Brenda And The Tabulations were an R & B vocal group, formed in 1966, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
The group comprised of:
Brenda J. Payton (b. 24th October 1945, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., d. 14th June 1992, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.)
Jerry Jones
Eddie Jackson (b. Eddie L. Jackson, 1947, Forest City, North Carolina, U.S.A. d. 3rd May 2010, Temple University Hospital, North Philadelphia, U.S.A.)
and Maurice Coates
later:
Bernard Murphy (joined the group in 1969)
Brenda and the Tabulations line-up changed circa 1971 with the original three original members departing.
Two additional female backing singers (Pat Mercer and Deborah Martin) were hired by the group.
In 1965, Brenda was part of a group called The Joyettes.
Brenda Payton and Maurice Coates worked together at a playground in downtown Philadelphia during the summer of 1966.
Gilda Woods overheard the duo singing and formed the group shortly afterwards.
Brenda and the Tabulations achieved a series of hits in the late 1960's and early 1970's, on various imprints, including Dionn, Philco-Ford Hp-40 and Top & Bottom.
The latter label was run by the group's manager and member, Gilda Woods.
Dry Your Eyes (1967) - Brenda & The Tabulations (1970)
The group had a sizeable hit with their first release, 'Dry Your Eyes' (which reached the top 20, and number 2 on the R&B charts) for the Dionn imprint in 1967.
In 1971, 'Right On The Tip Of My Tongue', reached the top 23, on the pop charts and number 5 on the R&B charts.
'Dry Your Eyes was penned by Brenda with group member Maurice Coates, whilst 'Right On The Tip Of My Tongue' was written and produced by the late Van McCoy.
The group also released the songs 'Who's Lovin' You' (number 19 R&B 1967), and 'Stay Together Young Lovers' (number 44 R&B 1967).
The group left the Top and Bottom imprint in 1971, joining Epic Records in 1972.
'One Girl Too Late' (released in 1973) was a very popular later release by the group.
They left Epic for Chocolate City Records in 1975.
Brenda and the Tabulations released three albums, 'Dry Your Eyes' (in 1967), 'Brenda and the Tabulations' (in 1970) and 'I Keep Coming Back for More' (in 1977).
I Keep Coming Back for More (1977) - Right On The Tip Of My Tongue (comp)
'I Keep Coming Back for More' featured the popular dancer 'Let's Go All The Way Down'.
The group, eventually, disbanded in the Eighties, although a one off 12" release entitled 'Don't Give Up On Love', saw the light of day in 1987.
In 1986, members of the Tabulations were among several rhythm-and-blues and doo-wop groups honoured with an evening at the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum.
Brenda Payton was known as Brenda Hill when she passed away. She was 46 years old.
Guitarist, Eddie Jackson, passed away on the 3rd of May 2010 from a brain aneurysm. He was 63.
He was survived by his adoptive mother, Lillian Coates, another son, Anthony R. Howard, three brothers, and six grandchildren. He also left a longtime companion Lorraine Robinson and is also survived by former companions Beverly Allen and Gwen Howard.
Albums:
Dry Your Eyes (Dionn Records 1967)
Brenda And The Tabulations (Top & Bottom Records 1970)
I Keep Coming Back For More (Chocolate City Records 1977)
