R&B Legends at Central Park Summer Stage
August 3, 2009By Farah Louis

New Yorkers were recently treated to a triple bill with three of R&B music's legendary heartthrobs: Chico DeBarge, Ginuwine and Joe.

Men, women and children from all backgrounds came together on July 26 for the Summer Stage concert series at Central Park. Sultry R&B crooner Chico DeBarge, opened up the concert with a jazz groovy rendition of "I Like It," a hit song from the famed 1980's R&B group The Debarges, of which Chico was a former member. DeBarge also sang his new single "Oh No," a man's mission to win a woman's heart, from his album Addiction. It was his first album after a six-year hiatus.

While his old jams had fans bopping their heads to the cry of the horns and the yearning rhythm of the bass lines, DeBarge gave an overall lackluster performance, said audience members.

"Chico was a little disappointing, his set was alright but he wasn't too convincing, I don't think I would invest in his new album," said Purcell Dudley from Westchester, New York.

DeBarge, considered one of R&B's greats, is recently back on the scene after rebounding from a battle with drug addiction and incarceration on account of drug trafficking.

An obviously reformed DeBarge spoke about his new found freedom on mlive.com, "It's all about FOG, living in the Favor of God, part of the process is coming clean-literally and figuratively--about the shackles of dependency."

As the concert shifted gears, the crowd encountered an electrifying performance from energetic showstopper, Ginuwine. Ginuwine, 34, had the crowd frenzied when he glided across stage wearing a red Yankees cap, a beige suit and a pair of black and white Nikes singing "Same ol' G" .

He had the crowd amazed as he broke into his signature pop-locking dance moves and breezed through oldies like "You Owe Me," "Trippin," "In Those Jeans" as well as his new single, "Last Chance."

Ginuwine revved fans to purchase his new album, A Man's Thoughts, a project Ginuwine said he worked hard on revealing a new Ginuwine with a more subtle voice, having a little something for everyone.

However, Ginuwine also wrestled with his own demons in the past decade.
 
According to a June article in Essence Magazine, in 2000, Ginuwine had a mental and emotional breakdown, citing suicide attempts after his father shot himself to death and his mother passed away from cancer less than a year later. These same suicide attempts led to strongholds of drinking and substance abuse. After unsuccessful psychiatric visits, Ginuwine found spiritual guidance and deliverance, receiving counseling from his pastor.

"I was able to turn away from all those things that were destroying me and I'm finally able to think clearly," said Ginuwine told Essence. "I had to ask myself whether or not I wanted to go out like my dad and have my kids hurt the way I was hurting. I've been clean for about seven years."

The romantic balladeer, Joe, followed smoothly, singing "Baby, Where You At?"

He serenaded the ladies in the audience with his new single from his album Signature.

The seven-time Grammy Award nominated R&B singer, who gave a phenomenal performance of songs spanning his remarkable 15-year career, seamlessly transitioned into songs like "All the Things," "More and More" and "Studda." On his acoustic guitar, Joe softly plays and sings "No One Else" and "All That I Am."

Joe, 36, the son of two preachers, grew up in the church playing the guitar and directing the choir. He was influenced by gospel greats, The Winans and Commissioned. He encountered some challenges after it was rumored that label mates tried to sabotage his musical career. He eventually left Jive Records, later signing with Kedar Entertainment and securing his place among the finest in R&B history.

The concert wrapped up with a tribute to the late King of Pop.

Joe, Chico DeBarge and Ginuwine came together and sang "I Wanna Rock with You," in tribute to Michael Jackson, and as the band transitioned into "Billy Jean," Ginuwine gave the crowd a tasteful rendition of the moon walk with a pinch of his own signature swift moves.

In short, Joe, Chico Debarge and Ginuwine, R&B powerhouses overcame great odds in their careers to grace Summerstage this year, but they gave fans a taste of their renewed hope in life as well as a show to remember.

"Joe, Chico and Ginuwine are from the original R&B era, just like the neo-soul era, we will never hear anything as classic, as what these artists had to offer, I appreciate their music," said Larry Ossei-Mensah, an audience member.
 
 
For full shots of event, view NEWDshots page
Photography by Ezra Bryan

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