After 7 comprised of:
Kevin Edmonds
Melvin Edmonds (b. Melvin Edmonds, 2nd November 1954, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. d. 18th May 2019, U.S.A.)
and
Keith Mitchell
Formed in 1987 by the older brothers of the songwriter and singer, Babyface, After 7 consisted of Melvin and Kevon Edmonds, along with a third member, Keith Mitchell.
Some press releases stated that Keith Mitchell was the cousin on Babyface's long time collaborator Antonio L.A. Reid, however, this information proved not to be the case.
Keith and Kevon became friends at the Indiana University, whilst studying music, leading to the duo performing in a five piece group, who toured venues in Indianapolis.
On leaving University, the two lost touch and began working in regular employment.
At this time, Babyface left the Deele, a group he was recording with for the previous years, and began to look at working on newer projects.
He contacted his brothers and Keith, and began to encourage the trio to send their material to various producers, which led to a deal with Virgin Records and a subsequent album release in 1989.
after 7 - 1989 / takin' my time - 1992
Simply entitled 'After 7', the album went Platinum, capitalising on the current popular phase of Soul Music, namely New Jack Swing.
The albums first 45, 'Heat Of The Moment' reached number 5 on the R&B charts, followed by further releases, 'Ready Or Not' and 'Can't Stop' which reached number 6 and saw a One World remix, which was popular on the U.K. dance floors, and was noted by the singer Sade as one of her favourite tunes at that time.
After 7 also released the, retrospectively delivered, 'Nights Like This' featured on the 1991 movie vehicle 'The Five Heartbeats' soundtrack.
A second album was released in 1992 and was called 'Takin My Time', which featured the single 'Kickin' It', which reached number 6 on the R&B charts.
The album also featured their version of The Originals' evergreen 'Baby I'm For Real'.
The group had constructed quite a reputation for themselves by now, and were in demand, as a touring band, working with the likes of Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston and MC Hammer.
reflections - 1995
In 1995, the group released their third (and what turned out to be their final album) 'Reflections', which featured the single 'Til You Do Me Right', and featured the production work of Kevon and Melvin.
They departed the Virgin stable and went their separate ways, pursuing their own musical interests.
In 1997 the Edmonds brothers released a cover version of the Hall & Oates' song 'Sara Smile' as a single (a new recording) from a best of album called 'The Very Best of After 7'.
Kevon recorded a solo album in 1999 entitled '24/7' and the Edmonds brothers appeared on the 'Soul Food' soundtrack as members of the group Milestone, on the song 'I Care About You'.
He also tours under the old group name, with a line-up that features himself, along with Keith and Jason Edmonds.
Keith manages the hip hop artist Sarai, and is working on Gospel material in recent years.
melvin edmonds
Melvin Edmonds, sadly, passed away in 2019.
Albums:
After 7 (Virgin Records 1989)
Takin' My Time (Virgin Records 1992)
Reflections (Virgin Records 1995)
Timeless (eOne Records 2016)
