Even though his two major acts produced hits well into the mid-80s, Total Experience began to falter. He formed Total Experience Records and had major hits throughout the 80s before turning his efforts into film and video production. Their first Total Experience-produced single, 1979's "Shake", went to #4 on the R&B charts. They recorded the demo, and when he heard it, Simmons had yet another act in his ranks: Yarbrough and Peoples. In the 1970s, Lonnie Simmons operated a club on Crenshaw Boulvevard in South Central Los Angeles called The Total Experience, similar to the West-Hollywood Roxy Theatre. Login or Create Account My Page Collection Wishlist Messages . Outstanding was tapped in 85 different songs, including Ashantis Happy from 2002 and Soul IV Reals Every Little Thing I Do from 1995. Yarbrough and Peoples had left the label in 1986 to return to Texas where they got married, never to be heard from again, musically speaking. By the end of the decade, Total Experience shut down, but not before staking its claim as one of the truly great funk labels of the 80s. We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. There are 30+ professionals named "Lonnie Simmons", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. He is not dating anyone. 1 . After signing the Gap Band to Total Experience Productions, and securing the production company a label deal with Mercury Records in late 1978, Simmons himself personally produced the Gap Band's albums during their tenure, and co-wrote their breakthrough song, "Oops Up Side Your Head". Simmons also owned a recording studio in the 70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). When they released The Gap Band II late in 1979, a song Simmons co-wrote with the Wilson brothers, "Oops Up Side Your Head", not only matched the success of "Shake" on the R&B charts, reaching #4 also, but exceeded it by propelling the album to over half-a-million in sales. The latter album went gold, while the former went platinum, selling over a million copies. The Gap Band's subsequent releases, Gap Band VII and Gap Band 8, received chart success due to heavy radio airplay but sold few actual copies. During this year's WVU visit, Attorney Lonnie C. Simmons argued a case before the West Virginia Supreme Court. The album went gold, headlined by the only Simmons co-penned single, "Party Train", which went to #3 on the R&B charts. Thealbum would become the bands second No. The Total Experience was often described as an R&B equivalent of the Roxy (a well-known club on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip), and like the Roxy, Simmons' venue tended to book artists who weren't big enough to headline the Inglewood Forum or the Long Beach Arena, but could still attract several hundred people on a given night. . Joya Dean Hegamin Crowned Miss Black Oklahoma University, Dangerous Rob And King Spencer Team Up to Release The Official Video for I Love U, Tulsan Brianna Haith Continues Her Quest On NBC World Of Dance Show, University of Maryland: On the Ground Reporting. This was immediately following the Gap Band #1 R&B song "Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)". Heres what his friend, singer Howard Huntsberry, posted on Facebook: My heart is heavy right now. forever GAPPER 1974-1988. Southern California Institute Of Technology. Simmons also owned a recording studio in the '70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. 1 hits now eluding them, this alternation of No. 5 soul; No. Lonnie Simmons's net worth Listen Add a photo or a video In 1984, Total Experience began a new distribution deal with RCA Records. The album went platinum within a year. After a brief audition, Simmons exchanged contact information with them. Lonnie Simmons good fortunes continued into 1983 with the Gap Bands next release, Gap Band V Jammin, which included another funk classic co-written by their talented producer, Party Train.. Also learn how He earned most of Lonnie Simmons networth? I have 30 years experience in the practice of law, including representation of clients in Traffic Court. 