Biography
Philadelphia quintet the Futures delivered quality soul but never caught a break from fortune. Frank Washington, Kenny Crew, James King, John King, and Henry McGilberry modeled their approach after the Temptations. Amjo Records issued their debut 45 in 1970, pairing “Breaking Up” with “Our Thing.” Richard Wright, who has since passed, handled lead vocals on that release alongside a lineup that, aside from one or two holdovers, differed from the names listed above; Avalanche Records gave the single a second pressing the next year. Their follow-up, “Love Is Here,” surfaced on Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff’s Gamble imprint, showcasing searing falsetto, McGilberry’s resonant bass, and intricate harmonies that earned only scattered regional airplay. The Dramatics later cut a weaker rendition for their 10 1/2 album.
After the Gamble label folded, the Futures compounded the setback by moving to Buddah Records instead of joining Philadelphia International. Their January 1974 Buddah debut, “(That’s) The Way of a Woman in Love” backed with “Grade A Woman,” met complete indifference, as did the subsequent “No One Could Compare” / “You Better Be Careful.” While the O’Jays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes thrived at Philadelphia International and the Spinners and the Stylistics capitalized on the production team’s work, the Futures remained overlooked. Buddah’s June 1975 release “Castles” extended the run of commercial disappointments. The label also put out the group’s first LP, Castles in the Sky, that same year; the set omitted the earlier singles and received virtually no promotional support. Barbara Mason supplied their last Buddah single, “We Got Love,” which led to a sparsely promoted tour alongside the Philadelphia soul artist.
The Futures returned to Gamble and Huff in 1978 at Philadelphia International, though the label’s peak period had already passed. Their initial PIR single, the up-tempo “Part Time Party Time Man,” featured strong vocals yet achieved only modest chart traction, remaining their highest-placing release. The engaging follow-up “Ain’t No Time for Nothing” preceded three additional 45s, among them “Mr. Bojangles.” Philadelphia International issued two albums by the group, Past Present & the Futures and the little-noticed Greetings of Peace. Warped Records released the Futures’ final sides in 1982: “Let’s Get to It” / “Young & Tender” and “Angel in Disguise” / “Betcha Come Back.” In 1996 McGilberry replaced Ray Davis in the Temptations, the slot Davis himself had taken after Melvin Franklin’s departure.
After the Gamble label folded, the Futures compounded the setback by moving to Buddah Records instead of joining Philadelphia International. Their January 1974 Buddah debut, “(That’s) The Way of a Woman in Love” backed with “Grade A Woman,” met complete indifference, as did the subsequent “No One Could Compare” / “You Better Be Careful.” While the O’Jays and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes thrived at Philadelphia International and the Spinners and the Stylistics capitalized on the production team’s work, the Futures remained overlooked. Buddah’s June 1975 release “Castles” extended the run of commercial disappointments. The label also put out the group’s first LP, Castles in the Sky, that same year; the set omitted the earlier singles and received virtually no promotional support. Barbara Mason supplied their last Buddah single, “We Got Love,” which led to a sparsely promoted tour alongside the Philadelphia soul artist.
The Futures returned to Gamble and Huff in 1978 at Philadelphia International, though the label’s peak period had already passed. Their initial PIR single, the up-tempo “Part Time Party Time Man,” featured strong vocals yet achieved only modest chart traction, remaining their highest-placing release. The engaging follow-up “Ain’t No Time for Nothing” preceded three additional 45s, among them “Mr. Bojangles.” Philadelphia International issued two albums by the group, Past Present & the Futures and the little-noticed Greetings of Peace. Warped Records released the Futures’ final sides in 1982: “Let’s Get to It” / “Young & Tender” and “Angel in Disguise” / “Betcha Come Back.” In 1996 McGilberry replaced Ray Davis in the Temptations, the slot Davis himself had taken after Melvin Franklin’s departure.
Albums
Reborn
2020
While in Between
2019
On Earth / In Heaven
2018
Tired Bells
2018
Imagine
2017
The Things We Leave Behind
2015
Singles
