The album went gold, headlined by the only Simmons co-penned single, "Party Train", which went to #3 on the R&B charts. He formed Total Experience Records and had major hits throughout the 80s before turning his efforts into film and video production. The Gap Band's subsequent releases, Gap Band VII and Gap Band 8, received chart success due to heavy radio airplay but sold few actual copies. Simmons also owned a recording studio in the '70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). 1 on the soul singles chart (exactly 38 years ago this week; February 14, 1981). Lonnie Simmons good fortunes continued into 1983 with the Gap Bands next release, Gap Band V Jammin, which included another funk classic co-written by their talented producer, Party Train.. Both of those albums went gold, and two of the Gap Band's albums went platinum. also Being mentored by top label executives, such as: Lonnie Simmons (Total Experience . programed hip-hop format, currently known as KDAY 93.5 FM. Lonnie Simmons died February 6, 2019, from undisclosed causes, leaving behind a funk music legacy that rivaled any of his peers during the post-disco era of the early 1980s sales-wise one of the lowest periods in black music history. He then had the idea to reduce the official lineup of the group from twelve members to its sibling trio of Ronnie, Charlie and Robert Wilson. The Yarbrough and Peoples hit would become a major smash, spending a total of five weeks at No. 31 pop), Beep A Freak Gap Band (1985); (No. He formed Total Experience Records and had major hits throughout the 80s before turning his efforts into film and video production. Simmons' skills as a composer, however, would take the Gap Band to the next level. (The club made several appearances in movies like Dolemite and Black Fist.) Robert n Charlie was Funky!!! 2005: Simmons played in 7" Single on 45cat: Switch - Switch It Baby (Short Version) / Switch It Baby (Long Version) - Total Experience - USA - TES1-2401-DJ : 45worlds 45cat 45spaces. Total Experience Records was a record label founded by Lonnie Simmons. Gap Band IV was released in early 1982 and spawned three singles, which all peaked in the top-40 on the dance charts and top-2 on the R&B songs: #1 "Early in the Morning", #2 "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" (both of which Simmons helped write), and #1 "Outstanding", the first two of which Simmons wrote. Died on February 6, 2019. It was jumpin every weekend and was a favorite with music professionals and non-industry attendees to see the hottest Black artists who were topping the charts! A p indicates a writer/producer who also performed at least one song on the label. Their first Total Experience-produced single, 1979's "Shake", went to #4 on the R&B charts. 06/24/22--8454 Jim Cummings Hwy, Bradyville, TN. They featured Cuba Gooding, The Dramatics, Side Effect, The Young Hearts, The Stylistics, The Delfonics, The Gap Band, DJ Rogers, and many more. From its inception in 1981 to late 1983 "Party Train" Charlie Wilson, Lonnie Simmons, Rudy Taylor, Ronnie Wilson: Gap Band V: Jammin' (1983) 5:42: Total length: 1:17:26: References This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 05:16 (UTC). MAX 151, Lonnie Simmons has laid the foundation for what he sees as an independent, black owned and operated record label and film company complex. Rogers signed with Lonnie Simmons' Total Experience Records (the Gap Band, Yarbrough and Peoples) and the LP Love, Music & Life was issued in 1977. Simmons went on to work in movie production, with a much quieter public profile. Lonnie had a recording studio in the building and produced hits on The Gap Band, Yarbrough and Peoples, Switch and more. Thanks for reading and providing comments. Robert was just 14 when the band gained acclaim in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Discover Lonnie Simmons's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Total Experience Records was a record label founded by Lonnie Simmons. 60 pop), I Wouldnt Lie Yarbrough and Peoples (1986); (No. Indhold. 84 pop), Outstanding Gap Band (1983); (No. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 12 December. Nonetheless, his contributions to R&B in the '70s and '80s were impressive -- and in the early 2000s, hip-hop producers were continuing to sample his work with the Gap Band and, to a lesser degree, Yarbrough & Peoples. Lonnie Simmons was born on 12 December, 1944, is an American record producer. DJd at Total Experience. For more than twenty years, Lonnie C. Simmons has fought on behalf of the little guys, ensuring they get their day in court. SoloLawyer. From its inception in 1981 to late 1983, Total Experience was a subsidiary label of Mercury's parent company, PolyGram. Super producer Lonnie Simmons.. Before meeting Simmons, the Gap Band had been struggling; their first two albums, which came out in 1974 and 1977, received little attention. After a brief audition, Simmons exchanged contact information with them. