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Today (group)
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Today is an American R&B vocal group formed in 1988. The group comprised Frederick Lee "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry "Chief" Singletary, Wesley "Wes" Adams, and Larry "Love" McCain, childhood friends from Englewood, New Jersey.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]The group started in 1984 as the Gents and comprised Drakeford, McCain, William McNeir, Ronald Scruggs, and Bernard Belle. During an anti-drug benefit, the group received a meeting with the producer Teddy Riley who renamed the group Today and melded them into the current lineup. Riley helped them receive a deal with MCA Records. Belle left the group to join Riley in writing and producing.[1]
As the head of MCA records urban department, Jheryl Busby, moved into Motown, he brought several acts with him, including Today, the Boys and the Good Girls. While touring the country, the groups were successful. Motown promoted Today as the new Four Tops, and the Boys and the Good Girls were promoted as the new Jackson 5 and new Supremes.[1]
Today released their self-titled debut album in 1988. The single "Him Or Me" reached number 3 on the R&B charts and was followed by "Girl I Got My Eyes On You" which reached number 1.[2] It was also their only song to chart in Britain, and peaked at number 94 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1989.[3]
Riley did not help the group with their second album, The New Formula. Released in 1990, the album manage to chart three singles: "Why You Get Funky on Me", which was also featured in the movie House Party reached number 2 on the R&B charts.[2] "I Got The Feeling" peaked at number 12 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and "I Wanna Come Back Home" peaked at number 46 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[2]
After the group broke up, Drakeford started a solo career as Big Bub while Singletary, Adams, and McCain wrote songs and tried unsuccessfully to get a deal as a trio. Drakeford released three albums as a solo artist: 1992's Comin at Cha (EastWest), 1997's Timeless (Kedar/Universal), and 2000's Never Too Late (Flavor Unit). His single "Need Your Love", credited to Big Bub feat. Queen Latifah & Heavy D, peaked at number 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1997.[4]
In 2010, it was announced that all four members reunited and were changing to the Gospel music genre and would work on a new album and a new single "Orchestrate" was released.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Record label | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [5] |
US R&B [6] | |||
| 1988 | Today | 86 | 11 | Motown |
| 1990 | The New Formula | 132 | 19 | |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US R&B [2] |
US Dan [2] |
UK [3] | ||||||||||||
| 1988 | "Him or Me" | 3 | 21 | — | ||||||||||
| 1989 | "Girl I Got My Eyes On You" | 1 | 29 | 94 | ||||||||||
| "Take It Off" | 34 | — | — | |||||||||||
| "You Stood Me Up" | — | — | — | |||||||||||
| "Take Your Time" | — | — | — | |||||||||||
| 1990 | "Why You Get Funky On Me" | 2 | — | — | ||||||||||
| "I Got the Feeling" | 12 | — | — | |||||||||||
| "I Wanna Come Back Home" | 46 | — | — | |||||||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released. | ||||||||||||||
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Hamilton, Andrew. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Today Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ a b "UK Charts > Today". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Top Pop Singles 1955-2012 (14th ed.). Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-89820-205-2.
- ^ "Today: Chart History - BILLBOARD 200". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
- ^ "Today: Chart History - TOP R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
External links
[edit]- Today at AllMusic
- Today (band) on R&B Haven
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Today (group)
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation and early years (1984–1988)
The R&B vocal group Today originated in 1984 as The Gents, formed by a group of childhood friends in Englewood, New Jersey.[1][7] The initial lineup included Frederick "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry McCain, William McNeir, Ronald Scruggs, Harold (last name unknown), and Bernard Belle, who came together to pursue harmonies and original material inspired by the local R&B scene.[1] These early members focused on rehearsing vocal arrangements and songwriting during informal sessions, drawing from contemporary R&B influences while developing their sound through trial-and-error collaborations in home basements and community spaces.[1] The group began performing on the New Jersey R&B circuit, building a grassroots following through local gigs at small venues, school events, and community gatherings that highlighted their smooth harmonies and energetic stage presence.[7] In 1984, as The Gents, they recorded their debut single "For You and My Baby" for the independent Positive Image Records, marking their first foray into professional recording and demonstrating their budding songwriting talents centered on romantic themes.