About 14 Karat Soul
(1975 – 2003)
Have you noticed that everyone's craving a touch of soul? From fashion to art to music, the flavor of soul continues to be on the rise. With the perfect blend of five silky smooth voices and uncanny showmanship, 14 Karat Soul's powerful vocal sound is a welcome alternative to modern day pop.
It all started in 1975 when, at the age of 16, founder and vocalist, Glenn “Glenny T” Wright., with a vision for a unique style of vocal performance presentation, set out to find the best voices he could find in East Orange, NJ.
One by one, Glenny recruited Russell Fox II, David Thurmond, Brian Simpson, and Reginald “Briz” Brisbon to create and develop what he had envisioned. From 14K’s first performances at East Orange Public Library, then the High School, and then on to several live performances over the years throughout New Jersey, these voices were eventually hailed by the Village Voice as, "The best teenage singing group in America". Since then, Glenny and his group have been taking their audiences by storm.
Although other amazing members have come and gone over the years, the most recent recording and performing members of 14 Karat Soul, all from East Orange, are:
Mark Aaron Beckett, B David Whitworth, Glenny T, Tony Zeke, and Calvin "Nadir" Powell.
The strength and purity of their voices coupled with a captivating performance has led them to become one of the most popular groups in England and Europe, leading to the highest heights of their career in Japan. With albums, tours, and a devoted following, it is no wonder that Kleenex, Coca-Cola, and Walt Disney Enterprises rode the wave of the Karat's popularity by signing them to write, produce and perform on their latest television commercial and recordings; and appear on billboards throughout Japan.
Some of their credits include U.S. and European tours (including a five month U.S. tour with The Stray Cats and a European tour with Whitney Houston); two off-Broadway plays (Sister Suzie Cinema and Gospel At Colonus), produced by Joseph Papp, written and directed by Lee Breuer, and music by Bob "Otis" Telson; radio and television performances in the U.S., Europe and Japan; various film work, including "Alphabet City" and “The Luckiest Man In The World”, a host of U.S. commercials for "Roy Rogers," "New Jersey Lottery”, "3 Musketeers", and three appearances on NBC's "Saturday Night Live".
In addition, 14 Karat Soul performed for the audience of NBC's "The Cosby Show" until its last taping; earned the "Best Arranger's" and the "TBS TV" awards in the 1990 Tokyo Music Festival; participated in the 1994 World Music Awards held in Monaco; and are continuously being aired throughout the world on re-runs and videos of CTW's "Sesame Street” and WGBH’s “Between The Lions”.
14 Karat has co-produced and performed in video commercials for ESPN's Big East College Basketball Playoffs and were featured in Sesame Street's Emmy Award Winning Movie, "Elmo Saves Christmas", and have completed two history making Walt Disney Classics album, for Japanese distribution.
After spending time captivated by the sounds and style of these charming men, you too will be happy to have added a touch of soul to your life.