Formed 1968 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
One of Philadelphia's finest groups, The Futures comprised of:
Frank Washington
Kenny Crew
James King
John King
and
Harry McGilberry (b. Harry McGilberry Jnr, 19th January 1950, Pennsylvannia, U.S.A. d. 3rd April 2006)
This group were a vocal Philly soul quintet.
Our Thing b/w Breaking Up - 1970 / Love Is Here b/w Stay With Me - 1972
Amjo Records released the Futures first single in 1970, entitled 'Breaking Up' b/w 'Our Thing.'
Richard Wright (deceased) sang lead on the Amjo side, along with other members, that with one or two exceptions, differed from the previously mentioned names.
Avalanche Records reissued the Amjo single the following year.
The next single 'Love Is Here,' appeared on Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Gamble label.
The Futures made a poor career move when Gamble Records ended up by signing with Buddah Records, thus missing a golden opportunity to join Philadelphia International Records.
(That's) The Way Of A Woman In Love b/w Grade A Woman - 1974 / No One Could Compare b/w You Better Be Certain - 1974
Their first Buddah release '(That's) The Way Of A Woman In Love' b/w 'Grade A Woman,' was released in January 1974.
The second single 'No One Could Compare' b/w 'You Better Be Careful' was released shortly afterwards.
Without the major label support that Philadelphia had to offer bands like the O'Jays, and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes & the Stylistics, the band failed to reap the benefits of their productions.
Buddah released the Futures third single 'Castles' June 1975, which continued the string of under achievments.
castles in the sky - 1975 / past, present and the futures - 1978
They issued the Futures' first album 'Castles In The Sky', in 1975 which didn't include the first two singles. Its promotion was almost non existent.
Barbara Mason wrote their final Buddah single 'We Got Love,' prompting a poorly promoted tour with Philly's First Lady of Soul.
Finally, they reunited with Gamble & Huff in 1978 at Philadelphia International Records, but the company's glory days were over.
The first release 'Part Time Party Time Man,' was their most successful single.
Its 'rare groove' successor 'Ain't No Time For Nothing,' was succeeded by three more singles including 'Mr. Bojangles.'
the greetings of peace - 1980 / betcha come back b/w angel in disguise - 1982 single
Philadelphia International released two albums by the Futures, 'Past, Present & The Futures', and the obscure 'The Greetings Of Peace'.
Warped Records issued the final Futures' recordings in 1982: 'Let's Get To It' b/w 'Young & Tender,' and 'Angel In Disguise' b/w 'Betcha Come Back.'
McGilberry joined the Temptations in 1996 replacing Ray Davies who replaced Melvin Franklin.
Albums:
Castles In The Sky (Buddah Records 1975)
Past, Present and the Futures / Greetings of... (Philadelphia International Records 1979)
The Greetings Of Peace (Philadelphia International Records 1980)
