey holds a unique place. Their infectious dance anthem "Boogie Oogie Oogie" catapulted them to stardom, but their journey was not without its trials and triumphs.
Origins and Early Success
A Taste of Honey was formed in 1978 by Janice Marie Johnson and Hazel Payne, two vocalists who shared a passion for R&B and soul. Their distinctive harmonies and energetic stage presence quickly garnered attention, and they were signed to Capitol Records in 1979.
Challenges and Controversies
The release of "Boogie Oogie Oogie" in 1980 was a commercial triumph, reaching number one on the Billboard Dance chart and becoming a worldwide sensation. However, the band faced criticism for the song's suggestive lyrics and dance moves, which some deemed inappropriate for mainstream radio.
Despite the controversy, A Taste of Honey continued to release successful singles such as "Sukiyaki" and "Two Hearts." However, tensions within the band began to rise as Johnson and Payne clashed over creative direction.
Discord and Departure
In 1984, Johnson left A Taste of Honey to pursue a solo career. Payne carried on with the band, bringing in new members and releasing albums that failed to match the success of their early work.
Discography
* A Taste of Honey (1980)
* Twice as Sweet (1981)
* Ladies of the Eighties (1983)
* I'll Try Something New (1986)
* Bitter & Sweet (1990)
Members
* Janice Marie Johnson (vocals, 1978-1984)
* Hazel Payne (vocals, 1978-2005)
* Perry Kibble (drums, 1978-1984)
* Donald Ray Johnson (bass, 1978-1984)
* Harry Ray (keyboards, 1978-1984)
Legacy
Despite their challenges, A Taste of Honey remains an iconic group whose music continues to inspire and entertain generations of fans. "Boogie Oogie Oogie" endures as a timeless dance classic, forever etched into the fabric of popular culture.