ArtistInfo

Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd St Rhythm Band

Band, *1962
R&B/Soul
A.k.a. The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band

Funk band, formed in the mid-1960's in Los Angeles, California. Succesful both as a backing group to others (most prominent of them being Bill Cosby) as well as a group in their own right, best known for their 1970-hit Express Yourself. The original line-up comprised of bandleader Charles Wright (vocals, guitar, piano), Al McKay (guitar), Gabe Flemings (piano, trumpet), Melvin Dunlap (bass), James Gadson (drums), John Rayford and Bill Cannon (both sax), and Ray Jackson (trombone). McKay left in 1969 to join Earth, Wind & Fire and was replaced by Benorce Blackmon. Initially, the band was known as The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, from 1969 on they recorded as Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. The group was disbanded when Dunlap, Gadson, Jackson and Blackmon went on to work with Bill Withers in 1972. Charles Wright then embarked on a solo career.

Members

	Charles Wright g, voc *1940 US
	Ray Jackson tb, cng
	Benorce Blackmon g US
	James Gadson dr *1939 US
	Melvin Dunlap b
	Al McKay g, perc *1948 US
	Gabe Flemings tr
	John Rayford ts, sax, voc
	Melvin Jernigan sax US
	Bill Cannon ts, sax