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. All rights reserved. The latter album went gold, while the former went platinum, selling over a million copies. Lonnie J Simmons, 60 Resides in Watertown, SD Lived In Henry SD, Sioux Falls SD, Worthing SD, Corpus Christi TX Related To Brittany Simmons, Curtis Simmons, Yolanda Simmons, Howard Simmons, J Simmons Also known as Jerald L Simmons, Janet L Simmons Includes Address (13) Phone (6) Email (8) See Results Lonnie E Simmons, 45 Resides in Milwaukee, WI The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! The Gap Band's final hurrah with Total Experience, Straight from the Heart, got a top-40 song from the title track but failed to sell, causing the Gap Band to leave for Capitol Records. In 1984, the label changed its distribution from PolyGram to RCA Records. During 1984 and 1985, the label expanded from three acts to fourteen, including Bernie Hamilton & the Inculcation Band and Switch. Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. From its inception in 1981 to late 1983, Total Experience was a subsidiary label of Mercury's parent company, PolyGram. Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. I dare say that without Lonnies influence, whatever that may be, we wouldnt have heard of the Gap Band. Lonnie signed a plethora of new acts in 1984-85 and two established acts: Switch and Billy Paul. 1 soul, 2 weeks; No. Thank you for a great first year! Simmons was a true innovator and creator and a music force to be reckoned with. Lonnie Simmons operated an LA nightclub in the mid-1970s called The Total Experience. The first album out of the gate for the new label would be its biggest. Lonnie Simmons operated an LA night Just happens I was listening to some Gap band 12 promos from the club. The signing hit immediate pay dirt with the 1979 hit Shake. The Gap Band followed later that same year with the top smash Oops Upside The Head, which Simmons co-wrote, and which had a bit of a second life a couple years ago, when Simmons and company received co-writing credits on the Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars hit Uptown Funk, for that songs similarity to Oops., With The Gap Band driving Total Experience forward, Simmons then signed the duo Yarbrough and Peoples, who went on to a successful recording career and the #1 hit Dont Stop the Music., Through the first half of the 1980s, it seemed that Total Experience could do no wrong, as The Gap Band and Simmons teamed for hit after hit such as Outstanding, You Dropped A Bomb On Me, and Early In the Morning. When they showed up in LA, he suggested they record a demo with the label's other producer, who also served as their songwriter. See and be there, from here. Shake was the first of many smashes that the Gap Band recorded for Simmons label; in 1979 and the early- to mid-80s, the trio was huge thanks to a string of major hits that also included I Dont Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops), Steppin Out, Burn Rubber, Humpin, You Dropped a Bomb on Me, Early in the Morning, Outstanding, and Party Train.. Lonnie Simmons first came up in the industry in the early 1970s by way of his South Central L.A. nightclub that bore the Total Experience moniker that would later become the name of his production company, recording studio and record label. He almost singlehandedly filled a void in uptempo black music that had been created by discos 1979 demise, and kept it fun and funky in the process. He was founder and president of the now-defunct Total Experience Records. One of the. The Gap Band wasn't the only well-known act that recorded for Simmons' label in the '80s; Total Experience Records was also the home of the male/female duo Yarbrough & Peoples, who weren't as big as the Gap Band but did enjoy major hits with "Don't Stop the Music" in 1980, "Don't Waste Your Time" in 1984, and "Guilty" in 1985. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples . 