Company B (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Ish "Angel" Ledesma |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
| Website | www |
Company B is a Latin freestyle trio from the United States, established in 1986 by Cuban-American producer Ish "Angel" Ledesma. The original lineup included Lori L. (Ledesma), Charlotte McKinnon, and Susan (Gonzalez) Johnson. Prior to their first album release, Charlotte McKinnon exited the group and was succeeded by Lezlee Livrano. Following the debut album, Susan Johnson left and Sheena B. joined as her replacement. For their sophomore album, Gotta Dance (1989), both Sheena B. and Lezlee Livrano departed, making way for Donna Huntley and Julie Marie, who had connections with Exposé.
Overview
Company B came to prominence during the late 1980s era dominated by producer-led female ensembles, notably inspired by the success of Exposé. Their initial single "Fascinated," launched in 1986 through the independent label The Summer, quickly gained traction in Miami's club scene before being picked up and distributed by Atlantic Records. This track reached number one on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Play chart and climbed to number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as a freestyle anthem. The group's visual identity was marked by their signature platinum wigs, which became a key element of their branding. Capitalizing on "Fascinated"'s momentum, they released a full album in 1987 under Atlantic Records. Subsequent singles such as "Full Circle," "Perfect Lover," and "Signed in Your Book of Love" enjoyed club rotation and television exposure but failed to make significant radio inroads.
In 1989, Company B unveiled Gotta Dance, showcasing a refreshed look that abandoned the platinum wigs and shifted musical style from Latin beats toward house music influences. The album featured singles like "You Stole My Heart," "Gotta Dance," and a rendition of the Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"—the tune from which the group's name was derived. Despite releasing videos for two tracks, this album did not achieve the commercial success of their debut. Their third album included reworked selections from their first release, notably "Jam on Me," which was enhanced with additional lyrics.
The group reassembled in 2006 with original members Charlotte McKinnon and Susan (Gonzalez) Johnson alongside newcomer Rachel Leslie, embarking on extensive performances and issuing fresh recordings.
In 2014, Susan (Johnson) Gonzalez secured ownership of the Company B trademark through registration with the USPTO.
By 2016, Gonzalez appointed Gail Smith Hoyer to oversee brand management, recruit new vocalist Siddy Betancourt, and update the group's wardrobe, choreography, and sound. In 2017, Company B issued a cover of Bananarama's "Cruel Summer" and debuted an online program titled "In the Kitchen." Later that year, management responsibilities transitioned to Roy Bermingham (Roy B). As of 2019, the ensemble features original member Susan (Johnson) Gonzalez alongside Dalia Chirinos and Siddy Betancourt.
Albums
| Year | Album | Billboard 200 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Company B | 143 | |||
| 1989 | Gotta Dance | — | |||
| 1996 | 3 | — | |||
| 1996 | Jam on Me | — | |||
| 1998 | Irresistible (reissued in 2011 as Goddess of Love) | — | |||
| "—" indicates albums that did not chart. | |||||
Singles
| Year | Single | Highest chart rankings | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Dance | US Pop | NL | UK | ||
| 1986 | "Fascinated" (initial release) | — | — | — | — |
| "Jam on Me" | — | — | ― | ― | |
| 1987 | "Fascinated" (reissued) | 1 | 21 | 23 | 89 |
| "Full Circle" | 5 | ― | ― | ― | |
| 1988 | "Perfect Lover" | 12 | — | ― | — |
| "Signed in Your Book of Love" | 9 | — | ― | — | |
| 1989 | "You Stole My Heart" | — | — | ― | — |
| "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" | ― | — | — | ― | |
See also
- List of Billboard number-one dance club songs
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart