O’'JAYS AT PLAZZAZZ

‘friday news:

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October 19, 1984

Newsroom 985-2131

Singing their way to the

AFTER 26 years in the music and performing in- dustry, the O’Jays have no plans for reuring. As a matter of fact, the group’s goal is to reach worldwide recognition, says Sammy _ Strain, youngest member in the three-man, black, singing group, ‘‘and we still have quite a ways to go.”’

Strain, who replaced orig-

a decade ago, Eddie Levert inal member William Powell

and Walter Williams opened

THERE'S only three members in the group The O'Jays, although double exposure of Sammy ‘Strain, centre, might give the impression of four. Eddie Levert, befi, Wathter Williams, right and Strain, playing at Plazas, opened Wedenesday night to an almost full house with their assort- meat of pop, rhythm and blues.

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their show at tional Plaza’s Wednesday, and will con- tinue at Plazazz until Saturday, Oct. 27.

Strain says the group, Originally formed in

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Canton, Ohio, would like to travel to Europe, Japan, Asia and Australia and en- joy the same kind of recog- nition as stars like Sinatra and Diana Ross, or groups like the Jacksons and Earth, Wind and Fire. ‘‘We can on- ly shoot for the top. By

Opening up the market, it

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helps our popularity prow. It’s safe working in) New York and Los Angeles, but we have to be adven- turesome, take a chance. There’s no sense in being in the business if you don’t entertain everywhere.”

The group stopped travell- ing after the O'Jays’ London appearance years ago, because proup members Levert and Willams had a fear of flying. but they decided to overcome that fear for the group's sake.

The group was originally called the Mascots, but changed its name to O'Jays after DJ, friend and manag- er Eddie O'Jay, who gave the young group their first real break.

Although he wasn't with the O'Jays when the group started out, Strain worked with Little Anthony and the Imperials, and he says groups back then didn't have a string of 10 hit songs, but rather the emphasis was on performance. “‘You tried to put together a good show, and if you got a hit record, then you could afford to put together a better show

“At first, vou yust want fo

be able to work You work

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coliseums as third on the bill or co-starring. And then you become a favorite. It’s just a matter of changing the bill- ing. It happens so naturally. At first, you're apprehensive with the weight on you, but that’s the reason you're in this business. It’s a challenge — can we handle it? You get

-

SAMMY STRAIN used to it, and then you work harder (oO maintain, so you're a tittle better everytime."’

Styles of music have come and gone, and the group has seen a lot of changes, grow- ing up singing doo-wop and gospel music in the 50s,

See page C5

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