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#1 on WPGC Today in 1976
Norman Whitfield was best remembered for his work with the Temptations at Motown. The time came however when he felt the need to go out on his own and form his own label. Whitfield Records began in 1975, distributed by MCA. He had been approached to write the score of the film, 'Car Wash' but initially did not want to pursue the project, relenting due to financial incentive and the opportunity to establish a band on his label that had once backed Edwin Starr and the Undisputed Truth at Motown. With the addition of new lead singer Gwen Dickey who Whitfield gave the stage name, Rose Norwalt, the band was rechristened, 'Rose Royce', a pun on Rolls Royce and tied in with the comedic theme of the film. Read more on the song.
The tune was the title track of the double album soundtrack that was entirely recorded by Whitfield and 'Rose Royce'. The single sold two million copies and became one of the biggest hits of the Disco era while the parent album won a Grammy for 'Best Score Soundtrack Album'. Hitting #1 nationally both Pop & R&B, the track also spent its first of three consecutive weeks (including frozen lists over the holidays) at #1 on the WPGC Musicradio Survey on 12/18/76. Significantly, WPGC was the first station in the nation to add the tune, debuting at #25 on 11/06/76. See enlargement.
The film itself was a major success with stars, Richard Pryor, George Carlin and a cast of others including Franklyn Ajaye, 'Professor' Irwin Corey, Garrett Morris, Danny DeVito and the Pointer Sisters. Though DeVito had speaking lines in the movie, virtually all of them were deleted for the theatrical release (but later restored for television). At various times, the fictitious station 'KGYS' is heard in the background. The motion picture also won the 'Best Music Award' at the Cannes Film Festival. In his later years, Whitfield ran afoul with the IRS for failing to report royalties resulting in a penalty of house confinement for 6 months instead of jail time due to his Diabetic condition. Tragically, those health issues eventually took his life on 09/16/08 at age 68. Read more on his career. |
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