[1] These pre-label efforts helped refine their repertoire, with the members rotating lead vocals and experimenting with arrangements to stand out in the competitive Northeast urban music landscape. A pivotal moment came during an anti-drug benefit concert in the mid-1980s, where The Gents' performance caught the attention of a record executive who arranged an introduction to emerging producer Teddy Riley.[1] Riley, impressed by their potential, suggested renaming the group Today to symbolize a fresh start and focus on the moment, evolving the lineup to include core members Frederick "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry "Chief" Singletary, Wesley "Wes" Adams, and Larry McCain.[1] This rebranding and restructuring solidified their professional direction, setting the stage for label interest from Motown Records by 1988.[7]Rise to fame and debut success (1988–1990)
In 1988, the R&B vocal group Today, originally formed as The Gents, secured a recording deal with MCA Records through the efforts of producer Teddy Riley, who had been instrumental in their development and saw potential in their harmonious style blended with emerging urban sounds.[4] This signing marked their transition from local performances to professional recording, with Riley contributing to early production that incorporated elements of new jack swing, a genre he pioneered featuring hip-hop rhythms and synthesized beats over R&B vocals.[4] Shortly after, as MCA acquired Motown Records, executive Jheryl Busby relocated to lead the label and brought Today along with other urban acts, positioning them under Motown's banner for broader promotion in the competitive late-1980s R&B landscape.[4] The group's self-titled debut album, Today, was released in 1988 on Motown, peaking at number 86 on the Billboard 200 and number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting solid reception within urban markets despite modest pop crossover.[8] The project showcased new jack swing influences through its upbeat, dance-oriented tracks produced by Riley and others, emphasizing tight vocal arrangements and funky basslines that aligned with contemporaries like Guy and Bobby Brown.[9] Key singles drove its success: "Him or Me" reached number 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in late 1988, establishing their smooth, romantic appeal; "Girl I Got My Eyes On You" topped the same chart for one week in April 1989 and peaked at number 94 on the UK Singles Chart; while "Why You Get Funky On Me," though released in 1990, built on debut momentum by hitting number 2 on the R&B chart, highlighting their energetic side with its infectious groove.[4][10][2] To capitalize on these hits, Today embarked on national promotional tours alongside fellow Motown acts like The Boys and The Good Girls, performing at urban radio events and club showcases that helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase in the thriving late-1980s R&B scene.[4] Media appearances included music videos for their singles on programs like Soul Train and BET, which amplified their visibility and contributed to growing popularity among young audiences drawn to the fresh fusion of R&B traditions with street-savvy production.[11] This period solidified Today's breakthrough, positioning them as a promising force in Motown's renewed push for vocal harmony groups amid the new jack swing era.[4]Peak and disbandment (1990–1991)
In 1990, Today released their second studio album, The New Formula, through Motown Records, marking a shift from the production style that defined their debut.[12] The album peaked at number 132 on the Billboard 200 and number 19 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, reflecting a more modest mainstream reception compared to their earlier breakthrough.[13] Key singles included "Why You Get Funky on Me," which climbed to number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while follow-ups like "I Got the Feeling" and "I Wanna Come Back Home" achieved lower placements at numbers 12 and 46 on the R&B chart, respectively, signaling diminishing commercial momentum.[4] The project highlighted growing internal challenges within the group, particularly the absence of longtime collaborator Teddy Riley, who had been instrumental in their initial sound but did not contribute to this effort.[4] Without his involvement, the album's production drew criticism for lacking the innovative new jack swing energy of their first release, exacerbating creative differences among members Frederick "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry Singletary, Wesley Adams, and Larry McCain. Motown's promotional support also fell short, amplifying frustrations over artistic direction and commercial viability in a rapidly evolving R&B landscape.[4] These tensions culminated in the group's disbandment in 1991, shortly after the album's underperformance relative to expectations.[14] In the immediate aftermath, the members diverged professionally; Drakeford, in particular, pivoted to songwriting, co-authoring tracks for established artists such as "I Never Wanna Live Without You" on Mary J. Blige's 1992 album What's the 411?. Singletary, Adams, and McCain initially collaborated on new material as a trio but struggled to secure a recording deal.[4]Reunion and recent activities (2010–present)
