Biography
Originally assembled by Tony Churchill in tandem with music-industry veteran Harvey Fuqua, the outfit later known as New Birth first operated under the name the Nite-Liters. During that period the group secured three R&B chart entries—“K-Jee,” “Afro-Strut,” and “Pull Together”—of which “K-Jee” proved strongest, reaching position seventeen over a thirteen-week stay.
The ensemble’s foundation rests with gospel vocalists Leslie and Melvin Wilson of Muskegon, Michigan. Their late-1960s move to Detroit left their musical interests still rooted in gospel. Melvin’s introduction to the Nite-Liters, then serving as backing musicians for Motown acts, sparked conversations about possible collaboration with his brother. Through former Marvelette Anne Bogan the Wilsons met Fuqua, who then supervised three acts: Love Peace & Happiness (which soon included Leslie and Melvin), the Nite-Liters, and New Birth. After all but Londee Loren and Bobby Downs had departed New Birth, the three ensembles toured together, supported one another, and eventually merged under the New Birth name.
Leslie’s feisty vocals and Melvin’s more serene delivery quickly established them as the principal lead singers. The group’s first single, “I Can Understand It,” entered the R&B Top Ten; propelled by Leslie Wilson’s intense performance and recalling the work of Bobby Womack, it climbed to number four within twelve weeks. January 1974 brought the release of “It’s Been a Long Time,” another Top Ten hit and one of the band’s celebrated recordings, followed by the classic soul ballad “Wildflower.” While residing in California, the members encountered difficulties ranging from Tinseltown egotism to management conflicts, which ultimately led New Birth to end its association with founder-producer Fuqua, manager Jerry Weintraub, and RCA Records. In mid-1975 the group signed with Buddah Records and recorded its sole R&B number-one single, “Dream Merchant.” Only one album appeared on Buddah before subsequent moves to Warner Bros. and Ariola. Leslie and Melvin Wilson exited in 1977; the remaining members disbanded by 1979. In 1994 the Wilson brothers re-formed New Birth and resumed national performances.
The ensemble’s foundation rests with gospel vocalists Leslie and Melvin Wilson of Muskegon, Michigan. Their late-1960s move to Detroit left their musical interests still rooted in gospel. Melvin’s introduction to the Nite-Liters, then serving as backing musicians for Motown acts, sparked conversations about possible collaboration with his brother. Through former Marvelette Anne Bogan the Wilsons met Fuqua, who then supervised three acts: Love Peace & Happiness (which soon included Leslie and Melvin), the Nite-Liters, and New Birth. After all but Londee Loren and Bobby Downs had departed New Birth, the three ensembles toured together, supported one another, and eventually merged under the New Birth name.
Leslie’s feisty vocals and Melvin’s more serene delivery quickly established them as the principal lead singers. The group’s first single, “I Can Understand It,” entered the R&B Top Ten; propelled by Leslie Wilson’s intense performance and recalling the work of Bobby Womack, it climbed to number four within twelve weeks. January 1974 brought the release of “It’s Been a Long Time,” another Top Ten hit and one of the band’s celebrated recordings, followed by the classic soul ballad “Wildflower.” While residing in California, the members encountered difficulties ranging from Tinseltown egotism to management conflicts, which ultimately led New Birth to end its association with founder-producer Fuqua, manager Jerry Weintraub, and RCA Records. In mid-1975 the group signed with Buddah Records and recorded its sole R&B number-one single, “Dream Merchant.” Only one album appeared on Buddah before subsequent moves to Warner Bros. and Ariola. Leslie and Melvin Wilson exited in 1977; the remaining members disbanded by 1979. In 1994 the Wilson brothers re-formed New Birth and resumed national performances.
Albums
New Age
2017
Funk It Up
2016
Sure Thing
2013
Into Tomorrow
2012
Rejuvenation
2012
I'm Fallin'
2010
Lookin' For Ya
2010
I Can See the Tears
2010
Behold The Mighty Army
2008
Love Potion
2008
I Am Blessed
2004
Singles
