Join The O’Jays, The Four Tops and The Stylistics at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, August 24 for a lineup of R&B hits from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. These iconic performers are joining forces for this one special night to celebrate America’s greatest R&B, jazz, soul and Motown music – hits that transformed the music industry.
“These Motown hit makers will take us back in time to when Philadelphia soul and Motown music ruled the airways,” said Catherine M. Cahill, President and CEO of the Mann. “We’re thrilled to welcome these living legends to The Mann.”
Since 1958, The O’Jays have produced 24 top 10 smashes and 59 total charted songs. Original band members Eddie Levert, Sr., and Walter Williams, Sr., joined by current member Eric Nolan Grant, are known for their energetic and dynamic live shows, Olympian vocals, and their social and political impact on generations and nations. After more than 40 years making such international hits as “Back Stabbers,” “For The Love Of Money,” “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby,” “Love Train,” “I Love Music,” “Use Ta Be My Girl” and “Have You Had Your Love Today,” The O’Jays are still going strong and get even better with time.
The Four Tops made their first single in 1956 and spent seven years on the road, singing pop, blues, Broadway and four-part harmony jazz. Their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, made them stars. Their songs, soulful and bittersweet, were across-the-board successes. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” a number one R&B and Pop smash in 1965, is one of Motown’s longest-running chart toppers and was quickly followed by a longtime favorite, “It’s The Same Old Song.”
Joining these two groups is Philadelphia’s own legendary soul group, The Stylistics. Formed in 1966, The Stylistics had 12 consecutive R&B top 10 ballad hits in the early 1970s including “You’re a Big Girl Now,” “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)”, “You Are Everything”, “Betcha by Golly, Wow”, “I’m Stone in Love with You”, “Break Up to Make Up”, and “You Make Me Feel Brand New.” Herbert Murrell and Airrion Love are the remaining original members of The Stylistics.
Tickets are available now at www.manncenter.org and range from $29.50 to $59.50. Showtime is 8 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.
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