96 kHz / 24-bit PCM - Mercury Records Studio Masters Tracks 1-8 . The Gap Band's 1983 release, Gap Band V: Jammin' (#2 R&B, #28 Billboard 200), saw Simmons take a reduced writing/producing role; he co-wrote only one song. They recorded the demo, and when he heard it, Simmons had yet another act in his ranks: Yarbrough and Peoples. That trivial tidbit aside, to this day, Outstanding is best known as one of the Gap Bands signature songs. While in Texas in 1977, Gap Band leader Charlie Wilson discovered Alisa Peoples & Calvin Yarbrough, who were performing as part of the band, Grand Theft. Lonnie Simmons operated an LA nightclub in the mid-1970s called The Total Experience. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. But two things would happen later that year that would propel Simmons and his top group to higher heights than even they couldve imagined. well it may be true but after 1974/1977 Lonnie brought my IDOL FAVORITE PERSON CHARLIE WILSON and THE GAP BAND from 1977-1988 and I applaud and respect Lonnie for that .When they went to capitol they lost their FUNK roots . Simmons also owned a recording studio in the '70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). P. Simmons . 84 on the Hot 100), but yielded bigger fruit by propelling its parent album to platinum status. Yearning For Your Love was sampled in SWVs Youre Always On My Mind plus songs by Nas, the Pharcyde and Will Smith. Total Experience Records was a record label founded by Lonnie Simmons.Its two major acts were The Gap Band and Yarbrough & Peoples.It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose albums were released by Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. Smh. 1 . 48 peak). Simmons founded the influential R&B label Total Experience in the 70s, and hit the ground running by signing the Tulsa, Oklahoma act, The Gap Band, featuring the three Wilson brothers. But thanks to Simmons, the Gap Bands fortunes improved considerably in 1979, when Total Experience Records put out the groups third album. Get peer reviews and client ratings averaging 3.9 of 5.0. Lonnie Simmonss income source is mostly from being a successful Soundtrack. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now! 1: 0: Total 4 9; Player Statistics . Lonnie Simmons, the man who broughtCharlie WilsonandThe Gap Bandto the musical stardom has died. Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame (PICS), Beasley Media Group Fayettevilles WKML-FM Studio Named in Honor Danny Highsmith, De La Soul Performs at The DA.I.S.Y. by Ed Hogan Billy Paul's sole effort for Lonnie Simmons ' Total Experience records (the Gap Band, Yarbrough and Peoples) saw the jazzy Philly soul singer slide smoothly from a live band/orchestra backing as on his sides for Gamble & Huff 's Philadelphia International Records to a synth/keyboard-based musical backdrop. Eventually, in 1987, after several more underperforming albums, the Gap Band left and Total Experience closed its doors for good. I pray Lonnie got himself straight with God before he died. 24 pop), Burn Rubber Gap Band (1981); (No. By the end of the decade, Total Experience shut down, but not before staking its claim as one of the truly great funk labels of the 80s. The duo Yarborough & Peoples were also produced by Lonnie Simmons and recorded his songs on the Total Experience label. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. The arc of Simmons success turned in the late 80s, as other Total Experience signings were less successful and as The Gap Band hits slowed down. Also learn how He earned most of Lonnie Simmons networth? It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose albums were released by Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. Read Full Biography. For the last fifteen years, Mr. Simmons has been actively engaged in practicing law, mostly on behalf of injured plaintiffs. And for that, he will surely be missed. He is a member of famous Soundtrack with the age 75 years old group. The Gap Band's 1983 release, Gap Band V: Jammin' (#2 R&B, #28 Billboard 200), saw Simmons take a reduced writing/producing role; he co-wrote only one song. #livinglegendsfoundation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMusic365 #BlackNightclubs #TotalExperience. Ud over singleudgivelsen blev sangen omtalt p bandets album fra 1982 Gap Band IV. It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose albums were released by Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. In his last year of law school he dropped out and started one of the first unisex clothing stores at . 