Gypsy Lane Band
Gypsy Lane is an American Dance and Funk music group that was formed in Philadelphia, PA, in 1974. The original lineup included musicians Larry Davis, Alfonso “Porky” Carey, Jimmy Lee,Rodger Lee, Eric Huff, Nathanial (Crocket) Wilkie, John “Johnny O” Onderlinde, and Russell Dabney,who also served as the band leader. Gypsy Lane is best known for being the original music creators and performing band for both the Village People and The Ritchie Family.
When the group was first established, they started as a local band performing around town. They quickly gained popularity in the Tri-State area of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, earning a reputation as one of the top bands in the region. The lineup included Larry Davis on Trumpet and arranger, Alfonso "Porky" Carey on Bass and vocals, Jimmy Lee on lead Guitar, Nathanial "Crocket" Wilkie on Keyboards, Rodger Lee on rhythm Guitar, Eric Huff on Trombone, John "Johnny O" Onderlinde on Saxophone and Flute, and Russell Dabney on Drums and vocals. They later added female vocalist Shirley Scott, and then Vera Brown. Together, they became a powerhouse in the music industry. While Gypsy Lane’s core style was dance music, they were also proficient in funk, disco, and pop.
In 1975, producer Jacques Morali, arrived in Philadelphia in search of the hottest new street band. It wasn’t long before he discovered the vibrant, funky sound of Gypsy Lane, a group of talented young teenage musicians. Morali, promised the skeptical South Philadelphia teens that a bus would soon take them first to New York, and then to Europe. Although they didn’t believe him at first, two weeks later, the bus arrived, and their journey began. Together, they started recording for The Ritchie Family, marking the start of something legendary. The Ritchie Family singers: Cheryl Mason Jacks, Qwen Oliver, and Cassandra Wooten, were originally known as “Honey & the Bees” who had a hit record called “The Want Ads.”
As a group, Gypsy Lane also recorded for Phylicia Allen’s tribute to Josephine Baker, along with Dennis Parker, Patrick Juvet, and Wade Nickles. The initial Gypsy Lane album was recorded in 1977 but wasn’t released until 1978, after the horn section had been dismissed. Unfortunately, despite horn section being featured on the album, their credits were removed. The musicians later joined a band named Instant Funk, and contributed to the hit "Got My Mind Made Up." Before departing, Dennis Parker, Patrick Juvet, and Wade Nickles, managed to play on some of the early recordings for Jacques Morali’s next iconic group, the Village People.
Gypsy Lane was the original studio recording band, and initial world-wide promotion tour band, performing all of the international disco and dance hits, which include four albums: Village People 1977, Macho Man 1978, Cruisin’ 1978, and Go West 1979, producing the infamous hits: "Macho Man," "In the Navy," "Go West," and "Y.M.C.A.," which was Village People’s biggest smash hit. Gypsy Lane, was awarded a Platinum Album - Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Certified Sales Award, by Casablanca Record And Filmworks, Inc., for the sale of over 1,000,000 copies of “Macho Man” long playing record album.
In 1977, Village People’s music arrived on the music in New York’s “Studio 54, and over its 49 year history, has become a “world-wide sensational phenomenon,” being immediately recognized for its music, beats, lyrics, and practiced dance moves.
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