Wardell Piper????

[Videoskooter]

I recently got rather hooked by Wardell Piper's "Supersweet" but who is she? Did she release more interesting stuff? Is she still with us and in da biz?

http://www.discomusic.com/records-more/667_0_2_0_C/

[Mixmachine]

Video, It is taken off this Lp that clocks at 11:37, I must admit never paid to much attention to this cut, :roll: pulled it out when mentioned around here a while back.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/m/i/mixmach/Wardell_Piper.jpg

[QUINNY]

Captain Boogie was THE track from Wardell Piper, especially (correct me if I'm wrong) the non-remix side. IMO from memory, the elongated remix did nothing for it.

Apparently, she was a member of First Choice from '72/3 until she departed to make her self titled LP.

[neonlights]

Wardell's album is one of my favourites, with a great album cover to match! I thought she had dropped off the face of the earth myself, until I came across this recent house single she was featured on called "Good Lovin'" by the David Banks Project featuring Wardell Piper..

http://www.juno.co.uk/products/160075-01.htm

I've always thought the 12" version of "Captain Boogie" lacked the punch of the LP version, which seriously kicks ass! :)

[discodjinn]

Wardell Piper associated with First Choice?

Although both acts hail from Phila, I've never come across any information about Piper ever being affiliated with the First Choice singers. Rochelle Fleming, lead of FC, has been quoted in several sources (*The Sound Of Philadelphia* by Tony Cummings, *House On Fire* by John Jackson, and the liner notes of the FC Anthology) as saying that the group formed in Overbrook High School and called themselves the Debronettes. At that time the members consisted of Fleming, Annete Guest, and Joyce Jones. This line-up in 1972 came into contact with WDAS deejay Georgie Woods, who introduced them to guitarist/producer Norman Harris and producer Stan Watson. The group, renamed First Choice, recorded a single for Wand Records that tanked, then was signed to Philly Groove Records for the Armed And Extremely Dangerous lp.

Sounds like an unfounded rumor that Piper was connected in any way with First Choice.

[QUINNY]

I had to go looking and found this.

From Artistdirect:
"In 1973, the group signed to the Philly Groove label which was distributed by Bell Records. Their next single, the Harris-produced "Armed and Extremely Dangerous," was their first big hit, going to number 11 R&B on Billboard's charts in early 1973; it was also a Top 20 U.K. hit. Around this time, Wardell Piper exited the group and in 1979 recorded a self-titled disco LP produced by John Fitch and Reuben Cross (the writers of Evelyn "Champagne" King's "Shame") for Midsong International Records that included "Super Sweet," number 20 R&B, summer 1979, and "Captain Boogie," number 33 R&B, early 1979. She was replaced by Joyce Jones."

She left the group in 1973 according to this. Oh well, I got that bit wrong. :oops: Wonder what she did between '73 and '79?

[discodjinn]

So I'm confused. If Joyce Jones was part of the group in high school in 1971 and in the group's 1972 recording, how did she "replace" Wardell Piper in 1973? First Choice was always a trio. The only change in the line-up in any credible written source I've found is Joyce Jones' departure after the "Dangerous" lp; she was replaced by Ursula Herring. Rhonda Fleming and Annette Guest were part of FC for their entire run.

[Discomanic]

Wardell Piper was supporting vocals on Armed & Extremely Dangerous originally recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, in February 1973. Ms. Piper was also supporting vocals on This Is The House Where Love Died, along with Annette Guest & Mulaney Star, recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, in April 1972, released on Sceptor Records (Wand). There was another member who appeared with First Choice named Andre Abrams who appeared with Rochelle Fleming and Annette Guest on their first appearance in 1972. The trio usually consists of Rochelle Fleming, Debbie Martin, and Annette Guest, or Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest and Joyce Jones, or Rochelle Fleming, Annette Guest and Ursula Herring.

[remicks]

*****

Which all means Wardell Piper was actually First Choice' last choice ; who's on first .... That's right! Get up and boogie ....

*****

[SandraDee]

Wardell Piper did a track in '83 called 'Come On Back To Mama' which was big in gay/hi-nrg clubs & she also signed with Prelude for a while but I've never heard any of the stuff she did. I keep looking for them in 2nd hand stores & record fayres.

[soulfulgrooves]

Another track worth looking out for from her is "The power of love" released in 1980 on a Midsong 7" single only unless anyone knows different as it would be a nice find on 12".
It's more towards the soul than disco sound and has a feel not unlike an typical uptempo track from an Alton McClain & Destiny album

Paul
www.soulmusiccollector.com

[boogienights]

In case anyone was interested, Wardell Piper is alive and well and can be found on Facebook! She appears to have done a cosmetics course after her singing career stalled and is apparently ready to tour again! I for one would love to hear that her album that included "Super Sweet" and "Captain Boogie" would be re-released on cd