Biography
During the 1980s the Chicago-based trio Jesse's Gang specialized in urban contemporary and house sounds under the leadership of producer, songwriter, and vocalist Jesse Saunders. Within his hometown Saunders earned his strongest reputation in house music after beginning his recording career with the group Z Factor, whose 1984 local club success “Fantasy” marked the first composition he had ever created. That same year Saunders helped establish Jessay Records and scored additional regional club successes with “On and On” and “Funk You Up.”
In 1985 he assembled Jesse’s Gang, whose lineup featured Saunders handling lead vocals and keyboards, Duane Buford on keyboards and drum machines, and Twala Dawn supplying lead vocals. The following year the ensemble scored a regional urban contemporary hit with the single “Real Love,” which moved roughly 35,000 copies throughout the Chicago area. Geffen Records soon signed the act and issued its debut album, Center of Attraction, in 1987.
Although Chicago listeners primarily linked Saunders to house music, the album contained only one genuine house track, “I’m Back Again.” The remaining material followed the urban contemporary format favored by radio programmers in 1987 and lacked house rhythms. Despite this commercial orientation, Center of Attraction failed to achieve significant sales, prompting Geffen to drop the group. Jesse’s Gang disbanded in 1988 without releasing a second album.
In 1985 he assembled Jesse’s Gang, whose lineup featured Saunders handling lead vocals and keyboards, Duane Buford on keyboards and drum machines, and Twala Dawn supplying lead vocals. The following year the ensemble scored a regional urban contemporary hit with the single “Real Love,” which moved roughly 35,000 copies throughout the Chicago area. Geffen Records soon signed the act and issued its debut album, Center of Attraction, in 1987.
Although Chicago listeners primarily linked Saunders to house music, the album contained only one genuine house track, “I’m Back Again.” The remaining material followed the urban contemporary format favored by radio programmers in 1987 and lacked house rhythms. Despite this commercial orientation, Center of Attraction failed to achieve significant sales, prompting Geffen to drop the group. Jesse’s Gang disbanded in 1988 without releasing a second album.
Albums
