Leo's Sunshipp

Leo's Sunshipp: "I'm Back For More" and "Madame Butterfly"
From We Need Each Other [Lyons, 1978]

Tragedy surrounds this soul group which was formed by singers Kenny Stover, Johnny Simon, and Allen Few, all of whom were born under the astrological sign of Leo. Kenny's brother Elgie had ties with the music industry, and Kenny along with Simon at one point were backup singers for Marvin Gaye (you can hear them on his Hear My Dear album).

Both were involved with a number of groups like the Wallace Brothers and the Naturals, but Simon sought the spotlight. That's when Stover and Simon met Allen Few and formed Leo's Sunshipp and in 1977 they recorded four songs. Tragically, Stover became ill and soon died from cancer in his early thirties. Lyons Records eventually finished and released the album We Need Each Other, but four of the nine songs are alternate mixes, with "Leo's Sunshipp" the only non-repeating track. "Give Me Sunshine" was a minor hit, but with Simon gone the group soon disbanded.

It's unfortunate because Leo's Sunshipp could have easily flourished through the 80's. I'm not the biggest soul fan, but I really like the crisp and almost disco-esque vibe that characterized their music, which is why I say they could have easily evolved through the next decade. Nevertheless, We Need Each Other is a great album that's pretty tough to find in the original, but fortunately it's been reissued.