101 pop), I Dont Believe You Want To Get Up and Dance (Oops! An m indicates the group released multiple full-length albums on Total Experience. Id love to hear more of your perspective from having worked with him. Get the rest of this backgrounder on Lonnie Simmons atAllMusic.com. Career. After Simmons switched Total Experience from Polygrams distribution arm to that of RCA Records in late 1984 and with him now having more than a dozen acts signed to the label who werent having nearly the success that the Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples were having Simmons good fortunes began to run out. $1,766,152. Johnny Depp Wins & Amber Heard Might Never Work Again In Hollywood. Simmon's winning streak continued in 1981, when he formed Total Experience Records and convinced Mercury's parent company PolyGram to distribute the label's recordings. Total Experience Records was a record label founded by Lonnie Simmons. In 1984, Total Experience began a new distribution deal with RCA Records. When they showed up in LA, he suggested they record a demo with the label's other producer, who also served as their songwriter. also Being mentored by top label executives, such as: Lonnie Simmons (Total Experience . The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part A Blue Carpet Movie Premiere (Pics), 2019 NAACP Chairmans Award to be Presented to Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chris Rock is Set to Make Netflix History | WATCH. (1983) " You Dropped a Bomb on Me" er en sang fremfrt af Gap Band, udgivet i 1982 p producer Lonnie Simmons 'label, Total Experience Records. 93 pop), Big Fun Gap Band (1987); (No. The Gap Band wasn't the only well-known act that recorded for Simmons' label in the '80s; Total Experience Records was also the home of the male/female duo Yarbrough & Peoples, who weren't as big as the Gap Band but did enjoy major hits with "Don't Stop the Music" in 1980, "Don't Waste Your Time" in 1984, and "Guilty" in 1985. Find the right Logan, WV Premises Liability lawyer from 48 local law firms. 1 and crossing over to the top 20 (No. It was jumpin every weekend and was a favorite with music professionals and non-industry attendees to see the hottest Black artists who were topping the charts! Do your research!! Yarbrough and Peoples released Heartbeats that year, and it peaked at #25 R&B, and the title track went to #10 R&B. Random stat: out of the top 50 players in total points all-time, Stephen Curry is the only player with a career TS% greater than 62%. No gossip, just news. The latest stories in entertainment and lifestyle, with exclusive celebrity interviews. In 1978, he signed a little-known R&B act, the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Street Band, (shortened in 1973 by a typo to the Gap Band) to his production company, and secured a record deal with Mercury Records. The success of Gap Band IV, Robert "Goodie" Whitfield's debut album Call Me Goodie (also released in 1982), 1983's Gap Band V: Jammin' and Yarbrough and Peoples' Heartbeats resulted in a lucrative distribution deal with RCA Records in early 1984. The band, consisting of twelve members, was reduced officially to the three Wilson brothers. My friend for over 40 years has passed away. Lonnie Henry Simmons Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Lonnie Henry Simmons (Charlotte, North Carolina), who passed away on May 8, 2021 at the age of 84. 06/24/22--8454 Jim Cummings Hwy, Bradyville, TN. 103 pop), Guilty Yarbrough and Peoples (1986); (No. Questions Post Question There are no questions yet for this company. Lonnie will be forever cherished by: two sons, Ervin and Calvin Simmons; Grandchildren; Great-Grandchildren; Great-Great . The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! Yes, he took advantage of the GAP Band especially Charlie. At this point, we dont have any details regarding his health before his death, but Simmons was said to be in his mid -70s. P. Simmons . Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. Boasting the smash hit "Shake," that self-titled LP made the Gap Band superstars. He started his legal career as a writ clerk at the West Virginia Supreme Court in 1982, before spending five years as a personal clerk for West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Thomas B. Miller. We Publish News 24/7. The first three Simmons-produced Gap Band albums, as well as Yarbrough and Peoples debut album The Two of Us were successful enough to give Simmons credibility to establish the production company as a full label, and he officially launched Total Experience Records in 1981. The arc of Simmons' success turned in the late 80s, as other Total Experience signings were less successful and as The Gap Band hits slowed down. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. So, how much is Lonnie Simmons worth at the age of 75 years old? "Shake" was the first of many smashes that the Gap Band recorded for Simmons' label; in 1979 and the early- to mid-'80s, the trio was huge thanks to a string of major hits that also included "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops)," "Steppin' Out," "Burn Rubber," "Humpin'," "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," "Early in the Morning," "Outstanding, and "Party Train." And for that, he will surely be missed. R.I.P. In Groups: The Gap Band Variations: Viewing All | Lonnie Simmons I saw it 1st hand.Burt is stating Truth.to Power, You are absolutely right Burt Reed.Lonnie Simmons Dogged themBig Time .he was a gangsta. Lonnie Simmons, the man who brought Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band to the world has died. The duo Yarborough & Peoples were also produced by Lonnie Simmons and recorded his songs on the Total Experience label. In keeping with the gimmicky sound effects Simmons had used on the Gap Bands previous top hits like the revving car engine and screeching tires on Burn Rubber, a crowing rooster on Early In The Morning and the high-pitched shrill of bombs dropping on You Dropped A Bomb On Me he employed a whistle-blowing choo-choo train to begin Party Train, whose shuffling beat resembled that of a locomotive anyway. 