Manhattans

Soul vocal group from New Jersey, U.S. Formed as a quintet in 1962, they started recording in 1964 at Carnival Records and then at DeLuxe (2) in the early 70's until 1973 that got signed at Columbia where they charted their biggest hits up to 1986. Still active up until 2010. In 1970 Gerald Alston replaced their lead singer George "Smitty" Smith who had died of a brain tumour two days before his 31st birthday. Richard Taylor (17) left the group in 1976 and they continued as a quartet. In 1988 Gerald Alston left them to pursue his solo career. Their biggest hits are the classic smooth soul ballad "Kiss And Say Goodbye" produced by the prolific Bobby Martin in 1976 and "Shining Star" produced by Leo Graham in 1980. All their original members are deceased except Gerald Alston