The Winstons - Songs

ABOUT

The Winstons were a short-lived but highly acclaimed male R&B, soul, and funk group with a sound often compared to that of The Impressions that became famous during the late 1960s. Best known by oldies music lovers for the heartwarming "Color Him Father" (1969), The Winstons have become equally famous among fans of hip-hop and electronic music for "Amen, Brother," a funky instrumental cover of the spiritual, "Amen," that features one of the most frequently sampled drum solos of all time (known widely as the "Amen Break").

Formed in Washington, D.C. and led by tenor saxophonist Richard Spencer along with organist Phil Tolotta as co-lead singer, The Winstons' original members also included Ray Maritano (alto sax), Quincy Mattison (guitar), Sonny Pekerol (bass), and drummer Gregory C. Coleman (September 1944 - April 2006) who all provided backing vocals. Prior to forming The Winstons, Coleman, Mattison, and Spencer had served as longtime members of Otis Redding's band. The Winstons signed to Curtom in 1968 before moving on to Metromedia the following year.

The Winstons made their debut in 1969 with the Spencer-penned "Color Him Father," which reached #2 on the R&B charts, made the Pop/Rock Top 10, and soon after went gold. The following year, this oldies classic also earned Spencer a Grammy for Best Rhythm and Blues Song. The Winstons other charting songs include "Love Of The Common People" (1969), "The Greatest Love" (1969), and "Say Goodbye To Daddy" (1970).

After their peak in commercial fame in the late 1960s, The Winstons continued on as the backup band for The Impressions, and various incarnations of the group performed over the next several decades. Richard Spencer left music in the early 1970s and became a teacher and author. G.C. Coleman went on to record with the disco/jazz band, Brick.

MERCHANDISE

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SONGS

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The Winstons

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