Ramona Brooks [1977] - Skinnydippin' [Manhattan #MR-XW1052]

One of only a few singles and  only one self-titled album (which fetches big money) released by Ramona Brooks who was mainly a musical theatre artist. This is a beautiful smooth stepper from 1977.

Cheryl Ladd [1978] - Skinnydippin' [Capitol #4650]

It may come as a surprise that, Charlie's Angel actress, Cheryl Ladd (who replaced Farrah Fawcett-Majors in 1977) also recorded it in 1978 and does a pretty good job. She was also a member of Josie & the Pussycats in 1970 with Brenda Holloway's sister Patrice.

Lynda Seals [1980] - Skinny Dippin' [Fraternity #3438]

One of only three singles released by Lynda Seals who was also earlier a member of L.A.X.  in 1975. 

I never know where investigating a release will lead and here we go off on a slight, but interesting, tangent once again. 

One of the group members was Ron Kenoly (aka Ron Keith) who was a member of The Mellow Fellows in the 60s, (if it's the same group they had/have a huge tune played on NS scene 'My Baby Needs Me' on Dot), after which he signed for Audio Arts! in LA and released a couple of singles. 

One of his singles has always puzzled me as it was released by Ron Kenoly and also by Al Waples & The Incredibles and sound similar so wondered if perhaps Al Waples was an alias as there is nothing else by Al Waples? 

He released a single in 1973 as part of duo Ron & Candy (Rae) a modern soul tune "Lovely Weekend" flipped with the funky "Plastic Situation" on Inner City. As Ron Keith (& The Ladies) he released a couple of great modern soul tracks in 1975 'I Can't Live Without You' (written by Biddu and also recorded earlier in 1973 in UK by blue-eyed souler Moon (Michael John)  Williams as Sticks And Stones) and 'Gotta Go By What You Tell Me', the A side of which was 'Party Music' which bombed. He had recorded an album for A&M but because of the failure of the single it was never released. After this he decided to leave the music business and became a minister and still sings gospel to this day.

Details

Rating:	8.8
Genre/Style:	Modern Soul / Rare Groove
Format:	Single
Media:	7"
Label:	Manhattan
Cat No:	MR-XW1052
Year:	1977
Key:	N/A
BPM:	N/A
Value:	£1