In 2010, the original members of Today reunited, announcing a shift to gospel music with plans for a new album. They released the gospel single "Orchestrate" in 2012, followed by "The Gift of Life" in 2014, "Love" in 2019, and "My Woman" in 2020.[1] In 2018, the group appeared on Sway In The Morning, where they discussed further plans for new material and performed live, marking a return after nearly two decades apart.[6] The group has since maintained an independent profile, with sporadic fan engagements and performances in the 2010s and 2020s, without securing major label deals.[6] As of 2025, Today remains active on a low-key basis, focusing on inspirational and holiday-themed content featuring core members Big Bub, Chief, Wes, and Love.Members
Core and current members
The core members of the R&B vocal group Today are Frederick "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry "Chief" Singletary, Wesley "Wes" Adams, and Larry "Love" McCain, who all contributed as vocalists during the group's active period in the late 1980s and early 1990s.[15][7] These childhood friends from Englewood, New Jersey, formed the stable lineup that defined the group's sound, with Drakeford serving as the primary lead vocalist and a key songwriter.[16][17] Drakeford's lead vocals were central to hits like "Girl I Got My Eyes on You," where he delivered the prominent melodies alongside the group's layered harmonies provided by Singletary, Adams, and McCain.[16] Singletary specialized in rich harmony vocals, enhancing the group's smooth R&B and new jack swing blend during their Motown era recordings.[15] Adams contributed consistently as a vocalist across all of Today's active periods, maintaining the group's cohesive performance style.[7] McCain focused on bass vocal lines and harmonies, rounding out the quartet's full sound in both studio work and live settings.[15]Former members and lineup changes
The R&B vocal group Today originated in 1984 as The Gents, initially comprising Frederick "Bubba" Drakeford, Larry McCain, William McNeir, Ronald Scruggs, and Bernard Belle.[4] Bernard Belle, a multi-instrumentalist and early songwriter for the group, departed shortly after their initial single "For You My Baby Love" to pursue a solo career and production opportunities, including collaborations with Teddy Riley on New Jack Swing projects. Belle died on June 23, 2022.[4][18] His exit, along with those of McNeir and Scruggs—who had been involved in the Gents' formative performances—occurred prior to the group's 1988 signing with Motown and reformation under Riley's guidance.[4][18] These pre-debut departures streamlined the lineup into a focused quartet of Drakeford, McCain, Larry Singletary, and Wesley Adams, enhancing vocal harmonies and stage dynamics for their breakthrough era.[4] Belle continued contributing to Today's sound post-departure by producing tracks for their debut album, which helped shape their polished R&B style without altering the core membership during their active years from 1988 to 1991.[18] No significant lineup changes occurred mid-career, preserving the group's chemistry amid their rise with hits like "Him or Me."[19] Following the group's disbandment in 1991, members pursued individual paths, with no documented group reunion or further collective activities as of 2025.[1][4] This stability during their active years allowed the group to maintain their signature sound.Musical style and influences
Genre characteristics and production
Today, an American R&B vocal group, primarily operated within the new jack swing subgenre, a fusion of contemporary R&B and hip-hop production techniques that emerged in the late 1980s. Their sound featured upbeat rhythms driven by programmed drum machines, sharp snare hits, and synthesized basslines, creating an energetic, dance-oriented groove that blended smooth vocal harmonies with rhythmic swing. This style emphasized layered vocals and dynamic tempo shifts, hallmarks of the era's urban contemporary music, allowing for seamless transitions between melodic hooks and percussive breaks.[20] The group's debut album was produced by Teddy Riley, a pioneering figure in new jack swing, whose contributions infused their tracks with hip-hop-inspired grooves and call-and-response vocal patterns that heightened the interactive, party-like feel of their music. Riley's production approach incorporated digital synthesizers and sampled elements to craft a youthful, street-smart edge, evident in the funky basslines that propelled songs like "Him or Me," which exemplified the genre's emphasis on infectious, bass-heavy rhythms over traditional R&B instrumentation. This production style not only defined their early output but also positioned Today as protégés within the new jack swing movement, marked by a swaggering fusion of R&B melodies and hip-hop beats.[21][22] In their reunion activities starting in 2010, the group evolved their sound by incorporating gospel elements, shifting toward spiritual lyrics while retaining core harmonic structures and vocal harmonies from their R&B roots. Lead member Frederick Lee "Bubba" Drakeford, performing as Big Bub, released projects that juxtaposed gospel and classic R&B, reflecting a broader transition in the group's recent performances toward inspirational themes overlaid on familiar rhythmic foundations. This adaptation maintained the upbeat, harmonious essence of their original style but introduced uplifting, faith-based content.[23]Influences and comparisons to contemporaries
