Flaming Ember

Originally a blue-eyed Detroit soul ensemble that captured brief attention between 1970 and 1971, the quartet began its career as the Flaming Embers. Guitarist Joe Sladich, pianist Bill Ellis, bassist Jim Bugnel, and drummer Jerry Plunk formed the group. Their debut recordings appeared on Ric-Tic in 1968; after switching to Hot Wax they removed the "s" from the name. "Mind, Body and Soul," "Westbound #9," and "I'm Not My Brother's Keeper" each climbed into the pop Top 40 and the R&B Top 20. "Stop the World and Let Me Off," however, made no impact even after appearing on both Hot Wax and Radio Active Gold. The musicians later adopted the name Mind, Body and Soul and remained regulars on the Detroit bar circuit through the late '70s.