How a Jersey City vocal group defined R&B with platinum-selling hits
In short: Formed in 1962 by veterans of the armed forces, The Manhattans rose from Jersey City to dominate the Billboard charts. From their first single in 1964 to massive hits like 'Kiss and Say Goodbye,' the group's evolution through lineup changes and genre-defining sounds shaped modern R&B history.
The Manhattans' journey began in 1962 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The original quintet—George Smith, Edward Bivins, Winfred Lovett, Kenny Kelly, and Richard Taylor—all shared a common history: they had each served in the armed forces before coming together as a musical group following their discharges.
The group's trajectory was marked by both immense success and significant transitions. After their first single, 'For the Very First Time,' in 1964, they achieved a string of hits, including twelve top-10 R&B hits starting in 1965. A pivotal moment occurred in late 1970 when George Smith passed away from a brain tumor. This loss led the group to recruit Gerald Alston, who became the lead singer for their most commercially successful era.
Under Alston's lead, the group achieved massive milestones. Achieving top status on the US Billboard Pop and R&B charts, their 1976 track 'Kiss and Say Goodbye' was the second single to earn platinum status after the RIAA established that award in 1976. They continued this momentum into the 1980s with the Grammy-winning 'Shining Star' in 1980 and the 1983 album 'Forever by Your Side.'
The group's legacy is so enduring that they have persisted through various iterations and decades. In September 2024, the original lineup members were inducted into The Atlantic City Walk of Fame. While the group has seen many members join and depart, their influence remains a cornerstone of American R&B, with songs like 'Crazy' and 'Just the Lonely Talking Again' continuing to resonate across generations and even different continents.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Manhattans
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