Today drew significant influences from the emerging new jack swing movement, particularly through producer Teddy Riley, who renamed the group and helmed their debut album, infusing their sound with hip-hop-inflected rhythms and streetwise energy characteristic of pioneers like Riley's own group Guy.[1] This production style marked a pivotal shift in R&B during the late 1980s, blending traditional vocal harmonies with rap elements and electronic beats to create a crossover appeal that bridged soul traditions and hip-hop innovation.[24] As a Motown signee, Today was deeply shaped by the label's storied legacy of polished, harmony-driven R&B, which emphasized tight vocal blends and accessible melodies rooted in the soul era.[25] Motown explicitly positioned the group as successors to classic acts, likening their multifaceted vocal arrangements and emotive delivery to the Four Tops' signature blend of baritone leads and group interplay that defined the label's golden age.[7] In the broader cultural landscape of late-1980s R&B, Today emerged amid a genre-wide evolution toward hip-hop crossovers, exemplified by new jack swing's fusion of danceable grooves and urban storytelling, which helped propel R&B into mainstream pop consciousness.[26] Their youthful exuberance and swing-infused tracks echoed contemporaries like the Force MD's in capturing the era's fresh, street-oriented R&B vitality, though Today's Riley-produced edge added a sharper, more rhythmic punch.[4] Despite their short peak in the early 1990s, Today's career brevity limited their enduring influence compared to longer-lasting new jack swing acts, yet their Motown hits like "I Got the Feelin'" remain staples in retrospectives of 1980s R&B innovation, highlighting their role in the genre's transitional sound.[7]Discography
Studio albums
The group's debut studio album, Today, was released on November 15, 1988, by Motown Records.[27] Produced primarily by Teddy Riley, the album introduced the quartet's new jack swing sound, blending upbeat rhythms with vocal harmonies, and consisted of 10 tracks.[28] Key singles included "Girl I Got My Eyes on You" and "Him or Me," which highlighted the group's energetic style and contributed to its commercial momentum.[29] The record peaked at number 11 on the US R&B Albums chart, establishing Today as a promising act in the late-1980s R&B landscape, though its sales were stronger than later efforts.[4] Critics noted the album's relentlessly positive vibe and assembly-line Christian R&B/new jack swing elements, anchored by synthesizer-driven tracks that captured the era's swingbeat freshness, but some reviews pointed to limitations in lyrical depth and variety.[28] The full track listing is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Him or Me | 5:12 |
| 2. | Girl I Got My Eyes on You | 5:00 |
| 3. | Take It Off | 5:31 |
| 4. | Take Your Time | 4:49 |
| 5. | Style | 4:02 |
| 6. | You Stood Me Up | 5:09 |
| 7. | Your Love Is Not True | 5:23 |
| 8. | Lady | 4:30 |
| 9. | Sexy Lady | 5:22 |
| 10. | Forever | 4:58 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | I Got the Feeling | 4:05 |
| 2. | Every Little Thing About You | 5:19 |
| 3. | Self Centered | 5:00 |
| 4. | Let Me Know | 5:07 |
| 5. | Why You Get Funky on Me (Remix) | 7:24 |
| 6. | Trying to Get Over You | 5:29 |
| 7. | I Wanna Come Back Home | 5:43 |
| 8. | Home Is Where You Belong | 4:33 |
| 9. | Tennis Anyone | 5:56 |
| 10. | Gonna Make You Mine | 4:38 |
Singles and other releases
Today's debut era was marked by several successful R&B singles released through Motown Records, which achieved top 10 positions on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart but saw limited crossover to the pop charts.[31] The group's lead single "Girl I Got My Eyes on You" from their 1988 self-titled album topped the R&B chart at number 1 and reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also hitting number 1 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.[32] Follow-up "Him or Me," also from the debut album, peaked at number 3 on the R&B chart, number 21 on the Hot 100, and number 2 on the Dance chart.[33] "Take It Off" followed in 1989, reaching number 34 on the R&B chart.[31] The group's second album, The New Formula (1990), produced additional R&B hits, including "Why You Get Funky on Me," which climbed to number 2 on the R&B chart after 19 weeks and number 19 on the Dance chart, though it did not enter the Hot 100.[5] "I Got the Feeling" from the same album peaked at number 12 on the R&B chart.[34] Later singles like "I Wanna Come Back Home" (1991) charted more modestly at number 46 on the R&B chart.[31] Overall, Today's singles from this period demonstrated strong regional radio play in R&B markets but lacked major certifications or significant UK/US pop crossover beyond their Hot 100 entries.[31]| Single | Year | R&B Peak | Hot 100 Peak | Dance Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Girl I Got My Eyes on You" | 1989 | 1 | 29 | 1 |
| "Him or Me" | 1988 | 3 | 21 | 2 |
| "Take It Off" | 1989 | 34 | — | — |
| "Why You Get Funky on Me" | 1990 | 2 | — | 19 |
| "I Got the Feeling" | 1990 | 12 | — | — |