181 satisfied customers. With those credentials, its safe to say that Simmons mark on funk music and on black music in general is indelible. His debut album, Call Me Goodie, peaked at #31 R&B. At 75 years old, Lonnie Simmons height not available right now. Spencer Dinwiddie continues to play pretty well, I don't love the matchup but he's going to look like a nice mid-range point guard option in this one. Total Experience Records was a record label founded by Lonnie Simmons. The Total Experience was often described as an R&B equivalent of the Roxy (a well-known club on West Hollywoods Sunset Strip), and like the Roxy, Simmons venue tended to book artists who werent big enough to headline the Inglewood Forum or the Long Beach Arena, but could still attract several hundred people on a given night. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. 3 on the soul chart in the summer of 83, and Gap Band V Jammin would be the groups last gold-certified release. , money, salary, income, and assets. Lonnie will be forever cherished by: two sons, Ervin and Calvin Simmons; Grandchildren; Great-Grandchildren; Great-Great . Lot/Land. One of the label's first signings was the Gap Band, who Simmons met through soul singer DJ Rogers (known for his 1975 smash, "Say You Love Me"). 1 soul, 3 weeks; No. Yarbrough and Peoples left the label in 1986, and moved back to Texas, where they married in 1987. In 1984, Total Experience began a new distribution deal with RCA Records. 9.97 ACRES. 4 peak of Shake, but more importantly gave the Gap Band its first gold album. Simmons also owned a recording studio in the '70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). Lonnie Simmons and The Total Experience This mural on Crenshaw and 43rd included positive affirmations and listed natural herbs and plants used to heal the body. 1. Do your research!! Looking for Lonnie Simmons online? An s indicates the performer either only released one full-length album on Total Experience, or released multiple singles and no album at all. While Total Experiences songs were clearly still radio hits in the mid-to-late 80s, the sales picture wasnt as pretty. One of the firefighters sustained lower extremity injuries as his crewmates were able to save an adjacent building from damage. *We have sad news to report on one of the black music industrys pioneers. As a composer, he cowrote several 1 RB songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. 1 soul, 1 week; No. In 1984, it was Yarbrough and Peoples who would return to the top of the charts. Simmon's winning streak continued in 1981, when he formed Total Experience Records and convinced Mercury's parent company PolyGram to distribute the label's recordings. The Pulse of Entertainment: Jazz Pianist Melvin Johnson Debuts with Little Chris Rock Jokes Enjoying Watching Will Smith Get Whipped in Emancipation Chris Rock Jokes Enjoying Watching Will Smith Get Whipped in Emancipation + Nivea, Tamar Braxton, Evelyn Lozada & More | PicsVideos, The Moment Tamar & Toni Learn Chaka Khan Sings Reading Rainbow Theme Yung Miami is About Self-love in 2023 & More | PicsVideos, Tatyana Ali Says New Bel-Air Role is Full Circle Moment Adrienne Bailon Covers Harpers Bazaar & More | PicsVideos, CeCe Winans Says Whitney Houstons Im Every Woman is Demonic + Joe Bully Budden Talks BS About Michael B. Jordan & More | PicsVideos, Travis Scott WANTED by NYPD Drew Sidora (RHOA) & Hubby File Divorce Papers on Each Other + More | PicsVideos, City of Houston, Residents Honored for National Water Challenge. 1 soul, 5 weeks; No. One of their 1984 singles, "Be a Winner", topped the R&B charts. 1,770 Customers Can't Be Wrong! after they did IM GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA SDK in 1988 it wasnt the same so yeah DJ Rob I agree with to have more evidence for backup but in my opinion CHARLIE WILSON was TOTAL EXPERIENCES ultimate star and breadwinner and Lonnie Simmons CREATED THE GAP BAND into the FUNKIEST R&B Stars of the 80s HUMPIN is what got me into the The Gap band at 8 years old with Lonnie taking producing credit partially . It was formed in the late 1960s by teen siblings Charlie, Ronnie and pre-teen Robert Wilson. Simmons then launched his production company, and met the Gap Band through a friend, singer D. J. Rogers. 101 pop), Shake Gap Band (1979); (No. Lonnie Simmons (December 12, 1944 - February 6, 2019) was an American record producer from Los Angeles, California. Proudly powered by WordPress Simmons' nightclub booked R&B-oriented musical acts, and Simmons' interest in music led him to buy a recording studio. Simmons' nightclub booked R&B-oriented musical acts, and Simmons' interest in music led him to buy a recording studio. 4 soul, No. While we share the sadness of many in hearing of his death, we also celebrate a decade of incredible music that Simmons helped give to music fans around the world. Yes, he took advantage of the GAP Band especially Charlie. forever GAPPER 1974-1988. Log in or sign up for Facebook to connect with friends, family and people you know. 2 soul in early 1985. 