Twennynine

Twennynine
Twennynine as pictured on the cover of their 1980 album.
Background information
Origin	United States
Genres	Funk, disco, R&B, soul
Years active	1979–1983
Labels	Elektra Records
Associated acts	Larry Dunn

Twennynine, also known as Twennynine with Lenny White, was an American R&B band founded in 1979.^[1][2]

Overview

Twennynine was founded by jazz fusion drummer Lenny White in 1979 after he left Return to Forever. White formed the band to explore commercial R&B and funk music, and to take a break from the complex jazz rock for which he was known.^[2] The group also featured keyboardist Skip Anderson, bassist Barry Johnson, and guitarist Eddie Martinez; while singers Lynn Davis, Carla Vaughn, Joycelyn Smith, and Tanya Willoghby contributed at various times throughout the group's career.^[3][1] They released their debut album Best of Friends on Elektra Records in 1979. The album was co-produced by White and Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire. Best of Friends rose to number 15 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and number 54 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.^[1][4][5] The single "Peanut Butter" reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and number 83 on the Hot 100 singles chart.^[6][7] The second single "Best of Friends" reached number 47 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.^[8]

Their sophomore album Twennynine with Lenny White was released in 1980, with White and Dunn again as producers. The album reached number 22 on Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.^[9][10] The single "Kid Stuff" reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, while "Fancy Dancer" reached number 17 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and number 25 on the Hot R&B Songs chart.^[11][12][13] Twennynine performed on American Bandstand and The Mike Douglas Show in 1980.^[3][14]

Twennynine released their third album Just Like Dreamin' in 1981. The group added guitarist Steve Horton for this album.^[15] Just Like Dreamin' reached number 41 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.^[16][17] The singles "Didn't Know About Love (Till I Found You)" and "All I Want" reached numbers 31 and 62 respectively on the Hot R&B Songs chart.^[18][19] Another single, "My Turn To Love You" reached number 29 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.^[3][20] The group split up in 1983, after which Lenny White returned to jazz session work.

Discography

References