Manchild (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 1974 |
| Founder | Reggie Griffin, Anthony "A.J." Johnson |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis , United States |
| Products | Funk music, albums |
Manchild was a funk ensemble originating from Indianapolis, Indiana during the 1970s in the United States.
The group is notably recognized for featuring a young Kenny Babyface Edmonds prior to his involvement with Dick Griffey's SOLAR Records act the Deele, alongside Antonio "L.A." Reid. Established in June 1974 by Reggie Griffin and Anthony "A.J." Johnson, Manchild produced two albums and achieved modest success with the single "Especially for You". The lineup also included percussionist and vocalist Daryl Simmons, who later gained acclaim as a producer and songwriter, contributing to Top Ten tracks for artists such as Dru Hill, Monica, and Xscape, often collaborating on projects linked to Babyface.
Reggie Griffin, the group's founder and multi-instrumentalist, developed a distinguished career as a musician and arranger. He is particularly noted for his work on the title song of Chaka Khan's 1984 album I Feel for You. Griffin's extensive collaborations include artists from Sugar Hill Records like Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five and Melle Mel, as well as renowned vocalists including Phyllis Hyman, The O'Jays, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Bette Midler, and Toni Braxton. Additionally, he toured with both The Isley Brothers and Babyface during their solo endeavors. Griffin also released a solo single entitled "Mirda Rock" in 1982 that charted.
Charles "Chuckie" Bush, who served as vocalist and keyboardist and co-wrote "Especially for You," passed away on February 6, 2017, at the age of 58. Bassist Anthony "A.J." Johnson, credited with co-writing "Red Hot Daddy" and "You Get What You Give" from their debut album POWER AND LOVE, died on December 24, 2021, aged 68.
Studio albums
- Power and Love (Chi Sound Records, 1977)
- Feel the Phuff (Chi Sound Records, 1978)