51 pop), Dont Waste Your Time Yarbrough and Peoples (1984); (No. Lonnie Simmons Profile: Producer, songwriter and record label executive, founded the influential R&B label Total Experience Records in the 70s. SoulTracks is a registered trademark of SoulTracks, LLC. Career. Simmons founded the influential R&B label Total Experience in the 70s, and hit the ground running by signing the Tulsa, Oklahoma act, The Gap Band, featuring the three Wilson brothers. He is affiliated with Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Baby Baba Boogie(Lonnie Simmons/CharlieWilson) Their first Total Experience-produced single, 1979's "Shake", went to #4 on the R&B charts. 2 later in 1986. Before meeting Simmons, the Gap Band had been struggling; their first two albums, which came out in 1974 and 1977, received little attention. So sad to hear he passed. The success of Gap Band IV, Robert "Goodie" Whitfield's debut album Call Me Goodie (also released in 1982), 1983's Gap Band V: Jammin' and Yarbrough and Peoples' Heartbeats resulted in a lucrative distribution deal with RCA Records in early 1984. "Shake" was the first of many smashes that the Gap Band recorded for Simmons' label; in 1979 and the early- to mid-'80s, the trio was huge thanks to a string of major hits that also included "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops)," "Steppin' Out," "Burn Rubber," "Humpin'," "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," "Early in the Morning," "Outstanding, and "Party Train." Oceanography great Walter Munk; producer and songwriter Lonnie Simmons; journalist and writer - 4 years ago $1,766,152. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. . One of the labels first signings was the Gap Band, who Simmons met through soul singer DJ Rogers (known for his 1975 smash, Say You Love Me). Simmons founded the influential R&B label Total Experience in the 70s, and hit the ground running by signing the Tulsa, Oklahoma act, The Gap Band, featuring the three Wilson brothers. While we share the sadness of many in hearing of his death, we also celebrate a decade of incredible music that Simmons helped give to music fans around the world. Get notified about exclusive offers every week! But thanks to Simmons, the Gap Band's fortunes improved considerably in 1979, when Total Experience Records put out the group's third album. Lonnie Simmons,founder of the label Total Experience 'one of the truly great funk labels of the 80s', thin - 4 years ago @bradweis: #obitpatrol Who died? I have 30 years experience in the practice of law, including representation of clients in Traffic Court. As a composer, he co-wrote several #1 R&B songs for his label's major acts, The Gap Band and Yarbrough and Peoples. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution . With no acts remaining, Lonnie dropped out of music, and his company turned to motion picture and video production. Not to be confused with jazz saxophonist Lonnie Simmons (who played with well-known improvisers like Fats Waller and Ella Fitzgerald), the Lonnie Simmons profiled here is a funk/soul/urban contemporary I saw it 1st hand.Burt is stating Truth.to Power, You are absolutely right Burt Reed.Lonnie Simmons Dogged themBig Time .he was a gangsta. Listen Add a photo or a video Yarbrough and Peoples had left the label in 1986 to return to Texas where they got married, never to be heard from again, musically speaking. After signing the Gap Band to Total Experience Productions, and securing the production company a label deal with Mercury Records in late 1978, Simmons himself personally produced the Gap Band's albums during their tenure, and co-wrote their breakthrough song, "Oops Up Side Your Head". The arc of Simmons' success turned in the late 80s, as other Total Experience signings were less successful and as The Gap Band hits slowed down. Career It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose albums were released by Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. 