Chocolate Milk

With influences ranging from the Meters to Kool & the Gang, New Orleans' Chocolate Milk let the funk flow on their self-titled sophomore album of 1976. No in-depth discussion of the history of African-American music would be complete without some mention of New Orleans, which was not only the birthplace of jazz €"it was also an important city for soul, funk, zydeco and the blues. The Crescent City had a rich R&B scene in the 1950s and 1960s, boasting expressive artists like Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, the Meters, Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey, Chris Kenner, the Neville Brothers and Aaron Neville.

A New Orleans funk and soul ensemble who enjoyed moderate success in the mid-'70s, Chocolate Milk recorded for RCA from 1975 to 1983. Their roster included lead vocalist Frank Richard, saxophonist Amandee Castenell, trumpeter Joe Foxx, keyboardist Robert Dabon, guitarist Mario Tio, and drummer Dwight Richards. Their best songs were up-tempo and/or light dance/novelty numbers such as "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" in 1975, "Girl Callin" in 1978, and "Blue Jeans" in 1981. All were Top 20 R&B hits; they also tried ballads and heartache tunes, but Richard wasn't as confident or effective on those. The self-titled album, released in 1977, can now be listened to in an expanded edition in excellent quality.

Digitally remastered and expanded edition. With influences ranging from the Meters to Kool & the Gang, New Orleans' Chocolate Milk let the funk flow on their self-titled sophomore album of 1976. No in-depth discussion of the history of African-American music would be complete without some mention of New Orleans, which was not only the birthplace of jazz, it was also an important city for soul, funk, zydeco and the blues.