The group 21st Century

[Jow]

There was a chicago-based group back in the 70s called 21st Century. They issued one LP on the RCA label , i dont know which year but it includes a song called 'Remember the Rain' which is quite well known. I really like this group, 'Mirror, Mirror' is my favourite cut on the LP. Does anyone know if they released any more LP's or 7''s? I've seen information somewhere that they switched name to 21st Creation and released a track called 'Tailgate', can anyone verify this? :)

Jow

[Com King]

Tailgate is a track by 21st Creation, no doubt about it. I also have another track by them called "Funk Machine" on a Motown compilation .

But I don't know if there's any connection with 21st Century.

[DISCODISK]

hmmmm a it of a minefield question there were lots of records released u.s by 21st century.
the 21st century.
21st century ltd.
the 21st century ltd. on many labels

i think it was two groups but the one you are looking for would have a discog like this

the 21st century [singles]
golden tone 500 remember the rain/youre my only world [12/74]
rca10201 remember the rain/youre my only world [3/75]
rca10364 child /see my love growin'old [75]
then as
21st creation
gordy tailgate/mr disco radio[4/77]
gordy7158 girls lets keep dancing close/funk machine[3/78]

and of course the album you mention

[Jow]

Ok, thanks for the info guys. I definitely think this group deserves more credit and attention.

[Sector]

I had a collection of CD's entitled Smooth Grooves, A Sensual Collection (Rhino).
On two of the Cd's were songs by the 21st. Century, one was "Remember the Rain" (on vol. 9), the other was Does your Momma know about me?"(on vol. 6) Both were great songs. I have been looking for information about this group too. There is very little mention of them on the web and they are not listed in Napster either.
DId anyone have any luck?

[TheLastTycoon]

I had a collection of CD's entitled Smooth Grooves, A Sensual Collection (Rhino).
On two of the Cd's were songs by the 21st. Century, one was "Remember the Rain" (on vol. 9), the other was Does your Momma know about me?"(on vol. 6) Both were great songs. I have been looking for information about this group too. There is very little mention of them on the web and they are not listed in Napster either.
DId anyone have any luck?

:icon_cool: My dear colleagues, I am Marvin Smith, the writer and producer of "Remember The Rain" and "Child" for the 21st Century. I am literally floored by your kind words and interest. After all, those records are over 30 years old. 24 track analog was the standard then. Those songs were recorded at the Sound Factory West and Wally Heider in Hollywood. Wah-Wah Watson, James Gadson, Henry Davis, George Bohannon, Jack Ashford, Eddie "Bongo" Brown and Sonny Burke were among the many musicians who played on those records back then. An old friend Mark Davis, also produced some of those tracks. In retrospect, I still think the "Ahead Of Our Time" album (1975) had better songs on it then the subsequent album on Motown "Break Thru." The former was a labor of love...the latter about satisfying a contract. After raising a family, finishing my legal studies and just enjoying life I created an online record company, Dangerous Minds Entertainment Group - Worldwide (dangerousmindsonline.com) We are developing several new acts, and surprisingly a few recently booted from major labels have expressed interest. By the way, a 21st Century Reunion Album is being planned. The fellows will be so excited when I tell them tonight about all of you. Write anytime. I'll reply as quickly as I can.

[demianna]

Hello, Marvin Smith this Is Hazel Smith, Alphonso Smith's sister, It is good to see that the groups music is being sought after. to get in touch with Al contact me at hhaynes@ameritech.net , you can also instant message me at yahoo.com

waiting to hear from you,
hazel

[Hustleman]

Tailgate is a track by 21st Creation, no doubt about it. I also have another track by them called "Funk Machine" on a Motown compilation .

But I don't know if there's any connection with 21st Century.

The 21st Century/21st Creation are the same group!I have both lp's on wax although I have never been able to find out the names of the members or why Motown had them change from Century to Creation,The main lead singer was a bad lil dude! That boy could blow on par with Michael Jackson!On the Internet they often list Can You Remeber The Rain as by the Sylvers!

[TheLastTycoon]

The 21st Century/21st Creation are the same group!I have both lp's on wax although I have never been able to find out the names of the members or why Motown had them change from Century to Creation,The main lead singer was a bad lil dude! That boy could blow on par with Michael Jackson!On the Internet they often list Can You Remeber The Rain as by the Sylvers!

Bravo, Hustleman! You're absolutely correct! You see, I discovered and produced the 21st Century. My name is Marvin Smith. I wrote and produced "Rain" for the guys. The group members were Pierrre Johnson, Alonzo Martin, Alphonso Smith, Tyrone Moores and Freddie Williams all hailing from the now defunct Henry Horner projects in Chicago. Pierre was the "little dude" that impressed you. He was then and still is one of my troopers. They changed the name because we received a letter from a gospel group stating they had recorded under that name prior to the release of "Rain," and "Child." To eliminate the conflict, we just changed. Interestingly, both Snoop and Trey Songz have sampled "Rain" and "Child" respectively for their hits "Sisters N Brothers" and "Gotta Go." Of course, I'm pleased. In any case, we're planning a reunion project. If you like, I'll send you a track.

[Hustleman]

Really?That would be the sheet!I would love to hear their new music!Pierre & the boys desreved to be in the same class as The J5 & The Sylvers! The teen groups in our days had to be more than cute,they had to HARMONIZE!I Don't know what I'm supposed to do to get it....but i want it!Thanx!P.S Where is the Ponderosa twins + One?

[Sherrell Sabree]

Hello Marvin, I am hoping you could be of some assistance to me I am an old friend of Pierre Johnson one of the members of the group 21st century. If you are indeed in contact with the members, could you please forward to him my contact information below.
I have been trying to locate him for quite sometime with no luck; I hit this website by searching the group name and it brought me to your comments regarding a possible reunion, which would definitely be awesome since they had a huge fan base here in Chicago.

I understand this can be a sensitive situation but whatever assistance you can afford me would be greatly appreciated
thank you so much for your help


Sherrell Sabree
William Blair & Company
Investment Management
222 West Adams Street
Chicago IL 60606
P 312.364.8859
M 773.587.2912

[DJDroppedIt]

Excellent Group! Not sure they deserve as much credit as the J5 though! :icon_razz: