Time Machine--how appropriate, coincidental and timely this title is for The Imperial Wonders. Since 1967, when the Imperial Wonders first recorded under that name, there have been other names that proceeded and followed. It's like they traveled through the time barrier and have returned to the present. In 1962, a twelve year old "Little Al" Boyd joined a Cleveland group called The Matadors (not to be confused with Bull and The Matadors of Chicago fame). This group consisted of member Robert Brook (group leader and Al's childhood friend), Fred Butler, James McGennis, Dennis Collins, Kenny Stover, and Clarence Covington.
They caged members and names many times. From the Brown Beatles to Beatle Brooks & Company, The Imperial Wonders, The Mints,The Imperial Wonders, Truth,The Starlights, Ice Cold Energy, Truth, Hearts Desire, Popular Demand,4-U, DNA and once again The Imperial Wonders. Former members include Kennedy Holman ( who later sang with The Rotations), Montana Holman (Deceased), Walter Chaney (who replaced Montana), Leo Green (who replaced Robert Brooks, Albert Williams (who replaced Walter Chaney temporarily), Lester McKenzie (Deceased), Will (Thomas) Hargrove, James Stewart, Russell Watts (who left The Rotations to replace Lester), Larry Hancock (who sang with S.O.U.L.), Leroy Simmons, Ronnie (Doyle) Merriman, Charles Hughes, Mike Martin, Ricky Williams, E.J. Welch, Darol King and Avaughn Wells. Songs released include "I"VE GOT A STYLE," "JUST A DREAM," "TRYING TO GET TO YOU," "TURNED AROUND OVER YOU," "MEAN OL' MISTREATER," "LOVE COMING DOWN," "COME BACK HOME," "INTERNATIONAL DANCING," "IT'S GONNA TAKE A MIRACLE," "I WANNA THANK YOU GIRL," "TIME MACHINE," "NEVER GO LOOKING FOR LOVE" and "WORK OF ART."
Al Boyd has written gold and platinum records for several artists. One is "SHAKEY GROUND" which was recorded by numerous artists including The Temptations on their "SONG FOR YOU" LP, Van McCoy, Phoebe Snow, Delbert McClinton, Etta James and Elton John on his "DUETS" LP. The second is "TAKE ME TO THE STARS" which was co-written by Larry Hancock and was performed by The O'Jays on their "SO FULL OF LOVE" LP. The third is "BLOW THE HOUSE DOWN" for Junior Walker which was on the LP with the same title. Fourth is "THIS TIME AROUND" which was first recorded by S.O.U.L. in 1972 and was recently recorded by a UK group called Phats and Small.
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