Chuckii Booker

Last updated

Chuckii Booker
Born (1962-12-19) December 19, 1962 (age 61)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres R&B, new jack swing
Occupation(s)Musician, producer, bandleader
Instrument(s)Vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards
Years active1983–present
Labels Atlantic Records

Eugene Allen Booker, Jr. [1] (born December 19, 1962), [1] [2] known professionally as Chuckii Booker, is an American producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader from Los Angeles, California.

Contents

Biography

Booker emerged in the late 1980s as an urban contemporary R&B artist and producer. He began recording music after being signed by his godfather, Barry White, to his production company in 1984. Later, he played keyboards with the short-lived Epic Records band Tease for three years. [2]

Booker received his recording contract in an unlikely manner. He gave his demo tape to the manager of Gerald Albright to showcase his skills as a musician, but had forgotten about the songs on the other side of the tape that contained original songs with his vocals. As a result, he was offered a recording contract with Atlantic Records. [3]

Booker signed a recording contract with Atlantic to release his debut album Chuckii in 1989 in which he played all the instruments and sang all vocals. The album fared well on the strength of hit singles "(Don't U Know) I Love U" and the #1 R&B single "Turned Away". [4] The follow-up and its final studio album to date (as of 2024) Niice 'N Wiild was released in 1992 [5] and yielded another chart-topping R&B hit "Games". [4] After the release of "Games", Booker retired from recording music.

Booker produced for several recording artists throughout the years, including Troop, which yielded two #1 singles ("All I Do Is Think of You" & "Spread My Wings"), his godfather Barry White, Janet Jackson, Vanessa Williams, Demetrius Ross, Kool & the Gang and many more. He was the musical director, producer and keyboardist for Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation World Tour as well as the opening act. [6] Booker got the gig after he was invited by Jackson to the premiere of her long-form video Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814. Although Booker went to the premiere to mingle with celebrities, he was caught off guard when Jackson asked him after the screening to be her musical director for the tour. [3]

Booker has produced records for artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Troop, [7] En Vogue, Angela Winbush, Diana Ross, Anastacia, Commissioned, Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and Bette Midler. [3]

Personal life

Booker has never married and has no children. [8]

Discography

Albums

Tease (as keyboardist and songwriter):

As solo artist:

YearTitleLabelChart positions
US R&B
[9]
US
[9]
1989 Chuckii Atlantic 18116
1992 Niice 'n Wiild 13
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Singles

YearTitleChart positions
US R&B
[4]
US Pop
[4]
1989"That's My Honey"
"Touch"13
"(Don't U Know) I Love U"4
"Turned Away"142
1992"Games"168
"I Should Have Loved You"38
1993"With All My Heart"
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Jackson</span> American singer (born 1966)

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreography became a catalyst in the growth of MTV, enabling her to rise to prominence while breaking gender and racial barriers in the process. Lyrical content which focused on social issues and lived experiences set her reputation as a role model for youth.

<i>Janet Jacksons Rhythm Nation 1814</i> 1989 studio album by Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 is the fourth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, released on September 19, 1989, by A&M Records. Although label executives wanted material similar to her previous album, Control (1986), Jackson insisted on creating a concept album addressing social issues. Collaborating with songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, she drew inspiration from various tragedies reported through news media, exploring racism, poverty, and substance abuse, in addition to themes of romance. Although its primary concept of a sociopolitical utopia was met with mixed reactions, its composition received critical acclaim. Jackson came to be considered a role model for youth because of her socially conscious lyrics.

<i>Control</i> (Janet Jackson album) 1986 studio album by Janet Jackson

Control is the third studio album by American singer Janet Jackson, released on February 4, 1986, by A&M Records. Her collaborations with the songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis resulted in an unconventional sound: a fusion of rhythm and blues, rap vocals, funk, disco, and synthesized percussion that established Jackson, Jam and Lewis as the leading innovators of contemporary R&B. The distinctive triplet swing beat utilized on the record is also considered to be a precursor to the new jack swing genre. The album became Jackson's commercial breakthrough and enabled her to transition into the popular music market, with Control becoming one of the foremost albums of the 1980s and contemporary music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angela Winbush</span> American singer

Angela Lisa Winbush is an American R&B/soul singer-songwriter, musician and record producer who rose to fame first in the 1980s R&B duo René & Angela, also scoring hits as a solo artist. To date, Winbush has sold over 10 million albums and singles worldwide.

