The Formations

Best known for their Northern soul classic "At the Top of the Stairs," the Formations formed in Philadelphia in 1966. Comprised of Victor Drayton, Jerry Akins, Ernie Brooks, <a href="spotify:artist:4GN1Yx1D5SNvIUTFsFLlqJ">Reginald Turner</a>, and Johnny Bellman, the group made its recorded debut as backing vocalists on the Coed label single "Sad Illusion," credited to Margie & the Formations. "At the Top of the Stairs" followed on Bank in 1967 -- written by Akins and soon-to-be-legendary composer/producer <a href="spotify:artist:24uSOCTYbMPqL1B56WYT7T">Leon Huff</a>, the single boasted almost Baroque flourishes on top of its gorgeous harmonies and driving beat, anticipating the lush, shimmering Philly soul sound <a href="spotify:artist:24uSOCTYbMPqL1B56WYT7T">Huff</a> and partner <a href="spotify:artist:0TEdanYTgQdUgNBPjK2vXI">Kenny Gamble</a> would perfect in the decade to follow. "At the Top of the Stairs" proved a local smash and was licensed to MGM for national release in 1968 -- it was not a hit, however, although a U.K. re-release in 1970 cracked the British Top 30.

Later in 1968, the Formations recorded two more MGM singles -- "Love's Not Only for the Heart" and "Don't Get Close" -- which followed a similar musical formula and met a similar commercial fate. After three consecutive singles failed at national radio, the group abandoned the Formations name, with the same five original members rechristening themselves <a href="spotify:artist:6AzT9HSi8MZxZtRO4rOIi4">the Corner Boys</a> to release 1969's "Gang War (Don't Make No Sense)" on the Neptune label. After another name change, this time to the Silent Majority, the group signed to the <a href="spotify:artist:3ig4Yf8S2Bjq2yVsiayKM0">Holland-Dozier-Holland</a> production team's Hot Wax label for 1970's "Frightened Girl," followed a year later by "Colors of My Love." After "Good News," a one-off single for the tiny Detroit Star label, the Silent Majority agreed to give it one more go, this time as <a href="spotify:artist:3Em5tIf4L5kMNfGsuA9TRI">Hot Ice</a> -- 1972's "Isn't It Lonely" landed the group a contract with Atlantic Records, for which they cut a pair of 1974 singles, "Streakin' and Freakin'" and "Boogie Joogie," before finally dissolving. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi