Platinum Hook was an American funk band. They had a minor hit in the UK with "Standing On The Verge".[1]
Originally 'The Soul Dukes', after vocalist Tina Stanford joined the band in 1976, the band changed their name to Platinum Hook. The Soul Dukes were led by vocalist and percussionist Stephen Daniels. Early members were Robin Corley, Victor Jones, Bobby Douglas and Glenn Wallace. It was after Tina joined the band that they secured a recording contract with Motown. The Hook went on to record three albums with Motown. "Standing on the Verge (Of Gettin' It On)" was a hit in the UK and made the Billboard charts in the U.S.. After leaving Motown they signed with RCA and released an EP, 'Watching You', in 1983. The Hook's first, self-titled album was recently re-mastered and re-released in Japan, the Netherlands and the UK and is available for purchase as an import on Amazon and other music outlets.
In spite of having much success playing live, Platinum Hook did not have huge success in the record industry. Platinum Hook's horn section compared to that of Earth, Wind and Fire and the vocalists and rhythm section were top notch. The band's ability as musicians guaranteed they always had work, and they were on the bill with such greats as The Commodores, Kool and the Gang, Sister Sledge (for whom they also played backup) and many others. In the early 1980s they teamed up with Italian superstar Loredana Bertè for a tour of Italy and the States.
Platinum Hook had a residency at The Cellar club in New York City that lasted from 1977 to 1984. When not touring, they could be found blowing the roof off of the packed nightclub. The Hook toured heavily in the States as well including playing the Kool Jazz Fest in 1978, '79, and early 80's. In 1979 they were on the bill at the famed Apollo Theater with the Delfonics, and the Joneses for a Billboard Magazine show.
Platinum Hook was managed by Benjamin Ashburn who signed them up along with another act Three Ounces of Love in 1977.[2]
They released their self-titled Motown album 1978. The jazz and r&b styling was similar to that of Earth Wind & Fire.[3] They played at venues like The Cellar in New York City in 1977 [4] and the Kool Jazz Festival in June 1978. Other acts to appear there were The Commodores and LTD and comedian James Wesley Jackson. Brick was to play but pulled out.[5] [6] In May 1979, they started a 3 night engagement at the Crazy Quilt.[7]
In the early 1980s they worked on an album for Italian singer Loredana Bertè.[8] [9]
Their manager Ashburn who also managed The Commodores, died of a heart attack in 1982 at age 54.[10]
Albums
Singles
Jean Bryant who was mother of Steve Daniels contributed some of the background vocals and percussion duties to the debut album.[14]