Formed 1962, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.
Bloodstone comprised of:
Charles E. McCormick (lead vocal, bass guitar) (b. 8th May 1946, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. d. 13th April 2022, U.S.A.)
Charles Dee Love Jnr. (lead vocal, guitar) (b. 18th April 1945, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. d. 6th March 2014, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.)
Willis Draffen (vocal, guitar) (b. 18th March 1945, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. d. 8th February 2002, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.)
Harry Williams (vocal, percussion) (b. 1944, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. d. 22nd November 2024, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A.)
Melvin Webb (drummer) (d. 1982)
Eddie Summers (drummer, percussion)
Ronald Bell (singer)
Ronald Wilson (singer)
and
Roger Lee Durham (percussion) (b. 14th February 1946, U.S.A. d. 27th July 1973, U.S.A. - thrown from a horse.)
Bloodstone hailed from Kansas City, and were formed in 1962.
When the band were at high school, they formed a doo-wop group called The Sinceres.
the sinceres - circa 1960
the soulful emeralds (bottom left: melvin webb)
The Sinceres performed live, accompanied by a local group known as the Soulful Emeralds.
By the end of the decade, the Sinceres comprised of Melvin Webb, Roger Durham, Charles Love, Charles McCormick, Harry Williams and Willis Draffen.
The group relocated to Los Angeles where they teamed up with the management duo George Braunstein and Ron Hamady.
Melvin Webb was replaced by Eddie Summers, and the group decided to change their name to Bloodstone.
Bloodstone began touring Europe and landed a deal in the U.K. with the Decca Records imprint.
The groups line-up, at this time, comprised of Charles McCormick, Willis Draffen, Jr., Charles Love, Harry Williams, Roger Durham and Eddie Summers.
bloodstone - 1972 / natural high - 1972 / unreal - 1973 / i need time - 1974
Bloodstone's first album was a self titled project, which featured the songs ‘That's The Way We Make Our Music’, and ‘Girl (You Look So Fine)’.
Their second album, entitled ‘Natural High’ realised instant success.
The title track from the album reached the U.S. R&B Top 10, and number 10 on the National Pop charts.
riddle of the sphinx - 1974 / train ride to hollywood - 1975 / do you wanna do a thing? - 1976 / lullaby of broadway - 1976
The success of the single and album saw a quick succession of album releases, including ‘Unreal’ (in 1973), ‘I Need Time’ (in 1974), ‘Riddle Of The Sphinx (in 1974, and featuring ‘My Little Lady’), ‘Train Ride To Hollywood’ (in 1975, a soundtrack in which the group featured), ‘Do You Wanna Do A Thing’ (in 1976) and ‘Lullaby Of Broadway’ (also in 1976).
Bloodstone achieved some chart success with the singles, ‘Never Let You Go’, ‘Outside Woman’ and ‘My Little Lady’.
The group continued to tour, performing with the likes of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Elton John, and The Impressions.
The album ‘Natural High’ sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in July 1973.
don't stop - 1978 / we go a long way back - 1982 / party - 1984 / go on and cry - 1999
In 1982, the band realised a surprising renaissance with their album ‘We Go A Long Way Back’ on CBS Records.
The Isley Brothers produced album featured the ballad title track, along with the club favourite ‘My Love Grows Stronger’.
Bloodstone continued to perform throughout the Eighties and Nineties, releasing further albums, including ‘Party’ in 1984.
now...that's what i'm talkin' about - 2004
The group performed up until recently, with the original members Charles McCormick, Charles Love, Harry Williams and Donald Brown.
Founding member Willis Draffen died on the 8th of February 2002 at the age of 56.
Charles Love, sadly, passed away in 2014.
Charles E. McCormick (above), passed away in 2022 at the age of 75.
Harry Williams passed away in November 2024 at the age of 80.
Albums:
Bloodstone (London Records 1972)
Natural High (London Records 1973)
Never Let You Go (London Records 1973)
Unreal (London Records 1973)
I Need Time (London Records 1974)
Riddle Of The Sphinx (London Records 1974)
Train Ride To Hollywood (London Records 1975)
Lullaby of Broadway (Decca Records 1976)
Do You Wanna Do A Thing (London Records 1976)
Don't Stop (Motown Records 1978)
We Go A Long Way Back (T-Neck Records 1982)
Instant Love (T-Neck Records 1983)
Party (T-Neck Records 1984)
The Ultimate Collection (I.T.P. Records Records 1996)
Go on and Cry (AMW Records 1999)
Now...That's What I'm Talkin' About (Check It Records 2010)
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