Biography
Classically trained in Detroit, arranger Dale Warren launched his professional path at the Motown label. From the late 1960s into the early 1970s he supplied most of the string arrangements for Stax Records soul releases, working with Billy Eckstine, Eddie Floyd, Isaac Hayes, Albert King, the Staple Singers, and additional artists. In that period Warren formed a close association with an emerging Cincinnati soul ensemble known as the Ditalians. He persuaded the group to adopt the name 24-Carat Black, then guided its development by composing and producing its only album, the 1973 conceptual release Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth, which examined inner-city existence. The record attracted little notice and soon disappeared from circulation, after which 24-Carat Black never released further material. Over subsequent decades the album acquired cult status within hip-hop circles; Heal, Young Disciples, and Digable Planets all drew samples from its tracks. After remaining unavailable for an extended time, Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth finally appeared on CD in 1995. Several former members of 24-Carat Black later performed with the group Shotgun.
Albums
