Bloodstone - Songs

ABOUT

Bloodstone is a veteran R&B/soul/funk band with a great deal of crossover appeal that became famous during the 1970s and early 1980s. Their best known songs include the romantic and soulful ballads, "Natural High" (1973), "Never Let You Go" (1973), and "Outside Woman" (1974).

They began in 1962 as a doo wop group known as The Sinceres that was formed in Kansas City, Missouri while the members were all still in high school. By the early 1970s, their style had evolved to a more contemporary R&B sound, and they relocated to London, England where they signed with London Records and became known as Bloodstone. The classic hitmaking lineup included Charles McCormick (bass), Harry Williams (keyboards), and guitarists Charles Love (April 18, 1945 - March 6, 2014) and Willis Draffen, Jr. (March 18, 1945 - February 8, 2002), who all shared vocals. Drummer Melvin Webb (d. 1982) was replaced in 1971 by Eddie Summers, who also served as music director and as a keyboardist and backing vocalist through 1975. Percussionist Roger Durham (February 14, 1946 - July 27, 1973) remained with the band up to 1973 when he died after being thrown off a horse, and Steve Ferrone (drums) came on board in 1975.

Bloodstone debuted in 1973 with "Natural High," which became their biggest hit, reaching #4, #10, and #20 on the R&B, Billboard Hot 100, and Adult Contemporary charts, respectively. This smash was followed by a long string of hits on both the R&B and Pop/Rock charts that includes "Never Let You Go" (1973), "Outside Woman" (1974), "That's Not How It Goes" (1974), "My Little Lady" (1975), "Give Me Your Heart" (1975), "Do You Wanna Do A Thing" (1976), and "We Go A Long Way Back" (1982). Bloodstone's final hit came in 1984 on the R&B charts with "Bloodstone's Party" (1984).

Since the band's commercial peak in the 1970s and 1980s, Bloodstone has continued to perform and record actively to the present day. The current lineup is a trio consisting of original members Charles McCormick and Harry Williams and newer member Donald Brown (guitar, vocals) who joined in 2002. Bloodstone was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National R&B Music Society in 2019.

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MERCHANDISE

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SONGS

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Bloodstone

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