Groove Theory

Groove Theory is an American duo, with former member, singer-songwriter Amel Larrieux and songwriter/producer/actor, Bryce Wilson. The group is best known for their 1995 hit "Tell Me", which reached the top five of Billboard 's Hot 100 and the US Billboard R&B chart.

Groove Theory
OriginNew York City, New York, United States
GenresR&B, neo soul, hip hop soul
Years active1993–2001, 2010–present
LabelsEpic, Columbia
MembersBryce Wilson (1993–2001, 2010–present)
Amel Larrieux (1993–1999, 2010–present)
Past membersMakeda Davis (2000–2001)

Early years

The group formed in New York City in 1993, when Amel Larrieux met Bryce Wilson while she was working at Rondor Music as a receptionist. Larrieux had been working at the music publishing company since the age of 18. A publisher at the company had signed Wilson as a producer, and knew he was interested in forming a group. He approached Larrieux, who he knew was a singer-songwriter, with one of Wilson's production tracks, saying "look, you wanna try writing a song? You know I can give you one of the tracks, and you can do it, and if you don't mind, you can demo it." Wilson hoped to use the group as a chance to utilize his production talents, while Larrieux wanted a chance to shine in R&B. Wilson also found it useful for Larrieux to both write, sing, and arrange each song instead of shopping around for different singers and songwriters.[1]

Career

Commercial success

The group signed a recording contract with Epic Records, and in 1995, they released their self-titled debut album Groove Theory. The album featured the gold-selling hit single, "Tell Me", which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Tell Me" peaked at No. 31 in the UK Singles Chart in November 1995.[2] Other charted singles included "Baby Luv" and "Keep Trying", which reached numbers 18 and 36 on the R&B chart, respectively. The album also went on to be certified gold.

Break up

Larrieux left Groove Theory in 1999 to pursue a solo career, being replaced by Makeda Davis. The group signed with Columbia Records and recorded a new album, 'The Answer', which was expected for release in 2001. Displeased with Columbia's track record at the time with urban projects, Wilson asked for a release from the label, causing the album to remain unreleased. A single entitled "4 Shure" was released from the album to minor chart performance.

Larrieux began her solo career in her absence from the group, forming her own independent record label, Blisslife, to distribute her music. Wilson appeared in the films Beauty Shop, Trois and Hair Show, and produced music for Beyoncé, Amerie and Mary J. Blige.[3]

2010 reunion – present

On February 4, 2010, Soulsummer.com announced that Larrieux and Wilson have reunited, and were currently in the recording studio working on their second official album. They were being managed by Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond who spoke a lot of the group, "They haven't worked together in so long, and like most groups that break up, they’ve come into their own, so it's almost like sharing that spotlight again ... I’m excited." Rosemond expected the duo to release new music before the year's end.[4]

Discography

Albums
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[5]		 US
R&B
[6]		 AUS
[7]
Groove Theory 691429

Singles
Year Album Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[9]		 US
R&B
[10]		 AUS
[7]		 NZ
[11]		 UK
[12]
1995 "Tell Me" 5361431 Groove Theory
1996 "Keep Tryin'" 6424———
"Baby Luv" 6523———
2000 "4 Shure" —97——— The Answer
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References
  1. Blog.nu-soulmag.com
  2. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 237. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. Bvbuzz.com
  4. Soulsummer.com
  5. "Groove Theory Chart History – Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  6. "Groove Theory Chart History – Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  7. "australian-charts.com – Discography Groove Theory". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  8. "American certifications – Groove Theory". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  9. "Groove Theory Chart History – Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  10. "Groove Theory Chart History – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  11. "charts.nz – Discography Groove Theory". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  12. "Groove Theory – Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  13. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia’s Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 121.
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