1 song of 2015, Uptown Funk, by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. He was founder and president of the now-defunct Total Experience Records. Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. Read Full Biography. Eventually, in 1987, after several more underperforming albums, the Gap Band left and Total Experience closed its doors for good. At this point, we dont have any details regarding his health before his death, but Simmons was said to be in his mid -70s. Boasting the smash hit Shake, that self-titled LP made the Gap Band superstars. 1 soul, 5 weeks; No. Rogers signed with Lonnie Simmons' Total Experience Records (the Gap Band, Yarbrough and Peoples) and the LP Love, Music & Life was issued in 1977. 1 soul, 1 week; No. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. That year, Simmons co-wrote two songs which peaked on the R&B charts at #1 back-to-back: "Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)", which was released on The Gap Band III, and "Don't Stop the Music", which was released on Yarbrough & Peoples' debut album, The Two of Us. A year later, Yarbrough and Peoples would match Beep with Guilty, a song they took to No. Simmons founded the influential R&B label Total Experience in the 70s, and hit the ground running by signing the Tulsa, Oklahoma act, The Gap Band, featuring the three Wilson brothers. See and be there, from here. He was founder and president of the now-defunct Total Experience Records. 2 songs between Total Experiences top two artists would continue with the Gap Bands remake of The Friends of Distinctions Going In Circles, which hit No. 84 on the Hot 100), but yielded bigger fruit by propelling its parent album to platinum status. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 2005: Simmons played in Lonnie Simmons (72) Defensive Lineman - 2006: Simmons moved to defense and spent the season as a reserve defensive lineman. It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose artists recorded for Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. Oceanography great Walter Munk; producer and songwriter Lonnie Simmons; journalist and writer - 4 years ago Simmons then launched his production company, and met the Gap Band through a friend, singer D. J. Rogers. I worked for Lonnie back in the early 80s. The label's post 1984 holdings now belong to Minder Music, while its PolyGram-distributed holdings, and the complete catalogues of Yarbrough & Peoples and the Gap Band belong to Universal Music Enterprises. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. 51 pop), Dont Waste Your Time Yarbrough and Peoples (1984); (No. The album went gold, headlined by the only Simmons co-penned single, "Party Train", which went to #3 on the R&B charts. The Total Experience was a legendary night spot on Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles from 1972 -1990. Simmons also owned a recording studio in the '70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). One of their 1984 singles, "Be a Winner", topped the R&B charts. He took all their money and credit for songs!! With Total Experience CEO Lonnie Simmons directing them, Y&P became one of the top duos of the early 80s, consistently hitting the top 10 with songs like "Heartbeats," "I Wouldn't Lie," "Guilty" and the #1 smash "Don't Waste Your Time." Even as they were achieving fame and radio success, the duo complained that they weren't . #crenshaw. While in Texas in 1977, Gap Band leader Charlie Wilson discovered Alisa Peoples & Calvin Yarbrough, who were performing as part of the band, Grand Theft. Died on February 6, 2019. But two things would happen later that year that would propel Simmons and his top group to higher heights than even they couldve imagined. 