Coffee

Formed in Chicago, Illinois, an R&B vocal quartet known as Coffee consisted of Betty Caldwell on lead, alongside Gwen Hester, Elaine Sims and Dee Dee Bryant. Emerging toward the close of the soul era, the modest local act produced several striking recordings before the rising tide of disco reshaped their path. Following the 1977 release of the charming regional success “Your Love Ain’t As Good As Mine,” issued on producer Clarence Johnson’s label, Caldwell departed and Hester assumed lead duties. The remaining members then shifted toward the expanding disco market, committing fully to that sound for their debut album, Slippin’ And Dippin’. The set included a fresh treatment of the Lovelites’ “How Can I Tell My Mom And Dad,” which received solid radio exposure. A follow-up project cut in New Jersey under Tony Valor’s direction, however, attracted little interest, after which Coffee quickly faded from view.