<i>Janet</i> (album) 1993 studio album by Janet Jackson

Janet is the fifth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on May 18, 1993, by Virgin Records America. Prior to its release, Jackson was at the center of a high-profile bidding war over her recording contract. In 1991, her original label A&M sought to renew her contract, while others, such as Atlantic, Capitol, and Virgin all vied to sign her. After meeting with Virgin owner Richard Branson, she signed with the label. The contract was worth an estimated $40 million, making her the world's then-highest paid musical act. Janet marks Jackson's second eponymous record after her debut studio album, Janet Jackson (1982).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sylvers</span> American R&B family vocal group

The Sylvers were an American R&B family vocal group from Watts, Los Angeles, California. They were active during the 1970s, recording the singles "Fool's Paradise", "Boogie Fever", and "Hot Line". Prior to becoming the Sylvers, the four eldest members recorded as the Little Angels, appearing on shows such as You Bet Your Life and Make Room for Daddy, and opening for acts such as Johnny Mathis and Ray Charles. During this time, they released two singles: "Santa Claus Parade" b/w "I'll Be a Little Angel" on Warwick Records and "Says You" b/w "Olympia" on Capitol Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Pleasure Principle (song)</span> 1987 single by Janet Jackson

"The Pleasure Principle" is a song recorded by American singer Janet Jackson for her third studio album, Control (1986). A&M Records released it as the sixth single from Control on May 12, 1987. Written and produced by Monte Moir, with co-production by Jackson and Steve Wiese, the song is an "independent woman" anthem about taking control of a personal relationship by refusing to settle for loveless materialism. Musically, "The Pleasure Principle" is an R&B song built around a dance-pop beat. The photograph for the single cover was shot by David LaChapelle. The song has been included in two of Jackson's greatest hits albums, Design of a Decade: 1986–1996 (1995) and Number Ones (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Will Never Do (Without You)</span> 1990 single by Janet Jackson

"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson and was composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Janet recorded the song for her fourth studio album, Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). It was released as the seventh commercial single from the album by A&M Records on October 2, 1990. In 1991 it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, becoming the fifth number-one hit of her career and the fourth number-one single from Rhythm Nation 1814. On both the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Dance Club Songs charts, the single peaked in the top five. It also peaked within the top 40 in several countries. It is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of 500,000 units in the US alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Any Time, Any Place</span> 1994 single by Janet Jackson

"Any Time, Any Place" is a song by American singer-songwriter Janet Jackson from her fifth studio album, Janet (1993). It was written and produced by Jackson along with production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and released as the album's fifth single on May 11, 1994, by Virgin Records. A remix produced by R. Kelly was also released. "Any Time, Any Place" reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became another R&B chart-topper for Jackson. She has performed the song on several of her tours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Do Is Think of You</span> 1975 single by the Jackson 5

"All I Do Is Think of You" is a song released by the Jackson 5 on the Motown label in 1975. It was initially released as the B-side to the group's single "Forever Came Today" before being released as an A-side single months later. The song is the final charted single by the group before they left Motown for Epic Records in 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miki Howard</span> American singer (born 1960)

Alicia Michelle "Miki" Howard is an American R&B singer who had a string of top 10 hit songs in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, including "Baby, Be Mine" (1987), "Come Share My Love" (1986) and "Love Under New Management" (1990). "Ain't Nobody Like You" (1992) and "Ain't Nuthin' in the World" (1989) both peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young Love (Janet Jackson song)</span> 1982 single by Janet Jackson

"Young Love" is a song by American recording artist Janet Jackson from her self-titled debut album (1982). It was written and produced by René Moore, Angela Winbush, with additional production by Bobby Watson. It was released as Jackson's debut single on July 7, 1982, by A&M Records. Prior to her rise to fame, the singer had no interest in pursuing a musical career. Despite this, she was motivated to pursue a career in entertainment, and considered the idea after recording herself in the studio. After acting in the variety show The Jacksons, she began starring in several TV series and commenced recording her debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990</span> 1990 concert tour by Janet Jackson

The Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990 was the first headlining concert tour by American recording artist Janet Jackson. It was launched in support of her fourth studio album Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), and also contained material from her third studio album Control (1986). Jackson's record label A&M announced plans for the world tour in fall 1989, following the release of Rhythm Nation 1814. Managed by Roger Davies and Rusty Hooker, the tour was developed by musical director Chuckii Booker, choreographer Anthony Thomas, stage designer Roy Bennett, stage manager Chris Tervit, production manager Benny Collins, and Jackson herself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Bottle</span> 1974 single by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson

"The Bottle" is a song by American soul artist Gil Scott-Heron and musician Brian Jackson, released in 1974 on Strata-East Records in the United States. It was later reissued during the mid-1980s on Champagne Records in the United Kingdom. "The Bottle" was written by Scott-Heron and produced by audio engineer Jose Williams, Jackson, and Scott-Heron. The song serves as a social commentary on alcohol abuse, and it features a Caribbean beat and notable flute solo by Jackson, with Scott-Heron playing keyboards.

<i>Attitude</i> (Troop album) 1989 studio album by Troop

Attitude is the second album by new jack swing group Troop released by Atlantic Records on October 13, 1989. The album features numerous debuts by a few well known musicians. The songs "My Music" and "I Will Always Love You" marked the debut of record producer Dallas Austin, who co-produced the songs with his mentor Joyce "Fenderella" Irby - a former member of the band Klymaxx. A then-unknown Trent Reznor appeared as one of the recording engineers on the Gerald Levert produced songs "That's My Attitude" and "For You". The video version of the single "Spread My Wings" was one of the first songs remixed by hip hop producer Clark Kent.

Rex Salas is a Grammy and Emmy Award nominated American record producer, songwriter, musical director, and music arranger. Best known in recent years for his work as the musical director for Janet Jackson on several of her tours, Salas has worked with many other notable artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heatwave (band)</span> U.K. based funk/disco band

Heatwave is a disco-funk band formed in London, England in 1975. Its most popular line-up featured Americans Johnnie Wilder Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals) of Dayton, Ohio; Englishmen Rod Temperton (keyboards) and Roy Carter (guitar); Swiss Mario Mantese (bass); Czechoslovak Ernest "Bilbo" Berger (drums); and Jamaican Eric Johns (guitar).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tommy Organ</span> American musician, songwriter and producer

Thomas LeRoy Organ, Jr., known professionally as Tommy Organ or Tommy "O", is an American musician, songwriter and producer.

Tease was an American R&B band formed in Los Angeles in 1979. The band originally consisted of Kipper Jones ; Josef Parson ; Thomas Organ ; Thomas' brother, Derek Organ (drummer); Rex Salas (keyboardist); and Cornelius Mims (bassist).

Donnell Spencer Jr. is a session musician, drummer and award-winning composer. He has worked with or toured with Patti Austin, Anita Baker, El De Barge, Chaka Khan, and Jody Watley. He has been associated musically with mainstream films Running Scared and Without You I'm Nothing. As a composer, his work had created hits such as "Oops, Oh No!" by Cerrone & La Toya Jackson, "Say You Really Want Me" by Kim Wilde, "Take Your Time" by "Pebbles, "Temporary Lovers" by The Controllers, "Turned Away" by Chuckii Booker, "Until the End of Time" by Freddie Jackson and more.

References

  1. 1 2 "Chuckii Booker Page". Soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Ruhlman, William (2003). All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul (Paperback ed.). All Media Guide. p. 69. ISBN   0-87930-744-7 . Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 Milward, John (August 16, 1990). "Chuckii Booker: On Janet Jackson Tour, He's Key At The Spectrum, You Can See Him Playing Keyboards And Performing. Here's What The "Turned Away" Singer Sees From The Stage". The Philadelphia Inquirer . Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Chuckii Booker Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  5. Wynn, Ron. "Artist Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  6. "Word of the Week: Chuckii Booker". Jet . Vol. 77, no. 25. Johnson Publishing Company. April 2, 1990. p. 40. ISSN   0021-5996.
  7. "R&B Trooper". Billboard . Vol. 115, no. 4. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. January 25, 2003. p. 32. ISSN   0006-2510.
  8. "All-New Unsung Tells the Story of Chuckii Booker's Iconic Career". Unsung . March 17, 2024. Event occurs at 21.00. TV One. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  9. 1 2 "Chuckii Booker - Awards". AllMusic. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2022.