1 rankings of the first two Thriller singles, The Girl Is Mine and Billie Jean.. After a brief audition, Simmons exchanged contact information with them. When they showed up in LA, he suggested they record a demo with the label's other producer, who also served as their songwriter. He is a songwriter, producer, manager and owner of Total Experience Records. What memories do you have? Lonnie helped a lot of people quietly and that is a fact!. Total Experience Record Label Founder Lonnie Simmons Dies Of Causes Unknown By: LATF Staff Member Music February 11, 2019, 11:09 pm Several reports have surfaced regarding the passing of legendary producer, songwriter and record label executive Lonnie Simmons, best known for his role in the emergence of The Gap Band, has died, causes unknown. From its inception in 1981 to late 1983, Total Experience was a subsidiary label of Mercury's parent company, PolyGram. RIP brother. The Gap Band had moved on to Capital Records where it scored its final No. Unfortunately, after being closed for years, the club burned to the ground on January 20, 2021, 2 years after Lonnies death. 1 soul, 3 weeks; No. The Total Experience was often described as an R&B equivalent of the Roxy (a well-known club on West Hollywoods Sunset Strip), and like the Roxy, Simmons venue tended to book artists who werent big enough to headline the Inglewood Forum or the Long Beach Arena, but could still attract several hundred people on a given night. In 1980, Charlie Wilson went on a trip to Dallas and returned with two new friends: Cavin Yarbrough and Alisa Peoples. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! 60 on the pop chart (and No. By that time, Simmons had inked a major label contract with Mercury Records and the Gap Bands first single under the deal, Shake, became a national hit, reaching No. Lonnie had a recording studio in the building and produced hits on The Gap Band, Yarbrough and Peoples, Switch and more. 1 single, Dont Waste Your Time, topped the soul list in May of that year and nearly returned them to the top 40 of the pop chart as well (No. The singles all reached No. With those credentials, its safe to say that Simmons mark on funk music and on black music in general is indelible. Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. One of the label's first signings was the Gap Band, who Simmons met through soul singer DJ Rogers (known for his 1975 smash, "Say You Love Me"). We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 12 December. In the late 1970s he founded Total Experience Records, which got a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram, and he signed up the Gap Band who he had met through DJ Rogers. According to our Database, He has no children. 2 later in 1986. Thank you for a great first year! This left the Gap Band as the label's sole act by 1986. He co-wrote most of their songs including their many chart hits. Yarbrough and Peoples released Heartbeats that year, and it peaked at #25 R&B, and the title track went to #10 R&B. Proudly powered by WordPress Thanks for reading and providing comments. In 1987 Total Experience ended its distribution deal with RCA and carried on as an independent label, faltering soon after. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Gap Band IV was released in early 1982 and spawned three singles, which all peaked in the top-40 on the dance charts and top-2 on the R&B songs: #1 "Early in the Morning", #2 "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" (both of which Simmons helped write), and #1 "Outstanding", the first two of which Simmons wrote. His debut album, Call Me Goodie, peaked at #31 R&B. Lonnie Paige Simmons With profound sorrow, we join the Simmons Family in announcing the death of Lonnie Paige Simmons, 93, of the Belgrade Community, Maysville, who departed this life on Monday, January 17, 2022. Because Simmons was a successful, R&B-oriented entrepreneur and label owner, there were those who compared him to Dick Griffey (president of Solar Records) and the Kenneth Gamble/Leon Huff team (who founded the '70s gold mine known as Philadelphia International Records). 4 peak of Shake, but more importantly gave the Gap Band its first gold album. Total Experience Records was a record label founded by Lonnie Simmons.Its two major acts were The Gap Band and Yarbrough & Peoples.It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose albums were released by Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. Experienceat [], SANDRA AFLOAREI, BRADY BEDARD, JON BORRIS, TOBY RUSSELL, [], NIELSEN AUDIO JANUARY '23 Ratings for [], Happy Birthday wishes on FRIDAY (3/3), to ATLANTIC [], 2023 Living Legends Foundation. Its follow-up single, the funk ballad Yearning For Your Love, contributed to the growing success, peaking at No. When they released The Gap Band II late in 1979, a song Simmons co-wrote with the Wilson brothers, "Oops Up Side Your Head", not only matched the success of "Shake" on the R&B charts, reaching #4 also, but exceeded it by propelling the album to over half-a-million in sales. " You Dropped a Bomb on Me" is een nummer uitgevoerd door de Gap Band, uitgebracht in 1982 op het label van producer Lonnie Simmons, Total Experience Records.