Biography
The Formations came together in Philadelphia during 1966 and earned their lasting reputation through the Northern soul staple “At the Top of the Stairs.” The lineup consisted of Victor Drayton, Jerry Akins, Ernie Brooks, Reginald Turner, and Johnny Bellman. Their first appearance on record came as supporting singers on the Coed single “Sad Illusion,” issued under the billing Margie & the Formations.
In 1967 the group placed “At the Top of the Stairs” on the Bank label; Akins co-wrote the track with the then-emerging composer and producer Leon Huff. The arrangement featured ornate, nearly Baroque embellishments layered over rich harmonies and a propulsive rhythm, foreshadowing the opulent, luminous Philly soul aesthetic that Huff and his partner Kenny Gamble would refine in the years ahead. The record became a regional favorite and was subsequently picked up by MGM for a 1968 national push, yet it failed to register on the broader charts. A British reissue two years later reached the U.K. Top 30.
Still in 1968, MGM released two additional Formations singles—“Love’s Not Only for the Heart” and “Don’t Get Close”—that adhered to the same stylistic approach and likewise met with limited national success. After three consecutive releases failed to connect at radio, the quintet dropped the Formations moniker and, retaining the original five members, reemerged in 1969 as the Corner Boys on Neptune with “Gang War (Don’t Make No Sense).”
Another rechristening produced the Silent Majority, who then signed with the Holland-Dozier-Holland–run Hot Wax imprint. The resulting 1970 single “Frightened Girl” was followed in 1971 by “Colors of My Love.” A lone 45 titled “Good News” appeared on the small Detroit Star label before the group made one final attempt, now calling themselves Hot Ice. Their 1972 release “Isn’t It Lonely” secured an Atlantic Records deal, leading to the 1974 Atlantic singles “Streakin’ and Freakin’” and “Boogie Joogie.” The collective ultimately disbanded soon afterward.
In 1967 the group placed “At the Top of the Stairs” on the Bank label; Akins co-wrote the track with the then-emerging composer and producer Leon Huff. The arrangement featured ornate, nearly Baroque embellishments layered over rich harmonies and a propulsive rhythm, foreshadowing the opulent, luminous Philly soul aesthetic that Huff and his partner Kenny Gamble would refine in the years ahead. The record became a regional favorite and was subsequently picked up by MGM for a 1968 national push, yet it failed to register on the broader charts. A British reissue two years later reached the U.K. Top 30.
Still in 1968, MGM released two additional Formations singles—“Love’s Not Only for the Heart” and “Don’t Get Close”—that adhered to the same stylistic approach and likewise met with limited national success. After three consecutive releases failed to connect at radio, the quintet dropped the Formations moniker and, retaining the original five members, reemerged in 1969 as the Corner Boys on Neptune with “Gang War (Don’t Make No Sense).”
Another rechristening produced the Silent Majority, who then signed with the Holland-Dozier-Holland–run Hot Wax imprint. The resulting 1970 single “Frightened Girl” was followed in 1971 by “Colors of My Love.” A lone 45 titled “Good News” appeared on the small Detroit Star label before the group made one final attempt, now calling themselves Hot Ice. Their 1972 release “Isn’t It Lonely” secured an Atlantic Records deal, leading to the 1974 Atlantic singles “Streakin’ and Freakin’” and “Boogie Joogie.” The collective ultimately disbanded soon afterward.
Albums