First Listen: The Chairmen of the Board return with a Raydio classic

Share this article

    Photo courtesy of The Chairmen of the Board

    Longtime SoulTracks friend Ken Knox kept the legacy of the legendary Chairmen of the Board alive after the 2010 death of General Johnson and the subsequent death of member Danny Woods, and continued to record songs that are true to the group’s past, even as he paves a new way forward.

    A few years ago, Ken reformed the group with new members Thomas Hunter and Brandon Stevens. And they shocked much of the R&B world in 2017 with the brilliant, richly produced Words Left Unsaid, one of the year’s finest soul albums and a throwback to the classic Philly Soul sounds of the 1970s.

    Longtime SoulTracks friend Ken Knox kept the legacy of the legendary Chairmen of the Board alive after the 2010 death of General Johnson and the subsequent death of member Danny Woods, and continued to record songs that are true to the group’s past, even as he paves a new way forward.

    A few years ago, Ken reformed the group with new members Thomas Hunter and Brandon Stevens. And they shocked much of the R&B world in 2017 with the brilliant, richly produced Words Left Unsaid, one of the year’s finest soul albums and a throwback to the classic Philly Soul sounds of the 1970s.

    Now Ken, Thomas and Brandon are back with a new single that recalls a different part of the 70s scene. “Jack and Jill” was the irresistibly melodic debut hit by Ray Parker’s group Raydio in 1978, and began a decade long winning streak for Parker. It didn’t seem like a likely candidate for a remake in 2020, but the Chairmen deliver a faithful, fun reading.

    Ken tells us, “The idea was presented to me by a longtime radio DJs son Britt Hardy, who informed me that his dad Steve Hardy, is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Britt is putting a Compilation CD of his dad’s favorite songs. “Jack and Jill” is one of his favorite songs and I’ve always loved the song, and the super talented Ray Parker Jr, and I happened to be friends, so I thought it was a natural fit.

    The Chairmen of the Board will be back with a new EP this Summer, but in the meantime, check out “Jack and Jill” and tell us what you think.

    Chairmen of the Board
    "Jack and Jill"