The Natural Four, who had a series of moderate-sized hits during the soul era, recorded a soft style of soul in two configurations, both led by Chris James.
The original members, from Oakland, California, U.S.A., were:
Chris James
Allen Richardson
John January
and AI Bowden.
This group first recorded in 1968 on a small local label called Boola-Boola.
From there they went to ABC Records, and reached the national charts in 1969 with 'Why Should We Stop Now' (number 31 R & B).
In 1970, they achieved some success with the single 'I Thought You Were Mine' for the ABC label and taken from the album 'Good Vibes'.
The song was written by Lonnie Cook.
The group was unable to repeat their success.
Before breaking up in 1971, they recorded an unnoticed single for Bay Area producer Ron Carson that was released on Chess Records.
Chris James organized a new group:
Darryl Canady
Steve 'Strip' Striplin
Ollan Christopher James
and Delmos Whitney
The group signed with Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label in 1972, and the following year had a sizable hit with 'Can This Be Real' (number 10 R & B, number 31 pop), written by Leroy Hutson.
1974 brought us 'Natural Four' including 'You Bring Out The Best In Me'.
Their last chart record was in 1976.
Albums:
Good Vibes (ABC 1970)
Natural Four (Curtom 1974)
Heaven Right Here On Earth (Curtom 1975)
Nightchaser (Curtom 1976)