48 pop), You Dropped A Bomb On Me Gap Band (1982); (No. It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose artists recorded for Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. Impressed with their talents, Simmons signed them to his production company and had them record their first hit, which he co-wrote a funky mid-tempo groove entitled Dont Stop The Music (how many readers remember that inescapable chorus sung by a nasally Cavin Yarbrough dont you stop it, dont you stop, dont stop the music?). Unfortunately, we dont have any specific information, but what do know is that he passed away earlier today (02-06-19) in his sleep. Whether he was co-writer, producer or executive producer, or as founder and owner of Total Experience Productions and later Total Experience Records, Lonnies mark was all over the Gap Bands music. He was founder and president of the now-defunct Total Experience Records. I worked for Lonnie back in the early 80s. Its two major acts were The Gap Band and Yarbrough & Peoples. RealTracs MLS as distributed by MLS GRID. Naast de single release, werd het nummer vermeld op het album Gap Band IV van de band uit 1982 . This left the Gap Band as the label's sole act by 1986. Brooklyn Nets @ Boston Celtics. Simmons also owned a recording studio in the '70s, and by the end of the decade, he founded Total Experience Records (which landed a distribution deal with Mercury/Polygram). Outstanding was tapped in 85 different songs, including Ashantis Happy from 2002 and Soul IV Reals Every Little Thing I Do from 1995. For those of us who grew up listening to the Gap Band in the 1980s, there was usually one name wed see on all of their records. Durante la dcada de los aos 80, un tipo llamado Lonnie Simmons so con ser el Rey Midas de la msica negra. It originally began in 1977 as a production company whose artists recorded for Mercury Records before becoming a label in 1981. The Gap Band released 4 albums: Gap Band VI, Gap Band VII, Gap Band 8, and Straight from the Heart before moving on to Capitol Records in 1989. Game Centre for Delly v Simmons in Junior Domestic Autumn 2023 season, Round 1 . So, how much is Lonnie Simmons worth at the age of 75 years old? 2 in early 1986. Yesssss he did still the Wilson bros royalties but I think Charlie sued and got with they were old later when Charlie got sober thank God Charlie sobered up, They were a back up band before Lonnie simmons produced them.. what does that tell you.. dont worry Ill wait. The album went gold, headlined by the only Simmons co-penned single, "Party Train", which went to #3 on the R&B charts. The label's post 1984 holdings now belong to Minder Music, while its PolyGram-distributed holdings, and the complete catalogues of Yarbrough & Peoples and the Gap Band belong to Universal Music Enterprises. Later in 1982, he signed Robert "Goodie" Whitfield to the label. He is a songwriter, producer, manager and owner of Total Experience Records. In keeping with the gimmicky sound effects Simmons had used on the Gap Bands previous top hits like the revving car engine and screeching tires on Burn Rubber, a crowing rooster on Early In The Morning and the high-pitched shrill of bombs dropping on You Dropped A Bomb On Me he employed a whistle-blowing choo-choo train to begin Party Train, whose shuffling beat resembled that of a locomotive anyway. By comparison, Burn Rubber had smaller chart numbers as a single (only No. Tradues em contexto de "que assinou contrato com eles" en portugus-ingls da Reverso Context : Logo depois, eles foram apresentados ao produtor de Los Angeles, Lonnie Simmons, que assinou contrato com eles e sua companhia de produo Total Experience Productions (nome de seu bem sucedido clube Crenshaw Boulevard) e conseguiu um contrato com a gravadora Mercury Records. . Not a single one of the newcomers released more than one album with Total Experience (two of them only produced one song) and none of them scored any hits. The first three Simmons-produced Gap Band albums, as well as Yarbrough and Peoples debut album The Two of Us were successful enough to give Simmons credibility to establish the production company as a full label, and he officially launched Total Experience Records in 1981. Dr. Lonnie Simmons, MD is a Diagnostic Radiology Specialist in La Crosse, WI and has over 21 years of experience in the medical field. When they released The Gap Band II late in 1979, a song Simmons co-wrote with the Wilson brothers, "Oops Up Side Your Head", not only matched the success of "Shake" on the R&B charts, reaching #4 also, but exceeded it by propelling the album to over half-a-million in sales. ADDITIONAL LINKS While in Texas in 197 7, Gap Band leader Charlie Wilson discovered Alisa Peoples & Calvin Yarbrough, who were performing as part of the band, Grand Theft. According to our Database, He has no children. 2 songs between Total Experiences top two artists would continue with the Gap Bands remake of The Friends of Distinctions Going In Circles, which hit No. In 1978, he signed a little-known R&B act, the Greenwood, Archer and Pine Street Band, (shortened in 1973 by a typo to the Gap Band) to his production company, and secured a record deal with Mercury Records.