The Manhattans

The Manhattans are an American popular R&B vocal group, with a string of hit records spanning four decades, their best known million-selling songs being Kiss and Say Goodbye and Shining Star in 1980.
Soulful Sounds of The Manhattans
Soul music has always been one of the most captivating genres, and The Manhattans have made an indelible mark in the industry with their soulful sound. The Manhattans started as a doo-wop group in the late 1950s, but it wasn't until the mid-1970s that they gained mainstream success. The Manhattans are one of the most iconic soul and R&B groups of all time. With iconic hits like Kiss and Say Goodbye, Shining Star, and Crazy, The Manhattans' music and performances are unforgettable. In this blog post, we'll dive into The Manhattans' musical biography, best songs, their music genre, famous concerts, and a critic's point of view.
The Manhattans' Musical Biography
The Manhattans originated in Jersey City, New Jersey, in the 1960s. The original group members included George Smitty Smith, Winfred Blue Lovett, Kenny Kelley, Richard Taylor, and Edward Sonny Bivins. In 1970, Taylor and Kelley left the group, and The Manhattans added Gerald Alston (lead vocals), and Blue Lovett switched to the bass. The group's sound was a mix of doo-wop and soul, which caught the attention of Joe Evans of Carnival Records. They signed a contract with Carnival Records to record their debut album, The Manhattans Now in 1966. However, it wasn't until the 1970s when The Manhattans gained mainstream success with Columbia Records.
The Manhattans' Music Genre
The Manhattans' sound is a mix of soul music, R&B, and doo-wop. They released over 25 albums throughout their career, and their music stretched over four decades, attracting a diverse audience globally. They had a particular style that involved smooth vocal harmonies over soulful melodies. Their music was loved because of its emotional depth and genuineness, resonating with people's emotions and feelings worldwide.
The Manhattans' Best Songs
The Manhattans have recorded over 50 singles, charting over 30 songs. Their Kiss and Say Goodbye single spent a month at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. It also reached the top spot on the R&B charts in the US and the UK. Another iconic hit is Shining Star, which peaked at #4 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1980. The classic soulful wedding song, Let's Just Kiss and Say Goodbye was another romantic tune that graced the charts. Other notable hits by The Manhattans include Crazy and Hurt.
Famous Concerts
The Manhattans have had incredible live shows throughout their career, performing globally at some of the largest venues and with some of the most prominent artists in the music industry. They've opened for The Temptations and Gladys Knight, and more recently, they've performed at the 2018 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion Concert in Orlando, Florida, alongside other legendary R&B musicians. The Manhattans have continued to maintain a significant impact in the music industry with their soulful sounds and electrifying performances, making them one of the few legendary groups to have sustained relevance into modern times.
Critic's Point of View
Critic David Edwards said, The Manhattans were unique vocalists, known for their sweet harmonies and falsettos and using gospel-inflected arrangements to create songs that touched emotions deep within their listeners. Their music will continue to charm people as it exudes profound romance and pure, unadulterated soul until the end of time.
The Manhattans are a true representation of how music can endure all odds and resonate across generations. Their music continues to move people across the continent, even years after some of their members have passed away. Their contribution to soul music history and love songs is undeniable, and their sound continues to be an inspiration to many upcoming artists. The Manhattans' music will be remembered for a very long time, and their legacy will continue to inspire soulful sounds for years to come.