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Skool Boyz was an American funk band founded in 1975 by Stan Sheppard as Flavor.

History

The band was formed in 1975 as Flavor, consisting of Stan Sheppard (lead), Chauncey Matthews (vocals and keyboards), and Fred Brown (vocals and guitar). Stan is the son of producer Bill Sheppard. They first released "Don't Freeze Up" in 1976. When it started making a little noise, the band signed a deal with Ju-Par Records in Detroit, which was distributed by Motown Records.

In early 1977, Flavor released their only album "In Good Taste" and the label reissued their only single. When Motown ended its deal with Ju-Par, the band changed their name to Livin' Proof. They released their only self-titled album and two singles. When they failed to make an impact, Livin' Proof disbanded and Stan joined brothers Steven and Sterling Rice to form Triple S Connection.

In 1980, Stan, Chauncey and Fred reformed the band, this time under the name Skool Boyz. Joining them was Stan's brother William "Billy" Sheppard (vocals and bass guitar). They released their self-titled debut album and a few singles on Destiny Records. "Your Love", "This Feeling Must Be Real" and "Before You Go" were minor hits in the R&B charts

In 1984, the band signed a deal with Columbia Records took the band on. They released their self-titled second album, in which "Slip Away" was their highest charting R&B single, peaking at No. 47. It also contains some fine ballads "Nothin' Like a Slow Dance," "Before You Go", "You Are the Best Thing in My Life". Despite positive reviews, the album didn't chart.

The band followed up in 1985 with their final album This Is the Real Thing. Its single "Superfine (From Behind)" fizzled after a hopeful start. It failed to make an impact. The group disbanded afterwards.

Stan Sheppard later founded the record label Sheppard Lane Records - which was home to DJ Quik proteges Suga Free and Mausberg.

Discography

Albums

Singles

† – Flavor
‡ – Livin' Proof

References

1. "New On The Charts". Billboard. Vol. 93, no. 47. Nielsen Business Media. November 28, 1981. p. 62. Retrieved August 15, 2020 – via Google Books.
2. Betts, Graham (June 2, 2014). Motown Encyclopedia. AC Publishing. ISBN 9781311441546. Retrieved August 15, 2020 – via Google Books.
3. Hamilton, Andrew. "Flavor: Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
4. Hamilton, Andrew. "Skool Boyz: Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
5. Caslin, Yvette (17 June 2017). "Stan Sheppard pens tell-all exposing rap and R&B music industries". rollingout.com. Rolling Out. Retrieved 2024-08-24.
6. "Skool Boyz: R&B". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2020.

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