#318 - The O'Jays - Back Stabbers (1972)

MUSIC HISTORY COMPILED BY ADAM BERNARD:

THE O’JAYS BIO

The band initially formed in Canton, Ohio in 1958 while it's members were in high school. They were originally known as The Mascots, and then the Triumphs. They had their first minor hit in the Cleveland area in 1961, "Miracles". They switched names to the "O'Jays" in 1963 after Cleveland radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay. The initial lineup consisted of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bill Isles, and Bobby Massey. Frank "Frankie" Little Jr was also a member for some time in the 1960s. Their first national chart hit "Lonely Drifter" peaked at #93 on the Billboard Hot 100, and their debut release "Comin Through" came out shortly later. The group churned out numerous singles in the 1960s, but they only had one Top 10 hit, "I'll Be Sweeter Tomorrow" before 1972. Despite the group being a mainstay in the R&B world, they considered leaving the music industry altogether, but only Isles and Massey left the group, leaving the O'Jays as a trio. At this point, they were signed to a new label, Philadelphia International that had a team of producers they were familiar with. This leads us to today's album. 

During the remainder of the 1970s, the O'Jays continued releasing hit singles, including "Put Your Hands Together" (Pop number 10), "For the Love of Money" (Pop number 9), "Let Me Make Love to You", "I Love Music" (Pop number 5).

Original member William Powell died of cancer in 1977 at age 35. Sammy Strain of Little Anthony and The Imperials took his place in 1978 and they released their final Top 5 hit "Use Ta Be My Girl". They continued to chart through the 1980s. They also had success in the UK, with four songs reaching the Top 20 on their singles chart. 

The O'Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Famein 2004, The Rock and Roll Hall of Famein 2005, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Famein 2013. They also received a NAACP image Award in 1992.

BACKGROUND – BACK STABBERS

Their 6th album is considered a landmark of early 1970s soul, and has also been called the pinnacle of Philadelphia Soul music. It was released in August 1972 after being recorded in the City of Brotherly Love earlier in the year. It was certified gold a year later, selling over 500,000 copies. It peaked at #10 on the U.S. Pop Charts, and #3 on the Black Albums charts.